2019

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January5 Those Darn Yellow Composites5 TWC Readers: Animal, Vegetable, Miracle26 Beeswax and Honey Products

February1 Explore the Night Sky: Winter Constellations 2 Bee School12 Nature Study Series @ David YMCA, Jackson Twp.14 Nature Study Series @ Local Roots, Wooster15 Wine and Wilderness @ Troutman Vineyards, Wooster16 Nature Journal: Phenology Intro19 Nature Study Series @ David YMCA, Jackson Twp. 21 Nature Study Series @ Local Roots, Wooster23 Wildflowers of Mackinaw Straits Area26 Nature Study Series @ David YMCA, Jackson Twp.28 Nature Study Series @ Local Roots, Wooster

March1 Explore the Night Sky: Binoculars and Telescopes2 CKamp CKarrie2 TWC Readers: The Secret Life of Dust5 Nature Study Series @ David YMCA, Jackson Twp.7 Nature Study Series @ Local Roots, Wooster12 Nature Study Series @ David YMCA, Jackson Twp.14 Nature Study Series @ Local Roots, Wooster15 Wine and Wilderness @ Troutman Vinyards, Wooster16 Astronomy Day19 Nature Study Series @ David YMCA, Jackson Twp.21 Nature Study Series @ Local Roots, Wooster23 Weedy Wildflowers april5 Explore the Night Sky: Finding Stuff in the Night Sky12 Nature Journal: Spring Wildflowers @ Barnes Preserve, Wooster13 Nature Journal: Spring Wildflowers @ The Wilderness Center19 Wine and Wilderness @ Troutman Vineyards, Wooster20 Earth Day27 Native Plant Sale & Gardening Seminars27 Spring Mushroom Identification Walk 28 Native Plant Sale

May3 Explore the Night Sky: Spring Constellations4 TWC Readers: The Water Will Come4 Essential Knots 10111 Essential Knots 201

CalendarJune7 Explore the Night Sky: The Solar System7, 8, 14, Ohio Certified Volunteer Naturalist Class15, 21, 22 28 Nature Journal: Habitat Explorations @ Barnes Preserve, Wooster29 Nature Journal: Habitat Explorations @ The Wilderness Center July 5 Explore the Night Sky: Deep Sky Objects12 Project WILD For Small Groups13 Field Day: Tiny Lives, Big Impacts

august2 Explore the Night Sky: Summer Constellations3 Building an Ant Farm16, 17 OCVN 2.0 – Birds16 Wine and Wilderness @ Troutman Vineyards, Wooster

septeMber6 Explore the Night Sky: Stars 1017 TWC Readers : The Promise of the Grand Canyon20 Nature Journal: Insects @ Barnes Preserve, Wooster21 Nature Journal: Insects @ The Wilderness Center21 Fall Mushrooms & More Identification Walk 21 Woodcarving Show22 Woodcarving Show28 Forest, Farm & Fork

OctOber4 Explore the Night Sky: Night Sky Imaging 101

nOveMber 1 Explore the Night Sky: Winter Constellations2 Nature Fest Arts & Crafts Show8 Nature Journal: Birds @ Barnes Preserve, Wooster8 Wine and Wilderness @ Troutman Vineyards, Wooster9 TWC Readers: Eager:The Surprising, Secret Life of Beavers and Why They Matter9 Nature Journaling: Birds @ The Wilderness Center16 Endangered Wildflowers of Ohio

DeceMber7 Nature Journal: Wrap up Party @ The Wilderness Center7 Botanizers Brag Program

Nature Study Series Lives of MammalsBeing mammals ourselves, we seem to have an affinity for the furry creatures that frequent Ohio’s landscape. While a few mammals are well-known backyard visitors, many are relatively unknown to most Ohioans. This series explores the lives of our furry residents and their role in Ohio’s landscape. Cost: Classes are $10 each or enjoy the entire 6-part series for $45. Call TWC to pre-register and get your ticket, or pay at the door.

The rise of Mammals Tuesday, February 12, 11:00 at David YMCA, Jackson Twp.Thursday, February 14, 6:30 pm at Local Roots, WoosterLearn how mammals came to be and take a look at the now-extinct mammals that once roamed Ohio.

nature’s snack Foods Tuesday, February 19, 11:00 at David YMCA, Jackson Twp.Thursday, February 21, 6:30 pm at Local Roots, WoosterDiscover the diversity of small mammals from shrews to rabbits and examine the vital role they play in Ohio’s food chains.

go nuts! Tuesday, February 26, 11:00 at David YMCA, Jackson Twp.Thursday, February 28, 6:30 pm at Local Roots, WoosterOhio has 7 species of squirrels – can you name them all?

stealthy, stinky, Thespian Tuesday, March 5, 11:00 at David YMCA, Jackson Twp.Thursday, March 7, 6:30 pm at Local Roots, WoosterThese three omnivores are among Ohio’s most recognizable and common backyard visitors – often thriving in urban environment.

good boy? - Ohio’s canines Tuesday, March 12, 11:00 at David YMCA, Jackson Twp.Thursday, March 14, 6:30 pm at Local Roots, WoosterOhio’s canines are among the most maligned creatures in Ohio – we’ll tease out fact from fiction to understand fox and coyote natural history.

Ohio’s comeback Kids Tuesday, March 19, 11:00 at David YMCA, Jackson Twp.Thursday, March 21, 6:30 pm at Local Roots, WoosterLearn about the return of bear, bobcat, otter and deer to Ohio’s landscape.

Wine & Wilderness at Troutman Vineyards

Join us at Troutman Vineyards south of Wooster and discover Ohio’s wildlife. Relax in front of the fire with a glass of wine and enjoy the program. Cost: $10, includes one glass of wine. Seating is limited, please call The Wilderness Center to reserve a seat.

Do your houseplants hate you? Friday, February 15, 7:00 pmPlants have incredible ways of communicating with each other and, more incredibly, with other life forms.

get buzzed! Friday, March 15, 7:00 pmNative bees are vital players in our landscape – learn what you can do to help pollinators in your own backyard.

The Flowers that Fly Friday, April 19, 7:00 pmTake a closer look at butterflies and caterpillars of our backyards.

living with backyard Wildlife Friday, August 16, 7:00 pmLearn how to live with wildlife in your backyard and meet live animal ambassadors (outside program)

Things that go bump in the night Friday, November 8, 7:00 pmExplore the night life of the forest.

Advance registration is required for many OAKS programs.

Call 330.359.5235 to register or with any questions.

Registration

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Looking for something the whole family can enjoy?

Check out our Roots & Branches

brochure, offering learning opportunities for all ages!

View full program at wildernesscenter.org

Something for all ages!

Nature Journal Tracking ChangeDo you enjoy nature, but find yourself with lots of questions about what you are seeing? Then this is the class for you. Nature journaling can be a wonderful way to connect with nature. The skills involved – slowing down, careful observation and questioning – serve to bring nature into sharper focus. Today, nature journaling takes on new importance, as we strive to understand the effects of changing climate, landscape use and disturbance. This series will use The Naturalist’s Notebook: An Observation Guide and 5-Year Calendar-Journal for Tracking Changes in the Natural World around You by Nathaniel T. Wheelwright and Bernd Heinrich as a template for our explorations. Class will be held at both the Barnes Preserve in Wooster and The Wilderness Center. Each 2 hour session will include hands-on explorations and short hikes to give you skills for identifying the flora and fauna around you and tips for examining them for your nature journal. You’ll be able to share your observation throughout the year via social media and meet-ups with classmates. Cost: $95 includes The Naturalists Notebook, journal and all curriculum materials.

introduction to Journals and phenology Saturday, February 16, 10:00 at The Wilderness CenterJoin TWC Director Dr. Jeff Corney for an introduction to phenology and a look at how ecosystems and individuals adapt to change. You’ll receive your book, journal and ideas for getting started. Then, depending on weather, join naturalist Carrie Elvey for a short hike or wildlife observation room visit.

spring Friday, April 12, 1:00 at Barnes PreserveSaturday, April 13, 10:00 at The Wilderness CenterLearn to identify spring wildflowers, record first blooms, and discuss the needs of plants and pollinators.

summerFriday, June 28, 1:00 at Barnes PreserveSaturday, June 29, 10:00 at The Wilderness CenterExplore field, forest and wetland habitats and examine their similarities and differences.

Fall Friday, September 20, 1:00 at Barnes PreserveSaturday, September 21, 10:00 at The Wilderness Center Learn to identify basic groups of insects and explore insect behavior.

Winter Friday, November 8, 1:00 at Barnes PreserveSaturday, November 9, 10:00 at The Wilderness CenterWinter is a great time to study birds. Focus on sketching and understanding bird behaviors.

Wrap-up party December 7, 10:00 at The Wilderness CenterBring your journals, observations and questions to share with everyone.

Explore the Night Sky

This series of programs, by TWC Astronomy Club members, will be offered at 7:00 pm on the first Friday of the month from February to November. Each program is followed by TWC Astronomy Club’s Star Watch at 8:00, which includes a planetarium theater show and observing when clear. These programs are also appropriate for interested middle school/high school students.Cost: $5.00 per program / five programs for $20.00. Series tickets are transferable to any of the 10 programs.

seasonal constellations Friday, February 1, May 3, August 2, November 1, 7:00 pmOrient yourself each season to the naked-eye night sky as you discover the constellations and brighter objects in the heavens. Learn a working knowledge of the sky, how to navigate around it and why it changes with the seasons. Led by Dave Gill.

binoculars and telescopesFriday, March 1, 7:00 pmLearn about using optical aid to observe the sky. We explain light gathering, resolution and magnification and what optical aid does for you. We introduce the benefits of using binoculars to scan the sky and discuss different types and specifications. Common types of telescopes that new stargazers will encounter and the advantages and disadvantages of each will be introduced. Led by Dave Gill.

Finding stuff in the night skyFriday, April 5, 7:00 pmOnce you have a pair of binoculars or a telescope, you become bewildered with how to find the objects you hear about. We will explore how to use star charts, star hopping, reference guides, and the increasingly popular “go to” computer controlled telescopes. We will also give you some perspective on what objects will look like in your telescope. (Hint – forget those Hubble photos…) Led by Phil Creed.

The solar system Friday, June 7, 7:00 pmSolar system observing is easy – the objects tend to be bright and easy to find. Solar system observing is challenging – objects tend to be small and high magnification requires much patience. We will discuss the challenges of seeing detail, understanding what to look for, and how to find harder objects like asteroids and comets. Led by Brian Gray.

Deep sky Objects Friday, July 5, 7:00 pmWelcome to the world of faint fuzzies! We will discuss the different classes of objects in the deep sky – clusters, nebulae and galaxies. We’ll talk about their catalogs, nicknames and how to go about finding them and seeing detail in them. Led by Phil Creed.

stars 101 Friday, September 6, 7:00 pmIn this session we will concentrate on stars – how they work, what makes them different from each other, how we classify them and what about them is interesting to observe. We will talk about double and multiple star systems and about variable stars. Led by Brian Gray.

night sky imaging 101 Friday, October 4, 7:00 pmTaking pictures of the night sky has never been easier or less expensive (no film, no darkroom…). We will introduce you to several kinds of photography from the simple stuff you can do with your camera phone or DSLR to more sophisticated photography through a telescope. Led by Phil Hoyle.

Native Plant Sale Gardening Seminars

“garden as if life depends on it.” Doug tallamy, Bringing Nature Home

Saturday, April 27, 9:00 – 4:00Sunday, April 28, 1:00 – 4:00 The choices we make in our yards and gardens can have an impact on the wildlife diversity of our local ecosystems. A recent study by the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute has found a direct link between the use of nonnative plants in landscaping and the decline of a common resident bird species, the Carolina chickadee. Why? Many insects do not eat nonnative plants. Those insects, particularly caterpillars, are food for baby birds. Native plants support a large variety of insects and serve as the link that takes the energy plants have harnessed from the sun to, in turn, provide food for other wildlife.

With so much land in suburban and rural yards, we can literally garden as if life (and the diversity of wildlife) depends on it! Come to the native plant sale to discover the wide variety of native plants available for landscaping. Attend the gardening seminars to learn ways gardening can improve soil health, support complex food webs, protect threatened species, help local water quality, decrease habitat fragmentation and more.Cost: $5.00 per Saturday Gardening Seminar session, payable at the door.

soil: The ecosystem under Our Feet, 10:00 - 11:00Dr. Jeffery Corney, TWC Executive Director“Soil is the great connector of our lives, the source and destination of us all.” -Wendell Berry. We will learn why soil is so much more than just “dirt” by exploring how soil forms, what comprises a healthy soil, what fantastic beasts live within the soil and how soil makes possible all of the plant and animal life that we have come to enjoy and depend upon.

promoting Wildlife Diversity in your yard, 11:15 - 12:15Lynda Price, TWC Senior NaturalistLearn how to create living landscapes and healthy plant communities while enjoying gardening and wildlife watching. Increase the diversity of plants in your landscape, discover ecosystem friendly gardening techniques and then learn how to share your backyard with the wildlife it attracts.

Essential Knots

gardening for pollinators, 1:00 - 2:00Pat Dutton, Pollinator SpecialistPollinators are under threat from a variety of stresses (including habitat loss, pests, pesticides and climate change), but gardeners can make a difference in their own gardens. With a bit of knowledge and effort, gardeners can choose plants and practices that help pollinators.

Wildflower Walk, 2:15 – 3:15Join TWC Botanizers Tim and Paula Lavey for a spring wildflower walk. Free

Join instructor Brad VanHook to learn the essentials of knot tying. Each session will cover a variety of knots you should know to make your life safer and easier. Rope provided. Cost: $8/class for members, $10/class for nonmembers.

essential Knots 101 May 4, 10:00 - 12:00Learn knots that you can use to rescue yourself from a raging river, secure a load and much more! Knots include Square Knot, Bowline, Tautline Hitch, Double Half Hitch, Butterfly Knot and Trucker’s Hitch.

essential Knots 201May 11, 10:00 - 12:00Learn knots that you can use to secure a bedroll to your backpack, drag a log out of the woods and much more! Knots include Clove Hitch, Sheet Bend, Double Fisherman’s Knot, Timber Hitch, Canadian Jam Knot and Constrictor Knot.

OCVN at The Wilderness CenterOcvn trainingJune 7, 8, 14, 15, 21 & 22, 8:30 - 5:00 Learn about Ohio’s Natural History! The Ohio Certified Volunteer Naturalist Program (OCVN) is a training program run through OSU Extension. Participants complete training in geology, plants, insects, birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians, ecology, stewardship and interpretation. Cost: $195/person includes instruction, books and curriculum materials. Limited to 20 participants.

project WilD For small groups Friday, July 12, 10:00 - 4:00The new and improved Project WILD guide is here! Get the new guide and learn to adapt the classes for smaller audiences. Perfect for OCVNers, Scout leaders and homeschool parents. Free, registration deadline June 25.

Field Day: tiny lives, big impacts Saturday, July 13Learn to appreciate the tiniest inhabitants of our world. From soil microorganisms to earthworms, we’ll explore the fascinating dramas playing out under our feet. Watch newsletter and website for details Cost: $30 members/$35 nonmembers, includes lunch. Registration deadline June 25.

Ocvn 2.0 – Ornithology Friday, August 16, 9:00 - 2:00Saturday, August 17, 9:00 - 2:00This OCVN refresher course will review and build on your bird identification skills. On day one, we’ll focus on common birds found in backyards and fields with an emphasis on bird behavior and adaptations. On day two, we’ll look at bird-related citizen science projects and conservation efforts. You do not need to be an OCVN to take this class. Cost: $25 members/30 nonmembers.

astronomy DaySaturday, March 16, 1:00 – 8:00 pmJoin us as we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the first moon landing! Mission Commander Neil Armstrong and pilot Buzz Aldrin landed the lunar module, Eagle, in the Sea of Tranquility on July 20, 1969, and Armstrong became the first human to ever stand on a world that was not Earth! We will have adult lectures, children’s activities, planetarium theater programs and displays about the moon and moon landings. If we have clear skies, we’ll round out the day’s activities by observing the moon through telescopes in TWC observatory. You can come for one activity or all. There will be food options available for dinner.

earth Day at The Wilderness centerSaturday, April 20Join TWC in celebrating Earth Day! There will be lots of activities for all ages – watch the newsletter and website for details.

Forest, Farm & ForkSaturday, September 28The Wilderness Center is excited to announce its second annual farm-to-table dinner and fundraiser at Wholesome Valley Farms in Wilmot, Ohio. The evening’s menu will be crafted and prepared by notable, local chefs and served in a beautifully restored 19th century barn. The event will begin with a charcuterie from Ohio City Provisions as well as an open bar with local beer and wine as well as a feature cocktail. Live entertainment and silent & live auctions will add to the fun. For more information, please call Barb at (330) 359-5235 or email barb@wildernesscenter.org.

Woodcarving showSaturday, September 21, 9:00 - 4:00Sunday, September 22, 1:00 - 4:00This annual show will feature carving exhibits, demonstrations, People’s Choice award, raffle and door prizes.

nature Fest arts and crafts show Saturday, November 2, 9:00 - 4:00Support the education mission of The Wilderness Center while doing your holiday shopping among talented artisans using natural items or portraying nature in their work. Free admission.

Special Days & Nights

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beeswax & honey productsSaturday, January 26, 10:00 - 12:00Is dry winter air taking its toll on your skin? This class is the answer! You will use honey, beeswax, and other natural materials to make lotion, lip balm, scent, and dry skin balm. Each item you make will be nicely packaged and labeled. Cost: $20 members, $25 nonmembers, includes all supplies, containers, and labels. Limited to 10 people. Registration deadline January 22.

bee schoolSaturday, February 2, 9:30 – 4:30Have you thought about raising honey bees but don’t know how to begin? The Stark County Beekeepers beginning bee school will get you started! Speakers will cover bee biology, basic equipment, hive location, opening the hive and giving bees a good start. In case of inclement weather, the snow date will be February 9. Cost: $35.00 per person includes info packet, light breakfast and full lunch. Registration deadline January 26.

cKamp cKarrieSaturday, March 2, 1:00 - 9:00Do you wish you could re-live your childhood summers at camp? Now is your chance. Join Carrie Elvey and Karrie McAllister for CKamp CKarrie – we’ve reinvented all your favorite camp activities with an adult twist. We’ll do crafts, survival skills, outdoor cooking and end the evening with a gourmet s’more bar and campfire fun. Cost: $40 members/$50 nonmembers includes, food, crafts, and fun. Registration deadline February 23.

build an ant FarmSaturday, August 3, 10:00 - 12:00Briefly discuss the history of ant farms, then build one of your very own. We’ll also discuss ethical collecting of ants for your farm and basic ant care. Adults only (there is a family-oriented version of this program on May 26) Cost: $25 members/$30 nonmembers. Registration deadline is July 27.

Outdoor Enrichmentspring Mushroom identification Walk Saturday, April 27, 10:00 - 12:00Mid-April through May is prime mushroom hunting season in Ohio. Join us for an introduction to the techniques that will help you locate, identify, and harvest wild mushrooms in a sustainable manner while hiking through the habitat in which you will likely find and identify a variety of spring mushrooms. Presenter, Don King is a local artist, educator, and wild-food enthusiast. He has been studying and collecting edible mushrooms and other foraged edibles for more than ten years. He often documents his finds on his website, themushroomhunter.com. No preregistration is required.

Fall Mushrooms & More identification Walk Saturday, September 21, 10:00 – 12:00Enjoy a morning walk in the crisp, autumn air with chef and wild-food enthusiast, Don King. We will be scouting the trails and identifying edible nuts, berries, plants and mushrooms. In this day and age, when we are far removed from our food sources, foraging is an excellent way to reconnect with our environment and our ancestors who obtained their food directly from the earth. Wild foods add new richness to our palette by adding colors, textures and tastes that simply can’t be bought at a store. The public is welcome to join this free walk. No preregistration is required.

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TWC Readers’ Group is an informal gathering of people who like to read and talk about what they have read. Our theme is nature, the environment, and our participation in the natural world. Selections may be fact or fiction, observations or issues and have included poetry, biography, essay, and memoir. There are no assignments, and drop-ins are welcome at any meeting they find to be of interest.

Animal, Vegetable, Miracle: A Year of Food Life by barbara Kingsolver Saturday, January 5, 2:00 - 3:30 The author and her family determined they would eat only local food (with a few interesting exceptions) for a year. Like this book or not, it will change the way you think about food.

The Secret Life of Dust: From the Cosmos to the Kitchen Counter, the Big Consequences of Little Things by hannah holmesSaturday March 2, 2:00 - 3:30Where does all that dust come from? How has it affected our past and what does it have to do with our everyday lives? Holmes takes us on a surprisingly not-so-dry-as dust journey through the world of dust.

The Water Will Come: Rising Seas, Sinking Cities, and the Remaking of the Civilized World by Jeff goodellSaturday, May 4, 2:00 - 3:30As sea levels rise and tides become higher, how will life along the coasts be changed? What can be done? The author travels to 12 areas around the world to investigate the impact.

The Promise of the Grand Canyon: John Wesley Powell’s Perilous Journey and His Vision for the American West by John rossSaturday, September 7, 2:00-3:30 Powell is most famous for the first Euro-American descent of the Colorado River. But he is not so well known for his far-sighted, controversial proposals for land and water use in the arid West.

Eager: The Surprising, Secret Life of Beavers and Why They Matter by ben goldfarbSaturday, November 9, 2:00 - 3:30North America’s largest rodent has made a great comeback from the brink of extirpation. A keystone species, beaver can help provide fire breaks, wildlife habitat, and water storage among other things. As such, they are deserving of more respect and protection. Goldfarb offers a factual look, with humor, at these creatures and their advocates “Beaver Believers”.

Those Darn yellow compositesSaturday, January 5, 2:00 – 3:00Discover the differences in the flower arrangement of the composite family (Asteraceae) compared to other flowers. Learn about how one goes about identifying a wildflower of this type, based on understanding how the flowers are organized. The program will be presented by Randy Rowe, a retired professor of plant pathology from Ohio State University/OARDC in Wooster.

Wildflowers of Mackinaw straits area program Saturday, February 23, 2:00 The Mackinaw Straits Michigan area is a “hot spot” for great wildflowers. It is at the border of the northern boreal forests and eastern woodlands in which are found a great variety of plants. We will be looking at late spring and early summer wildflowers with many rare or not found in Ohio. Presented by Marvin Smith.

Weedy Wildflowers program Saturday, March 23, 2:00 A “weed” is a plant considered undesirable or a plant in the wrong place. But it can also mean a very common or abundant plant. Many of our weeds were introduced non-native plants that have naturalized, but we do have native plants that can be weedy as well. Weedy wildflowers tend to be ignored because they’re so common or their flowers are inconspicuous. Learn about some of the more interesting weedy wildflowers. Presented by Marvin Smith.

endangered Wildflowers of OhioSaturday, November 16, 2:00 Ohio is quite unique in that it has a rich variety of flora, because we are a botanical crossroads. The distinctive ecoregions that occur in Ohio are: Great Lakes Plains, Allegheny Plateau (which is actually divided into two ecoregions Glaciated and Unglaciated), Till Plains, and Lexington Low Plateau. Being on the edge of some of these ecoregions gives us a large list of rare plants as well, with a list of 570 species. I will present some of the showy endangered wildflowers that I have had opportunity to photograph and information about them. Presented by Marvin Smith.

botanizers brag program Saturday December 7, 2:00 The brag show has always been a great time to share some stories and photos of places Botanizers have visited the past year.

TWC Readers TWC Botanizers

the Wilderness center9877 alabama ave. s.W.

Wilmot, Oh 44689 330.359.5235

programs@wildernesscenter.org

W i l De r n e s s c e n t e r . Org