Gorman Nature Center, 2295 Lexington Avenue, is the site for many activities this weekend as a part of Mohican Wildlife Weekend and carrying forward its theme of “Ohio Pollinators.” Those include the following:
Saturday, April 29:
Guided Spring Nature Hike!:8:00 AM – 10:00 AM. Have you ever wondered what species of animals, insects, and vegetation can be found around Richland County in the spring? Come on a guided hike as we walk various trails great for viewing wildlife such as birds, butterflies, and spring ephemeral wildflowers. Learn how to identify common, early spring migrant birds, butterflies, spring wildflowers and more. We will learn about and explore how all these wonderful critters play beneficial ecological roles as pollinators! Program presented by Naturalist Kyle Bailey.
Attracting Pollinators with Native Plants!: 10:00 AM – 12:00 noon. Are you a fan of hummingbirds, butterflies, moths, bees and wasps? Do you like growing native wildflowers? Did you know that over 4,000 species of native pollinators call Ohio home? Pollinators are critical to maintaining a healthy environment and are a crucial component of the agriculture and horticulture industries. Learn how to evaluate and select native plants for your landscape to attract pollinators and participate in a hands-on pollinator garden planting demonstration. Native wildflowers and grasses will be available for sale from Natives in Harmony Nursery. Free pollinator field guides will be available to all who participate. Program presented by Jason Larson.
Nature’s Movers and Shakers!: 12:00 noon – 2:00 PM. We know the usual suspects like butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds but did you know that all kinds of animals are responsible for pollinating and spreading our very important local plants? Become a nature detective as we hunt for animals and talk about how they help our local plants! Program presented by Amanda Kriner. Best for children but all ages are welcome.
Hands-on Animals: 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM. Join us for our exciting finale to Saturday’s Mohican Wildlife Weekend activities! Enjoy the experience of touching, holding, and learning about some of Gorman Nature Center’s resident reptiles and amphibians. All of GNC’s educational animals are native to the Richland County area. This program is enjoyed by all ages.
Gorman Nature Center grounds are open dawn to dusk year-round. The GNC Visitor Center will be open throughout the entire Mohican Wildlife Weekend. There are picnic tables (with grills at some locations), a picnic shelter (seats 25-30; first come, first served), and several miles of trails through many habitats, meadow, forest, prairie, pond and streams. There is great migratory birding in the spring along the Fox Meadow and Woodcock Creek trails riparian area. Participants can also visit the 18 ½ mile B&O Bike Trail for hiking purposes. The trail passes through Mansfield, Lexington, Bellville and Butler.
Sunday, April 30:
Advanced Birding – High Biodiversity: 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM. What’s that? You can tell the difference between a Song Sparrow and a Carolina Chickadee? Blue Jays and Cardinals don’t give you trouble? Want to know more about things like warblers, vireos, tanagers, swallows, rails, gulls and bitterns? Ready to kick it up a notch? If so, then join us at Gorman Nature Center as we explore the avian diversity of the Mohican Region, Ohio, and beyond. Participants will get to see hundreds of specimens up-close to learn why birds look and act the way they do. There will be opportunities to see native species in-the-hand and visit with our Eastern Screech Owl! Program presented by Jason Larson.
Attracting Pollinators with Native Plants!: 10:00 AM – 12:00 noon. Are you a fan of hummingbirds, butterflies, moths, bees and wasps? Do you like growing native wildflowers? Did you know that over 4,000 species of native pollinators call Ohio home? Pollinators are critical to maintaining a healthy environment and are a crucial component of the agriculture and horticulture industries. Learn how to evaluate and select native plants for your landscape to attract pollinators and participate in a hands-on pollinator garden planting demonstration. Native wildflowers and grasses will be available for sale from Natives in Harmony Nursery. Free pollinator field guides will be available to all who participate. Program presented by Jason Larson.
Butterfly Banquet!: 12:00 noon – 2:00 PM. Different types of butterflies spend their winters in all different stages of life, but what happens when they come out of hibernation? Caterpillar and adult alike need to eat and spring can be a very scary time for these little lepidopterans. Join us for a hike around the property as we search for and discuss these important pollinating insects and the food plants that keep them alive. All ages welcome! Program presented by Amanda Kriner.
Hands-on Animals: 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM. Join us for our exciting finale to Mohican Wildlife Weekend! Enjoy the experience of touching, holding, and learning about some of Gorman Nature Center’s resident reptiles and amphibians. All of GNC’s educational animals are native to the Richland County area. This program is enjoyed by all ages.
Gorman Nature Center grounds are open dawn to dusk year-round. The GNC Visitor Center will be open throughout the entire Mohican Wildlife Weekend. There are picnic tables (with grills at some locations), a picnic shelter (seats 25-30; first come, first served), and several miles of trails through many habitats, meadow, forest, prairie, pond and streams. There is great migratory birding in the spring along the Fox Meadow and Woodcock Creek trails riparian area. Participants can also visit the 18 ½ mile B&O Bike Trail for hiking purposes. The trail passes through Mansfield, Lexington, Bellville and Butler.
