The Roaming Naturalist

Happy Arbor Day! We have to do a species spotlight on this gorgeous native that is in full bloom right now in Southern Ohio - Black Locust. Look for their drooping white blossoms all along the highways, in your neighborhood, and local greenspaces. If you can reach, stop and smell the sweet nectar.

Not to be confused with their very spiky relatives (honey locust), black locust also belongs to the legume family and are much more huggable as their much smaller spikes are usually contained to younger branches.

This Earth Day may feel a little heavier than previous years due to the continuous attacks on our public lands, EPA regulations, Clean Air Act, endless Data Centers being built, and so much more. It's easy to lose hope and disassociate but it is SO important that we do not give up.

We need to rally together and continue to fight for those who do not have a voice and our planet. We encourage you to take action every day but especially on this day. Call your local reps and demand action for the sake of Earth and our well-being. Then, go outside, take a deep breath and spend some time with nature. 💚💙

Have you ever explored a microhabitat?

A microhabitat is a habitat within a larger habitat. You can find an entire universe in a single rotting log or a tiny woodland pool. These microhabitats are the secret to high biodiversity on any piece of land. They provide the specific conditions that rare and specialized creatures need to survive the seasons.

One example of a microhabitat is a rotting log on the forest floor or maybe even in your backyard. Logs provide ideal living conditions for organisms including various species of invertebrates, fungi and even salamanders.

Build a microhabitat in your own backyard by simply leaving some logs. Transform your property into an essential wildlife habitat that supports birds, insects, salamanders and soil health. Swipe to see the cute lil' slug eggs I discovered under one log hidden in the forest floor.

Wild hyacinth (Camassia scilloides) is a sight for sore eyes after a long winter! It puts on a great display as it dominates the hillside of Hall's Creek Nature Preserve. This is just one of many beautiful wildflowers hikers will enjoy this Saturday, April 18th during our annual wildflower hike.

Wild Hyacinth or Atlantic Camas was a main food source for many indigenous tribes and for the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Join us at Hall's Creek this Saturday, April 18th at 9:30am for a gorgeous morning hike and to learn interesting tidbits surrounding Ohio's native wildflowers. This program is FREE thanks to our partnership with Little Miami Conservancy but please be sure to register so we know you're coming.
https://forms.gle/giJustW56sWWAYZb9

Don't miss out on Ohio's spring wildflower show! Join The Roaming Naturalist on Saturday, April 18th, for a hike through beautiful Halls Creek State Nature Preserve in search of the beauties of spring. Learn some interesting natural history and how to identify them. Don't forget your camera!

Pre-registration required. Use the link in our stories or website to join! This FREE public hike is in partnership with the Little Miami Conservancy.

https://forms.gle/giJustW56sWWAYZb9

With their mottled bark and ghostly white upper trunk, sycamores are an easy tree to recognize in the Ohio Valley landscape. But did you know sycamores are known to develop hollow trunks with age, making them a haven for early settlers seeking shelter within their spacious interiors?

Join us under the canopy at Valley View Nature Preserve this Friday, April 10 at 6pm to learn some tips and tricks for tree identification and about the natural history of our amazing local trees.

Register with Valley View for this FREE program.
https://wl.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink.aspx?name=E348148&id=30

Join us on Friday, April 10th, for a hike on the trails of Valley View Nature Preserve (Pattison Elementary entrance) while learning some tips & tricks for tree identification from an experienced Naturalist.

This FREE program is in partnership with Valley View Nature Preserve.

Pre-registration is required.
https://wl.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink.aspx?name=E348148&id=30

Last year, supporters from more than 190 countries and territories dedicated over 410,000 hours to our planet. This year, join us in making the even more impactful by spending 60 minutes contributing positively to the planet we depend on and love!

Pro tip: Light pollution is problematic for wildlife, migrating birds, and our beneficial insects. Reduce your carbon footprint by leaving the outside lights OFF when you turn in for the evening. This can be a habit we all practice year-round!

Happy 1st Day of Spring! 🌼