Hueston Woods Now Part of Old Growth Forest Network

On April 22, 2021, the Hueston Woods State Nature Preserve (HWSNP) was inducted into the national Old Growth Forest Network (OGFN). The OGFN is the only national network in the U.S. of protected, old-growth, native forests where people of all generations can experience biodiversity and the beauty of nature.

HWSNP was “adopted” by AMV in 2012 for conservation and stewardship. Initially funded by a grant authored by then (and again now) chapter president Gail Reynolds, AMV has held invasive plant removal workdays in HWSNP each spring, fall, or both. Additionally, the chapter has sponsored treatment of select ash trees along hiking trails to prevent mortality from the invasive insect pest Emerald Ash Borer. Mark T. Gilmore of AMV was asked to be the OGFN County Coordinator for Butler and Preble Counties. If you know of any old growth forest stands to nominate, please bring them to Mark’s attention.

Due to the pandemic, attendance at the dedication ceremony was limited to 10. It is hoped that a future recognition event could include a much larger group of attendees. Along with OGFN founder and executive director Joan Maloof who traveled from Maryland’s eastern shore for five dedications in three days, representing AMV were four Board members, Jeff Johnson (Chief), and Michele Comer of ODNR Division of Natural Areas & Preserves.

Described as “a tiny remnant of the beech-maple forest that once stretched in a broad band from southwestern Ohio to its northeastern corner,” HWSNP was designated as a National Natural Landmark in 1967, became a state nature preserve in 1973, and is within an "IBA" / Important Bird Area designated by the National Audubon Society. The Northern Midwest Route of the coast-to-coast American Discovery Trail passes through HWSNP along Sugar Bush and Big Woods trails, on the western shore of Acton Lake. Visit this website to see HWSNP’s entry on the Network’s website.

To date, there are 18 Ohio forests included in the old-growth forest network. A list and description of these 18 forests can be found here.

Help ODNR Survey Wild Turkey & Ruffed Grouse This Summer

Citizen scientists can participate in surveying Ohio’s wild turkey and ruffed grouse populations by reporting sightings in July and August, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife.

Every summer, the Division of Wildlife conducts a turkey and grouse brood survey to estimate population growth. The brood survey relies on the public to report observations of all wild turkeys and ruffed grouse seen during July and August. Observations may be submitted at the Wildlife Reporting System webpage at wildohio.gov as well as the HuntFish OH mobile app.

Information collected for wild turkeys includes the number of gobblers, hens, and young turkeys (poults) observed. Information collected for ruffed grouse include the number of adults and young observed. The date and the county where the observation occurred are recorded for both species. Biologists began tracking summer observations of wild turkeys in 1962. Ruffed grouse were added to the survey in 1999.

Find more information here.

ODNR asking Ohioans to take down, clean birdfeeders as they investigate mysterious illness in songbirds

Ohio wildlife officials are investigating a mysterious illness that is leaving songbirds sick or dead.

Primary species affected by the unknown illness include blue jays, common grackles, European starlings, American robins and house sparrows.

Wildlife officials are advising people to take down and clean their feeders and bird baths with 10% bleach solution, particularly if they are seeing sick or dead birds in their area—a practice officials say should be done routinely anyways to keep birds healthy in general.

Birds infected with the unknown illness have all exhibited similar symptoms, such as crusty and infected eyes and neurological distress, like the inability to hold their heads up or fly.

In addition to Ohio, the following states have reported similar activity: Virginia, Delaware, Maryland, Indiana, West Virginia and Washington D.C.

The Ohio Division of Wildlife is asking concerned residents to report dead birds or those exhibiting symptoms online at wildohio.gov because currently the 1-800-WILDLIFE hotline is overwhelmed with calls about sick and dead birds.

Sicks birds can be taken to a wildlife rehabilitator. Click here to find a center near you.