The Wilds Announces 2008-09 Winter on the Wilds Programs

09-13-2008

CUMBERLAND, Ohio (Sept. 12, 2008) – Even though the regular Safari Transport visitor season at the Wilds ends at the end of October, special events continue throughout the fall, winter and spring that highlight the unique conservation education opportunities at the Wilds.

 

Situated on nearly 10,000 acres in southeast Ohio, the Wilds provides an excellent opportunity to explore and experience forest, wetland, and prairie habitats through the Winter on the Wilds programs.

 

Visitors can observe native wildlife, learn from the Wilds’ conservation education staff, and experience some behind-the-scenes opportunities with the Wilds’ managed species – rare and endangered animals from around the world.

 

“Our off-season public programs are some of the most exciting,” said Laura Busby, Director of Conservation Education at the Wilds. “They give people an opportunity to learn first hand about many facets of the unique and dynamic environment at the Wilds.”

 

Designed by the Wilds’ professional conservation education staff, the day-long programs take place on Saturdays and provide immersive and memorable learning opportunities on a wide variety of topics. Some exciting new programs include letterboxing, a New Year’s hike and winter survival skills, along with seasonal favorites like owl calling, raptor identification, and winter tours.

 

Programs are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. unless otherwise noted.

 

The Winter on the Wilds schedule is as follows:

Nov. 8 – Calling in the Owls: Learn owl natural history, food habits, and go for a night hike to call in owls. 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Nov. 15 – Pirate Letterboxing: Join us for an exciting challenge. Letterboxing involves using a compass, pacing and following clues that lead you to a mysterious treasure. Are you up for an adventure, matey? Some rugged walking.

Nov. 22 – Where Are They Now?: Do the Wilds’ native and non-native animals stay year round, migrate, hibernate or go into a specialized barn? Visit some of the Wilds’ animals in their winter homes and find out how they spend these colder months.

 

Dec. 6 – Wild Cats: Check out several bobcat scent stations for tracks and discuss bobcat natural history and behavior. Then, visit the cheetahs to observe differences and similarities of some wild cats.  Some rugged walking.

 

Dec. 13 – Seasonal Adjustments: How do the animals that are in pasture year round survive the cold winter months? Do they get cold? While traveling though the pastures, observe animals’ adaptations to changing seasons.

 

Jan. 3 – New Year Resolution Hike: No more couch potatoes. Enjoy a guided hike to a remote location and let the site of a wintery waterfall reward your efforts. Some rugged walking.

Jan. 10 – Eagle Survey Day: Count bald and golden eagles on the Wilds and along the neighboring eagle habitats. 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Jan. 24 – Wild Winter Tour: Come see what the animals do in the winter. See who stays out and who comes in. Visit winter animal facilities and see some species up close!

Jan. 31 – Winter Survival Skills: As the temperature plummet and the days become shorter, do you shy away from camping and hiking? Learn how to enjoy the outdoors year round through proper planning, equipment and packing.

 

Feb. 7 – Raptor Field ID Day: Enjoy live bird presentations by the Columbus Zoo staff and field identification training while exploring birding areas on the Wilds.

 

Feb. 14 – Love is in the Air:  Learn how the Wilds’ creatures impress each other with courtship rituals that make us smile and squirm, and meet an endangered species up close! Find out how Species Survival Plans act as a match maker for animals around the world.

 

Feb. 21 – Cabin Fever Tour: This tour will be the last chance of the season to see the Wilds’ animals in their winter facilities. See some species up close!

 

March 7 – Go Take a Hike: Are you ready to spend more time in the great outdoors, but aren’t sure how to hike and camp responsibly? Then this day is for you. Learn and practice the seven Leave No Trace ethics as we explore the wild side of the Wilds.

 

March 14 – Welcome Spring: Get ready because here it comes – warmer weather and longer days. We’ll help you prepare for the season by building a birdhouse or toad abode. Additional $5 materials fee.

 

Cost for all Winter on the Wilds programs is $15 for adults and $9 for children 11 and under.

Reservations and pre-payment are required. Contact the Wilds’ Reservations Coordinator at 740-638-5030 ext. 2286 or reservations@thewilds.org. The reservation deadline is the Tuesday before each program. Space is limited. Early registration is recommended.

 

Contact Conservation Education Specialist Troy Burch at tburch@thewilds.org or 740-638-5030 x2231 for information about the programs.

 

The mission of the Wilds, an independent, nonprofit organization, is to advance conservation through sc
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