A member newsletter from The Wilderness CenterConnecting you with nature.

W ilderness Connections

July 2016Director’s Corner: Fleeting Moments in Nature and Childhood

Leadership Volunteers: Joseph Sommer

Volunteer Bulletin

Club News

Supporters’ Spotlight: Nature Needs You

Foto Fest Winners Announced Let’s Go Outside!

Tree of Life

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Value in Spending Time Together

OutdoorsHave you heard of the “sin of bustle?” Although philosopher William James coined the term long before smartphones and social media, it fits today. Busyness is clearly our norm, but unfortunately the frantic pre-occupation with time saving devices has ironically created less time for enjoying nature and the people around us.

Our bustling lives frequently push aside nature. Many kids wouldn’t even consider the outdoors as a place to spend the half hour before dinner. Why bother? The lure of screens is too tempting. And “dinner” may just be a trip through a drive-thru on the way to yet another lesson, game, or practice.

Although there are many good reasons for taking children outdoors, Rachel Carson really puts everything into perspective:

“If a child is to keep alive his inborn sense of wonder, he needs the companionship of at least one adult who can share it, rediscovering with him the joy, excitement and mystery of the world we live in.”

Whether you call it a “sense of wonder” or the “wow” factor, it’s a response that is innate for all of us. Watch toddlers interact with nature; stones are reverently turned in little hands, flowers are gently sniffed, and even tiny insects are a source of wide-eyed curiosity.

But that sense of wonder is not just a “little kid” thing. We all benefit when

we make some time for nature. Time outdoors can help us to be happier, healthier and even smarter!

“Happier” refers to the emotional benefits of being outside. Stress levels of both adults and children fall after spending time in green spaces.

“Healthier” goes beyond physical fitness, weight control and more Vitamin D. Outdoor activity may possibly improve distance vision and lower the chance of nearsightedness.

“Smarter” refers to the cognitive impact of the outdoors on learning. Achievement in school can be increased through outdoor learning activities.

Most importantly, however, is the opportunity that time outdoors provides for sharing experiences. As author Richard Louv says, “What better way to enhance parent-child attachment than to walk in the woods together, disengaging from distracting electronics, advertising, and peer pressure?”

Walking with someone in nature creates a special bond. Nature pulls at our senses and nudges us to pay attention both to our surroundings and to each other. Can you recall times when you walked in communion with someone, and with nature? That’s the companionship that Rachel Carson was talking about.

The best antidote for the “sin of bustle” may be found in nature. By taking the time to share a few moments outside, we show the children in our lives that there is “joy, excitement and mystery in the world we live in.”

Director’s Corner

The Wilderness Center July 2016

Dr. Jeffrey R. Corney Executive Director

Fleeting Moments in Nature and

Childhood My wife and I went through a bit of a bittersweet event a month ago during our annual spring cleaning. We took the time to clear out quite a bit of clutter from our basement, mostly of the primary-colored-plastic-object variety. We sorted through infant car seats, high-chairs, pack-and-plays, and a vast assortment of bright chunky toys which made obnoxious noises if you tipped them over or bopped them on the ground. Yes, our babies are no longer babies; they now go to school, play with friends, read, write and explore. The “sweet” part for us was freeing up all that space in our house; the “bitter” part was how the process of cleaning out our nest reminded us just how fast life moves…how quickly living creatures grow and change. Most of all, we realized just how fleeting and special each moment of our children’s lives really are.

Around this time, we were feeling the last wave of strange warm, then cold, then warm again weather patterns we’ve been experiencing since winter, resulting from an unusually strong El Niño event. An El Niño this strong hasn’t occurred since 1995. The next El Niño event will likely happen in 2020; though hopefully not quite as warm. Our oldest will be 13 then.

Meanwhile, the orange-red planet Mars was particularly bright in the evening sky. This was not an optical illusion; in fact Mars was unusually close to Earth. This close position in Mars’ orbit hasn’t happened in over a decade, and won’t happen again until fall of 2018. Our middle-child will be 9 then.

Also around this time the periodical cicadas emerged after 17-years, last appearing in 1999. Their chorus droned on from the northeast corner of TWC’s property, as thousands swarmed about the trees and tall shrubs for days. A remarkable and rare event; we won’t see this brood of cicadas again until 2033. Our youngest will be 20 then.

So, we took time out to witness these moments as a family. Aside from nature’s phenomena, one of the remarkable changes we’ve seen lately in our children is how they seem to view these events. As young toddlers they seemed to move through their world without much distinction between the built and the natural environment. They had a matter-of-fact perspective whether it be the “jingle” ball rolling on the kitchen floor or a pill bug rolling off a rotting log; both elicited a moment of deep concentration, a requisite touch with a little finger, and the gleeful giggle when these objects reacted. Now, the indoor environment is clearly equated with a) the television, b) the computer, and c) the refrigerator. The outdoors has become the realm of unbridled playtime…but also a place of mystery and wonder.

Each of our children sees nature differently, but what’s common is an innate sense of discovery and curiosity. Our oldest son sees something interesting happen and immediately wants to understand how it works. Our daughter sees patterns in nature and often sits down with a pad of paper to draw and write about what she sees. And our youngest son likes to pick up interesting stones, shells, leaves, and the occasional desiccated insect body to add to his growing “cowection” of nature treasures.

My wife and I realize that now is the time to get out into the wilderness with our children and let them explore and interact with their world — to make those discoveries, connections, and “cowections.” Nature, like children, changes rapidly, whether by season or years or decades. Many things that happen in nature are either rare or very short-lived. Miss it and you’ve missed an experience that may not come around again in one’s lifetime. So, as we part with the ephemeral plastic objects of our children’s infant days, we embrace the next phase with a more enlightened eye for just how quickly nature happens; and we don’t want them to miss a moment!

The Wilderness Center July 2016

Born in Canton Ohio in July of 1927, Joe Sommer quickly developed a deep and lasting love of nature. He fondly remembers fishing and spending time outdoors as a child at his grandmother’s cottage and one of his earliest work experiences was with the Canton Park District. Joe’s connection to the natural world and interest in conservation would ultimately shape his career and lead him to The Wilderness Center.

Following graduation from high school, Joe joined the United States Navy and served with the Occupational Force in Japan. Upon returning to civilian life, he earned a B.A. degree in Pre-law from Kent State University and a J.D. degree

from Western Reserve College of Law. Joe served as the Director of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources from 1985 to 1991 where his reputation for being a fair, hardworking, honest, and decisive leader prompted reference to Joe as a "state natural resource.”

As a Wilderness Center board member, Joe has been a strong advocate of partnership and collaboration with other community agencies and has been an enthusiastic supporter of the Center’s growth. He has been an active volunteer with TWC, helping with Earthly Delights and even serving as a Saturday morning, front desk greeter. Joe has long enjoyed hiking The Wilderness Center’s trails and calls the Center “one of the best in the

area.” He says he is particularly impressed with all the Center has accomplished as a private nonprofit and we are grateful for his leadership.

Leadership Volunteers

Volunteer BulletinAs mentioned in our June newsletter, we are making a change to the way that we record and recognize volunteer hours. Every dedicated individual who donates their time deserves to be recognized and thanked for their hard work. Moving forward, we will be recognizing volunteering milestones, honoring the amount of time any individual has dedicated to our organization. With this new model, there will be an increased need for volunteers to make sure that they log their hours. This accurate information is also very important in helping our organization secure grants and other sources of funding. Beginning July 1, you will have a few different options for doing this:

I. As in the past, the volunteer sign-in sheet will be located on the volunteer board in the office. During special events, clipboards for sign-in will be located in convenient locations. Please remember to include the time it takes for you to travel to and from the Wilderness Center.

II. For you tech-savvy individuals, TWC has begun using a new app called “Volunteer Spot”. Here's how it works:

a. Click the 'Participate' tab on www.wildernesscenter.org and scroll down to the 'Volunteer' page. There you'll find a link to VolunteerSpot.

b. Enter your email address. You will NOT need to register an account on VolunteerSpot, and VolunteerSpot will not share your email address.

c. Sign up! Choose from a variety of volunteer oportunities listed, and VolunteerSpot will send you an automated confirmation and reminders.

Please note: If you prefer not to use your email address, please contact Debbie and she will sign you up.

Joseph Sommer TWC Emeritus Board Member

Choose a beautiful resting place. Choose to save money and natural resources. Choose to rejoin the

earth naturally.

Choose Foxfield Preserve.

FOXFIELDPRESERVE.ORG

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The Wilderness Center July 2016

Backpackers'/Dayhikers’ Club All former members of the club are cordially invited to our annual covered dish picnic, July 15 at 6:30. p.m On July 23, Saturday at 1:00, we join OAKS in hosting the local author Paul Stutzman. Paul’s books include Hiking Through:One Man’s Journey to Peace and Freedom on the Appalachian Trail. Come for his talk, to be followed by a meet and greet book signing and refreshments. Of course there are hikes on the calendar too. Be sure to see www.hikersoftwc.weebly.com for details. Contact Larry with questions at 330.345.1727 or peachypit@embarqmail.com. Astronomy Club Start the holiday weekend with a view of the skies at The Wilderness Center. The astronomy club will host its monthly Public Star Watch on July 1 at 8:00 p.m. If the skies are clear, we will be observing Jupiter, Saturn, and Mars through telescopes. This program is open to all visitors. The monthly meet-up is set for July 29 at 7:30 p.m. We will talk astronomy and observe if weather permits. This program is also open to all visitors. Cavers' & Climbers' Club The Ohio Cavers and Climbers explores wild caves unknown to the general public and we practice ascending and rappelling on rope off cliffs. We welcome new people! If you would like to be invited to go on one of our caving adventures, please come to our meeting July 16th, 10:00 at The Wilderness Center. If the weather cooperates, we may end up at Dundee Falls afterwards where we practice our rope-work. All are welcome to attend! We also have a wild cave opportunity July 2nd, day trip. July 30th we will have our 20th anniversary celebration at Nelson Ledges. Come and meet us, learn more about what we do and have fun hiking around the cliffs and rocks! Escape the hot sun this summer and come underground with OCC! TWC Readers’ Group Are there books with a nature or environmental theme you would like to read and talk about informally with others? We don’t assign people to bring questions or be in charge of discussion. Our selection of titles has included memoir, biography, essay, poetry, investigative reporting, and fiction. We are in the process of picking books for next season. If you have a suggestion or a question, send it to Cheryl at tallweeds2-twcbooks@yahoo.com. Watch for our new reading list in August. Our next meeting will be in September. Needle Crafters The Needle Crafters meet on Tuesday, June 21, at 10:00. Bring your project to the next meeting and join us!

Bird Club If you would like to see Scarlet Tanagers, Indigo Buntings, Green Herons, Rose-breasted Grosbeaks, Yellow-breasted Chats, and Blue-gray Gnatcatchers, please join us for a bird walk at TWC on Sat. July 16 at 8:00 a.m. when we’ll try to find these and other colorful birds of summer. And Bird Club members—don’t forget our annual picnic the same day at 1:00. For more information and a list of our events, join us on Facebook at TWC Bird Club. Botanizers’ Club The Botanizer Club extends an invitation to any one who would like to "try out our club for a day" to join us Saturday July 16th at 1:00 PM at Black Fork Bottoms Hunting Area, Ashland County. Marvin Smith will be our leader for the day. For directions check out the Ashland County Park web site, or e-mail us at the contact information at the end of this report. For another opportunity to walk with club members and look at wildflowers right there on the TWC property, Tim and Paula Lavey will be leading a Prairie Wildflower Walk into the Foxfield Prairie on Saturday, August 13, at 1:00. In good weather or on rainy days, we walk together and enjoy the flowers along the way. For more information contact Sandy at woodfern.22@gmail.com.

Visit wildernesscenter.org for more club information.

Your membership makes our mission possible. Thank you for your continued support.

w i l d e r n e s s c e n t e r . o r g

Humans are hardwired to need nature – because we are a part of it. Our deep connection with and love of nature has been eloquently expressed by landscape artists and nature poets throughout history. But the same sentiments are shared by Wilderness Center members, hikers, birders, astronomers, nature photographers and botanizers. We understand that spending time in nature brings us back into balance and helps us realize what is important in life.

We also understand that being a part of nature comes with a responsibility to protect and that when we harm nature, we harm ourselves. The falling number of bees and the decline of other pollinators touch us at a very basic level. Pollinators are vital to our food supply. The loss of pollinators makes it clear that something is wrong and that we need to take action.

If you are committed to restoring pollinator habitat and conserving our area’s lands, waterways and wildlife for future generations, I invite you to support The Wilderness Center’s 2016-2017 Annual Campaign. By contributing to the Annual Campaign, you allow TWC to use your gift where it is needed most. Your gift not only supports local restoration and conservation efforts but also allows our trails, Interpretive Building and Astronomy Education Building to remain open, free to the public – providing engaging, nature-focused activities.

Every gift, no matter the size, will make a positive difference in caring for this beautiful, wild space for people of all ages to enjoy. Please take a moment right now to get your check book or credit card and make your contribution to The Wilderness Center’s 2016-2017 Annual Campaign. Donations may be made online by visiting wildernesscenter.org or may be sent to:

2016-2017 Annual CampaignThe Wilderness Center

P.O. Box 202Wilmot, OH 44689

A donation from your employer’s matching gift program can make your donation go even farther. Simply include a matching gift form from your human resources department.

Thank you for expressing your love of nature and sharing it with others through your partnership with The Wilderness Center!

The Wilderness Center July 2016

Supporters’ SpotlightNature Needs You

New Members May 2016 David L. BellMimi BogardDuncan R. DarbyBrian EichelbergerJamey & Greg EmmertRick EyerlyMrs. Les GerkenPeter & Jeanne GrossettiPatricia GroveTristan HooverJen & Jonathan KesselColleen McGarryClaire PosiusGlen & Helen Sheats

Welcome & Thank You!

Barbara Vitcosky Development Director

Annual Campaign May 2016Dac A. ChristmanDr. & Mrs. V. Edward DunhamArthur O. GeibEd & Lorrie HawkAlan & Marjorie PoormanDonald SommerJoseph J. Sommer

Thank you to our generous Ales for Trails sponsors!

Doppelbock SponsorMCTV

Pilsner SponsorJeff Dafler

DeHoff DevelopmentJim Jelinek

Trail Blazer SponsorsBellStores

Frantz Brothers ConstructionHampton Inn WoosterJohanna & Paul Lyon

Brent Buescher & Barb VitcoskyWayne Insurance Group

Drew ShenemanBonnie Willis

Tree of Life

The Wilderness Center July 2016

May Tree of Life

In memory of Archie Mary & Ray BonginiIn memory of Charles David Ard Patricia BirdIn memory of Doris Barnhouse Don & Fran GerberIn memory of Charlene Bell Polly Limbach, Kelly's, Peter'sIn memory of Michael A. Benedict Stephen & Louise BenedictIn memory of John Best Dawn HudsonIn memory of Diane Demis Changas Kathy SchlabachIn memory of Michael Ciocca Noreen SteffenIn memory of Kris Colello Beverly Chambers Jody Dolak Jill Frantz Judith Jackman Jared & Aimee LaneIn memory of Doris Colson The Poland's - Don & Velma, Brenda & Bob, Cliff & Kim, Ellen & Jim, Andy & Michelle In memory of Lil Crimond Mary & Ray Bongini Bob DawsonIn memory of John W. (Jack) Dempster Jean WheelerIn memory of Alex D. DeRubeis Mike Holdford & Lisa StamfordIn memory of Jack DeStefano Larry & Tootie MillionIn memory of Elaine DickonMay God rest her precious soul The NPH HBPC Team & Lynn WerbeckiIn memory of Sean Doherty Corey HoffmanIn memory of Joan M. (Cseak) Edwards Ken GloverIn memory of Eugene Evans Gary & Livvy MullIn memory of Randy Farber Howard, Lovlene, Kyle & Cheyenne In memory of Gerald "Jerry" Gall Lynn M. FrantzIn memory of Joseph Gleydura Marty & Marilyn Kuboff

In memory of Florence Griesinger The Poland's - Don & Velma, Brenda & Bob, Cliff & Kim, Dave & Missy, Ellen & Jim, Andy & MichelleIn memory of Thelma Heck Ed, Lisa, Eric & Jo SinghausIn memory of Coy Hinkle Marilyn HassemanIn memory of Justin Schwab Hites Shirley McKnight & FamiliesIn memory of Richard Hunsinger Larry & Tootie MillionIn memory of Jager Doctors & Staff of Oak Pointe Veterinary CareIn memory of Raymond Kenneth Janson Diane TsioutsiasIn memory of Eliza Jo Mary & Ray BonginiIn memory of Mary Jones Chris ConfaloneIn memory of Kathleen Kerr Larry & Tootie MillionIn memory of William "Bill" Kerr Tom & Diana SpringerIn memory of James King James BarnettIn memory of James A. LaCivita JoAnn Beach & FamilyIn memory of Jane Marion Gari Aber & Glenn LaineIn memory of Jane Marion Ron Barickman Pete & Alan Bowman & Tina Benson Lecia Chrest Larry & Billi Hasemeyer Elaine Root The Wilderness Center Staff Andrea & John WiseIn memory of Janice Davis Matthews Janice & Ron OsborneIn memory of Dorothy McGreal Deb BissIn memory of Andrew McMahon Pattie & Walt CinowaltIn memory of Esther Messinger Kevin & Jennie DieterIn memory of Todd Metcalf Buster & Birdie Metcalf

In memory of Timothy Murphy The Pochron'sIn memory of Walter Myers Larry & Tootie MillionIn memory of Monie Newman Fairless Elementary StaffIn memory of Arthur Oberster St. Paul's Ushers & Senior's Card Party In memory of Taras W. Oleksiw Rita WolanskyIn memory of Dominic Paglialunga Jane McDonaldIn memory of Bill Peine Ed & Nancy HareIn memory of Donald E. Seibert Gary & Livvy MullIn loving memory of Joe Simone Patricia Shaheen & FamilyIn memory of Donald Eugene Smedley Jan & Bryan WeblerIn memory of Robert Smith Larry & Tootie MillionIn memory of Benjamin E. Smith The Phillips FamilyIn memory of Ursula Stoner Nancy HareIn memory of Georgeene Summers Kim CaldwellIn memory of Dolores Tuckey Deb Biss & Carol GeraciIn memory of Theodore & Mary Elizabeth Wiles Gail PukysIn memory of Donald Yates Richard & Jacqueline Gardner

Interpretive Building and office:

Tues. - Sat. | 9 am - 5 pmSun. | 1 pm - 5 pm

Closed Monday

Trails: Daily | Sunrise - Sunset

330.359.5235

9877 Alabama Ave. S.W.Wilmot, OH 44689

twc@wildernesscenter.org

Jeff Dafler | President Dr. Jeffrey Corney | Executive Director

The Wilderness Center July 2016

Let’s Go Outside! You open the door and step outside. The sun is shining, the sky is bright blue with puffy white clouds, it’s warm, but not hot – in other words an ideal day to get everyone outside. Why spend precious time gathering up gear for the outing? Have an “outdoor adventure” bag ready to go.

Many families just keep the bag in the car so they are always ready to explore, either locally or while on vacation. Here are a few items to include in a backpack or canvas bag:

•Field guides (Check out TWC’s Nature Store!)

•Binoculars•Small first aid kit •Insect repellant•Sunscreen and sunglasses•Granola bars, trail mix, etc.•Picnic blanket•Frisbee or ball•Quart size plastic bag for found

(and legally removable!) treasures

•Water bottles•Extra jackets and hats•Small trash bag

I like to keep two or three folding chairs in the trunk. You never know when you might find that ideal place to just stop, set up the chairs and take a nature break! See you at the Center!

Dr. Herb Broda OCVN, Professor Emeritus,

Ashland University

TWC Nature Photo Club Foto Fest Winners Announced

The Wilderness Center Nature Photo Club’s 23rd Annual Foto Fest was held at The Wilderness Center Saturday, April 23 and Sunday, April 24 in conjunction with TWC's Earth Day activities. Judging was by ballot handed out to the viewing public at the door in addition to professional judges. There were 182 photographs entered by 43 photographers.

Prizes were awarded May 7 at the Nature Photo Club’s regular meeting to the top three People’s Choice and Judge’s Choice in each of twelve categories plus Best of Show and Judge’s Honorable Mention awards. Best of show went to Richard Patrick of Louisville for “Fall Splendour” in General Nature. Winners by category are:

Animals - Rob Shores of Canton 1st place and Honorable Mention, Mark Davis of Dover Judge’s Choice Anything Goes – Richard Patrick of Louisville 1st place Terry Davis of Dover Judge’s Choice Tasha Yoder of Apple Creek Honorable Mention Birds – Richard Patrick of Louisville 1st place and Judge’s Choice Patricia Milliken of Glenshaw, PA Honorable Mention Domestic Flowers – Richard Patrick of Louisville 1st place Patricia Milliken Judge’s Choice General Nature – Norm Kutz of Canton 1st place Richard Patrick of Louisville Judge’s Choice Insects – Jerry Herbert of New Philadelphia 1st place and Judge’s Choice

Landscapes – Kevin Sparks of New Philadelphia 1st place Richard Patrick of Louisville Judge’s Choice Scott Oberlin of Dalton Honorable Mention Pictorial – Richard Patrick of Louisville 1st place Norm Kutz Judge’s Choice Wildflowers – Richard Patrick of Louisville 1st place and Judge’s Choice Wildlife – Scott Oberlin of Dalton 1st place and Judge’s Choice Wilderness Center – Patricia Milliken 1st place and Judge’s Choice Youth – Ella Salvino of Massillon 1st place and Judge’s Choice Brianna Potts of Orrville Honorable Mention Sarah Maynard of Apple Creek Honorable Mention

Be sure to stop in to TWC's Interpretive Builing to view the winning photos displayed in the upper hallway. Thank you to all who entered, and congratulations to our winners!

PO Box 202Wilmot, OH 44689-0202

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save the date!

Creatures of the

Night

Saturday, July 30 8:00 - 10:30 p.m.

Preschool: Exploring Nature July 19 & 20, 10:00 - 1:30 Kindergarten: All About Animals July 21 & 22, 10:00 - 2:30

First Grade: Animal Families July 26 & 27, 10:00 - 2:30 Second Grade: Adaptations All Around July 28 & 29, 10:00 - 2:30

Third-Fourth Grade: Finding Niches August 2 & 3, 10:00 - 2:30

Fifth-Eight Grade: Nature at Night August 5-6, 6:00 pm - 11:00 am

$24 per adult/child member pair, $34 per adult/child non-member pair. Pre-registration required.

NOW TAKING REGISTRATIONS!

Create memories. Explore together.Share a love of nature with your child!