Winter on the Wilds
2007-2008
Winter on the Wilds is a remarkable program that gives you and your family fun opportunities to discover unique winter wildlife at the Wilds. Programs include wildlife watching, hiking, adventures into the Wilds' unique habitats, and some indoor activities.
Additional programs will be posted on this page as they become available.
Cost and Registration Details
Wild, Winter Tour
March 15, 2008
This is a special opportunity to see and learn about some of the rare
and endangered animals at the Wilds during the winter.
Many of the animals at the Wilds are from warm climates in Asia and
Africa and must be moved from open pastures into heated animal management
facilities to endure Ohio’s winters.
This Wild Winter Tour program will offer participants a chance to see
rhinos, giraffes, cheetahs and other animals up close in the specialized
facilities where they spend the colder months of the year.
Some animals do stay out in pasture for the winter, like camels, bison,
deer, and takin.
The tour will include a drive through the pasture to view these animals
as well.
10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Advance reservations must be made by March 13, 2008.
PLEASE NOTE: Registration for this program is currently full.
Cabin Fever Tour
March 22, 2008
This will be the last chance of the season to see and learn about some
of the rare and endangered animals at the Wilds during the winter.
Many of the animals at the Wilds are from warm climates in Asia and
Africa and must be moved from open pastures into heated animal management
facilities to endure Ohio’s winters.
This Wild Winter Tour program will offer participants a chance to see
rhinos, giraffes, cheetahs and other animals up close in the specialized
facilities where they spend the colder months of the year.
Some animals do stay out in pasture for the winter, like camels, bison,
deer, and takin.
The tour will include a drive through the pasture to view these animals
as well.
10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Advance reservations must be made by March 20, 2008.
PLEASE NOTE: Registration for this program is currently full.
Details:
- Cost: $12 - adults; $6 - children under 12.
- Reservations and pre-payment required. Call 740-638-5030 ext. 2286 or e-mail reservations@thewilds.org.
- All fees are non-refundable.
- Be prepared to spend time outside. Bring plenty of warm layers (coats, coveralls, hats, gloves, boots, etc.), lunch, a coffee mug, and a thermos (cocoa and coffee will be provided).
- We will meet at the main parking lot on International Road.
PAST 2007/2008 EVENTS
Fall Owl Call
Oct. 13, 2007
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.
Waterfowl ID Day
Oct. 27, 2007
Hike the wetlands and drive to many Wilds & AEP lakes in search
of fall ducks.
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Tracking the Wilds
Nov. 10, 2007
Follow the wild trail to learn about wildlife signs, create track casts,
check bobcat scent stations, and observe wildlife. Some rugged walking.
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Hike 'n Hayride
Nov. 17, 2007
Enjoy a Wilds-style hayride on a rugged, off-road safari vehicle
to view some of the species that stay out in the Wilds' pastures
throughout the winter -- like bison, camels, deer, and takin.
Bring your lunch to eat around the campfire. Cocoa and coffee will be
provided.
Participants will also have a chance to explore prairie and wetland
habitats on short hikes led by a Wilds staff naturalist to
look for tracks, identify birds, and check out the unexpected along
the trail as the season transitions into late autumn.
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Wilds Trail Day
Nov. 24, 2007
Late autumn offers great opportunities to explore the outdoors. During
the Wilds Trail Day, participants will assist Wilds naturalists while
learning and practicing proper trail construction and maintenance. Trail
location, construction techniques, sensitive areas, safety, and slope
work will all be discussed and put into practice.
This is a chance for visitors, including families, Scout groups, or
service clubs, to explore the unique habitats of the Wilds’ 10,000
acres of reclaimed mine land while also helping the nonprofit conservation
center in its work.
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Wildcats
Dec. 1, 2007
What do Ohio’s native bobcats and cheetahs have in common? You
can learn more about both species at the Wilds’ Wildcats program.
During this program with Wilds naturalists, visitors will have an opportunity
to explore some rugged outreaches at the Wilds to check several bobcat
scent stations for tracks, and learn about the natural history and behavior
of this species that is making an important comeback in Ohio.
Afterwards, participants will have a chance to visit the Wilds’
Carnivore Center to see cheetahs up close in their winter housing, and
learn about this endangered species and the important conservation work
taking place at the Wilds to support its survival.
Some rugged walking.
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Forest Exploration Day
Dec. 8, 2007
Explore some of the hinterlands of the Wilds while learning how to identify
trees and plants by bark, bud, seed, and other hidden characteristics.
Even though the leaves are gone, there is much to see and explore outdoors
during the winter months.
During this program with a Wilds naturalist, visitors will have an opportunity
to experience a guided walk through various habitats to learn about
forest ecology, plant identifications, and discovering the unexpected
as well….like what are slime molds?
Through guided observation, participants will see how forests are returning
to surface mined lands and how native wildlife use these habitats, and
also get a chance to do some forest seed planting.
Reservations must be made by Dec. 6.
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Wild, Winter Tour
Dec. 15, 2007
This is a special opportunity to see and learn about some of the rare
and endangered animals at the Wilds during the winter.
Many of the animals at the Wilds are from warm climates in Asia and
Africa and must be moved from open pastures into heated animal management
facilities to endure Ohio’s winters.
This Wild Winter Tour program will offer participants a chance to see
rhinos, giraffes, cheetahs and other animals up close in the specialized
facilities where they spend the colder months of the year.
Some animals do stay out in pasture for the winter, like camels, bison,
deer, and takin.
The tour will include a drive through the pasture to view these animals
as well.
10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Raptor Field ID Day
Jan. 5, 2008
Learn about raptors – birds of prey like hawks, eagles, kestrels
and owls – during this program that will help sharpen your birding
skills.
Activities begin with a live bird presentation by the Columbus Zoo &
Aquarium staff inside the Wilds’ classroom facility. Participants
will get a chance to see up close some native and non-native raptors
to learn about their distinguishing features and behaviors.
Information about native raptors, like how they sit, fly, and act, where
their habitats are, when to expect to see them, and distinguishing markings
to look for, will also be shared.
Then, Al Parker, the Wilds’ conservation educator and birding
expert, will guide an excursion in the field to put identifying skills
into practice while looking for wild raptors on the Wilds’ 10,000-acre
property.
The Wilds, located near Cumberland in Muskingum County, has been designated
an Important Bird Area by the Audubon Society.
Some of the common raptor species at the Wilds include American kestrel,
northern harrier, Cooper’s hawk, red-tailed hawk, and short-eared
owls. Golden eagles and rough-legged hawks are also common during winter.
A total of 21 species of raptors have been sighted at the Wilds, including
the rarer bald eagle, merlin, and peregrine falcon.
Advance reservations must be made by Jan. 3, 2008.
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Eagle Survey Day
Jan. 12, 2008
This Eagle Survey Day is in conjunction with the Ohio Department of
Natural Resources Division of Wildlife’s annual mid-winter eagle
survey.
The eagle survey begins at the Wilds at 8 a.m. and will go through 2
p.m. Participants will be guided by Al Parker, the Wilds’ conservation
educator and birding expert, throughout the Wilds’ 10,000-acre
property and along some adjoining land to look for golden and bald eagles.
Golden eagles are common at the Wilds during the wintertime, and bald
eagles are occasionally sighted.
The mid-winter survey is conducted each January as part of a nationwide
tally to determine the wintering eagle populations in North America.
“This survey is a fun way to explore the lands at the Wilds during
the wintertime, and get a chance to see some eagles,” said Parker,
who noted that eagle numbers will often increase during cold Canadian
winters when the fish-feeding raptors are more likely to move into the
Ohio area.
The Wilds, located near Cumberland in Muskingum County, has been designated
an Important Bird Area by the Audubon Society.
Advance reservations are required to attend, and must be made by Jan.
10.
Raptor Field ID Day
Feb. 9, 2008
Learn about raptors – birds of prey like hawks, eagles, kestrels
and owls – during this program that will help sharpen your birding
skills.
Activities begin with a live bird presentation by the Columbus Zoo &
Aquarium staff inside the Wilds’ classroom facility. Participants
will get a chance to see up close some native and non-native raptors
to learn about their distinguishing features and behaviors.
Information about native raptors, like how they sit, fly, and act, where
their habitats are, when to expect to see them, and distinguishing markings
to look for, will also be shared.
Then, a Wilds conservation educator will guide an excursion in the field
to put identifying skills into practice while looking for wild raptors
on the Wilds’ 10,000-acre property.
The Wilds, located near Cumberland in Muskingum County, has been designated
an Important Bird Area by the Audubon Society.
Some of the common raptor species at the Wilds include American kestrel,
northern harrier, Cooper’s hawk, red-tailed hawk, and short-eared
owls. Golden eagles and rough-legged hawks are also common during winter.
A total of 21 species of raptors have been sighted at the Wilds, including
the rarer bald eagle, merlin, and peregrine falcon.
Advance reservations must be made by Feb. 7, 2008.
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Wild, Winter Tour
Feb. 23, 2008
This is a special opportunity to see and learn about some of the rare
and endangered animals at the Wilds during the winter.
Many of the animals at the Wilds are from warm climates in Asia and
Africa and must be moved from open pastures into heated animal management
facilities to endure Ohio’s winters.
This Wild Winter Tour program will offer participants a chance to see
rhinos, giraffes, cheetahs and other animals up close in the specialized
facilities where they spend the colder months of the year.
Some animals do stay out in pasture for the winter, like camels, bison,
deer, and takin.
The tour will include a drive through the pasture to view these animals
as well.
10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Advance reservations must be made by Feb.21, 2008.
Prairie Exploration Day
March 8, 2008
Observe bison herds, learn about grassland ecology, search for other
grassland species. Some rugged walking.
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Advance reservations must be made by March 6, 2008.
