Leafers, Bring Your Cameras!

Fall is officially here and Oregon Ridge's trees are showing their best colors. Maples are fiery shades of red and orange, tulip poplars have gone yellow and winter berries are popping up everywhere in bright reds and purples. These leaves won't hang on forever, so come out to one of our leaf walks this weekend and learn all about nature's beautiful fall foliage. We will be taking leaf hikes and making a simple craft on Saturday and Sunday from 2p-4p. We hope you can make it out to take a brisk hike and enjoy the trees in all of their glory.

Caterpillars Galore!

We have had some beautiful caterpillars come to the nature center recently. They will all turn in to moths after a hibernation period, and the biggest caterpillars bury themselves in soil. One of these giants is the Hickory Horned Devil.They look ferocious, but are not poisonous to humans. As you can see, this one is on the hand of one of our staff.

Another caterpillar that crawled into our lives is the Imperial Moth caterpillar. Although this one isn't as spikey, it has bright white hairs all over it's body and anal prolegs on its rear. They have both buried into soft dirt we provided, so we hope to have some beautiful, big moths in the spring!

As Seen On Our Trails!

You can see so many interesting things in our park. This picture was taken by a visitor, Mr. David Lenoe. He was hiking the red trail and encountered a large Black Rat Snake climbing a tree. These snakes can get quite large and have special scales on their bellies to climb trees. They like to eat bird eggs once they are up the tree and just hang out. On the ground they are formidable predators and can eat up to 1000 mice and rats a year! Have no fear though, these snakes are not venomous. If you encounter one, just observe it or photograph it for the scrapbook. They will not give you any trouble if you leave them alone.

Naturalists Needed!

Are you looking for a part-time job? Do you want to help teach the public about nature and work with animals? Then you might be perfect for a job at Oregon Ridge Nature Center as a weekend naturalist!

Naturalists perform a variety of duties, but they mainly lead nature-based programs for families and scout troops on weekends. Programs range in themes from wildflower walks to predator/prey talks and story times. You will gain wonderful experience and knowledge that will enhance future career plans. Experienced naturalists will work with you to help with the learning process before you begin to lead on your own.

If you are over 18, working towards a college degree or have one already and are pursuing a career in nature interpretation or something related to it, please call the nature center or come in for an application. You should have your own transportation to the center, be available on weekends and one Friday night a month and have good communication skills. You can reach nature center staff at 410-887-1815, or email at info@oregonridge.org

Lots of Life

The Nature Center pond is teeming with life! It seems that summer has brought back the frogs, and with them come their predators and prey. A common watersnake lounged in the waterfall today while green frogs galore sang their twangy tune. There are also tons of tadpoles and insects under the glossy surface. Dragonflies come and go. Squirrels and chipmunks stop for a quick drink and hummingbirds buzz at our feeders. Around the pond, native plants of all sorts grow to amazing heights. The rain has made them big and strong, and some have fragrant flowers too.

It is a magnificent site to behold and so simple and quaint. If you stop in, look in the pond! It's right by the front door so I am sure that you will find it hard to miss.

Wrens and Stuff

Recently we had a family of Carolina Wrens make a nest in our fire bell on the front of the Nature Center. The little ones have fledged and gone on their way, but we hope to have another family soon. It only takes 14 days for the little ones to fledge, so if you find a wren nest at your house, watch closely! Here are some pix of the nest and daddy bird.

Different species of wrens exist in north and south America. The only species that exists in Europe is the Winter Wren. It is thought that this wren crossed the land bridge that used to exist in the Bering Strait.

Wrens have always been thought of as clever birds due to their darting abilities. The name probably originates from an old Saxon word, wroene.

Music in the Woods 2009

Music will once again fill our wooded parkland when Music in the Woods takes place on May 16th from 10am-4pm. Bring your instrument and jam with your friends or bring a chair and relax as talented musicians play traditional music and songs.

There will be instrument instruction workshops, kids recycled instrument crafts, a raffle for a handmade Native American Flute from Bryan Burns, vendors, a Musical "Petting Zoo" and a dance workshop.

Individual acts will start in the morning, the Carroll County Cloggers will perform at 11:30am and then bands will play in the afternoon. If you have never attended a musicfest before, stop in at this unique, local celebration. You won't be disappointed!