The Toledo Naturalists Homepage

Saturday, July 26, 10:00 a.m. – Dragonflies w/Rick Nirschl – Meet leader Rick Nirschl at the corner of Reed & Girdham Road at 10:00 a.m.

Saturday, August 8, - Naturalist Bonanza - Sharon Hollow, Michigan Join us for an aquatic nature walk led by Todd Crail in the fabulous upper River Raisin. This is one of the best sites to view Unionid mussels within an hour of Toledo displaying their unbelievable lures to attract fish hosts for their young (http://www.farmertodd.com/mussels.asp) We will also view up to 30 species of fish, including some of the brightly colored darters and non-game sunfish. The walk will be accented with the August burst of color in the riparian vegetation, and can include extending the trip to Nan Weston Preserve, owned by The Nature Conservancy, which is a beautiful mixed forest reflective of the amazing underlying geology. Sandhill crane, chestnut-sided warbler, barred owl and dickcissel are a sampling of the birds you might see. Further details on meeting place and time to be announced in July Newsletter.

Sunday, August 23, 11:00 a.m. - Butterflies at Moseley Barrens. Moseley Savannah and Barrens is part of The Nature Conservancy’s Kitty Todd Preserve. It is a beautiful 35 acre unit open only by permission. In 2008 on this same date eighteen butterfly species were seen and 199 individuals counted. A highlight for some might be the Leonard’s Skipper, considered rare to occasional, and localized in Ohio. Meet Jan Dixon and Jackie Riley at the entrance off the north side of Shaffer Rd. between Berkey Southern and Whitehouse Spencer Rd. at 11:00 a.m. Wear sturdy shoes as the terrain is uneven and long pants to walk thru the beautiful tall native plants.

Saturday, September 5, 5:45 a.m. - Fall Migrants and Breakfast w/Matt Anderson & Eric Durbin Meet at 5:45 am at the corner of Girdham and Reed for pre-dawn flyovers. Rally at 7:00 a.m. for breakfast at Mallard Lake. Then back to the field for warblers, vireos, and whatever else is passing through.

The Toledo Naturalists' Association was formed in 1933 when the Toledo Nature Study Society and the Toledo Field Naturalists' Association merged. TNA has been the official compiler for the Toledo Audubon Christmas Count since its inception. Many of the early TNA members created the first local bird book, written by Lou Campbell, and first published in 1940. Members receive bulletins and an annual yearbook. In addition, there are approximately eight presentations given by local naturalists, an annual spring chicken barbecue and fall banquet, and numerous field trips specializing in birding, insects, and botany. TNA welcomes you to explore its Web Site.