Get to know all about us

Our Mission

Promoting popular interest in the study of natural history; encouraging conservation and wise use of natural resources; encouraging preservation of native plants, birds, and other animals; and collecting and publishing information about the flora and fauna of the Toledo area and northwestern Ohio, since 1933.

The Toledo Naturalists' Association (TNA) 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, botany, herpetology, fish, and more.

Educational Programs

Each month, TNA hosts an education program. Presentations cover a wide range of topics related to the various flora and fauna of Toledo.

Field Trips

TNA sponsors field trips to a wide variety of local parks and natural areas to explore the Toledo area's birds, fish, mammals, insects, and more!

Community

Whether it's our Membership Program, Field Trip. or  Facebook group, we foster a vibrant community of individuals ranging from budding wildlife enthusiasts to leading regional experts.

Board Members

  • Marianne Duvendack

    Lifelong NW Ohioan, BA in Environmental Education, Dual Masters in Historic and Environmental Preservation. 40 year member of TNA. Former life included elementary school teacher, camp director, and NPS Ranger/Naturalist. Former Pres of FT Battlefield Commission, TNA Co-Naturalist 2000, MParks Volunteer of the Year 2000, current Red Cross Disaster Responder, parent of 3 amazing young […]

  • Dave Mallory

    Dave Mallory has been a member of TNA since 1979 when he was a graduate student taking classes from Elliot Tramer, and Tom Kemp was his classmate. Dave worked as a Family Practice Physician for 37 years until retiring September of 2022. Dave and his wife Patricia have 4 grown children, and 4 grandchildren. Dave […]

  • Matt Kemp

    Matt has been going on TNA field trips since before he could walk, and he is a past president of the group. A practicing lawyer, Matt previously worked as a field ornithologist and led birding tours. He loves exploring the wilds of Ohio, Michigan, and beyond with his wife Eleanor and kids Amelia, Flora, and […]

  • Karen Jankowski

    A life- long Toledo area resident, Karen Jankowski, is our new recording secretary. Karen and her husband, Jerry Jankowski, have been members of TNA for several years. She credits her twenty years of living within the boundaries of Oak Openings Preserve while her husband served as Ranger/Manager, as connecting her with nature and the uniqueness […]

  • Dana Bollin

    Dana Bollin, our new Membership Chair, is a life-long resident of Northwest Ohio. Her mother tells the tale that even in her crib she was fascinated by the birds outside. This love of nature was pursued educationally with a BS degree in natural resource management from the University of Toledo, then went on to earn […]

  • Eileen Stanbery

  • Mike Sweeney

    Mike has been interested in wildlife and especially birds most of his adult life. He also enjoys fishing, walking, kayaking and gardening. He’s recently retired from the construction industry, so now it is time to combine travelling with his other hobbies.

  • Ellen Leonard

    As a child, Ellen loved nature and spent her time looking for birds (Bird Guide in hand), insects, or reptiles with her sisters. These days she still enjoys nature as she walks her dog or tries to add more miles to her hikes at the Metroparks. Kayaking and biking are also favorite activities.

  • Christine Manzey

    Chris is currently Editor of the TNA newsletter. She recently retired from teaching science for 32 years at Notre Dame Academy where she also served as Science Department Chair for 25 years. Besides teaching certifications, she also has a PhD in Curriculum and Instruction, is a Master Gardener Volunteer, an Ohio Certified Volunteer Naturalist, and […]

  • Elliot Tramer

  • Todd Haggard

    Todd’s uncle (Mike Sweeney) sparked his interest in the natural world around the age of ten with an introduction to birding. Todd also enjoys other outdoor activities including hiking, camping, fishing and kayaking. He has served various TNA board positions over the years. He is a graduate of Owens C.C. and the University of Findlay […]

  • Brandon Brywczynski

    Brandon Brywczynski has been a member of TNA since 2013. He has served as field trip and facilities chair, and is currently serving as a trustee. His love for birds started at age 10 when his father sent him out of the house to see if he could hand feed chickadees. What started as an […]

  • John Chadwick

  • Karen Mitchell

  • George Sydlowski

  • Tom Kemp

  • Eric Durbin

  • Jon Dwyer

    Jon Dwyer is new to TNA as of 2019 and manages the TNA website, Zoom sessions, Youtube channel and various technology for TNA. He’s retired from his IT job, now enjoying more time outdoors, traveling, and performing music with his amazing singer/songwriter/wife Phyllis (and the real naturalist in the family). They both enjoy birding at […]