Monthly Newsletter

January, 2021

Dino's Did You Know: Ohio’s landholdings include 21 state forests, 136 state nature preserves, 74 state parks, and 117 wildlife areas. Collectively, these sites total nearly 600,000 acres and harbor some of the richest wildflower communities in Ohio. Ohio’s varied geography means great plant diversity. About 1,800 species of native plants are found within the Buckeye State. Another 500 or so species are nonnative but naturalized. Most wildflowers depend upon insect pollinators to physically transport pollen from stamens to a stigma which contains the ovary, thus pollinating the plant. Pollinators that are active in early spring include a wide array of native bees, wasps, flies, and beetles. Native plants make the world go ‘round. They are the building blocks of biodiversity. Just as many others are necessary so are showy spring wildflowers.  Trivia Question: This vocalization from a wild turkey is described as a single or several sharp notes. It is generally associated as an alarm and usually means the bird has seen or heard something and is signaling danger. This is a bad indicator for turkey hunters and if you hear a turkey make this sound, you’ll have little time to shoot before it and any other birds in the area take off. . A) Gobble Select B) Putt Select C) Cluck Select D) Yelp Select How'd you do last month? Eastern box turtles play an important role in the seed dispersal of this Ohio wildflower, as they are fond of the fruit. (Hint: When you see these in the spring, you know it’s time to go turkey hunting!) A) Skunk-Cabbage B) White Trillium C) Purple Coneflower D) May-Apple May-apples form colonies in a variety of wooded habitats as well as formerly wooded pastures. The white slantline moth matches the petals to perfection and sometimes spends daylight hours resting on the flowers. Eastern box turtles play an important role in their seed dispersal, as they are fond of the fruit. The turtles will eat the fruit and as they go about their daily business throughout the forest floor, they’ll plop out turtle pellets with the seeds inside, helping the seeds spread throughout the forest.  TRIVIA CONTEST:  Answer this month's trivia question (see above) correctly and be entered for a chance to win a Deerassic Park Hat!!! Last month, we had over 150 responses with just under half of them (49%) choosing the correct answer! EDUCATION UPDATE: With December came snow, colder weather and Deerassic Park's first ever Winter Day Camp! This camp hosted 20 youth ages 9 -14 over a 3 day period from December 28 - 30. Attendees made themselves at home in the gymnasium at our new education complex for a variety of activities including SAFE Archery, our inflatable BB gun range, dodgeball and much more. In the classrooms, they participated in some traditional indoor pastimes such as decorating cookies and making crafts. While it was great to be able to utilize the indoor spaces available at our new education complex, no trip to Deerassic Park would be complete without some time in the great outdoors. Campers ventured out to brave the cold and hike the newly renovated nature trails among other outdoor activities. This new camp was a great addition to the schedule and we look forward to hosting it again next winter. Let's hope there is snow on the ground next time so that we can try out our sleds. In addition to the Winter Day Camp, our Education Team has continued their visits to local after-school programs helping to enhance the education of these youth. TESTIMONIALS Another year, and another camp season is in the books here at Deerassic! Deerassic provides an assortment of camps that are perfect opportunities for kids to engage in the outdoors, meet new friends, and have a great time doing it! Deerassic offers a wide variety of summer camps, a fall “Bigfoot Lock-In” overnight camp, and a Winter Camp! The camp schedule continues to grow as well as its popularity with the kids! Our main focus with our outdoor themed camps is always the safety, well-being, and good time of your child! We encourage you to sign your child up for a camp this year and we guarantee, it’ll be the time of their life! But don’t just take our word for it… here are some testimonials from the 2020 season: “I appreciate that Deerassic provides these camps. So much of our daily lives revolve around indoor activities and electronics. These camps allow kids to reconnect with the outdoors. My son cannot wait for the camps in 2021!” “Deerassic camp is always a highlight of the summer. Activities are fun and my son has made some great friendships. The counselors are great and they lead a lot of fun activities that encourage outdoor play and teaches conservation.” “My daughter loved every counselor. I appreciate how she came home talking about all of them as though she had always known them. It is a great feeling leaving your child where she feels comfortable and welcome!” “My son had a great time! Activities were fun and engaging. He likes the hands-on learning and being outside. Even with COVID-19 and restrictions you found a way to have these camps. Even in inclement weather you always had a plan. Thank you for providing these fun camps for our children.” “My daughter had a great time at camp this week. Thanks for making her time so enjoyable & a safe experience! ⭐️😊 Everything was a lot of fun for her 1st time as a camper at Deerassic!” “Everything was wonderful. I appreciate the steps you took to make it a safe environment with the COVID-19 pandemic and still give the kids something where they could interact with others.” “Amazing experiences which included meeting new friends, having new adventures and learning from the camp counselors.” “My daughter loves going to Deerassic Park! It is a great experience to get her outside and engage with different groups of kids. She loves the mix of activities you provide. She likes shooting and archery most of all. We have an hour drive home and she talks about her day the whole way!”

DEERASSIC ACTIVITY SPOTLIGHT Each month we spotlight one of the amazing educational activities offered by our dedicated education team

Wonders of the Whitetail Deer Description: Students visit our live deer herd and learn fascinating facts about the whitetail deer including its interrelationship with humans through history, life cycle and habits. Can include “Oh, Deer!” game as well if time allows.  Length: 30 Minutes - 1 Hour Grades: Pre-K - 12th

UPCOMING EVENTS Please check our website and Facebook page for more details

January 22-24: Coyote Tournament Sign Up Here February 20: Deerassic Park 10U OVR Volleyball Tournament February 21: Deerassic Park 12R OVR Volleyball Tournament February 28: Last day for Deerassic Classic Early Bird Sales Get Your Tickets Here

Due to the current, ever-changing circumstances surrounding the global pandemic, please be sure to check our Facebook page and website for updates and cancellations.

Deerassic Park Education Center | [deerassic.com]

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