April, 2020
First of all, we hope this month's newsletter finds everyone safe and healthy. We would also like to give a huge Shout Out to any First Responders, Medical Personnel, Law Enforcement and other Essential Workers who may be reading this. THANK YOU for everything you are doing!

While we miss the kids being out at the park for field trips and events, we know that the country will overcome today's challenges and we will be back to teaching the joys of the outdoors soon. In the meantime, however, our Education Staff has been hard at work putting together videos for our new "Deerassic at Home" program. Please see the link below to access these learn at home tools.

Due to current government guidelines we have had to cancel and/or postpone some of our events that were originally scheduled to take place in April. Please note that the annual Easter Egg Hunt and Youth Turkey Hunt have been cancelled. Also, we were hoping to show off the new Education Center at the Faith, Woods & The Outdoors Dinner. Unfortunately, we have had to postpone this event as well and hope to reschedule it for sometime this fall.

Please enjoy this month's newsletter, stay safe and wash your hands.


Lucky's Fun Fact:

Flying squirrels are Ohio native! Most don’t know but we have flying squirrels here in Ohio! A very small, but cute critter, the flying squirrel has some interesting facts about its… poop! Flying squirrel dung is used in Chinese medicine for abdominal pain, childhood nutritional deficiencies, and certain insect or snake bites. Described as bitter, sweet, and warm, it’s served in a tea. Interested in trying flying squirrel dung? Unfortunately, it’s banned in the United States. Stick to ibuprofen.
Trivia Question:
Which of the following are sources of fawn mortality.
a) Coyotes
b) Black Bears
c) Bobcats
d) Farm Implements
e) All of the Above
How'd you do last month?
The shedding (dropping) of antlers from deer and other antlered species is regulated by testosterone and _________.

A)     Weather
B)     The Rut
C)      Photoperiod
D)     Does

The photoperiod is the amount of daylight we receive on a given day. This obviously fluctuates throughout the calendar year. This change affects a whitetail’s testosterone levels which in turn, affects their antler cycle.
EDUCATION UPDATE:
March was a little crazy here at Deerassic as well as everywhere else in the world. However, before all this craziness started we were able to make the trip to Maysville High School and teach our Quality Deer Management Program. Students got a week’s worth of content related to the whitetail deer that included: deer biology and senses, history and management of the whitetail, aging and scoring bucks on the hoof, trail camera surveying, and much more! This week included power points, videos, and other teaching tools as well as homework, and a test on the final day to test the students’ knowledge.

We were able to get moved into our new Education Complex and were so looking forward to having school groups out this spring! However, with everything going on those plans have been delayed. Hopefully sooner rather than later we can get back to normal and we can start having kids back out enjoying the park and the great outdoors!
DEERASSIC AT HOME:
To fill the void of not being able to have students out to the park for field trips this spring, we’ve started an online series of videos titled “Deerassic At Home.” These educational and fun videos take kids and adults alike through various lessons and activities related to the outdoors! Below is a link to the first video of the series which is available on our social media platforms as well as our YouTube channel. Check out the whole series!

<iframe width="560" height="315" src=" https://www.youtube.com/embed/UiU34g79j7Y " frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>


DEERASSIC ACTIVITY SPOTLIGHT
Each month we spotlight one of the amazing educational activities offered by our dedicated education team
Fishing
Description: Utilizing our large floating dock, three acre stocked pond, cane poles and bait; youth will be exposed to the basics of fishing, with an opportunity to catch bluegill, bass and catfish. All materials are provided by the park. This activity can be paired with the “Passport to Fishing” program which teaches kids and adults alike, the basics of fishing. This program includes activities that cover: knots and rigging, fish handling/care, casting, and local information and habitat. This program can be booked by not only schools, but also church, 4-H, boy scout/girl scout, and other youth groups and can stand alone as an hour-hour and a half class.

Length: 30 - 120 Minutes

Grades: Pre K +
UPCOMING EVENTS
Please check our website and Facebook page for more details
April 11: Easter Egg Hunt - Cancelled

April 17: Faith Woods & The Outdoors - Postponed until a date to be determined in the fall

April 17 - 18: Youth Turkey Hunt - Cancelled

May 9: Spring Fest


June 12: Youth Fishing Derby

June 13: Touch A Truck

June 19: Catfish Tournament

June 22 - 25: Archery Camp

June 26 - 27: Kicking Bear
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]