This fall at Woodlawn was a fantastic display of the natural colors throughout the arboretum. Seemingly every tree peaked at the same time and held their color for several weeks. Across the 160 acres, large mature species of Maples, Tulip Trees, Dogwoods, Oaks and Cherry Trees provided the backdrop of spectacular beauty. Significant evergreen trees adding contrast, and scattered throughout were brightly colored shrubs.

Autumn has also been a haven for migrating and resident birds. The Arboretum's diverse habitat provides much needed food and shelter. This winter Woodlawn will be a site for the 122nd Audubon Christmas Count. The nation's longest-running community science bird project which fuels Audubon's work throughout the year.

The Birds of Woodlawn Program which started in June of 2012, is celebrating ten wonderful years!. This weekly program was started to document the birds of Woodlawn and give the community the opportunity to participate. Throughout the years over 300 participants have documented 215 bird species. From warblers to eagles, migrating to resident species, the birder's binoculars fixed to count each one, often with excitement across the whole group.

We owe this success to our Bird Docent, Sherry Plessner known as the urban birder. With Sherry not many birds go unidentified, by sight or sound. Her enthusiasm and dedication to bird watching is shared with each birder from beginner to advanced. We also benefit from the core group of birders that have been instrumental in documenting species and engaging members. For many participants who started as beginners, this relaxed and positive environment has been the perfect place to learn!

Each week the list of birds, and one of Sherry's wonderful photos, is sent to all participants. The list is also placed on EBird, an online global database of bird observations.

Share in the celebration by reviewing the Birds of Woodlawn List below. Join us each Friday from 9:00 am - 10:30am to help us document the birds of Woodlawn.

Students from Toledo School of the Arts were at Woodlawn with large format cameras taking pictures of the Tiedtke Monument. On the left under the dark cloth is Aiyana Eason Gabbard. The student visible on the right is Ra'Shyah Brazier. Both students are in the 11th grade, and in the 3rd year photography class at TSA.

The third year photography class presents students with a variety of equipment and photographic knowledge that lead to some amazing photos! The large format view cameras allow the students to apply the Zone System of film photography, co-developed and made notable by Ansel Adams. Some of their large format negatives will be applied to the creation of alternative process photos including salt prints and cyanotypes. The cemetery shoot is part of a lesson that exposes students to the history of our park-like cemetery, the artwork that they contain, and the notable citizens of Toledo in their final resting place.