Donations for the Future! #HelpUsGrow Islands Nature & Wildlife Center Fall 2018 The mission of the Lake Erie Islands WE NEED Your Nature & Wildlife donation will Center is to promote YOU provide room conservation of and Every dollar education about the for new and flora, fauna, and donated will be current lands of the Lake matched up to interactive Erie Islands $60,000.00. displays ecosystem.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS relevant to the Lake President Erie Kate Ptak Cochair Islands, Kristin Stanford and more Secretary space for Peggy Leopold the out- Treasurer Kit Knaser reach and Board Members By reaching this goal educational Lisa Brohl we will be able to dra- programs we Susan Byrnes matically move for- provide each year Marsha Collett ward on our building Kate Ptak for thousands of Sue Prahst addition and provide visitors and Sue Bixler more for the islands participants who Director and their benefit from the Jackie Taylor communities. Education Specialist Wildife Center. Amy Huston Put-in-Bay & Middle Bass Nature Camp– Pages 2-3

2018 Island Green Week Events– Pages 4-5

Sponsors, Donors, &

Volunteers– page 5

Ways to Help– Pages 6-7

Donor Forms Page 7

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Wildlife Programs hands-on and up- NATURE CAMP close interactions with these animals Jackie Taylor which depend on the

islands’ habitats. The Nature Camp mission is to encourage Fishing was a nice children’s natural curiosity of the out- bonus for both camps: doors by engaging them in fun and we were able to catch educational activities. Nature Camp bass, perch, and seems like a bubble, an intentionally built freshwater drum/ community, and there are usually many in sheep head. the community who love and care about the magic that is the nature camp The Middle Bass experience. It takes a village and begins Environmental Ad- with the Wildlife Center’s board and venture Camp I. (9-10 staff, community leaders, camp alumni, years old) took the colleagues, and donors who make camp Sonny S Ferry to Put- possible and provide a great experience in-Bay for an each year. afternoon to

ecosystems” from our Kayak. Alt- The Lake Erie Islands Nature & Wildlife findings. We were able to hough it was a Center has successfully been doing this find dragonfly and dam- little windy with since 2003 for youths 4-14 years old, selfly larva, scuds, tad- chop on the reaching out to over 150 campers each poles, beetles, fly larva, water, we had a year on Middle Bass and South Bass and much more. Rangers blast paddling Islands to help them learn about the Lake from Perry’s Monument around Gibraltar Erie Island’s ecosystem. Topics we have came over for a day to Island: we ended covered over the years have included Middle Bass and campers the day with a bats, snakes, turtles, fish, butterflies and on Put-in-Bay went to the much deserved moths, slugs, caves, monument ice cream treat and much more. and visited before heading back to Middle Bass Is- This year Nature the top of the monument! land. Our campout was canceled due to Campers learned all The rangers had bad weather, but we saved the day and about Lake Erie! activities about predatory cooked s’mores over the fire, and cooked

animals that depend on pancakes, bacon, and eggs the following The Middle Bass water as a food source and morning. Put-in-Bay Environmental Ad- Island Nature discovered how all venture Camp I. (9-10 years old) kayaked Camps were June creatures are connected 25-28 for campe through water- including rs 4-10, Put-in-Bay us! Campers had a fun Nature Camps were time with biologists from July 16-18 for campers 4-6, July 23-26 OSU’s Stone Laboratory. On Middle for campers 7-10, and a combined camp Bass they came over for a day, and for Middle Bass and Put-in-Bay campers brought salamanders, turtles, and fishes 11-14 was July 30-August 2. native to the islands. The Put-in-Bay campers met them for a day at the Histor- ic Fish Hatchery with a private tour of the facility. Both camps were able to have

around Gibraltar, took a break to get ice cream on the island, and did some swimming before we pad- dled back to Kayak the Bay. There was nice weather for our campout. We cooked hotdogs, and everyone’s Nature Campers explored the science of favorite s’mores. We had a Lake Erie through investigation and good time swimming, and observation. We went into the ponds on taking an evening sunset Middle Bass Island and into Lake Erie hike to Massie Cliffside where we dipped for micro and Preserve. macroinvertebrates creating “enclosed

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Environmental Adventure Camp II. (11- 14) had quite the adventures. Middle Bass Campers came to Put-in-Bay by boat to the Historic Fish Hatchery for a morning. Thank you to Krissy Hart and Eddie Sheller for the transportation. Miller Ferry, with Captain Glenn Cooper, trans- ported 22 campers, 10 chaperones, all of our gear, and drinking water to for two days and one night for our campout. Although there were high possibilities of rain, we lucked out with hardly any. The last day of camp we finished the camp season with kayaking. We circled around and, played a fun game of ‘kayaking tag.”

Schneider, Amanda O’Laughlin, Olive O’Rourke Scherf, Larissa Swonger, and Aidan Ptak.

Thanks to: Glenn Cooper for being the chase boat for our kayaking days and transporting Middle Bass Nature Campers to the bay for kayaking, Kayak the Bay for hosting Nature This year we started the Wildlife Center Campers each year. Thanks to Nature Camp Counselor Program. This is our hardworking staff: Jackie a curriculum-based project geared toward Taylor, Kate Ptak, Debbie youth 15 and older. This program offered Larcey, Jenna Prahst, Tatey our counselors a one-of-a-kind opportuni- Kowalski, Renee Market, Jen- ty to become involved with the Wildlife na Prahst, and Maddie Heart. Center’s education and conservation We could not put camp togeth- efforts of the Lake Erie Islands. Counse- er without all their great ideas lors experienced all components of the and support! Thanks to our Lake Erie Islands Nature & Wildlife community supporters - The Center, from learning about the islands’ Middle Bass School Board, wildlife, presenting educational pro- The Put-in-Bay Recreation grams, working with wild animals, Committee, Miller Boat Line and The Laboratory and Cathey Webber for sup- creating displays, and Sonny S for port and extra staff, North Bass Island much more. The counse- passage for residents for helping with a great cam- lors were a great asset to speakers and pout, as well as our staff and volunteers at the camp program. for Transporta- LEINWC for copying and stapling. There was no way we tion, the We really appreciate all the help we get in could have had as much Division of teaching kids about the beautiful islands success without this Wildlife for they live and play on! With 160 plus kids team of wonderful help books, CD’s, who participated in Nature Camp this and support! The 2018 magazines and year, we were bursting at the seams at the counselors were: Emily tattoos, The LEINWC. Please consider a donation to Beal, Sydney Ralofsky, Ohio State Uni- our Building Addition Fund so that we Lizzie Rader, Lucille versity’s Stone can continue these great programs.

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Wildlife Events about the ISLAND GREEN WEEK importance of snakes on the islands. This is always a really Jackie Taylor “wild” family event loved by

everyone. This week-long celebration, Island Green

Week, 2018, ran from August 4 to August Our 7th Annual Pig Roast at 11. The Lake Erie Islands Nature & the Goat was a nice success Wildlife Center, Lake Erie Islands despite an early rain, many Conservancy, OSU’s Stone Laboratory, community members came out the Put-in-Bay Township Park Distri to support the Wildlife Center ct, and, the Lake Erie Islands Historical that evening. Participants were Society, collaborated to produce a week treated to a slow spit-roasted of Ecotourism, Adventure Travel, hog with corn and baked Agritourism, and History sponsored by potatoes along with tasty sides the Put-in-Bay Chamber of Commerce, donated by Island restaurants. Popular the Put-in-Bay Gazette, Miller Boat Line, unique and interesting natural phenome- island entertainers Drew LaPlante and Jet Express, Park Hotel, Frosty Bar, Cam- na. Passengers had an amazing Jamison Smith featured eo Pizza, The Boardwalk, and Island Bike opportunity to enjoy the show Rental. The LEINWC hosted our annual as Captain Glenn Cooper Stargazing Cruise aboard the Miller steered the ferry boat away Ferry, the Pig Roast, Wild Tuesdays, and from the storm. We made a for the first time a “Plein Air” Art event new plan to dock at the Lime on our back porch. Proceeds from these Kiln dock; Chip Duggan came events benefited the Lake Erie Islands to the rescue with the bus to Nature & Wildlife Center’s Building transport everyone back to Addition. downtown! Although we did not escape without getting rained on, everyone had an amazing time. A special thanks to performances of favorite songs, and new Heineman songs about our Lake Erie. There was a Winery for donating silent auction with a variety of unique wine. Delicious hors island prizes such as: a trip for two to d’oeuvres were donat- Rattlesnake Island, Ferry Passes, a bi- ed by Frosty Bar and plane ride, a five-course dinner for eight Cameo Pizza. Thanks at a local restaurant, and hand-crafted art to deck hands: Don work. The proceeds from this event went Massey, Doug towards the Building Addition Fund for Wilhelm, and Captain more space at the Wildlife Center so we Glenn Cooper. can better carry out our mission educating

The 4th Annual Miller Boat youths and adults about the unique A special Wild ecology of the islands. Line Stargazing Cruise was a Tuesday successful adventure. On program, Monday August 6, 2018, the Snakes, was ferry cruise left from the down- presented by Dr. town Miller Boat Line dock at Kristin Stanford Put-in-Bay about sunset. The and Sue Bixler stars were not what lit up the from OSU’s sky this evening… instead we Stone were able to watch a remarkable Laboratory. storm move closer to the islands Kristin was at as we made our way towards the Nature North Bass Island. Cleveland Center with the State University instructor and Lake Erie astronomer, Jay Reynolds, Watersnake and engaged with the guests sharing other native information about the storm’s snakes to teach

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The following businesses generously donated Frosty Bar discounts for Island Green Week activities. http://frostys.com Please support them during your visit to Put- Cameo Pizza in-Bay, Middle Bass Island, Gibraltar Island, http://pitinbaycameopizza.com and Kelleys Island! Topsy Turveys https://topsyturveys.com Ohio’s Lake Erie Shores & Islands Goat Soup & Whiskey http://www.shoresandislands.com http://www.soupandwhiskey.com Park Hotel The Forge https://www.parkhotelpib.com http://theforgepib.com Miller Boat Line Put-in-Bay Brewery https://www.millerferry.com http://www.putinbaybrewery.com Put-in-Bay Chamber of Commerce http://www.visitputinbay.com The last IGW event that was a fundraiser The Boardwalk http://the-boardwalk.com for our building addition fund was an In- Ohio State University’s Stone troduction to Painting with watercolors. Laboratory Celeste Mykoskie, an experienced island https://stonelab.osu.edu artist and art teacher, first got everyone Island Bike Rental relaxed with a string painting exercise, http://www.ibrcarts.com/public/ then led the participants through the fun bike_cart_rental stages of painting with watercolors. By Put-in-Bay Gazette the end of each session everyone had sev- [email protected] eral pieces of artwork to take home. We Put-in-Bay Historical Society http://www.leihs.org had a small turnout: two aspiring young Jet Express artists in the first session and three people https://jet-express.com in the second (one child and two adults). E’s Golf Cart Everyone enjoyed the experience and the https:// artwork produced was most impressive. www.esputinbaygolfcarts.com We plan to repeat the event next year so Ohio State Parks you can join us. http://parks.ohiodnr.gov Wildlife Volunteers Cathey Webber Teagan Kowalski (pictured with her Lisa Brohl cousin) Peggy and Jon Leopold Brad Titchener Sue Prahst Wildlife Maintenance Jenna Prahst Scott Pugh Amy Huston Richard Gump Renee Market Mark Nemec Kate Ptak

Sponsors & Donors Deborah Ranieri Nework for Good Ray & Marsha Collett Josh & Christy Noble Claire Gavin Bob Cummings Your support is invaluable Eleonora Grmek Lenore Frederick Dorn Foundation to us. Thank you for believ- Eric & Kelly Halterman John & Janet Bergan ing in our mission. Rick Price NATURE CAMP FUND Jeanne Burgess Sue Duff Joe & Jill Janicki Eric & Kelly Halterman BLACK SQUIRREL Valerie Chornyak Maureen St. John Amy Huston Barb Chrysler Wayne & Cathy Weber Andrea & Mark Skoglund Lisa Brohl Bella Kleinfelter Nancy Tanner Rebecca & Brian Hann Kit Knaser Will Leightey Joy Cooper Rick Price Ashton Clark L.E. WATERSNAKE Eleonora Grmek Tina Rogers Teagan Kowalski Joe & Jill Janicki Sue Duff Kroger Joe & Jill Janicki Suzanne Kostura Marty Faris MONARCH BUTTERFLY Aaron Schroeder Alan VanDootingh Margaret Pristas Donald & Jill Hubbard Greg & Amy Harrison Valerie Chornyak Janice Williams OTHER DONATIONS Roberta Scarpelli Walmart Foundation John & Dianne Demer Ferry Passenger Simona & Nick Michael GENERAL FUND BUILDING FUND Nancy Tanner Ray & Marsha Collett Alan & Stacey Clink (honoring Joe & Jill Janicki Frances Titchner & Mark Lisa & Rod Ramsey Cox marriage) Janice Williams Damen

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Adopting & Fostering Animals at the Wildlife Center The Lake Erie Islands Nature and Wildlife beyond the present building to serve those needs. Center (LEINWC) has been fundraising for Due to past fundraising efforts, we were recently able to additional space at the Nature Center building on build a back porch that has been a great resource for the center. Meechen Road. This year we were given a challenge grant of $60,000.00 More display space is needed to help the LEINWC grow and have been busy trying to raise funds to match the into a true nature center featuring more lively interactive challenge. So far, our efforts we have raised over displays as well as space for a storage area, and a library. $22,000.00 but the match offer will run out this December The LEINWC Board’s plans are to add 20 more feet 31st.

WE HAVE THREE EASY WAYS TO HELP ONE Adopt or Foster a Wildlife Center Animal Display This would be a great present for Christmas, Birthdays, etc. The animals in our Center are divided into three levels (see chart below). Visit the Center or our website lakeerieislandswildlife.com for a complete list of the animals available for adoption or foster care. Your name will be displayed with your chosen animal on a plaque, you will receive a nice certificate, and in- formation about the animal. PLEASE NOTE: Until 12/31/2018 all categories are half price to take advantage of the matching funds challenge. ADOPTING VS FOSTERING AN ANIMAL ADOPTION FOSTER Animals are the displays that have a connection with Animals are the displays that do NOT have a connection Ohio. An animal that is adopted is a lifetime relationship. with Ohio. These animals are “fostered” for a set number The adoption plaque will be permanently placed with the of years that is defined when you foster that animal. Like animal. fostering children or pets, you know that the one you are fostering may be placed in a permanent home.

Level 3 Foster animals are a 10 year commitment Level 2 Foster animals are a 5 year commitment Level 1 Foster animals are a 3 year commitment

LEVEL ONE ($1,000.00) LEVEL TWO ($2,000.00) LEVEL THREE ($5,000.00)

LYNX BLACK BEAR TIMBER WOLF

RACCOON 2 BOBCATS STONE SHEEP

SWAN ELK SHOULDER MOUNTAIN LION

Come out to our center or send an email to us at [email protected] to choose the animal you want to adopt or foster. Wildlife Wish List -New Computer -Screens for our new covered back porch -New Printer -Cleaning at the Wildlife Center during the busy -Wildlife Center Manager season

Mary Ann Meyers Mary Kay Cosmetics Arbor Inn B&B 817Westshore Blvd. PO 316 A Quiet Couples Retreat Put-in-Bay, OH 43456 419-285-2306 H:419.285.8485 C:614.565.6601 www.arborinnpib.com www.marykay.com/flexibleflyers YARDWORKS, INC First Island Son B&B 140 Mikes Dr 419.285.4448 Put In Bay, OH 43456 Firstislandson.com (419) 285-2147 6

TWO SQUARE METER OF LEINWC GROUNDS You will receive a designated piece of the island for a $50.00 donation Your deed of ownership can be passed on for generations

Come visit us at the Wildlife Center Email us at [email protected] or mail to: PO Box 871, Put-in-Bay, OH, 43456

THREE TRADITIONAL DONATION No minimum amount, no maximum amount No muss, no fuss; your check or cash will help us build our addition.

Thank you for considering these opportunities to help us build the addition to our Center. Your generous donation will also help the Lake Erie Islands Nature and Wildlife Center grow into a more versatile nature center serving the residents and visitors to our Islands.

Donation Forms Please detach the form below and mail in with preferred payment ———————————————————————————————————————————————————

_____ Adopt-an-Animal program Please send me more information on _____Level I Animals _____Level II Animals _____Level III Animals

_____Square Meter(s) Please fill out contact information below

In addition, I would like to donate to: Nature Camp Fund I would like to contribute $ ______to the Lake Erie Islands Nature & Wildlife Center, to be used only for expenses and equipment related to the Nature Camp Program.

Building Addition Fund I would like to donate $______to help build an addition to the Lake Erie Islands Nature & Wildlife Center.

Please make checks payable to (LEINWC) Lake Erie Islands Nature & Wildlife Center Name: ______Address: ______City, State, Zip:______Telephone: ______E-Mail: ______

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Lakeerieislandswildlife.com 419.285.3037 255 Meechen Road PO BOX 871 Put-in-Bay, OH 43456

Adopt a Monarch Butterfly Support Wildlife and The Wildlife Center! Adopt a monarch butterfly as they migrate over 2,000 miles to Mexico for the winter. The funding goes toward the Lake Erie Islands Nature & Wildlife Center to benefit monarchs and other wildlife. You will receive a nice certificate and a picture of your tagged butterfly. You can follow your butterfly journey on Monarchwatch.org. Contact us 419.285.3037 or [email protected] for more information.

This year was one of the largest monarch butterfly migrations witnessed in a long time on the Lake Erie Islands!

We will have a full report of the migration posted on our website.

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