Ohio Nature Education

from The Energy Cooperative Times - May & June 2020

Kids Day Wins Award

By Gary Baker, Director of Marketing & Public Relations

Ohio Nature Education recently started offering virtual programs for their customers. Director Manon VanSchoyck shares, “We are so excited to conduct our first virtual program for Columbus College of Art and Design, plus we are developing virtual programs for school districts, libraries and others.”

Ohio Nature Education provides a home for permanently injured wild animals. As a private, non-profit, volunteer organization, Ohio Nature Education cares for animals and incorporates them into creative and interactive education programs for people of all ages. Based in Johnstown, they share their animals with a wide variety of groups such as schools, Scout troops, garden clubs, senior centers, metro parks, and community centers. The programs feature many visuals such as study skins and pelts and interaction with our audience. They utilize different formats while providing entertainment and education for groups of virtually any size and age range.

VanSchoyck founded Ohio Nature Education in 1997, and remains the executive director today. She is a strong collaborator with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources and the Division of Wildlife. Manon is also a frequent presenter on wildlife education at the Natural Resources Park during the Ohio State Fair. Her passion for Ohio’s wildlife and her outreach efforts have had a significant, positive impact in educating and influencing the next generation of conservationists and wildlife enthusiasts.

For several years, Ohio Nature Education have participated in The Energy Cooperative’s Earth & Energy and Kids Day events. Additionally, Ohio Nature Education has also received several grants from The Energy Cooperative’s Operation Round Up Foundation to help support their mission. We consider Ohio Nature Education a valuable community partner and look forward to having them at our events in the future.

Meet the animals

Tank, is one of our turtles that was removed from his home and cannot be returned to prevent spread of disease. Most box turtles spend their entire lives -- which can exceed 100 years -- within 250 yards of the nests where they were born. If removed from its home territory, it will make every effort to return.

Marselle, an opossom whose mother was hit by a car while she was in her pouch. As a result, Marselle suffered permanent damage that made her a poor candidate for release.

Falco, the kestrel was caught by a cat and suffered permanent tendon and nerve damage.

Hiboux, which is French for Owl, is a small male great horned owl. Hiboux was infected with the West Nile Virus in the summer of 2002. Even though he was fortunate to survive the virus, he suffers permanent partial paralysis of his left wing.