2023 Impact Report
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4 | Our 2023 Impact
Indicators Prove
a Job Well Done
Flying squirrels are often used as
indicator species for healthy forests
due to their need for large mature
forests that are able to provide
adequate food and shelter.
NIGHT SQUIRRELS
The southern flying squirrel (Glaucomys volans) is the
most abundant squirrel in Ohio, but their reclusive,
nocturnal activities allow them to fly under most people’s
radar. While not true flyers, these small squirrels glide
through the understory of mature forests at night,
foraging for seeds, fruit, insects, and even songbird eggs
to fuel their speedy metabolisms. Because they are so
nocturnal, most people never see them.
Both northern (G. sabrinus) and southern flying squirrels
are often used as indicator species for healthy, deciduous
forests with high tree diversity. Because flying squirrels
need large trees in which to nest, and because they rely
on gliding from tree to tree to move around and find food,
they need large, mature forests to provide sufcient food
and shelter. Thus, their continued presence is a great
indicator that our forests are diverse and healthy, and this
suggests our land management practices are efective.
FORGING A CONNECTION TO INSPIRE CONSERVATION
An important part of our mission of Inspiring
Conservation is helping people develop an emotional
connection to wildlife and wild places. But it’s hard to fall
in love with something that you never actually see. This is
why we created a program that allows our visitors to see
flying squirrels in their natural environment.
Family Flying Squirrel Watch is an evening program
that takes participants on a short hike to an of-trail
observation area where flying squirrels descend
from the canopy to visit customized feeders. Flying
squirrel houses provide supplemental nesting spots
for these wild conservation ambassadors. A strategic,
interdepartmental collaboration between our Public
Programs and Conservation departments, Family Flying
Squirrel Watch is a testament to the Nature Center’s
commitment to providing personal experiences in nature
that inspire conservation.
ADDITIONAL WILDLIFE SIGHTINGS
Flying squirrels weren’t the only critters we were excited
to see on our property in 2023. Our staf also spotted
minks, turkeys, spotted salamanders, cricket frogs,
woodcocks, and much more! Most notable, we were
thrilled to witness the following:
• Great blue herons returned to the rookery at Long
Branch Farm & Trails for the 4th year in a row
• We also had a pair of visiting bald eagles at Long
Branch Farm & Trails
• A beaver began building a dam at Rowe Woods
• A bobcat was recorded on one of our trail cameras
• A barn owl was spotted at our Native Plant Nursery
at Long Branch Farm & Trails
We’re dedicated to protecting this biodiversity so
individuals can continue to enjoy the wonders of nature
both on our properties and through our immersive
programs, now and for generations to come.
Scan the QR code to view exclusive
footage from our trail cameras!
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