Public Programs at the Edge

Cincinnati Museum Center’s Edge of Appalachia (EOA) introduces a new series of natural history workshops—Advanced Naturalist Workshops. These workshops teach the identification and ecological relationships of Ohio flora and fauna and are part of EOA’s EDGEe Project (Evaluating Diversity—Growing Earth Educators).

The EDGEe Project interfaces scientific study and survey with education. Through field and classroom experiences, participants are given the tools and training to assist in EOA’s effort to evaluate the preserve’s biological diversity and in turn share this knowledge with others.

The preserve views this project as an Ohio “back to earth” movement. With the distractions of the modern age, we too often lose sight and distance ourselves from the natural world. These workshops are designed to bring people back to nature by teaching identification and appreciation for the enormous variety of organisms in Ohio. Graduates of these workshops are termed “Earth educators.” Educators are charged with sharing their knowledge with others to excite and promote protection of Ohio’s remaining natural areas—backyards and beyond!

The workshops are open to all skill levels though naturalists, science educators, natural area managers and others in the natural sciences will find them especially beneficial.

Workshops take place at the 14,000-acre Richard & Lucile Durrell Edge of Appalachia Preserve in Adams County, Ohio. Graduate credits for educators are available through the University of Cincinnati. There is a maximum of 12 participants for each workshop.

May 8-10, 2009

Earthworms

Dr. Sam James, Research Associate, Kansas University Natural History Museum and Biodiversity Research Center

Be a part of history with this first ever look at earthworm diversity at the preserve. Very little knowledge currently exists for earthworm distribution in Ohio and the last known publication is Henry Olson’s The Earthworms of Ohio (1928). It’s known that introduced worms from Europe dominate glaciated areas and that un-glaciated areas with alkaline soils are best for native worm diversity. The preserve is south of the glacial boundary so there’s great interest to see whether native worms still exist. Dr. James is a world authority on worm taxonomy and the perfect person to lead this workshop. The emphasis will be identification but information on ecology and life history will also be presented. Over 100 species are known from North America and twenty-four species are recorded for Ohio. How many can we identify at the preserve?

May 22-24, 2009

Flower Flies (Syrphids)

Dr. F. Christian Thompson, Research Entomologist (retired), USDA Systematic Entomology Laboratory and Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History

While bees receive all the press for their pollination services, flower flies go overlooked and under appreciated. They are pollinators of major significance and many are exceptionally beautiful and their life histories amazing. They are common visitors to flowers for mating sites and energy sources. Syrphids are the masters of Batesian mimicry, many having striking resemblances to stinging bees and wasps. Their larvae are diverse in habits. Many are important predators of pests, such as aphids, scales, thrips, and caterpillars. Some are specialized predators in ant colonies and the nests of bumble bees and wasps. Many are aquatic filter-feeders (rat-tailed maggots). Others breed in sap fluxes and the wood of trees. A few are leaf-miners, stem-borers or bulb pests. Dr. Thompson is the world authority on the Syrphids, so don’t miss this unique chance to study this unusual and fascinating group of insects with the expert.

September 18-20, 2009

Freshwater Mussels (Naiads)

Dr. Thomas Watters, Curator of the Mollusc Division of the Museum of Zoology, Ohio State University

Freshwater mussels have some of the most fascinating life histories on earth, yet so few people know or appreciate these creatures. Decidedly one of the most imperiled groups of organisms on earth, freshwater mussels are literally the “canaries in the coal mine” for the state of water quality in Ohio and beyond. Learn about their intimate association with fish and water quality and how some use amazing lures to attract fish to host their young. Dr. Tom Watters is the recognized mussel expert in Ohio and author of the soon to be released A Guide to the Freshwater Mussels of Ohio. He is the perfect person to lead us through identification and life history of Ohio’s freshwater mussels.

October 2-4, 2009

Mushrooms

Dr. Michael Kuo, Illinois, Creator of MushroomExpert.Com

Researchers are just beginning to unravel the importance of fungus in our natural systems. The Deciduous Forest Biome is intimately linked to underground mycorrhizal fungal communities for nutrient uptake and cycling, yet very few biologists or naturalists can put a name to the fungal fruiting bodies--or mushrooms. This workshop will be an introduction to mushroom identification and ecology. Use morphology, smell, spore characteristics and taste to recognize the major mushroom families and genera. Scientific keys and field surveys will be used to try your hand with species recognition. Dr. Kuo is an English teacher in Illinois and an amateur mycologist. He is the author of Morels (2005), and 100 Edible Mushrooms (2007), and is currently co-writing 100 Cool Mushrooms for the University of Michigan Press.

November 6-8, 2009

Mosses

Dr. Barbara Andreas, Professor, Kent State University

Step into the Lilliputian world of the Bryophytes with this introduction to moss identification and ecology. Mosses are often ignored by naturalists, or dismissed as being “too hard” to identify. This workshop will work to dispel this notion by teaching participants how to systematically identify this amazing group of organisms with scientific keys. It can be done! Naturalists and biologists alike will find that the ever-present mosses can provide year round study and interpretive opportunities. Adams County boast the third highest moss diversity in the state with 184 of the 405 species recorded for Ohio, so there’s no finer place to begin your journey into moss identification. Microscopes and hand lens will be the norm for this workshop. Fear not the unknown and come ready to explore a world that will simply amaze you with its beauty and intricate detail.