Nature Education
Dublin parks have much to offer. Whether you’re in the mood for sports, walking a dog, enjoying a woodland walk, or splashing along the Scioto River you can enjoy it in Dublin. Dublin is rich with park diversity, boasting 1400 acres of land, 17 community parks, and 35 neighborhood parks. Your family might challenge themselves to see how many of the 38 playgrounds you can visit in a year; or which of the 41 ponds has the largest fish. Perhaps you can discover one of the scenic bike routes along all 90 plus miles of bike path. Regardless of how you enjoy the outside world, it’s obvious that there’s richness in Dublin.
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Living Near Skunks doesn't have to Stink
Many people are surprised to see – or at least smell – skunks in February.
However, the month of Valentine’s Day isn’t just a time for humans to fall in love. Many creatures mate this time of year, including foxes, coyotes, owls and skunks.
“Most of these animals go unnoticed,” said Mimi Migliore, City of Dublin Nature Education Coordinator. “Skunks, though, command attention with their bold color pattern and sulfurous spray, a defense intended to keep them safe from predators.”
“Skunks often live close to humans, and conflict often arises due to their great defense mechanism and attraction to food and shelter people unwittingly provide...”
Although not true hibernators, skunks store fat and sleep through many cold winter days in dens that are often tunneled along rock walls and under decks and sheds.
Skunks also use woodchuck and fox holes, where several females may live together for warmth. Males lead more solitary lives, but during mating season these polygamous creatures may visit several female den sites.
“Skunks often live close to humans, and conflict often arises due to their great defense mechanism and attraction to food and shelter people unwittingly provide,” Migliore said. “Skunks also see our pets, both cats and dogs, as predators. However, there are things humans can do to deter skunks from their property and keep their pets from being sprayed.”
First, warn skunks when a pet is coming their way. Step outside before your pet does and make noise. Stomping your feet and turning your a porch light on and off are great ways to warn critters and give them a chance to leave the area.
“If you know a skunk is in your area, monitor your pet closely,” Migliore said. “Using a leash this time of year might seem like extra work, but it’s better to be inconvenienced by having to step outside with a pet than it is to worry about skunk musk in your home!”
Migliore said skunks are attracted to places humans live for a reason. One of the best ways to prevent skunks on a property is to make changes to discourage them.
Skirting around decks, crawl spaces and sheds can deter wildlife from using these warm, dry spaces. Make sure recycling containers and trash can lids are secure and pick up any uneaten food from your property.
“Limiting the amount of bird food placed in feeders can also be helpful,” she said. “Feed birds early in the day and place just enough food for daylight hours. Anything that falls to the ground or is left over becomes a fast-food drive-through for all wildlife, including skunks.”
Finally, try to remember the skunk’s beneficial place in the environment. Because they consume many agricultural pest, including countless insects and small rodents, skunks help balance our ecosystem.
For more helpful tips visit contact Míme Migliore at 614-410-4700.
City Urges Residents to get their Home Habitat Certified
The City of Dublin is encouraging residents to join efforts towards becoming a National Wildlife Federation (NWF) Certified Community.
In order to obtain the certification several city parks, businesses and at least 150 homeowners must be certified. The NWF has specific standards that applicants must follow in order to have a certified habitat.
“We would love to have more than the 150 homes certified to obtain our community habitat certification from the National Wildlife Foundation,” Nature Education Coordinator Míme Migliore said. “Not only does the project bring us together as a community but it promotes the City’s overall efforts to ensure environmental sustainability.”
The application includes property design, food and water sources, places for cover, places to raise young and sustainable gardening practices for wildlife such as butterflies and hummingbirds.
“The application is relatively simple to fill out. Once you meet the requirements, your home is habitat certified and we come even closer to our goal,” Migliore said. “We’re hoping that through the certification process our residents come to understand our entire community’s health can help animals such as butterflies and migratory birds.”
There are several benefits of having a certified wildlife habitat:
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Enjoyment of watching butterflies and birds that will visit your property
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Curb appeal
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Restore habitats that have been damaged by residential or commercial construction
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Eco-friendly
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Become involved in the community
For more information, you can visit www.nwf.org or to download the application, visit http://www.nwf.org/backyardwildlifehabitat/pdfs/bwhapplication.pdf or call 614-410-4700.
Ohio Nature Education at the Miles-Longwell Memorial Estate
A partnership between Ohio Nature Education, Liberty Township, and the Miles-Longwell Memorial Estate. View the brochure.