LIMA, Ohio (WLIO) — Some young learners got the chance to explore owls birds during the Johnny Appleseed Metropolitan Park District’s “Nature Pals” program.
Owls are one of Mother Nature’s natural pest controllers, but they are rarely seen in action. Ohio is home to more than half a dozen owl species, including great horned, long-eared, and snowy owls, which are primarily nocturnal hunters.
“Another thing you can do to help owls is not poison mice and rats, because when you poison mice and rats, owls eat mice and rats, so you're poisoning owls too,” said Marie Walton, a naturalist with JAMPD. “That's one of the leading causes of death for owls. So don't poison rats and mice. Keep your cats indoors and turn out your lights. That's how you can help owls and be a friend to them.”
The Nature Pals program is designed for children ages 3 to 5 and offers a fun, educational atmosphere. Participants engage in hands-on activities, take nature hikes, and socialize to develop skills needed for school.
Some young learners got the chance to explore owls birds during the Johnny Appleseed Metropolitan Park District’s “Nature Pals” program.
“They love the different activities they can do. We get to do things with different animals, and they get to explore the different centers that they have. They love the cutting, the projects. They love the animals,” said Melissa Selhorst of Rocket Ready Pre-School.
Families can learn more about the Nature Pals program on the Johnny Appleseed Metro Park District’s website.
