Branches of Support. Community of Support Across Generations CONNECTED 50% 33% 17%

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1 Winter 2016 CONNECTED Community of Support Across Generations Our great Lake Erie is a resource that provides opportunities for exploration, enjoyment, education and tools for survival. It is accessible and free for everyone s use. It is broad and deep and its impact is lasting. For 70 years now, just across Huntington Reservation, Lake Erie Nature & Science Center has taken inspiration from its namesake. Everyday, generation after generation, the Center is encouraging people with hands on science. Young children hike into the woods to see what they can discover with binoculars. Teenagers spend weekends learning the specifics of a hare s diet. Scouts gather under the stars in the planetarium to learn about NASA s latest mission. And an injured falcon is brought in for life-saving care and release. Over 132,000 people enjoyed these services and programs last year in addition to taking advantage of the free admission each and every day. Our broad reach connects us with surrounding communities of families and preschoolers, school groups, scouting organizations, community members concerned about injured wildlife and more. The depth of our impact is astounding as demonstrated by former students who make a visit to the Center a priority after moving to other chapters in their lives. The impact is lasting. What began 70 years ago as an inspired vision for a children s nature center has become a community jewel now serving the fourth generation of children and families. And, just as the lake will be, so will we be here for at least another 70 years. With your support and involvement, we will continue to offer engaging programs, quality exhibits, wildlife expertise and exciting space science programs for generations to come. Branches of Support Contributed Income Foundation grants, individual contributions, annual fund, corporate sponsorships 17% Other revenue in-kind support 50% 33% Earned Revenue program and class fees, memberships, endowment NATURALLY CONNECTED LAKE ERIE NATURE & SCIENCE CENTER 1

2 Wild Pals Program Takes Flight The Wild Pals animal adoption program was launched with great excitement in May Through the generous support of donors, this program helps to offset the costs of medical care, food and maintenance for the animals on exhibit and used in educational programming. Wild Pals provides a refreshed offering of the previous adopt an animal program, focusing on native wildlife and providing increased educational content for supporters. The Center s exhibits, educational experiences and rehabilitation program all focus on wildlife that is native to northeast Ohio, says Executive Director Catherine Timko. We felt that it was important our animal adoption program shared this focus. As a result, eighteen native species such as bald eagle, great horned owl, eastern fox snake and waterfowl are available for adoption. Advancements were also made in increasing the educational component presented to donors. Education is our mission and the Wild Pals program Beginning Birders provided us with another outlet to be able to further this work, says Timko. All Wild Pals adopters receive a certificate and photograph of the animal. They also receive a fact sheet that is full of valuable information on the animal they ve chosen to support. These fact sheets were created by wildlife staff and include interesting and edifying information about diet, habitat, geographic range, breeding habits and more. Contributions made to Wild Pals allow staff to continue their exemplary care of the animals on exhibit at the Center. More information about the Wild Pals program can be found through our website, The Wild Pals fact sheet on the snowshoe hare explains differences between hares and rabbits. Students in the Porter Creek Classroom are enjoying two new members of their class. Male and female Rose-breasted Grosbeaks have been introduced to the children. When they first took up residence, the young male fledgling had brown and white feathers. Students have recently observed the more distinctive black, white and red plumage of a mature adult male. Lake Erie Nature & Science Center is supported in part by the residents of Cuyahoga County through a public grant from Cuyahoga Arts & Culture. Kiwanis Supports with Skills Thanks to members of the Bay Village Kiwanis, the outdoor turtle rehabilitation exhibit was renovated. Generous Kiwanians donated the time, effort and materials needed to replace the weathered exhibit with repurposed logs. We are grateful for the effort put forth to help us with this project, says Director of Wildlife Amy LeMonds. The refurbishment of the display allows the turtles increased access to the outdoors. LeMonds explains, The sun s beneficial UV rays are required for the animals to have healthy shells. Women s Board The Center s Women s Board is a volunteer organization that supports the mission of Lake Erie Nature & Science Center through service, leadership, community awareness and fundraising. Started in 1954 by six women, it has grown in numbers and now includes women of all ages, skills, experiences and talents. Those interested in becoming a member are invited to contact (440) x201. LeMonds (far left) and a camper are thankful to the Bay Village Kiwanis. Also pictured here are President Kelly Applegate Baon and work crew chief Foster McMasters. 2 NATURALLY CONNECTED LAKE ERIE NATURE & SCIENCE CENTER

3 Balanced Partnership; Balanced Ecosystem Building on an existing partnership, Lake Erie Nature & Science Center and Ohio Sea Grant have worked together to create one of the Center s newest exhibits. The display uses invasive species to communicate the importance of a balanced ecosystem. Invasive species are organisms plants, animals, fungus or pathogens that have been introduced into an area outside their native range and cause, or are likely to cause, disruption to the native ecosystem. The resulting imbalance can have environmental, economic and social implications. The new exhibit at the Center allows visitors to learn to identify animals that are not native to the Lake Erie watershed and provides education on how to prevent their spread or new introductions. Additionally, the exhibit educates visitors on the outcomes of introducing unwanted pets into a nonnative environment. Zebra mussels, quagga mussels and Round Goby are currently being showcased at the Center as examples of invasive organisms which are not native to our Lake Erie waters. Zebra and quagga mussels remove important phytoplankton (plant plankton) and small zooplankton (animal plankton) Round Goby from our ecosystem and can also foul the bottoms of boats and clog intake pipes. Round Goby compete with many of our native fishes for both food and habitat and are known predators of the eggs and small fry of Smallmouth Bass. Examples of these species, along with several others native to Lake Erie, have been acquired through Ohio Sea Grant s Aquatic Visitors Center (AVC). Like the Center, the AVC is a free, public educational facility that brings history, fishing information and hands-on activities to the public. Stationed on South Bass Island, science cruises and research expeditions enable frequent access to Lake Erie organisms which are shared with Lake Erie Nature & Science Center. We have been glad to assist the Center with obtaining examples of both native and invasive species found within Lake Erie to help educate the public beyond the walls of the AVC, says Dr. Kristin Stanford, Education and Outreach Coordinator for Ohio Sea Grant and Stone Laboratory. Educators with both organizations look forward to utilizing this exhibit to educate the public about the importance of a balanced ecosystem. Our Mission Lake Erie Nature & Science Center educates and inspires each of us to understand, appreciate and take responsibility for our natural universe. We do this through our expansive wildlife rehabilitation program, an exciting public access planetarium and hands-on educational programming in a beautiful park setting near the shores of Lake Erie. Understanding the Preschooler s Perspective The early childhood teachers at Lake Erie Nature & Science Center work alongside children ages birth through six to provide animal encounters, nature explorations, planetarium shows, stories, crafts and more. They are helping to foster social, physical and academic skill development. We have amazing students in our programs, notes Preschool Coordinator Teece Lester. We want to work with these children and their families to help provide more tools and resources, allowing everyone to thrive. With this in mind, Lester designed Understanding the Preschooler s Perspective. This program provides a forum where parents could learn, ask questions and explore specific challenges. Lester partnered with Dr. Meghan Barlow, a pediatric psychologist who led the presentation and discussion for the first two programs. Over 100 parents attended each of the programs. The first, in March 2015, explored topics such as normal behavior and milestones for young children. The second session in October 2015 focused on obstacles around eating, sleeping and elimination. Parents left feeling they were more informed, supported and certainly not alone in the challenges they are facing, reflected Lester. A similar program is planned for early Dr. Barlow has trained and worked at Denison University, Kent State University and the Cleveland Clinic. NATURALLY CONNECTED LAKE ERIE NATURE & SCIENCE CENTER 3

4 Valued Volunteers Clockwise from bottom left: White-winged Scoter, Red-breasted Merganser, Redhead, Horned Grebe is prepared for release Wicked Winters Impact Waterfowl and Community Northeast Ohio is known for its challenging winter weather including freezing temperatures and lake effect snow. This was exceptionally true in the two most recent cold seasons. As winter settled in both 2014 and 2015, great numbers of people became aware of the challenges the harsh elements posed to local waterfowl. Particularly impacted were pelagic birds, those that live primarily in water and come on land only to nest such as grebes, mergansers and scaup. Concerned members of the community began bringing injured and distressed birds to Lake Erie Nature & Science Center. Each animal underwent an intake and assessment to guide treatment. The most important part of this process, however, didn t involve the animal at all according to Wildlife Rehabilitation Specialist Tim Jasinski. Each time an animal comes in the door, we have an opportunity to educate the public. A vital part of our job is answering questions and providing information. With as many as 130 animals coming in over a 10 week timespan, expert staff made the time to meet with each individual who brought in an animal. A vital part of our job is answering questions and providing information. Once admitted, waterfowl benefited from two large rehabilitation tanks. When the wildlife rehabilitation facility was completely renovated and expanded in 2012, the project included these tanks that were custom-created for pelagic birds. With adjustable layout and variable water levels, they allow birds to recover or maintain their strength, avoid injuries they can acquire if not housed correctly, preserve their natural fish-eating diet and retain their waterproofing. We were extremely pleased that had such a strong impact during these extreme seasons, says Director of Wildlife Amy LeMonds. We work each day to be a resource to both the people and wildlife in this community. Nearly 300 people donate their time and expertise to Lake Erie Nature & Science Center each year. As Executive Director Catherine Timko acknowledged at a recent volunteer recognition event, The hard work of these individuals is seen in every child who discovers something of beauty and value in nature, every family member whose appreciation and interest in science is deepened, every animal whose life is saved and every species of wildlife whose life is more deeply respected. Those interested in volunteering are invited to visit Several volunteers have contributed over 500 hours of service in one calendar year. Thanks to the Moon and Back Students from a recent field trip thanked Planetarium Specialist Katy Accetta for sharing her love of space science with them. NATURALLY CONNECTED LAKE ERIE NATURE & SCIENCE CENTER 4

5 SkyQuest Offers Perspective SkyQuest, a planetarium program designed for an adult audience, offers some perspective on our place in the Universe. With different monthly concentrations, the hour-long program keeps guests informed and up to date in the field of astronomy. That isn t the only perspective it provides. SkyQuest begins in the recently transformed Walter R. Schuele Planetarium. Expert staff lead guests on journeys using The Fleming Family Projection System, moving from Earth to far reaches of the galaxy. The program concludes with a shift in perspective as the audience heads outdoors. Guests enjoy learning more about what is happening in the current night s sky and make use of telescopes to enhance the view they see from their backyard. Katy Accetta, Planetarium Specialist Supporting the Center There are many ways to support Lake Erie Nature & Science Center. Annual gifts to support general operations, gifts for special projects, legacy gifts, inkind donations and Wild Pals are a few examples. Gifts of all sizes and types are greatly appreciated! To make a donation or discuss your gift-giving options, please call Pictured left to right are Sue Clark, Emma Gutierrez, Stacy Grossman and Mike Clark Passion and Service Mark Two Scholarship Recipients Two local students were recognized for both their service to the Center and their future potential. Stacy Grossman and Emma Gutierrez were recently awarded the William and Shirley Snider Family Scholarship. Scholarship recipients are required to have a strong academic record and to have completed 100 hours of service at Lake Erie Nature & Science Center over a twelve month period. They also must have been accepted to an institution of higher learning to pursue a degree in a course of study that will contribute to and further the mission of the Center. Stacy, a graduate of Saint Joseph Academy, will study Environmental Science at Hiram College. When younger, Stacy brought an injured squirrel to the Center and dreamed of becoming part of the mission. My dream came true! She says, I volunteered for about four years and I m unbelievably grateful. I learned so much and the people I ve met are so dedicated and passionate. Emma, a graduate of Bay Village High School, will study Conservation Biology at SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry. I was able to find passion for nature through the Center early on and that has helped to define my entire life, she says. I may never have realized that passion without my involvement at the nature center. Shirley and William Snider worked closely with Elberta Fleming in the Center s earliest days. Their daughter and son-in-law, Sue and Mike Clark, continue to support the Center through volunteer work and the funding of this scholarship. On-line Options Are Well Received Supporters, members and program participants are all making use of the Center s new online options. Launched in October 2014, the program has made donations, memberships, program registration and more available through the website and increased convenience and accessibility. NATURALLY CONNECTED LAKE ERIE NATURE & SCIENCE CENTER 5

6 Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Cleveland, OH PeRmit No Wolf Road Bay Village, OH Peregrine Exhibit Educates on Many Levels The new Peregrine Falcon exhibit at Lake Erie Nature & Science Center is popular because it allows guests a rare look at an impressive bird. The fastest animal in the world, the Peregrine can be difficult to get a good look at in the wild. In flight it can reach speeds up to 70 miles per hour and when in a stoop (dive) they have been known to reach speeds of 200 miles per hour. In the twentieth century, the pesticide DDT was used on farmlands and worked its way into the Peregrine s food chain. Exposure to large amounts was deadly to adults and the chemical caused thinning of their egg shells which prevented the successful growth and development of offspring. Their numbers began to drop drastically and Peregrine Falcons were almost entirely eradicated. Fortunately, in the 1970s the use of DDT was banned. That, in conjunction with captive breeding and reintroduction efforts, has helped the species recover. They were removed from the state of Ohio s threatened and endangered list in The Peregrine Falcon at Lake Erie Nature & Science Center educates about the bird, communicates the strength of a species that has recovered from neareradication and imparts the power of the community to come together and protect our wildlife. Peregrine Falcon at Lake Erie Nature & Science Center NATURALLY CONNECTED LAKE ERIE NATURE & SCIENCE CENTER 6