Ohio Nature Education
4782 Riley Road
Johnstown, OH 43031
740.967.8320
Additional Information
In addition to the programs we offer, we are happy to work with you in putting together special events and programs. We can create environmental fairs, week long themes, all-day field trips for schools, as well as help Scouts come up with service work or give ideas for Gold Awards and Eagle projects.
Bats in the Belfry? If a bat gets in the house, give us a call. We can help!
Instructional Advisors We act as advisors to teachers on different programs that can be implemented at schools such as outdoor learning centers which can include bird feeding areas, butterfly gardens, and the studies that complement these projects.
Ohio Nature Education's primary mission is environmental education. Conducting more than 300 programs annually in addition to providing quality care for our education animals is a large endeavor. However, we do particiapte in wildlife rehabilitation on a small scale by assisting the St. Francis Center in Mansfield, Ohio.
ONE personally rehabilitates around 50 animals annually. Our education animals sometimes act as foster parents for orphaned wildlife. If you find an injured animal or need advice on whether you need to intervene on behalf of a wild animal please e-mail or call (740) 967-8320. You may also contact Cyndi Murray at the St. Francis Center at (419) 886-2254.
Mrs. Manon Van Schoyck has represented Ohio Nature Education at our school the past six years. The second grade teachers and students have invited ONE back each year for its outstanding nocturnal animal program. We have found Mrs. Van, as we call her, and her creatures to be valuable resources. She is extremely knowledgable about Ohio's nocturnal habitat and wildlife, and she offers an entertaining and educational opportunity to our students.
Our students and teachers have benefited tremendously from the experience ONE provides. In addition, Mrs. Van is an able and motivated educator and leader. She is very personable and warm with the children and staff.
-Celisa Finley, Second Grade Team Leader, New Albany Elementary School
The ONE program is wonderful. Presentations are made in an interesting way that entertains and educates both children and adults. Because the ONE programs allow children to see the live wild animals and hear about their individual lives, the children take a personal interest in the animals and show respect for the animal and its habitat in the wild. Because these animals are found in Ohio, the program is that more meaningful to the children.
The ONE programs are affordable and the staff is easy to work with and very accommodating. The presentations are kid friendly and management of a group (we've had up to 50) of children for a presentation is never an issue.
Children are encouraged to ask questions. Answers show knowledge and ability to relate the answer to something with which the child is already familiar.
In all the years we've worked with ONE, we have never had an unsatisfactory experience. I highly recommend ONE as a program to acquaint children with Ohio's wildlife.
-Aileen L. Blyth, Director - Outdoor Programs, Seal of Ohio Council, Girl Scouts
During the Ohio State Fair, I manage an 8-acre park for the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. For the last five years, Manon has been a vital part of the program schedule offered within the Natural Resources Park. The park's amphitheater seats up to 500 visitors and the Ohio Nature Education presentation always fills those seats. Manon is a professional, providing well-thought presentations that include both live animals and natural materials, such as animal skins, skulls, nets, etc. She interacts with the audience, getting them to participate and have fun while learning about Ohio's wildlife. As an example of this interaction, Manon explains how nocturnal animals have adapted physical characteristics to improve their chances of survival. To illustrate this point, a volunteer from the audience is dressed with over-sized ears for good hearing, provided big eyes for improved eye sight in dim light, given a large nose allowing for highly sensitized scent detection, etc.
In addition to providing quality programming, Manon is as reliable as she is innovative: always on time and able to adapt to any given situation.
-Laura Jones, ODNR Marketing Manager
It is with great pleasure that I recommend The Ohio Nature Education program. This program has been a continued component of my teaching for the past eight years. A mutual friend of the Audobon Society first recommended Manon and her nature program to me. Little did I know how valuable this recommendation would be!
The Ohio Nature Education has played a valuable role in my animal science units. Manon and her repertoire of wildlife bring both interest and a plethora of knowledge to the classroom in a unique and fascinating approach. I have changed districts, buildings and grade levels throughout these past eight years. However, the Ohio Nature Education program has such a wide variety of programs that it easily fits into each new animal science inquiry. Manon's keen knowledge of children of all age levels and her high interest program are perfect for large or small groups.
Recently, Manon visted my second grade to do a small group presentation. She had also been scheduled to do a large group presentation that same afternoon with the entire elementary school (K-6) at our weekly town meeting. With ease, Manon quickly transitioned from a small group setting to the large group presentation. The second program held my second graders' interest as she demonstrated new teaching tools, new information and new teaching techniques all the while managing to connect what she had previously discussed. She is clearly unflappable!
It is quite obvious to see Manon's dedication to and love of her animals. Her demeanor brings excitement to any learning environment. Her program is interactive and student centered. She is simply extraordinary, and you would be quite fortunate to have her be a part of your program.
-Diana Pryor, 2nd Grade Teacher, Cassingham Elementary, Bexley City Schools
How do you do it? Everytime I see one of your programs I think, "wow." I left the program "All My Garden Friends Are Wild" and was amazed. Not only was your program interesting, it was fun, entertaining and completely captivating. Manon, you could have talked for another hour and ever lost my attention! What a truly great program.
Through your giving spirit and volunteerism, you have assisted the Licking County Master Gardeners in becoming one of thetop Master Gardener programs in the State. We have a tremendous reputation of having a quality program, and "Gardening: The Great Escape" reinforced it...We had wonderful comments from our attendees. It was a success.
-Julie Huprich, Mater Gardener Coordinator
Take a look at some of our newsletters from the past and present. Each document will open in a new window.
Copyright ©2003-08 David J. Francis