Greetings, everyone. It has been quite a year, and I will be grateful to say goodbye to 2025. Some of you know that we lost Mr. Van to cancer on September 16. His bladder cancer returned late last year, and although he underwent immunotherapy, the treatments led to complications and ultimately had to be stopped. We were able to bring him home, and with the support of Bella Care Hospice — who were truly extraordinary — he was surrounded with comfort and compassion. Those of you who have experienced hospice care understand just how special these caregivers are. We cannot say enough about their kindness.
Ohio Nature Education would not exist without Jim. He supported our family so I could pursue this dream, and he provided the financial foundation that allowed ONE to grow. He was my biggest cheerleader and never missed a chance to tell me how proud he was of what we accomplished together. I often think of myself as the helium balloon, full of ideas and floating upward — and Jim was the steady anchor that kept me grounded.
We were married for 42 years and spent so much of that time laughing. He put up with a great deal, living in what we lovingly call a “wildlife household,” and he did so with patience, humor, and love.
In closing, I want to acknowledge the people — the friends, neighbors, and community members — who showed up in so many ways. The ones who let the dogs out, delivered meals, donated to the meal train, mowed the lawn, called to check in, sent cards, and texted. I used to feel uncomfortable around those who were grieving because I never knew what to say. Now I can tell you from the other side: even the smallest gesture matters. A simple text or card means the world.
And to answer the question many have asked — yes, Ohio Nature Education will continue. I have no plans to retire. We have 50 wild animals who depend on this place to be their home for the rest of their lives, and we still have much more educating to do. So onward we go, as we enter our 29th year.
New Enclosures & New Animals
Just like any other property, there is always something that needs to be repaired or replaced — and that is certainly true here at ONE. We are continually working to improve the lives of the animals in our care. This spring, Ali, the Virginia opossum, received a new enclosure, thanks to the generosity of Jeannette and Charles Wallschlaeger. The new space includes both indoor and outdoor areas, giving her more freedom and comfort. Some of the shutters can even be opened or closed depending on the weather, ensuring she stays safe and cozy year-round.
New Bird Aviary
As I write this, our volunteers are putting the finishing touches on a new 32-foot building that will be divided into four mews. These enclosures will be essential during the winter months for species that require supplemental heat, such as the Peregrine, Barn Owl, and Vultures. The design includes a sheltered, wind-protected area equipped for either heat lamps or heat panels, ensuring the birds stay warm and safe through the cold season.
We will share updates and photos on our Facebook page as the project continues to take shape. Our deepest thanks go to everyone who donated and especially to Jay and Yvonne Rine for their generous support.
New Acquisitions
In July, Tara and I traveled to Nashville to meet up with our friends from Freedom Ranch Wildlife Center in Mississippi. That’s where we picked up our Black Vulture, Barnabas (yes — as in Barnabas Collins). Previously known as “Big Tuna,” he had been found in a neighborhood with part of his wing missing and was being fed canned tuna.
Barnabas is now settling in beautifully. He has begun training and has proven to be quite the conversationalist — he spends much of his time “chatting” with his neighbor, Peri, our Perigrine Falcon.
Meet Olivia
In June, the Ohio Division of Wildlife contacted us about a young Virginia opossum that had been rescued in West Virginia and transported across state lines. We gladly welcomed her and named her Olivia. She has joined Vanessa and Ali in representing their species and helping us spread the word about just how amazing opossums truly are!
Happy Retirement!
Finally, Brutus & Otus, our Eastern screech owls, have been retired! Now, you can expect to see the following at our outreach programs:
All four of these Eastern screech owls come from different wildlife rehabilitation centers across the country and are non-releasable. If you are missing Brutus and Otus, they are spending winter at Deer Haven Park, which is part of our ongoing partnership with Preservation Parks of Delaware County. Brutus and Otus, along with three Great horned owls and two Barred owls, get to live in incredible enclosures, receive OOHs and AAHs, and are told how beautiful they are. It’s a tough job, but someone has to do it.
Our thanks to PPDC leadership for their ongoing partnership and to Liz and the animal care volunteers for providing excellent care to our birds.
Program & Display Volunteers
Due to Jim’s illness and my broken hip, I was unable to carry out some of the programs scheduled for summer and fall. However, our volunteers stepped up once more and did a fantastic job representing Ohio Nature Education! Expect to see more of them in the upcoming year.
Volunteer & Internship Opportunities
We are always looking for dedicated volunteers to help with daily animal care, enrichment activities, and support for programs and displays. No prior experience is necessary — we provide full training. In addition, we welcome volunteers with skills in construction, website management, audio-visual support, and technology. If you have time and talent to share, we would love to hear from you. Your involvement helps us continue our mission and provide the highest level of care for the animals who call ONE home.
By the numbers 2025
Number of programs: 136
Number of attendees: 6,963
Number of counties: 12
What YOU are supporting!
When you donate to ONE, you are not only helping us educate the next generation of naturalists, biologists, and conservationists — you are helping us share how to make a positive difference for wildlife, and you are providing a lifelong home for the animals in our care.
Your support helps us care for:
4 American Kestrels ● 2 Turkey Vultures ● 1 Black Vulture ● 9 Southern Flying Squirrels ● 1 Barn Owl ● 1 Peregrine Falcon ● 3 Virginia Opossums ● 2 Striped Skunks ● 3 Red-tailed Hawks ● 2 Red-shouldered Hawks ● 3 Great Horned Owls ● 2 Barred Owls ● 1 Eurasian Eagle Owl ● 6 Eastern Screech Owls ● 4 Big Brown Bats ● 1 Evening Bat ● 4 Eastern Box Turtles ● 3 Non-native Snakes ● 2 Tarantulas
Thank you for making their care possible.
As always, Wild Birds Unlimited in Westerville will be holding their annual Holiday Raffle to support our mission. You can purchase live mealworms, peanuts in the shell, Screech Owl and American kestrel nest boxes, all on our behalf, at any WBU store. We extend our heartfelt thanks to Larry & Julie Baldwin, Deb Bateman & Kim Campbell, Chris Sheley, and the entire team and customers who continue to support our small non-profit.