Ashland to host Naturalist on Duty events

Ashland University will offer two more Naturalist on Duty events on Sept. 10 and Oct. 8, allowing community members to visit its Environmental Studies Center and learn more about their local environment.

“In September, weather permitting, Professor Merrill Tawse will demonstrate the how’s and why’s of bird banding,” Ashland Associate Professor of Biology Patricia Saunders said. “Professor Tawse is a master bander, a status that follows a rigorous training and certification process via the North American Bird Banding Program at Patuxent Wildlife Research Center.”

The October event will teach participants about observation and natural histories for insect groups that thrive in the fall. Both events will be free and are open to the public. They are run informally on a come-when-you-can basis.

“You also will have an opportunity to see the Environmental Studies Center’s new wetlands classroom, complete with bathrooms, and learn a little more about this eco-friendly building,” Saunders said. “The boardwalk, observation tower, and most of all, the beauty and diversity of the Black Fork Wetlands will guarantee that you see something different every single time you come out.”