Late spring nature walk at the Bluffton University Nature Preserve

[Steven J Baskauf]

Join Dr. Jacob Buchanan on a late spring nature walk. We expect to find
a variety of flowering plants, insects, and resident summer birds. Come
learn about the plants and wildlife in our nature preserve. No
experience needed, and all ages are welcome.

Meet at the Moyer Nature Center within the Bluffton University Nature
Preserve on Augsburger Road.

Thursday, May 29 at 6:00-7:00 pm
Friday, May 30 at 6:00-7:00 pm
Saturday, May 31 at 10:00-11:00 am

For more information, contact Dr. Buchanan at buch...@bluffton.edu

[Steven J Baskauf]

This is a reminder that the late spring nature walk is coming up at the
end of this week. Below is the original email with the dates and times.
As always, you can see the details of upcoming events at
https://friendsofbnp.github.io/

[Steven J Baskauf]

Three events have been scheduled at the Nature Preserve from now through August. The details are below:

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Gardening with Native Plants

Join Dr. Jacob Buchanan to learn about the benefits of native plants and how to grow them. We will take a tour of the new Bluffton Food Forest, and all attendees will take home a free milkweed plant. Meet at the house at the end of the stone road in the nature preserve (continue driving past the parking lot by the Moyer Nature Center).

Wednesday, June 25 at 6:00-7:00 pm

Saturday, June 28 at 10:00-11:00 am

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Removing Invasive Shrubs

Join Dr. Jacob Buchanan to learn about three invasive shrubs: autumn olive, bush honeysuckle, and privet. Gain hands on experience while helping control these invasive species in the nature preserve. No experience needed. Meet at the Moyer Nature Center.

Thursday, July 24 at 6:00-8:00 pm

Saturday, July 26 at 9:00-11:00 am

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Moth Survey 

 

Join Dr. Jacob Buchanan and Tim Kleman, Program Specialist with the Hancock Park District, as we record various species of moths. Moths are the members of the order Lepidoptera that are not butterflies, and most of which are nocturnal. Adult moths are important pollinators for native plants, and their larvae (caterpillars) are a key food source for nesting birds. We will find moths using light traps and sugar bait traps.

No experience is needed. Please arrive at the Moyer Nature Center by 9:00 pm. Dress appropriately for the weather. A flashlight or other portable light source is recommended. A fully charged smartphone with the iNaturalist app downloaded is strongly encouraged. Bluffton University students in attendance will earn Arts and Lecture Credit.

Saturday, August 23 from 9:00 pm to 11:59 pm.

----------------

[Steven J Baskauf]

This is a reminder that the native plants gardening program will be
taking place this week on Wednesday (June 25) and Saturday (June 28).
See below for details:

Join Dr. Jacob Buchanan to learn about the benefits of native plants and
how to grow them. We will take a tour of the new Bluffton Food Forest,
and all attendees will take home a free milkweed plant. Meet at the
house at the end of the stone road in the nature preserve (continue
driving past the parking lot by the Moyer Nature Center).

Wednesday, June 25 at 6:00-7:00 pm

Saturday, June 28 at 10:00-11:00 am

[Steven J Baskauf]

An update from Dr. Buchanan:

I have decided to cancel the Gardening with Native Plants event scheduled for today (June 25 at 6:00 pm). There will be thunderstorms in the area this afternoon, including during the scheduled time. The second date for this event is Saturday, June 28 at 10:00-11:00 am. The weather that morning looks clear for now. I hope to see you all on Saturday!

[Steven J Baskauf]

Don't forget that there will be a moth survey event this Saturday
evening (August 23) at 9:00 PM at the Moyer Nature Center in the
Bluffton Nature Preserve. For more details, see the event page at
https://friendsofbnp.github.io/posts/moths-survey/

[Steven J Baskauf]

2nd Annual Bluffton-Findlay Bioblitz

Help us document as many living organisms as possible at these important nature preserves!

Species ID skills are helpful but not required. Join us for a day in nature and contribute to a citizen-science program.

This program is for all ages. Participants will use Seek by iNaturalist on their mobile devices to identify and record species.

Date: Saturday, September 27

Schedule:

9:00 am - 10:00 am Bluffton University Nature Preserve

10:30 am - 12:30 pm Rieck Center for Habitat Studies

Hosted by Bluffton University and The University of Findlay

For more information, contact Dr. Jacob Buchanan at buch...@bluffton.edu

[Steven J Baskauf]

Nature Walk with Dr. Jacob Buchanan

Explore the Bluffton University Nature Preserve with Dr. Jacob Buchanan.
Learn about the many species right in our backyard and what latest
projects have been taking place at the preserve. Meet at the Moyer
Nature Center in the Bluffton University Nature Preserve.

Time: Saturday, October 4 from 3:00 to 4:30 p.m.

[Steven J Baskauf]

Invasive Species Removal: Teasel

Help us remove this invasive species from our prairie. Hand pruners, gloves, and bags will be provided.

Meet at the south entrance of the Bluffton University Nature Preserve on Augsburger Rd.

Tuesday, 7 October 2025 at 4:00-6:00 pm

No experience required.

All are welcome to attend.

Students will earn Arts & Lecture credit for one hour of work.

For more information, contact Dr. Jacob Buchanan, Bluffton University at buch...@bluffton.edu

[Steven J Baskauf]

Due to probable stormy weather, the teasel removal event scheduled for today has been cancelled.

[Steven J Baskauf]

The teasel removal event that was cancelled has been rescheduled for Tuesday, October 21. Other aspects of the event remain the same (see below). Hope to see you there!

On 9/29/25 8:12 AM, Steven J Baskauf wrote:

Invasive Species Removal: Teasel

Help us remove this invasive species from our prairie. Hand pruners, gloves, and bags will be provided.

Meet at the south entrance of the Bluffton University Nature Preserve on Augsburger Rd.

Tuesday, 21 October 2025 at 4:00-6:00 pm