@naturalistjames.bsky.social
🦴🦋 During our Paleontology in the Park event, volunteer Mia Shotwell spotted & snapped this butterfly on our canopy!
Looks like a monarch, right? 👀 Not quite—it’s a Viceroy!
✨ Monarch = bigger, brighter orange, no black line
✨ Viceroy = smaller + black line on hindwings
Looks like a monarch, right? 👀 Not quite—it’s a Viceroy!
✨ Monarch = bigger, brighter orange, no black line
✨ Viceroy = smaller + black line on hindwings
September 8, 2025 at 2:55 PM
🦴🦋 During our Paleontology in the Park event, volunteer Mia Shotwell spotted & snapped this butterfly on our canopy!
Looks like a monarch, right? 👀 Not quite—it’s a Viceroy!
✨ Monarch = bigger, brighter orange, no black line
✨ Viceroy = smaller + black line on hindwings
Looks like a monarch, right? 👀 Not quite—it’s a Viceroy!
✨ Monarch = bigger, brighter orange, no black line
✨ Viceroy = smaller + black line on hindwings
Prairie magic near Greencamp! 🌸🦋 Naturalist James has been finding incredible nature discoveries at the Trella Romine Prairie. #nativeplabts #PrairieLife
September 4, 2025 at 7:17 PM
Prairie magic near Greencamp! 🌸🦋 Naturalist James has been finding incredible nature discoveries at the Trella Romine Prairie. #nativeplabts #PrairieLife
🌸 Today’s Wildflower Wonder: Joe-Pye Weed!
Named after a Native healer who used it to treat fevers, this tall wetland beauty is a pollinator magnet 🦋🐝—loved by monarchs & swallowtails.
📸 Thanks to Naturalist James Anderson for these shots from Beaver Wildlife Area!
#nativeplants #plants
Named after a Native healer who used it to treat fevers, this tall wetland beauty is a pollinator magnet 🦋🐝—loved by monarchs & swallowtails.
📸 Thanks to Naturalist James Anderson for these shots from Beaver Wildlife Area!
#nativeplants #plants
August 21, 2025 at 1:09 PM
🌸 Today’s Wildflower Wonder: Joe-Pye Weed!
Named after a Native healer who used it to treat fevers, this tall wetland beauty is a pollinator magnet 🦋🐝—loved by monarchs & swallowtails.
📸 Thanks to Naturalist James Anderson for these shots from Beaver Wildlife Area!
#nativeplants #plants
Named after a Native healer who used it to treat fevers, this tall wetland beauty is a pollinator magnet 🦋🐝—loved by monarchs & swallowtails.
📸 Thanks to Naturalist James Anderson for these shots from Beaver Wildlife Area!
#nativeplants #plants
🦋 You wouldn’t think butterflies fight… but in nature it’s all about survival! 🌼 Monarchs & Swallowtails will chase & spar over nectar, defending their favorite flowers.
📸 Thanks to Amy Holloway for capturing this Monarch vs. Black Swallowtail showdown!
#Butterflies #NatureFacts
📸 Thanks to Amy Holloway for capturing this Monarch vs. Black Swallowtail showdown!
#Butterflies #NatureFacts
August 18, 2025 at 2:17 PM
🦋 You wouldn’t think butterflies fight… but in nature it’s all about survival! 🌼 Monarchs & Swallowtails will chase & spar over nectar, defending their favorite flowers.
📸 Thanks to Amy Holloway for capturing this Monarch vs. Black Swallowtail showdown!
#Butterflies #NatureFacts
📸 Thanks to Amy Holloway for capturing this Monarch vs. Black Swallowtail showdown!
#Butterflies #NatureFacts
Garlic mustard thought it could stay... not on my watch.
#Meme #invasivespecies #naturehumor #nature
#Meme #MemeCut
#Meme #invasivespecies #naturehumor #nature
#Meme #MemeCut
August 18, 2025 at 11:45 AM
Garlic mustard thought it could stay... not on my watch.
#Meme #invasivespecies #naturehumor #nature
#Meme #MemeCut
#Meme #invasivespecies #naturehumor #nature
#Meme #MemeCut
🌾 Wildflower Wonders 🌾
Prairie Blazing Star (Liatris pycnostachya) 💜
A pollinator magnet attracting monarchs, bees, & goldfinches! 🌸
Native Americans used its roots for teas to soothe ailments & treat bites.
Thrives in sunny prairies, improves soil, & stands tall in Ohio summers.
#NativePlants
Prairie Blazing Star (Liatris pycnostachya) 💜
A pollinator magnet attracting monarchs, bees, & goldfinches! 🌸
Native Americans used its roots for teas to soothe ailments & treat bites.
Thrives in sunny prairies, improves soil, & stands tall in Ohio summers.
#NativePlants
August 11, 2025 at 3:00 PM
🌾 Wildflower Wonders 🌾
Prairie Blazing Star (Liatris pycnostachya) 💜
A pollinator magnet attracting monarchs, bees, & goldfinches! 🌸
Native Americans used its roots for teas to soothe ailments & treat bites.
Thrives in sunny prairies, improves soil, & stands tall in Ohio summers.
#NativePlants
Prairie Blazing Star (Liatris pycnostachya) 💜
A pollinator magnet attracting monarchs, bees, & goldfinches! 🌸
Native Americans used its roots for teas to soothe ailments & treat bites.
Thrives in sunny prairies, improves soil, & stands tall in Ohio summers.
#NativePlants
🌼 Kicking off our Wildflower Wonders of Marion County series with Culver’s Root (Veronicastrum virginicum)! A pollinator magnet with medicinal history used by Native Americans & settlers. 📸: Naturalist James @ Yoder Prairie, OSU Marion.
#WildflowerWonders #NativePlants #OhioPrairie
#WildflowerWonders #NativePlants #OhioPrairie
August 2, 2025 at 10:31 AM
🌼 Kicking off our Wildflower Wonders of Marion County series with Culver’s Root (Veronicastrum virginicum)! A pollinator magnet with medicinal history used by Native Americans & settlers. 📸: Naturalist James @ Yoder Prairie, OSU Marion.
#WildflowerWonders #NativePlants #OhioPrairie
#WildflowerWonders #NativePlants #OhioPrairie
🌾 Prairie Plant Spotlight: Prairie Dock (Silphium terebinthinaceum)!
With huge leaves & tall yellow blooms, this native beauty thrives in tough conditions. Native Americans once chewed its resin like gum & used roots medicinally.
📸: Thanks to Naturalist James at Yoder Prairie!
#nativeplants
With huge leaves & tall yellow blooms, this native beauty thrives in tough conditions. Native Americans once chewed its resin like gum & used roots medicinally.
📸: Thanks to Naturalist James at Yoder Prairie!
#nativeplants
August 1, 2025 at 11:42 AM
🌾 Prairie Plant Spotlight: Prairie Dock (Silphium terebinthinaceum)!
With huge leaves & tall yellow blooms, this native beauty thrives in tough conditions. Native Americans once chewed its resin like gum & used roots medicinally.
📸: Thanks to Naturalist James at Yoder Prairie!
#nativeplants
With huge leaves & tall yellow blooms, this native beauty thrives in tough conditions. Native Americans once chewed its resin like gum & used roots medicinally.
📸: Thanks to Naturalist James at Yoder Prairie!
#nativeplants
Look at these adorable Red Fox pups—and their watchful parent—captured by Lola Pryor in Marion County! Fox pups stay with their parents for 4–5 months, learning to hunt and survive. For their safety, we won’t share the location.
#OhioWildlife #RedFox
#OhioWildlife #RedFox
May 5, 2025 at 1:33 PM
Look at these adorable Red Fox pups—and their watchful parent—captured by Lola Pryor in Marion County! Fox pups stay with their parents for 4–5 months, learning to hunt and survive. For their safety, we won’t share the location.
#OhioWildlife #RedFox
#OhioWildlife #RedFox
There’s a lot happening in your Marion County Parks—especially out at the Marion Tallgrass Trail. It’s almost like the Force is strong out there lately. May the 4th be with you! (Because let’s be honest… who doesn’t love Star Wars?) #maythefourthbewuthyou #starwars
May 4, 2025 at 9:30 PM
There’s a lot happening in your Marion County Parks—especially out at the Marion Tallgrass Trail. It’s almost like the Force is strong out there lately. May the 4th be with you! (Because let’s be honest… who doesn’t love Star Wars?) #maythefourthbewuthyou #starwars
Naturalist James Anderson spotted a Barred Owl while scouting for spring wildflowers in a Marion County park!
These owls call “Who cooks for you?” and can be active during the day. You never know what you’ll see when you #GoOutAndExploreYourMarionCountyParks! #Nature #Owls
These owls call “Who cooks for you?” and can be active during the day. You never know what you’ll see when you #GoOutAndExploreYourMarionCountyParks! #Nature #Owls
April 29, 2025 at 11:30 AM
Naturalist James Anderson spotted a Barred Owl while scouting for spring wildflowers in a Marion County park!
These owls call “Who cooks for you?” and can be active during the day. You never know what you’ll see when you #GoOutAndExploreYourMarionCountyParks! #Nature #Owls
These owls call “Who cooks for you?” and can be active during the day. You never know what you’ll see when you #GoOutAndExploreYourMarionCountyParks! #Nature #Owls
Spring has arrived — and so has Bloodroot!
This early bloomer gets its name from the bright red sap in its roots.
Its flowers only last a day or two, and ants help spread its seeds!
Thanks to Lola Pryor for this beautiful photo from Terradise Nature Preserve! #Wildflowers #OhioNature #nativeplants
This early bloomer gets its name from the bright red sap in its roots.
Its flowers only last a day or two, and ants help spread its seeds!
Thanks to Lola Pryor for this beautiful photo from Terradise Nature Preserve! #Wildflowers #OhioNature #nativeplants
April 26, 2025 at 9:21 PM
Spring has arrived — and so has Bloodroot!
This early bloomer gets its name from the bright red sap in its roots.
Its flowers only last a day or two, and ants help spread its seeds!
Thanks to Lola Pryor for this beautiful photo from Terradise Nature Preserve! #Wildflowers #OhioNature #nativeplants
This early bloomer gets its name from the bright red sap in its roots.
Its flowers only last a day or two, and ants help spread its seeds!
Thanks to Lola Pryor for this beautiful photo from Terradise Nature Preserve! #Wildflowers #OhioNature #nativeplants
Check this out! Our former naturalist intern, Emily Kauble, snapped some absolutely stunning nature photos out at the Marion Tallgrass Trail!
April 25, 2025 at 10:50 PM
Check this out! Our former naturalist intern, Emily Kauble, snapped some absolutely stunning nature photos out at the Marion Tallgrass Trail!
Virginia Bluebells are blooming along the Marion Tallgrass Trail—from Riley Rd to Clark Rd—and at Terradise Nature Preserve! These beauties start pink, turn blue, and bloom for just a few weeks. Thanks to Naturalist James for the stunning pics from his ride! #wildflower #nativeplants
April 18, 2025 at 12:14 PM
Virginia Bluebells are blooming along the Marion Tallgrass Trail—from Riley Rd to Clark Rd—and at Terradise Nature Preserve! These beauties start pink, turn blue, and bloom for just a few weeks. Thanks to Naturalist James for the stunning pics from his ride! #wildflower #nativeplants
American White Pelicans spotted at Big Island Wildlife Area!
Check out their 9-ft wingspans & that funky knob on their bill—it only appears during breeding season!
Awesome shots by Lola Pryor.
#AmericanWhitePelican #BirdsOfOhio #PelicanMigration #m#OhioBirding #NaturePhotography
Check out their 9-ft wingspans & that funky knob on their bill—it only appears during breeding season!
Awesome shots by Lola Pryor.
#AmericanWhitePelican #BirdsOfOhio #PelicanMigration #m#OhioBirding #NaturePhotography
April 15, 2025 at 6:27 PM
American White Pelicans spotted at Big Island Wildlife Area!
Check out their 9-ft wingspans & that funky knob on their bill—it only appears during breeding season!
Awesome shots by Lola Pryor.
#AmericanWhitePelican #BirdsOfOhio #PelicanMigration #m#OhioBirding #NaturePhotography
Check out their 9-ft wingspans & that funky knob on their bill—it only appears during breeding season!
Awesome shots by Lola Pryor.
#AmericanWhitePelican #BirdsOfOhio #PelicanMigration #m#OhioBirding #NaturePhotography
Dutchman’s Breeches are blooming along the Marion Tallgrass Trail! These quirky spring ephemerals look like tiny pants on a clothesline. Keep an eye out for their cousin, Squirrel Corn, too!
Photo: Dan Sheridan
#OhioWildflowers #MarionTallgrassTrail #SpringEphemerals #NativePlants #GetOutside
Photo: Dan Sheridan
#OhioWildflowers #MarionTallgrassTrail #SpringEphemerals #NativePlants #GetOutside
April 14, 2025 at 9:15 PM
Dutchman’s Breeches are blooming along the Marion Tallgrass Trail! These quirky spring ephemerals look like tiny pants on a clothesline. Keep an eye out for their cousin, Squirrel Corn, too!
Photo: Dan Sheridan
#OhioWildflowers #MarionTallgrassTrail #SpringEphemerals #NativePlants #GetOutside
Photo: Dan Sheridan
#OhioWildflowers #MarionTallgrassTrail #SpringEphemerals #NativePlants #GetOutside
Bullfrogs are back!
American bullfrogs are emerging from hibernation in Marion County—listen for their deep “jug-o-rum” calls in wetlands and ponds.
Thanks to Dan Hudnell for this great pic from the Marion Tallgrass Trail!
American bullfrogs are emerging from hibernation in Marion County—listen for their deep “jug-o-rum” calls in wetlands and ponds.
Thanks to Dan Hudnell for this great pic from the Marion Tallgrass Trail!
April 4, 2025 at 10:40 PM
Bullfrogs are back!
American bullfrogs are emerging from hibernation in Marion County—listen for their deep “jug-o-rum” calls in wetlands and ponds.
Thanks to Dan Hudnell for this great pic from the Marion Tallgrass Trail!
American bullfrogs are emerging from hibernation in Marion County—listen for their deep “jug-o-rum” calls in wetlands and ponds.
Thanks to Dan Hudnell for this great pic from the Marion Tallgrass Trail!
Spotted at Marion Tallgrass Trail! 🏞️ The Green Darner Dragonfly—a dazzling, long-distance migrant—can fly up to 35 mph and helps control mosquitoes! 🦟 Keep an eye out for these aerial acrobats on your next visit.
📸: Thanks to Dan Hudnell for the amazing shot!
#nature #Dragonfly #wildlife
📸: Thanks to Dan Hudnell for the amazing shot!
#nature #Dragonfly #wildlife
March 30, 2025 at 11:52 AM
Spotted at Marion Tallgrass Trail! 🏞️ The Green Darner Dragonfly—a dazzling, long-distance migrant—can fly up to 35 mph and helps control mosquitoes! 🦟 Keep an eye out for these aerial acrobats on your next visit.
📸: Thanks to Dan Hudnell for the amazing shot!
#nature #Dragonfly #wildlife
📸: Thanks to Dan Hudnell for the amazing shot!
#nature #Dragonfly #wildlife
Looks like this mallard pair decided to get a YMCA membership—probably for the unlimited pool access! Big thanks to Jonathan Welch Jr. for snapping this quack-tastic moment at the Marion YMCA. Maybe we should start charging them for a day pass?
March 16, 2025 at 1:44 PM
Looks like this mallard pair decided to get a YMCA membership—probably for the unlimited pool access! Big thanks to Jonathan Welch Jr. for snapping this quack-tastic moment at the Marion YMCA. Maybe we should start charging them for a day pass?
An Unforgettable Encounter on the Trail!
During her hike along the Marion Tallgrass Trail, Abbey Cline experienced a breathtaking moment—a majestic Bald Eagle soared right over her!
#birds #birdsofprey #nature #wildlife
During her hike along the Marion Tallgrass Trail, Abbey Cline experienced a breathtaking moment—a majestic Bald Eagle soared right over her!
#birds #birdsofprey #nature #wildlife
March 13, 2025 at 12:55 PM
An Unforgettable Encounter on the Trail!
During her hike along the Marion Tallgrass Trail, Abbey Cline experienced a breathtaking moment—a majestic Bald Eagle soared right over her!
#birds #birdsofprey #nature #wildlife
During her hike along the Marion Tallgrass Trail, Abbey Cline experienced a breathtaking moment—a majestic Bald Eagle soared right over her!
#birds #birdsofprey #nature #wildlife
Why Do Juvenile Bald Eagles Hang Out in Groups? 🦅
Young eagles form “eagle gangs” to sharpen hunting skills, scavenge, and stay safe. It’s all part of growing up!
📸 Huge thanks to Marijane Brown for capturing these shots at Big Island Wildlife Area!
#BaldEagle #WildlifePhotography #BirdsOfPrey
Young eagles form “eagle gangs” to sharpen hunting skills, scavenge, and stay safe. It’s all part of growing up!
📸 Huge thanks to Marijane Brown for capturing these shots at Big Island Wildlife Area!
#BaldEagle #WildlifePhotography #BirdsOfPrey
March 12, 2025 at 1:09 PM
Why Do Juvenile Bald Eagles Hang Out in Groups? 🦅
Young eagles form “eagle gangs” to sharpen hunting skills, scavenge, and stay safe. It’s all part of growing up!
📸 Huge thanks to Marijane Brown for capturing these shots at Big Island Wildlife Area!
#BaldEagle #WildlifePhotography #BirdsOfPrey
Young eagles form “eagle gangs” to sharpen hunting skills, scavenge, and stay safe. It’s all part of growing up!
📸 Huge thanks to Marijane Brown for capturing these shots at Big Island Wildlife Area!
#BaldEagle #WildlifePhotography #BirdsOfPrey
Yesterday, I took a scenic stroll along the far end of the Marion Tallgrass Trail, starting at the Riley Road tunnel and continuing to the Hardin County line. #GoOutAndExploreYourMarionCountyParks #nature #wildlife
March 11, 2025 at 2:02 PM
Yesterday, I took a scenic stroll along the far end of the Marion Tallgrass Trail, starting at the Riley Road tunnel and continuing to the Hardin County line. #GoOutAndExploreYourMarionCountyParks #nature #wildlife