Welcome to a symphony of insects, amphibians, and birds orchestrated by mother nature.

 As you look out on the pond from the docks, be prepared to get close and personal with many different organisms making sounds and splashes in the water. We invite you to sit quietly and awaken your senses.

During the warmer seasons, you will hear a strange chorus of frog calls. Green frogs are going to have the loudest call among the pool inhabitants. You can distinguish this species from the rest because they sound remarkably similar to someone plucking the strings of a banjo. You may also see them sticking their heads above the water surface, or jumping into the pond if they are startled by your presence. 

listen to the green frog

Bullfrogs also like to hang out in this habitat. The American bullfrog is one of the most recognizable frogs, as well as the biggest.

listen to the American bullfrog

Frogs and toads make themselves known with their loud calling, but salamanders are voiceless and shy. They often go unnoticed, but there are more salamanders in North America than in the rest of the world together. They prefer to spend their daylight hours hiding beneath rocks or in other moist places. They move about during breeding season and some congregate in masses, but only for a brief time. Some have elaborate courting rituals. (Ref: Amphibians of Ohio field guide. Division of Wildlife)

Check our events page starting around Mid-March for a chance to see these creatures migrate to the vernal pools and ponds to breed and lay eggs.  

Now, look up to the sky. 

You may see several red-winged blackbirds. They can be recognized by their unique red stripe that follows the length of their wings, or the loud shrill they use to communicate. 

listen to the red-winged blackbird

Another eye-catching bird that likes to frequent the area is the Red-bellied Woodpecker. Their strikingly barred backs and gleaming red caps make them an unforgettable sight. Surprisingly, they can stick out their tongue nearly 2 inches past the end of their beak. The tongue tip is barbed and the bird’s spit is sticky, making it easier to snatch prey from deep crevices. Learn the Red-bellied's rolling call and you’ll notice these birds everywhere.

listen to the red-bellied woodpecker

(Ref: allaboutbirds.org)