Events

THE JOURNEY OF A LIFETIME!
12-Day Biblical Tour of Israel

Visit the land of Israel Oct 11-22, 2010 with Pastor Bob Fetterhoff of the Wooster Grace Brethren Church. This 12-day Biblical tour is the most comprehensive and educational all-Israel tour including Upper Galilee in northern Israel to the Wilderness of Zin in the south. It also features unusual visits to places like Joppa, Ein Karem, Temple Treasure Institute and the ancient walled city of Acco. The cost of $4399 p/person from Cleveland includes airfare, first class hotels, buffet breakfasts and dinners daily, taxes and tips. Early Bird registration credit of $100 with $500 deposit by April 11th. For information, call (330) 264-9459, ext. 220, or email: info@woostergrace.org

Wayne County Planning Dept.
Clean Ohio AEPP Program

Applications for the 2010 Clean Ohio Agricultural Easement Purchase Program (AEPP) are open and available in the Wayne County Planning Department or online at www.agri.ohio.gov/farmland.

This year there will be $6.25 million to distribute to Ohio Farmers to protect their farmland. Farmland preservation efforts ensure that agriculture remains a viable industry in our state. Farmland is the foundation of Ohio's $98 billion food and agriculture industry and the Clean Ohio funds, which were supported by voters in every Ohio county in 2008, are one tool for protecting Ohio's agricultural future. The Clean Ohio AEPP utilizes the agricultural easement, a voluntary and legally binding restriction placed on a farm, to ensure the land stays in agriculutre. This easement limits the use of the land to predominantly agricultural activity. The land still remains under private ownership and management and stays on the tax rolls under Current Agricultural Use Valuation (CAUV) and the farm can be sold or passed along as a gift to others at any time, yet the restriction prohibiting non-agricultural development stays with the land.
Farmer's and landowners interested in applying for this year's OAEPP should contact the Wayne County Planning Department at 330-287-5420.

Applications must reach the Ohio Department of Agriculture by April 26. The Wayne County deadline for submitted applications is April 19.

Join The Wilderness Center for an adventure in nature with our EcoTours!

Spring Ozark Ramble
May 14-24, 2010
Join TWC Executive Director, Gordon Maupin, as he returns to his old Ozark stomping grounds with a biogeocultural ramble through the Ozark highlands of Missouri and Arkansas.

David Tylka, a vertebrate biology professor from St. Louis Community College, will join the trip as the local naturalist. Gordon and Dave worked together to make the itinerary unforgettable.

The trips will begin with a flight to St. Louis and quick travel to Ha Ha Tonka State Park in the Missouri Ozarks. The group then heads south with a stop at La Petite Gemme Prairie, a Missouri Natural Area and native (never plowed) prairie. Then it's down into the Boston Mountain section of the Ozarks.Using Harrison, Arkansas as a base, you will visit the Ozark Underground Laboratory for a combined surface and underground tour to learn how water has shaped the Ozark Mountains from above and below.

The following day we'll visit the Ozark Natural Science Center where various species of wildlife, including Box Turtles, have been radio tagged. There will be time to visit a special waterfall as well.

The next day will include some stops along Buffalo National River, including Lost Valley, a spectacular limestone valley with waterfalls and Ozark wildflowers.

Then the group will head east through scenic highlands to Mountain View, Arkansas to visit the Ozark Folk Center and soak up some cultural history. The group will also visit Blanchard Spring Cavern, one of the most spectacular caves in America ever opened for tourism.

The trip will then swing north again with visits to Grand Gulf, Mammoth Spring and Big Spring on the way to Poplar Bluff. From Poplar Bluff the group will drop off the Ozark highlands for a daylong visit to Mingo National Wildlife Refuge to view a Cypress Tupeleo swamp.

The next day we head north to the St. Francis Mountain. These ancient mountains are a granite intrusion into the mostly limestone Ozarks. There we will see Elephant Rocks and some other natural and geological places of interest. The last day will be a short drive through the Ozarks to return to St. Louis.

If you are interested, contact Gordon at gordon@wildernesscenter.org or 1-877-359-5235. Cost will be about $1,828.75 double occupancy or $2,359.75 for single. To save your spot, send in a deposit of $400 per person. There will be a meeting on March 20 at 1:30 p.m. at TWC

Greater Yellowstone EcoTour
September 15-24, 2010
The Wilderness Center's "flagship" ecotour is on again for next September. This the most popular ecotour the Center has offered over the years.

Working with naturalists from the Teton Science School, the trip begins in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. The first few days the trip explores Grand Teton National Park and the Jackson Hole area enjoying the unparalleled scenic beauty of the Grand Tetons and viewing wildlife including elk, moose, mule deer, eagles, bluebirds, and big horn sheep.

Just when you think it can't get better, the group heads north to Yellowstone National Park, the world's first and most famous national park. At Yellowstone, the adventure continues with visits to the best thermal features and viewing the wildlife of the park while staying in the historic Old Faithful Inn.

The trip continues to build as the group heads out the East Entrance to Cody, Wyoming. From Cody the group will travel the Chief Joseph Scenic Highway and the Bear Tooth Highway to enjoy spectacular scenery and wildlife viewing opportunities.

The trip includes: a scenic (not whitewater) float on the Snake River, a visit to the National Museum of Wildlife Art, a visit to the Buffalo Bill Museum, all lodging, many meals, naturalists and transportation in Teton Science School vans (airfare is not included).

The trip is suitable for all ages. The focus is on wildlife viewing and gentle nature walks; there are no strenuous hikes. Cost of the trip is $2,070 for double occupancy. Contact Gordon Maupin at the Center at 1-877-359-5235 or gordon@wildernesscenter.org for more information.

There will be an informational meeting on April 3 at 1:30 p.m. at The Wilderness Center.

About The Wilderness Center
The Wilderness Center is a non-profit nature center thatis dedicated to conservation, the environment and education.

9877 Alabama Ave. S.W.
Wilmot, Ohio 44689
The Wilderness Center
877-359-5235

Wilderness Walk at The Wilderness Center Wed., Mar. 3, 10 a.m.
Join a naturalist on the 1st Wed. every month for a walk on our trails. See what’s interesting today! All ages. Free and open to the public. Visit www.wildernesscenter.org or call 1-877-359-5235 for more information.

Star Watch & Planetarium Show at The Wilderness Center Fri., Mar. 5, 8 p.m.
Join TWC’s Astronomy Club for a Planetarium Show, then view the real things through telescopes. All ages. Free and open to the public. Visit www.wildernesscenter.org or call 1-877-359-5235 for more information.

Your Sky Tonight at The Wilderness Center Tue., Mar. 9, 1 p.m.
Join us for this informal time under the Planetarium dome on the 2nd Tues. of every month. Bring your questions—you’ll determine the program! Includes astronomy in the news and a tour of the sky this evening. Free and open to the public. Visit www.wildernesscenter.org or call 1-877-359-5235 for more information.

Wilderness Sprouts: Bats at The Wilderness Center Fri., Mar. 12, 10 a.m.
What zips through the nighttime sky eating bugs? Bats! Join us as we discover the fascinating world of bats through slide show, games, and a special bat costume. We will make finger puppet bats to fly at home.Dress for the weather–we’ll go out rain or shine. Children ages 3-5 with an adult. $4/member; $6/nonmember; adults free.

The Amazing Bluebird at The Wilderness Center Sat., Mar. 13, 10:30 a.m.
Join TWC Bird Club representative Pat Soehnlen for the program instructing how to set up a “bluebird trail” and how to attract them to your backyard.
Participants will be given the opportunity to make their own bluebird box with the help of TWC Bird Club members. Reservations required, since nesting box kits are limited. Call Sue at 330-412-9192 for reservations. Payment should be made at the event. $2 for the program only; $12 for program and birdbox kit.

Ohio’s Mining History and Its Impact Today at The Wilderness Center- Sat., March 13th, 1:00-2:00
Presented by Tim Jackson of ODNR Division of Mineral Resources Management and Kirk Beach, Geology Program Manager of the Ohio Department of Transportation.
In Ohio, underground mining began back before the turn of the century. Underground mine maps are available, some dating back to the late 1800’s. According to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, over 6,400 underground mines are found in 42 counties across the state. Further, this number represents only two-thirds of the total number of underground mines due to missing and lost mine maps. This presentation will provide an overview of the adverse impacts caused by past underground mining activities; and, present the processes used by state agencies to identify, monitor, design and remediate underground mining problems. In addition, several examples of remediation efforts will be presented and discussed. Sponsored by the TWC Geology Club. Call 1-877-359-5235 for more information.

Fare Passage Concert at The Wilderness Center Sat., Mar. 13, 7 p.m.
Folk music of the Celtic lands, just in time for St. Patty’s Day! Fare Passage is an award-winning folk music group. They have been entertaining people throughout Ohio for two decades with British Isles and Scandinavian folk music interspersed with Russian, French Canadian, Breton France, and New England dance tunes. Includes hammered and lap dulcimers, Belgian humle, melodeon, concertina, accordion, marimba, and guitar. $8/TWC member; $10/nonmember. Children 15 and younger half price, if accompanied by an adult. We’d like to thank our Concert Series sponsor, Regas & Haag, Attorneys-at-Law. See you there!

Space Day at The Wilderness Center Sun., Mar. 14, 1-3 p.m.
We had so much fun at Space Day last year, the International Year of Astronomy, we’re doing it again! Galileo first pointed a telescope at the night sky in 1609 and astronomy was forever changed. Get in the spirit with Space Day. Take a trip through the solar system! Stop at each planet, the Moon, and the Sun for a simple experiment that emphasizes a concept about it. You can
Play with a solar-powered toy, Create craters of Mercury, Use “radar” to discover the surface of Venus, Enjoy the special attributes of Earth, Take a walk in the Moon’s gravity, Erupt a Martian volcano
See the swirling storms of Jupiter, Shoot a “spaceship” through the rings of Saturn, Explore the strange Uranus, Walk in the light on Neptune And more! We hope to have solar viewing available (depending on the weather) and a replica of Galileo’s telescope on display.
Space Day is designed for families. Space Day is co-sponsored by the Southeast Science Club and the Wilderness Center Astronomy Club. Families Free and open to the public. Visit www.wildernesscenter.org or call 1-877-359-5235 for more information.

Story Time: Days of the Dinosaurs at The Wilderness Center Wed., Mar. 17, 11 a.m.
Travel back in time to when dinosaurs ruled the Earth! Listen to dino stories, sing dino songs, visit our fossil wall, and hunt for dino eggs.
Stories are for 3-4 year olds, but all ages are welcome, if they’ll be interested. Dress for the weather. Free for members; donation requested from nonmembers. Registration is optional. If there’s any reason we have to reschedule or cancel, we’ll call those who are registered. Free and open to the public. Visit www.wildernesscenter.org or call 1-877-359-5235 for more information.

Wilderness Walk at The Wilderness Center Thu., Mar. 18, 2 p.m.
Join a naturalist on the 3rd Thu. each month for a walk on our trails. See what’s interesting today! All ages. Free and open to the public. Visit www.wildernesscenter.org or call 1-877-359-5235 for more information.

1st Day of Spring Botanizers Walk at The Wilderness Center Sat., Mar. 20, 1 p.m.
Celebrate spring! Join the Botanizers Club for a walk to see what plants and flowers are out on this first day of spring. Free and open to the public. Visit www.wildernesscenter.org or call 1-877-359-5235 for more information.

Foxfield Preserve Info Session at The Wilderness Center Sat., Mar. 20, 2 p.m.
Foxfield Preserve is a nature preserve cemetery at TWC. Natural burial is an economical, environmentally friendly alternative to modern burial, as fewer resources are used. As a nature preserve, we provide wildlife habitat, a clean watershed, and clean air. Walking trails allow the community to enjoy the beauty and serenity of the preserve. A natural burial at Foxfield Preserve leaves a permanent legacy for your family, community, and the natural world. Free info. Visit www.wildernesscenter.org or call 1-877-359-5235 for more information.

Eat Out for The Wilderness Center Tue., Mar. 23, 4-8 p.m.
CiCi’s Pizza of Massillon is hosting a night to benefit The Wilderness Center on Tue., Mar. 23, from 4-8 p.m. 10% of the proceeds will go to TWC. Enjoy great CiCi’s Pizza and help TWC, too! CiCi’s of Massillon is located at the Massillon Marketplace, across from WalMart.

Woodcock Walk at The Wilderness Center Wed., Mar. 24, 7 p.m.
Come and help find this game bird, also known as “Timberdoodle.” This bird is usually found at TWC this time of year. You can experience his courtship dance and even help call him, if you can! Join the Bird Club on our spring search for the Woodcock. For the entire family. Free and open to the public. Visit www.wildernesscenter.org or call 1-877-359-5235 for more information.

Frog Call Hike at The Wilderness Center Thu., Mar. 25, 7 p.m.
This hour-long stroll past wetlands will help us determine the types and abundance of frogs and toads on TWC property. These hikes are an attempt to hear the earliest breeders. May be canceled if heavy rain or high wind speeds hamper calling activity. Lynda Price, Naturalist. Free and open to the public. Visit www.wildernesscenter.org or call 1-877-359-5235 for more information.

TWC at Migration Sensation Sat., Mar. 27 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
Naturalists Carrie Elvey, Lynda Price, and Ken Schelgel from The Wilderness Center will once again be participating in the Migration Sensation in Shreve. Carrie and Ken will be dip-netting for aquatic insects from 8 a.m.-noon in the marsh on Cemetery Rd. Bring your boots, grab a net, and venture into the marsh to see what you can catch. Lynda will be in the Shreve Elementary gym from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. with a hands-on look at marsh birds, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians. In addition to these programs, there are many family-friendly talks at the school as well as prominent speakers throughout the day. For a more detailed schedule of events, go to www.shrevemigration.org. Please join us for the 10th year of this wonderful event!

Family Astronomy: Sun & Moon at The Wilderness Center Sat., Mar. 27, 2 p.m.
Full Moon this week! Let’s look at the Earth/Moon/Sun system and the effects the Moon and Sun have on us here on Earth. We’ll talk about day/night, Moon phases, eclipses, seasons, and tides. All ages. Free and open to the public. Visit www.wildernesscenter.org or call 1-877-359-5235 for more information.

The Wilderness Center is a nonprofit nature center located one mile west of Wilmot, Ohio just north of highway 250. The Center is dedicated to Nature Education, Wildlife Conservation, Natural History Research, and Community Service. The Center derives its support from memberships and donations. It is not a government agency and is not supported by taxes.

Volunteers are needed for The Wilderness Center’s Earth Day Celebration on Saturday, April 17. We need individuals or groups to help with trail clean-up and removing invasive plants to protect the
natural wildflowers. The Wilderness Center is a non-profit nature center located in southwest Stark County that teaches approximately 15,000 children a year about nature, animals, the environment and more. To help with Earth Day please contact Vicki Shoenfelt at 1-877-359-5235 or Vicki@wildernesscenter.org

Parent and Child
Animals at the Zoo Art
Charity Waugh Ages 2-3
M$27 NM$47 (5 Wks)
Lions, tigers and bears, oh my! Your little one will have a blast as they learn about animals at the zoo! We will use some of the most popular zoo animal to inspire our artwork. An adult must attend class with child/ren enrolled.
April 14 – May 12
Wednesday 11:30 AM - 12:00 AM

On My Own
Animals at the Zoo Art
Charity Waugh Ages 3-4
M$41 NM $61 (5 Wks)
Lions, tigers and bears, oh my! Your child/ren will have a blast as they learn about animals at the zoo! We will use some of the most popular zoo animal to inspire our artwork. Your kids will love these animal art projects involving paint, clay and a variety of other mediums. In this class, children will create art without the help of a parent.
April 14 – May 12
Wednesday 10:30 AM - 11:15 AM

Little Artists
Animals at the Zoo Art
Charity Waugh Ages 4-5
M $55 NM $75
Lions, tigers and bears, oh my! Your little artists will have a blast as they learn about animals at the zoo! We will use some of the most popular zoo animal to inspire our artwork. Your kids will love these animal art projects involving paint, clay and a variety of other mediums. Little artists will further develop their skills as they enjoy this fun class.
April 14 – May 12 Wednesday 9:15 AM - 10:15 AM

Preschool Clay
Traci Schar Ages 3-5
M $10 per class NM $15 per class
Thursday 10:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Little ones love creating things out of clay and they are so proud of the finished project once it has been fired and glazed. Nurture your child’s creativity through these fun clay classes.
A. April 15 – Rainbow Wall Plaque
B. May 13 – Fun with Bugs
C. Both workshops at a discounted price of M$18 NM$26

To Register or For More Information Contact:
Wayne Center for the Arts
237 South Walnut Street
Wooster, OH 44691
Phone: 330-264-2787

Drawing the Human Face
Wanda Beattie Grades 7-12
M $94 NM $114 (6 Wks)
Learn various types of drawing techniques and the basic art elements as we study the eyes, nose, ears, and mouth; and then combine that knowledge to render drawings of the complete human head using graphite sticks and graphite drawing pencils. All materials, including graphite sticks and graphite drawing pencils will be provided for your use in class.
April 13 – May 18 Tuesday 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM

Wayne Center for the Arts - - -237 South Walnut Street - - - Wooster, OH 44691

Phone: 330-264-2787

www.wayneartscenter.org

WELL CHILD CLINICS for children from birth to 18 years of age are offered at the health department. Please call (330)264-9590 for appointment availability.

The Wooster Twp. Elementary PTO is having an "In-Door" yard sale on April 17th. Tables are available to rent ($10/table) for anyone wishing to sell items. Call 330-317-3959 by April 1st to reserve a table for the indoor yard sale.

Be sure to attend the "INDOOR Yard Sale" at Wooster Twp. Elementary (across from ATI) on Sat., April 17 from 9:00am to 2:00pm.

Holy Week: The Story of a Father and Son is a new musical slated to debut this Lenten season with performances in Ashland, Mansfield and Willard. The original musical by Ashland resident Martin Kral chronicles the final days of Jesus as seen in through the imagination of a young boy. With words and music for all ages, Holy Week is an Easter event for the entire family. All performances are free and open to the public with freewill donations accepted.

Two performances will be held in Ashland at Trinity Lutheran Church on Sunday, March 21 at 10:45 AM and Sunday, March 28 at 7:00 PM. Performances will also be offered in Mansfield at St. Timothy Lutheran Church on Sunday, March 21 at 7:00 PM and in Willard at Trinity Lutheran Church on Saturday, March 27 at 7:00 PM.

For more information about Holy Week: The Story of a Father and Son, contact David Wolbert at Trinity Lutheran Church (419-289-2126 ext. 138), visit the Web site at www.holyweekmusical.org, join Holy Week's Facebook page or email email@holyweekmusical.org. 　

From March 22- April 2, 2010, the National Fair Housing Training Academy (NFHTA), an organization supported by the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development, will hold a conference in Columbus, Ohio to discuss fair lending practices and foreclosure prevention issues. This two-week conference is comprised of a series of four workshops that will provide information about home ownership, discriminatory lending practices, buying a home and foreclosure prevention methods. A brochure containing additional details about this training can be viewed by clicking here. A complete list of workshops is detailed below.

Predatory Lending Discrimination - March 22-23, 2010 -Hands-on training using actual loan documents to acquire a basic understanding of residential mortgage lending discrimination and predatory lending.

Financial Aspects of Lending - March 24-26, 2010 - Participants engage in hands-on activities that help them understand the mortgage finance system and the different steps to sustainable home ownership.

8:30 a.m.- 4:30 p.m.
University Plaza Hotel & Conference Center
3110 Olentangy River Road
Columbus, OH 43202

Buyer Beware - March 29 - 30, 2010 -Participants engage in activities to help them identify and avoid deceptive practices which impair home ownership.

Preventing Foreclosure - March 31 - April 2, 2010 - Engage in hands-on activities that help buyers understand the different steps to sustainable home ownership.

8:30 a.m.- 4:30 p.m.
Ohio 4-H Center
2201 Fred Taylor Drive
Columbus, OH 43201

These workshops will provide crucial housing information for members of the public, homeowners, realtors, and fair housing professionals as well as professionals in the business, legal, and governmental communities. Darlene Sweeney-Newbern, NHFTA Trainer said, "We understand the economic struggles facing the Ohio community in today's tough economic times. These workshops are densely packed with helpful information related to the current state of the housing market and important aspects of lending practices that will address those struggles."

This conference is free of charge and is open to the public. Free parking is available at each location. Approval for Continuing Education Units (CEU) and Continuing Legal Education (CLE) is pending.

For additional information please call Maqueda Fuller at (202) 314 -3422 or go to www.nfhta.org . Registration can be completed online or at the door.

Free income tax preparation is available at the Wooster Parks and Recreation Department, Community Center, 241 S. Bever Street, to low and middle income residents. Appointments are available on Mondays and Wednesdays from 9:30 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. The program is running now through April 12th. Appointments are necessary and can be made by calling the Wooster Community Center at (330) 263-5207.

Tax-Aide volunteers are not trained to process business, rental property income, or complicated tax returns. Participants are reminded to bring last year’s tax return, all earnings statements to include W-2s and 1099s, the amount of the Economic Stimulus Rebate received in 2009, and any tax-related materials (interest and dividends received, stock sales, real estate tax bill, etc.). A photo I.D. and social security card are required for identification purposes.

Representatives of minority-owned, women-owned and disadvantaged businesses are invited to attend a Minority Business and Resource Symposium to learn how to do business with the State of Ohio.

The symposium, which is sponsored by the Office of Governor Ted Strickland and the Equal Opportunity Division of the Ohio Department of Administrative Services, will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, March 25 at the King Arts Complex, 867 Mount Vernon Ave., Columbus.

Attendees will learn about two state certification programs and network with key state officials and legislators.

“The symposium is an effort on behalf of the state to further promote and build relationships with minority-owned, women-owned and small businesses throughout Ohio,” said Director Hugh Quill of the Ohio Department of Administrative Services.

Entrepreneurs will receive advice regarding business opportunities with the state from state officials as well as from other business leaders. Participants will have the opportunity to meet state purchasing agents as well as representatives from the state’s Minority Business Enterprise and EDGE programs, which are designed to help facilitate access to state government contracts and business services.

The Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) program is the state’s minority business set-aside program. EDGE – which stands for Encouraging Diversity, Growth and Equity – is a business and economic development program for economically and socially disadvantaged businesses.

For more information about the Minority Business and Resource Symposium, please contact Patrice Davis, outreach coordinator with the Equal Opportunity Division of the Ohio Department of Administrative Services, at 614.466.8380 or visit das.ohio.gov/eod.

Star Watch & Planetarium Show at The Wilderness Center Fri., Apr. 2, 8 p.m.
Join TWC’s Astronomy Club for a Planetarium Show, then view the real things through telescopes. No foolin’! All ages. Free and open to the public. For more information visit www.wildernesscenter.org or call 1-877-359-5235.

Beautiful Bluebirds at The Wilderness Center Sat., Apr. 3, 1-2:30 p.m.
Join Naturalist Lynda Price as she examines the life and times of the Eastern Bluebird. We will start indoors with a program about the lifecycle of bluebirds and how to establish and monitor a bluebird trail. Weather permitting, we will check the boxes on TWC’s bluebird trail. Free and open to the public. For more information visit www.wildernesscenter.org or call 1-877-359-5235.

Wilderness Walk at The Wilderness Center Wed., Apr. 7, 10 a.m.
Join a naturalist on the 1st Wed. every month for a walk on our trails. See what’s interesting today! All ages Free and open to the public. For more information visit www.wildernesscenter.org or call 1-877-359-5235.

Wild Cooks: Spring Lunch at The Wilderness Center Sat., Apr. 10, 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
Your food choices need not be limited to the supermarket! You can make interesting new dishes based on wild foods. We’ll forage wild plants, prepare them, and then taste the results. You’ll go home with recipes and techniques to make more!
The menu is Frittata of Ramps, Basswood & Wild Violet Salad w. Julianne of Pickled Cattails, Wilted Dandelion Greens w. Hot Bacon Dressing, Wild Herb Gougere w. Garlic Butter, and White Pine Tea. We can’t guarantee when plants will be ready for harvest, so may change the menu based on what’s available. We will supplement with store-bought foods. We have permission to gather TWC plants for these classes only; gathering is not otherwise allowed at TWC. Instructors: Chuck Hass and Joann Ballbach.
Sessions are physically demanding. We will spend 2 or more hours walking and foraging, then clean, prepare, eat, and clean up. Adults only; max. of 20 participants. Please bring hand pruning shears and gardening gloves. Dress for the weather. $10/member; $15/nonmember. Deadline: Apr. 6. For more information visit www.wildernesscenter.org or call 1-877-359-5235.

Your Sky Tonight at The Wilderness Center Tue., Apr. 13, 1 p.m.
Join us for this informal time under the Planetarium dome on the 2nd Tues. of every month. Bring your questions—you’ll determine the program! Includes astronomy in the news and a tour of the sky this evening. Free and open to the public. For more information visit www.wildernesscenter.org or call 1-877-359-5235.

Wilderness Walk at The Wilderness Center Thu., Apr. 15, 2 p.m.
Join a naturalist on the 3rd Thu. each month for a walk on our trails. See what’s interesting today! All ages Free and open to the public. For more information visit www.wildernesscenter.org or call 1-877-359-5235.

Wilderness Sprouts: Turtles at The Wilderness Center Fri., Apr. 16, 10 a.m.
Learn all about the amazing world of turtles. We’ll make a turtle craft, hike to the lake to look for turtles, and meet a box turtle. Dress for the weather–we’ll go out rain or shine. Children ages 3-5 with an adult. $4/member; $6/nonmember; adults free. For more information visit www.wildernesscenter.org or call 1-877-359-5235.

Earth Day at The Wilderness Center
April 17; 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Bird Walk 8 a.m.
Take a walk with the Birders Club to look for birds. All ages. Free and open the public. For more information visit www.wildernesscenter.org or call 1-877-359-5235.

17th Annual Foto Fest-Sat., Apr. 17, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sun., Apr. 18, 1-5 p.m.
Do the winter doldrums have you down? Are you looking for a spring “pick-me-up?” Why not head on down to the 17th Annual FotoFest at the Wilderness Center? The beautiful photographs, entered in nine different categories (plus a special youth division), are sure to brighten your spirits and you can even have a little fun helping us pick the winners.
The Foto Fest is free and open to the public. Pick up a ballot at the door and then take your time meandering through the exhibit and voting for your favorites. Sometimes the choice can be difficult, but as we say, “There are no wrong answers here.” Have fun and enjoy the beautiful photographs of Wildlife; Wildflowers; General Nature; Landscapes; Domestic Flowers; Animals–Domestic or Captive; Insects, Bugs & Such; Pictorial/Scenic; and Birds, as well as our special Youth category for photographers age 16 and under.
The ballots will be tabulated and the winners will be announced at a special meeting of the Nature Photo Club on Sat., May 1, at 9:30 a.m. Everyone is invited to attend this meeting as we unveil the winning photographs.
For anyone interested in entering photographs in Foto Fest, complete rules and entry forms are available at The Wilderness Center; at www.wildernesscenter.org; or by calling 330-875-9564. Entry deadline is 4:30 p.m. on Sat., Apr. 10, 2010. Please note that the minimum photo size accepted this year is 8” x 10”. Free and open to the public. For more information visit www.wildernesscenter.org or call 1-877-359-5235.

Earth Day Clean-Up-Volunteers Needed 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Help clean up the TWC environment! Everyone is welcome! You, your family, or your group can adopt a trail or area to clean or help remove invasive plant species. We’ll provide gloves, trash bags, and refreshments. Free and open to the public. For more information visit www.wildernesscenter.org or call 1-877-359-5235.

Go Green—Natural Burials in a Nature Cemetery -9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Learn about natural burials, an economical environmental alternative to modern burials. Walk a cemetery with prairie and woodland trails instead of a lawn and learn how to make your last act on earth a “green one.” Visit The Wilderness Center’s nature cemetery, Foxfield Preserve. Free and open to the public. For more information visit www.foxfield preserve.org or call 1-877-359-5235.

Earth Day Subway Challenge Run - registration 11:30 a.m., race begins 12:45 p.m.
Try the 3.4 mile Trail Run for $20 in advance; $25 that day. All participants receive a race T-shirt; winners also receive awards. Call TWC at 877-359-5235 for a mail-in registration form or register online at www.ohiochallengeseries.com. For more information, call 877-359-5235 or visit online at www.wildernesscenter.org

Backpackers Expo-9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Stop by and chat with members TWC’s Backpackers & Dayhikers Club. Gather information for your next dayhike or backpacking trip. Some of the subjects include backpacks and how to pack them, meals and water, tents, first aid and personal care, clothing, and Ultra-lite backpacking. Come and view various pieces of equipment and find out what is right for you. Free.

Home Remedy Concert-7 p.m.
Home Remedy String Band’s members do credit to the human realness of Appalachian folk music while also simply sounding beautiful. One listen displays the point of keeping a folk tradition alive—it’s great fun to listen to.
With the bell-clear harmonies of Jeanie Creamer, Mike Thieken, Karen Bump, Jamie Tevis, and Bea and John Hollback, Home Remedy takes traditional mountain material and makes something at once as old as the hills (literally) immediately contemporary. Home Remedy is as much a folk music group as a gathering, or a preservation society, or simply a “happening” with music and fun. Everyone sings, a full half of the band plays fiddle or guitar, and all switch up as needed from song to song, with a sprinkling of autoharp, dulcimer, mandolin, standup bass and traditional percussions.
$8/TWC member; $10/nonmember. Children 15 and younger half price, if accompanied by an adult. We’d like to thank our Concert Series sponsor, Regas & Haag, Attorneys-at-Law. See you there! For more information visit www.wildernesscenter.org or call 1-877-359-5235.

Ecuador Birding at The Wilderness Center Sun., Apr. 18, 2 p.m.
Vicki Shoenfelt traveled to Ecuador with 9 others for a TWC Birding EcoTour. The group spend nine days in the rain and cloud forests and birding on the Antisana extinct volcano. Join us for a slide presentation of the country, the plants, the travelers and the birds. There were 255 species recorded with 39 species being hummingbirds. Trip information
will be available. Free and open to the public. For more information visit www.wildernesscenter.org or call 1-877-359-5235.

Scarlet, Gray, and Green Fair Tue., Apr. 20
This is a great place to get ideas and see how others are “going green” in our area. The Wilderness Center will be there with hands-on activities for the kids and informative sessions for all ages. At the OARDC in Wooster.

Story Time: Flap Your Wings at The Wilderness Center Wed., Apr. 21, 11 a.m.
Join us for stories, songs, and rhymes about our feathered friends. Watch birds at our feeders, then feed geese at the lake.
Stories are for 3-4 year olds, but all ages are welcome, if they’ll be interested. Dress for the weather. Free for members; donation requested from nonmembers. Registration is optional. If there’s any reason we have to reschedule or cancel, we’ll call those who are registered. For more information visit www.wildernesscenter.org or call 1-877-359-5235.

Native Plant Sale and Gardening Seminar at The Wilderness Center
Gardening Seminar Selections Sat., Apr. 24, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Bird Friendly Yards & Gardens
Learn about birds of the backyard and the top ten plants to attract birds. Discover ways to make your yard more attractive to a variety of birds. Chuck Jakubchak, Certified Volunteer Naturalist
Psychological Benefits of Nearby Nature
Do some settings naturally draw you in and leave you feeling restored? This program explores the human-environment connection and highlights opportunities for enhancing well-being through the design and management of nearby nature. Maureen Austin, Ph.D. Ohio State Extension
Journey into Nature and Garden Journal Keeping
Discover ways to create a journal for your observations of life in your backyard and other outdoor journeys. We will touch on the history of nature journals, take a wildflower walk and work on the first pages of our own journals. Margaret Bourne, Certified Volunteer Naturalist
Growing Gourmet Salad Greens
Learn how to grow delicious greens from basic lettuces, spinach, arugula, sorrel and edible flowers. Adding a cold frame in the fall can extend your harvest into the winter for incredible year-round salads. Karen Geiser, Local Market Gardener
Tree Care
Trees are an important part of the backyard garden habitat. Learn proper tree care including planting, pruning, and site selection. Joe Schossler, Ohio Tree.com
Journey into Nature and Garden Journal Keeping
Repeat of session above. Margaret Bourne, Certified Volunteer Naturalist
Colonial Herbs
Learn about the plants we find in our gardens and along the roadsides. Discover how these non-native species came to the Americas and how they were used. Glenna Shaeffer, Kingwood Center
Dragons & Damsels
Discover ways to identify the dragonflies and damselflies of your backyard and pond. Carrie Elvey, TWC Naturalist
Wildflower Walk
Long ago, people got everything they needed from the land. Discover some of the ways they used plants for food, medicine and “magic” on this short walk. Limit 20 participants. Joann Ballbach, TWC Education Director
Gardening with Native Plants
From the first blossoms of spring to the last blooms of fall, learn about the Ohio native plants you can use in your gardens. Lynda Price, TWC Naturalist
An Introduction to Newcomb’s Wildflower Guide
This intro will guide you through wildflower identification using photo samples of local flora.  Learn how the book is laid out and how to navigate the pages.  Bring your own or borrow a copy. Jeanne Quartz, Certified Volunteer Naturalist.

For more information visit www.wildernesscenter.org or call 1-877-359-5235.

Family Astronomy: Tour the Solar System-Sat., Apr. 24, 2 p.m.
The Moon, Mars, and Saturn are up tonight! Not to mention Vesta and the Lyrids... There’s more to our solar system than the Sun and planets! Take a look at each type of object in our solar system. All ages. Free and open to the public. For more information visit www.wildernesscenter.org or call 1-877-359-5235.

Wildflower Walk and Plant Sale at The Wilderness Center -Sun., Apr. 25, 2 p.m.
The Wilderness Center’s Botanizer Club members Marvin and Sandy Smith will be leading a free wildflower walk at 2 p.m. Native Plants for sale from 1-4 p.m.

The Wilderness Center is a nonprofit nature center located one mile west of Wilmot, Ohio just north of highway 250. The Center is dedicated to Nature Education, Wildlife Conservation, Natural History Research, and Community Service. The Center derives its support from memberships and donations. It is not a government agency and is not supported by taxes.

The Four Republican candidates (Matt Miller, Jim Renacci, Paul Schiffer, H. Doyle Smith), running in the Primary Election to determine who will face John Boccieri in the General Election of 2010, have been invited to participate in two debates organized by the Ashland Tea Party, Medina County Friends and Neighbors, Stark County 9.12, and Wooster 912 Project. This is an outstanding opportunity to see the the candidates live and in action; and, decide for yourself which one you prefer to support with your vote, your time, your contribution, or any combination of the three.

This Second Debate will be held in Wooster, the geographic center of the 16th Congressional District, on March 25, 2010, at the Wooster High School, 515 Oldham Rd.. The doors will open at 7:00 PM and you can pick up candidate and sponsoring groups information at their tables outside of the Performing Arts Center. Jack Boyle will moderate the "Presidential Style" debate, beginning promptly at 7:30 PM. Questions to the candidates will be on national security, international issues & core values. There is no entry fee for the Debate, but the non-profit sponsors will request donations to defray expenses.

On Thursday, March 25th, the Four Republican candidates (Matt Miller, Jim Renacci, Paul Schiffer, H. Doyle Smith), running in the Primary Election to determine who will face John Boccieri in the General Election of 2010, have been invited to participate in two debates organized by the Ashland Tea Party, Medina County Friends and Neighbors, Stark County 9.12, and Wooster 912 Project. This is an outstanding opportunity to see the the candidates live and in action; and, decide for yourself which one you prefer to support with your vote, your time, your contribution, or any combination of the three.

This Second Debate will be held in Wooster, the geographic center of the 16th Congressional District, at the Wooster High School, 515 Oldham Rd.. The doors will open at 7:00 PM and you can pick up candidate and sponsoring groups information at their tables outside of the Performing Arts Center. Jack Boyle will moderate the "Presidential Style" debate, beginning promptly at 7:30 PM. Questions to the candidates will be on national security, international issues & core values. There is no entry fee for the Debate, but the non-profit sponsors will request donations to defray expenses.