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Reading Wild: Ohio
The Importance of Native Nature
Our current culture tells us that any plant will do but that's just not true. Native plants are essential to an ecosystems health. Most native animals cannot eat non-native plants because their bodies haven't built up immunity to the chemical defenses of foreign plants.
A Bookend About an Animal
The White-Tailed Deer
The white-tailed deer is Ohio’s most well-known wildlife and our state animal! They can be found throughout the state year-round. Although they are skittish, they can often show up in your backyard! As Ohio’s biggest game animal, they are also beloved by many during hunting season.
Although often hunted, Ohio currently struggles with an overpopulation of deer. This contributes to the growing infection rate of Lyme Disease which is transmitted through deer ticks. This makes it especially important for Ohioans to be aware of safety precautions concerning these insects. For peak season –May and June –it is recommended to check for ticks after enjoying extended periods outside or walks through tall brush.
Handmade from start to finish with resin, paints, and quality top coat for a long lasting look. These bookends are now available for purchase individually or as a set.
The Trees Around You
Ohio Oaks: The Super Food Suppliers
Did you know Ohio is home to 15 different types of oak trees! Oak trees can be divided into white and red oaks. The most common is the White Oak, not to be confused with the broader category that it belongs to. This popularity is due to it’s popularity with animals! The White Oak provides food hundreds of creatures both big and small throughout Ohio. In fact the White Oak is a “keystone” plant, which means it is one of the top food suppliers in our state! Red Oak trees are also a major food supply, but because they take twice as long to produce acorns, they are not as efficient or popular with animals.
Original patterns printed on hand sewn fabric. These alternative bookmarks are now available for purchase.
Patterns of Nature - Creepy Crawlies
The Lovely Ladybug
As a secondary consumer, and as the primary consumer of aphids, ladybugs can be used as pest control in the farming industry. While often confused for their look-alike - the Asian Lady Beetle - these insects are gentle and do not come in the house!
Many consider insects to be “pests,” but insects are potentially the backbone of our ecosystem. As the main consumers of plant matter, these tiny creatures are the main way that the rest of us use the energy from plants (plants get their energy from the sun so that’s the beginning of the food chain!). Without the roughly 10 QUINTILLION (that’s 19 zeros!) insects that live on earth, we could not find enough energy to support the amount and size of animals that exist.
Black Carpenter Ants
Black Carpenter Ants
While many ant species such as the smaller black ant are actually invasive to Ohio, the larger black ant - or carpenter ant - is a native! This ant builds smaller tunnel nests that can range from three to 8 inches in width and depth.
Fish in a Book
Bluegill Sunfish: Ohio's Favorite in Fishing
The Bluegill Sunfish is one of the most common fish to Ohio. They can be found almost anywhere you can fish during late spring and early summer. These fish have been important in sport fishing and are even featured in the children’s fishing activity at the Ohio State Fair. Although they are very popular themselves, Bluegill Sunfish are only part of a larger group of Ohio sunfish. The Bluegill or the Green Sunfish often hybridize with other species of sunfish creating many unique variations. This variety in the aquatic ecosystem helps to create a balanced and healthy environment.
This book buddy rests (belly down) in between pages with your thumb in the thumb hole. Let him swim in your books and give your fingers a break while you read!