You don’t have to leave Columbus to find wildlife. Sometimes, you just have to look past the squirrels.
From raccoons rummaging through trash cans to foxes, deer and coyotes passing through neighborhoods, wild animals have found ways to live alongside Central Ohio’s growing communities. And this week, Columbus residents have an opportunity to learn more about the animals sharing their backyards, parks and green spaces.
The Columbus Recreation and Parks Department is hosting a free urban wildlife open house at McKnight Outdoor Education Center on Thursday, October 15.
The event runs from 3:30 to 7:30 p.m. at 3228 Indian Village Road. It’s open to all ages, and registration is encouraged but not required.
Getting to Know Columbus’ Wild Side
Living in a city doesn’t mean we’re separated from nature. Wildlife has learned to make use of the same things that make Columbus a good place for people to live: wooded corridors, waterways, green spaces and even the occasional easy meal left a little too close to the trash can.
Raccoons might be the most familiar example, but they’re hardly the only animals adapting to life around people. Coyotes and foxes move through developed areas, while owls and other birds take advantage of the trees and open spaces scattered throughout the city. Some wildlife is easy to spot if you know where to look. Other animals are much better at keeping their distance.
Columbus’ parks and nature preserves offer important habitat within an increasingly developed landscape. Learning more about the animals living in those spaces can also help residents understand how to coexist with them, from securing garbage and pet food to giving wild animals plenty of room.
How to Join the Free Open House
The upcoming event is part of a series of Thursday open houses at McKnight Outdoor Education Center, with each week focusing on a different nature topic. The October 15 session focuses on urban wildlife. A subsequent open house on October 22 will focus on owls.
McKnight Outdoor Education Center is located at 3228 Indian Village Road on Columbus’ west side. The 11.8-acre site includes wooded areas, trails, caves, creeks, and access to the Scioto River.
Admission to the open houses is free, and all ages are welcome, but children must be accompanied by an adult. Registration is encouraged, but visitors don’t have to register in advance to attend.
For Columbus residents curious about the animals that call Central Ohio home, it’s an opportunity to learn something new without leaving the city limits. For more info, or to register for your free tickets, please click here.
