Naturalists to explore biodiversity at Oakwoods Nature Preserve

FINDLAY — The Hancock County Naturalists will meet at 7 p.m. Nov. 12 at Oakwoods Nature Preserve, 1400 Oakwood Ave. The featured presentation, "Oakwoods Nature Preserve: Understanding Biodiversity in a Restored Ohio Wetland," will be led by Kelli Clark. She will share results from a biodiversity survey conducted in the reconstructed wetland area at Oakwoods Nature Preserve, giving participants a chance to learn more about the plants and animals found in a familiar Hancock County natural area. Clark conducted the survey in 2022 while studying environmental field biology at Ohio Northern University. She received a Polar SURF undergraduate research scholarship and worked alongside ONU professors Kathryn Krynak, Bob Verb and Leslie Riley to study biodiversity within the restored wetland. During the program, Clark will discuss findings of the survey, the ecological importance of wetlands and the role restoration efforts can play in supporting biodiversity. She will also discuss programs such as H2Ohio and explore both the practical ecological benefits and natural beauty of wetland habitats. Clark served in the U.S. Army from 2008-2023 as a combat medic, including two deployments to Afghanistan and one to Eastern Europe. She graduated magna cum laude from American Military University in 2019 with a bachelor's degree in world history. Her senior research examined Ohio and the Serpent Mound's relationship to the development of archaeology as a respected science in the United States. In 2023, she graduated summa cum laude from Ohio Northern University with a bachelor's degree in environmental field biology. The meeting is free and open to the public, and newcomers are encouraged to attend. Youth ages 15 and older are welcome. Individuals interested in becoming members may join. Annual dues are $15 for adults, $20 for couples and $10 for youth. For more information, contact Jane Riker at 419-306-3697 or emaggin117@aol.com, or visit hancockcountynaturalists.org.