Brukner Nature Center

Trails

Administrator — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 11:19:00 +0000

With 6 miles of trails wandering through a variety of ecological areas and terrain, there is something for everyone at Brukner. Trails run from steep and rugged to flat and wandering, including two boardwalks.

Trails are open sunrise to sunset.

Please take only memories and leave only footprints.

Membership

Administrator — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 11:01:00 +0000

“Teaching a child not to step on a caterpillar is as important to the child as it is to the caterpillar”

BNC members provide vital support in realizing our mission. Your contributions assist in providing environmental education opportunities, support wildlife rehabilitation, and help preserve this beautiful natural area.

Benefits include:
. Monthly Newsletter (The Gray Fox Gazette)
. Discounts on programs and workshops
. Free Sunday Admission
. Free reciprocal admission to over 150
other nature centers across the U.S.
. 10% discount in our Nature Shop
. Full use of our Nature Library

Join our family today! You can make a difference!

Senior Citizens receive a 10% discount.

History

Administrator — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 10:36:00 +0000

In 1933 Clayton Brukner, owner of the WACO Aircraft Company, bought 146 acres of land along the Stillwater River. The land was not known for its productivity but rather for its natural beauty. Here were wooded hills and valleys, a great variety of trees, shrubs, and wildflowers, streams and perpetually flowing springs.

Mr. Brukner envisioned the land being used for a nature center for many years. In 1966 he had the land surveyed and after receiving high praise to the educational potential he started putting his plan into motion. In 1967 he unveiled his plans for the center to a group representing 12 local schools and one local university. In 1974 the center was opened to the public under the direction of Bob and Joan Heidleberg.

Through the years Brukner Nature Center has grown to a 165 acre nature preserve dedicated to environmental education and wildlife rehabilitation. Six miles of trails traverse a variety of habitats including wetland, forest, and prairie. The Interpretive Building houses an Auditorium and meeting rooms available for educational events, a nature shop featuring local artists, and wildlife exhibit, including over 40 wildlife ambassadors. Also on site is the 1804 Idding’s log home, the oldest structure in Miami County on its original site, and a wildlife rehabilitation unit to educate people with concerns about Ohio’s wildlife.

Wildlife Rehabilitation

Administrator — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 06:18:00 +0000

The purpose of Brukner Nature Center’s wildlife rehabilitation program is to educate people regarding the natural history of Ohio’s wildlife, to offer help and advice when wildlife and people conflict, and to care for, rehabilitate, and release native Ohio wildlife expected to survive in the natural environment.

Brukner Nature Center accepts many of Ohio’s orphaned and injured native Ohio Wildlife and can offer advice for those we do not. If you find a wild animal, please call us at: 937-698-6493 for advice before you act.

We Need Your Help!

Brukner Nature Center’s Wildlife Rehab Unit receives no tax dollars but is supported primarily through donations by caring individuals. Help us help wildlife by sending a contribution, becoming a member, or volunteering your time.

4 Steps to Wildlife Rescue

•Clearly injured?
Call BNC 937-698-4607 or 937-698-6493. After hours emergency pager number 937-271-4340

•Sick or acting strangely?
Call County Animal Control or police.

•An uninjured nestling?
Simply return the young animal to it nest.

•An older uninjured youngster?
Please leave it alone and keep pets and children away.

For more information contact: wildlife@bruknernaturecenter.com

Brukner Home

Administrator — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 14:35:00 +0000

This is the first posting on the Brukner Nature Center Weblog. We look forward to your visiting the site and becoming a contributing member to this site’s content growth. You may make moderated Comments regarding any article found within this site.