Natures Corner:

Discovering the Natural 

Wonders of the 

Whitewater Valley

By David E. Russell, PhD

Miami University and Avian Research and 

Education Institute

I am excited to introduce the first installment of our Natures Corner. Boundary Hill Pass, Avian Research and Education Institute (AREI) and Miami University are collaborating on an on-going biotic survey and wildlife outreach program in Franklin County. The Wilz family has established Third Place on Main Street in Brookville—a location that strives to build community by fostering a friendly atmosphere with good food and libations. In the same vein, the Boundary Hill Pass collaboration endeavors to create a ‘Third Place’ for wildlife along the 7-mile stretch of Whitewater Canal between Brookville and Metamora. Our initial objective is determining what wildlife exists along this stretch of canal and illuminating the rich and amazing diversity present. Birds, moths, plants, bats, native bee pollinators are all included in the initial surveys. This column will highlight species discovered, their life histories and how they are important in the functioning of our region.The lens through which we are conducting this survey, hence the organisms chosen to survey, is the Whitewater Valley is a critical location for birds--both resident species and migrants. Historically, Brookville had one of the largest regional Passenger Pigeon roosts; hosted Carolina Parakeets and Ivory-billed Woodpeckers—all species now extinct. Today the Whitewater Valley is an important refueling site for hundreds of migrant bird species and dozens of species call it home for breeding. Our project will focus on a) the plants—both herbaceous and woody that serve as the base of the entire food chain; b) moths—the caterpillars of which are the critical food source for spring and fall bird migrants, breeding birds and overwintering species; and c) the diversity and abundance of birds themselves. In spring, we will ask our readers to report Eastern Whip-poor-wills. This culturally important, but rapidly declining species was once common in our woodlands. As individuals are discovered, we hope to capture and radio track individuals to determine both their movements locally and their migrations routes and stop-over sites on their way to their Mexican and Central American winter homes. Recently, some evidence suggests that our birds might actually be overwintering in the southeastern US so our studies will be important in determining what our local birds are doing and how we might better protect them. Part of the information gained from our moth and beetle black light surveys will determine occurrence of, or potential changes in, whip-poor-will food, which is primarily large 

moths and scarab beetles.Over the next couple of years, we are very excited to reveal some of the fabulous natural history present in our own backyard here in Franklin County. We look forward to organizing plant, bird, moth, pollinator, and bats programs for all to share in our wildlife wonders.