Ohio Northern University

See the snakes: 
https://youtu.be/O8bKRuhUUdU

An abrupt U-turn happened this summer when Ohio Northern University biology professor Katheryn Krynak, Ph.D., was taking a road trip during one of her rare days off work. The reason: Momma Snake was giving birth.

Granted, a snake in labor isn’t usually cause for such a sudden change in human plans, but in this case, the snake in question is a member of a species that’s been listed as endangered in Ohio since 1974. In fact, the only Plains Garter Snake colonies that live in the wild in the Buckeye State are located at Kildeer Plains Wildlife Area (KPWA) in Wyandot and Marion counties.

Ohio’s captive Plains Garter Snakes, which are part of breeding programs to increase the population, reside at the Columbus Zoo, where the species’ first captive breeding program began in 1999; at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo; and now at Ohio Northern University.

Ohio Northern University is resuming its Star Parties, which provide opportunities to gaze at and learn more about the night sky.

Organized by physics professor Jason Pinkney, Ph.D., the five fall events will be free and open to the public. Each will focus on a theme or celestial happening. Telescopes will be available for sharing and occasionally a short talk will be given.