CCS Volunteer Work

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Dr. Donald Althoff is Professor of Wildlife Conservation at University of Rio Grande and has been

tracking southern flying squirrel (Glaucomys volans) population trends in southeastern Ohio for nearly 30 years. His long-term monitoring of southern flying squirrel (SFS) populations assesses whether changes in forest composition, mast production, and silvicultural practices affect Sporulation density and distribution (Althoff and Althoff 2001).

Dr. Althoff conducts yearly SFS nesting box surveys, which provide valuable opportunities for all ages of amateur and professional wildlife enthusiasts to get hands-on experience in data collection and small mammal handling. CCS environmental staff volunteered to join Dr. Althoff on surveying trips in December 2023 and January 2024, in Athens County and Jackson County, Ohio. During each surveying trip, nesting boxes were examined for nesting SFS, which were processed and released if present. SFS processing involved weighing, ear-tagging, and photographing each individual squirrel. 

CCS is delighted to announce that staff ecologist Marcus Moan is a proud “Five-Hickory-Nut Technician” – a commendation of Dr. Althoff’s invention for having participated in five SFS surveys over the past three years.

 Photographs courtesy of Kyle Artis.

The Animal Hospital at the Ohio Wildlife Center provides care and treatment for sick, injured or orphaned native Ohio wildlife. The hospital includes a team of professional veterinarians and veterinary technicians who work with trained volunteers to treat and rehabilitate animals, with the overall goal of releasing them back to their native habitats. 

CCS is proud of staff ecologist Madeline Wellman, who volunteers over 500 hours a year with the Ohio Wildlife Center. She assists with patient and infant care, wildlife rescue, and community response. Madeline's favorite animals to care for are infant Virginia opossums and songbirds.