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| The Crawford Park District Adopt an Animal program has eight animals that need adopted."The adoption isn't literal," explained Josh Dyer, Naturalist for the Crawford Park District. "It's a way to donate funds for the care and feeding of the animal to ensure that it's healthy and can be used to educate local students." In the case of Stinky, the name given to the Box Turtle, special care is needed to make sure the correct lighting is used to house the animal. "Stinky needs a calcium supplement in his diet and special lights that provide vitamin D. Without the special light, his shell would soften, which could lead to injury for him," said Dyer. Reptiles available for adoption in the Crawford Park District include Stinky the Box Turtle, a Painted Turtle, a Corn Snake, a Garter Snake, and a Black Rat Snake. Amphibians include a Tiger Salamander, a Gray Tree Frog, and an American Toad. All but one species are native to Crawford County and are taken to classrooms to educate preschool through high school-age students. The Crawford Park District has classes in every school through Crawford County.Dyer says, "We bring these animals to educate students by using programs designed to meet state educational content standards. Our programs gives students a personal connection with a reptile or an amphibian, which promotes an appreciation for animals that are usually overlooked, but are very important for our environment." A donation of $35 is required to join the Adopt an Animal program. Members choose to adopt a specific animal and are provided a personalized adoption certificate, a photo of the adopted animal, and a one-on-one visit with the animal at the Lowe-Volk Nature Center in Crestline, Ohio. Teachers and/or classrooms joining the program will also receive two personal letters from the animal to the students and a classroom visit from the adopted animal. To become a member of the Crawford Park District Adopt an Animal program, visit www.crawfordparkdistrict.org http://www.crawfordparkdistrict.org, and scroll down the page to find the Adopt an Animal form. Forms are also available at the Lowe-Volk Park Nature Center, 2401 State Route 598, Crestline, Ohio 44827. For more information, contact Josh Dyer at 419-683-9000, or by email at jdyer@crawfordparkdistrict.org. | ||
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