MAD Scientist Associates, LLC

05/29/2026

It's been a turtley-awesome week at MAD!

P1- Eastern Musk Turtle
P2- Red-eared Slider
P3- Snapping Turtle
P4- Spiny Softshell

05/28/2026

The H2Ohio-funded Funk-Dewald site is officially open to the public!

Mark and Dan attended the official ribbon-cutting ceremony to share a few comments about our restoration approach and help lead a site tour.

This project (approximately 40 acres) reconnected and enhanced two large forested wetland parcels. Multiple acres of wetland pools with varying hydroperiods were excavated at site. These are expected to form wet meadow, vernal pool, emergent marsh, and additional forested wetland habitats. After the construction was complete, over 2,300 trees were installed and native seed mixes were applied. Invasive plants (both herbaceous and woody) continue to be treated.

We’re proud of the work that’s been done here and hope that it will serve as an example of successful projects that contribute to water quality improvements, public education, recreation, and wildlife habitat.

Thanks to Ohio Department of Natural Resources Ohio Division of Natural Areas and Preserves Heidelberg University and Seneca County Park District for hosting!

05/27/2026

There's rain in the forecast, but what's a little wetland fun without getting wet?

Come explore with us at Seldom Seldom Park in Powell!

05/26/2026

Our first Wetland Wednesday at Seldom Seen Park (Powell) is tomorrow!

6:30-7:30pm

We'll be watching the weather to monitor potential thunderstorms. As long as there's no thunder or lightning, we'll be holding the event.

05/21/2026

…what if?

What a joy it is to work in and restore habitats that we love, partner with local communities, and share these wild and wonderful spaces with the public!

05/20/2026

We're looking forward to our first Wetland Wednesday program of 2026, NEXT WEEK!

Join us and of Powell Parks & Recreation at Seldom Seen Park from 6:30-7:30pm. We setup along the paved walking path between the ball fields and playground.

We expect to see lots of turtles, tadpoles, aquatic invertebrates, and beautiful wetland scenery!

05/20/2026

Westerville residents: don’t miss this opportunity to share your thoughts on the future of Westerville parks!

Help shape the future of parks, recreation and open spaces (PROS) in Westerville. Community input is a key part of the Parks and Recreation Department's PROS planning process and will guide future decisions about capital projects, programming and operations while building on Westerville's strong parks and recreation system.

There are many ways community members can participate:

- Attend the May 21 evening open house at the Westerville Community Center.

- Stop by the project booth at Fourth Friday in Uptown Westerville on May 22 or at the Saturday Farmers Market on May 23.

- Visit Parks.Westerville.org/Wander to learn more and stay connected.

05/18/2026

We always love hearing and seeing Red-winged Blackbirds. Since our business is often in wetlands, we regularly come across their nests. As you can see by the different vegetation in each shot, these photos were all taken in different wetlands throughout the state.

If you have the luck to encounter a nest (of any species) be mindful of the careful craftmanship it took for each bird to create and never disturb or try to move it. Grab a photo and move along before the parents become too agitated.

05/16/2026

Rain and public events just don’t mix well…unless you’re a duckling!

We’ll reschedule the Wetland Workshop for a later date. We apologize for any inconveniences. The frogs and plants will be happy to have a reprieve from last night’s Frog Friday crowd 🐸

05/16/2026

Wetland Workshop is happening this morning at Highlands Park. Don't miss out on wetland fun and crafts!

No registration needed. Free and family-friendly!
10am-12pm at Highlands Park in Westerville

01/13/2026

You’ve heard the saying “you can’t see the forest for the trees” as a matter of perspective, but how about seeing the forest by means of a water droplet?

Sometimes getting stuck in the granular details can be cumbersome, but in this instance it’s giving forest whimsy. Even on a cloudy winter day.

With the right focus, you can capture the world in miniature using water droplets. Take time for a closer look at dripping leaves, moss sporangia, branchlets, even a melting icicle.