Ostrander Wildlife Site

About the Program
First certified in 2010, Oldcastle Materials, Shelly Materials, Inc., Ostrander Wildlife Site is about 20 miles northwest of Columbus, Ohio, near the Scioto River. A team of employees implements, maintains and monitors habitat and species projects to enhance the overall sustainability of the 80-acre facility. The property is mostly grassland with some forest and seasonal wetland habitat, where over 56 acres of habitat are conserved. The company’s efforts are aimed at supporting and managing the recovery of a natural and diverse habitat across the site, which was mined and clear-cut. They have restored native prairie grasslands and maintain three miles of nature trails, footbridges and wetland walkways for safe and close-up viewing. In addition, they continuously seek ways to engage and educate students, employees, and community members. 

• Since early 2012, the prairie has supported a predominantly native habitat of grasses and trees. Through mowing and weeding, native plant growth is promoted along with the prevention of invasive or noxious species.
• During recent site visits, a diversity of wildlife has been found, including the meadow vole, eastern grey squirrel, red-winged blackbird and field wolf spider.
• The project intends to build on current success by removing invasive tree species and conducting controlled burns.
• Since early 2008, this wetland habitat has supported native animals like the great blue heron, American bullfrog and white-tailed deer, along with many native plant species. 
• Annual wildlife monitoring has shown the recent presence of native wildlife, such as the American toad, wood duck, muskrat and bluegill.
• The project plans to continue successful results with the implementation of fish monitoring using seine nets.