Ohio Heritage Naturalists at Cave Lake

Little Wood Satyr, Megisto cymela

Yesterday, I traveled with my co-worker Rick G. and met up with our Ohio Natural Heritage Program volunteer group, the Ohio Heritage Naturalists. We botanized and naturalized Cave Lake, a YMCA campground that has family camping, and in the future, will house more facilities, while keeping the significant natural areas intact. This site in western pike county is located in a dolomite gorge, which was long along ago dammed to create a recreational lake. A significant cave, Frost Cave, overlooks the lake, and some of the gorge is still present, with tall dolomite cliffs and a beautiful waterfall. Here's a look at some of the critters and geologic features we observed yesterday. It was great to be out with everyone and learn many new things.

Golden Backed Snipe Flies, Chrysopilus Thoracicus I'll let you interpret their behavoir. Kudos to Janet for knowing the name of this striking insect.

Some type of Orb-weaver spider.

Eastern Fence Lizard, Sceloporus undulatus

Eyed Click Beetle, Alaus oculatus


And here is the fantastic waterfall below the dam,



And finally, a look out from Frost Cave to Cave Lake. Deep within the reaches of this cave, in the dark zone, lives the Frost Cave Isopod, Caecidotea rotunda, known from only four other caves in the entire world.

Tom