The Benjamin Logan Environmental Science Club continues to expand students’ understanding of the many professions and responsibilities connected to caring for our environment. Each week brings new opportunities to explore real-world conservation work—and last week was no exception.
Learning from a Logan County Wildlife Officer
The club recently welcomed Adam Smith, Logan County Wildlife Officer with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR). A graduate of Indian Lake, Mr. Smith shared his journey from student to wildlife officer, offering students a glimpse into a career dedicated to protecting Ohio’s natural resources.
One of the key messages he emphasized was the importance of balance:
“We share this earth with both animals and humans, and it is important they function together.”
Mr. Smith explained that a large part of his role involves working with people—educating the public, enforcing wildlife regulations, and helping resolve conflicts between humans and wildlife. His presentation included a hands-on look at various animal pelts, giving students the opportunity to see and feel the diversity of Ohio’s native species while learning about habitat, management, and conservation.
The students were captivated, asking thoughtful questions about wildlife law enforcement, habitat preservation, and daily responsibilities of an ODNR Wildlife Officer.
Installing Wood Duck Boxes
In addition to learning about wildlife careers, the Science Club is putting conservation into action. The five wood duck boxes students constructed earlier this winter are now being installed at:
- The wetland on the Benjamin Logan campus
- The Myeerah Preserve wetland
- The Kirkmont Center pond
Wood ducks are cavity nesters and depend heavily on artificial nesting structures in areas where natural tree cavities are limited. Students will monitor these boxes throughout the season and report on nesting success in the coming months.
Stay tuned for updates as we track how these new nesting sites support local waterfowl populations.
Supporting Environmental Education in Logan County
The Benjamin Logan Environmental Science Club is a partnership between Benjamin Logan Schools and the Logan County Land Trust, providing students with hands-on learning opportunities that connect science, stewardship, and career exploration.
🌿 Interested in getting involved? You can volunteer your time, support current projects, or consider making a donation to help keep these important educational efforts moving forward. Together, we are investing in the future of conservation in Logan County.

