OHIO VALLEY MUSEUM OF DISCOVERY

ATHENS, OH

Midstory Thinning Scientists vertically divide forests into 3 layers: the understory, midstory, and overstory. The understory is the layer near the ground. The midstory is the layer above the understory but below the overstory. The overstory is the top layer of the forest, where the canopies of the tallest trees are. Historically, the midstory layers in southeast Ohio’s forests were often open and only sparsely filled with small trees. An open midstory helps let more sunlight reach the understory, where young oak seedlings and saplings are growing. Sunlight reaching the understory is key for the continued existence of oak ecosystems, as young oak seedling and saplings need sunlight to develop, grow, and survive. This secures the next generation of oak trees that will ultimately replace the current generation. Over the past several decades, the midstories of many southeastern Ohio forests have become very dense and filled with shade-tolerant trees, such as red maples and American beeches. This development has shaded out young oak trees, putting the future of our oak ecosystems at risk. This is where midstory thinning comes in! Land stewards will fell certain small trees in specific areas of a forest. Stewards won’t fell all the trees in the midstory, but rather focus on the shade-tolerant species like red maples and American beech which are crowding out sun-loving trees like oaks. These downed trees will then lay on the forest floor and begin decomposing, returning important nutrients and carbon back into the soil. In the coming years, this area will also be prescribed burned, which will speed up the decomposition process of the downed trees. Midstory thinning is just one of the tools in the proverbial toolbox that land stewards can use to restore and sustain southeast Ohio’s oak ecosystems, keeping them healthy, resilient, and ready for the future! Forest Service photo by Kyle Brooks
Midstory Thinning Credit: Wayne National Forest

The Ohio Valley Museum of Discovery is a unique museum located in Athens, Ohio, that aims to educate visitors of all ages on the wonders of science and technology. The museum features a wide range of interactive exhibits and hands-on activities that encourage visitors to explore the world around them in a fun and engaging way.

Some of the museum's most popular exhibits include a giant bubble maker, a wind tunnel, and a planetarium show that takes visitors on a journey through the stars. The museum also features a variety of educational programs and workshops that cover a range of topics, from physics and chemistry to ecology and geology.

In addition to its exhibits and programs, the Ohio Valley Museum of Discovery also houses a vast collection of artifacts and specimens that showcase the rich history and diversity of the natural world. Visitors can view ancient fossils, rare minerals, and other fascinating objects that offer a glimpse into the past and present of the planet we call home.

Overall, the Ohio Valley Museum of Discovery is a wonderful destination for anyone interested in science, technology, and the natural world. With its engaging exhibits, hands-on activities, and educational programs, it's the perfect place to learn, explore, and have fun.

OHIO VALLEY MUSEUM OF DISCOVERY is a Children's Museum in ATHENS OH. US MID #8403900281

The museum is classed as CMU (Children's Museums). It comes under American Alliance of Museums (AAM) region: Midwest (Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio, Wisconsin).

Midstory Thinning Scientists vertically divide forests into 3 layers: the understory, midstory, and overstory. The understory is the layer near the ground. The midstory is the layer above the understory but below the overstory. The overstory is the top layer of the forest, where the canopies of the tallest trees are. Historically, the midstory layers in southeast Ohio’s forests were often open and only sparsely filled with small trees. An open midstory helps let more sunlight reach the understory, where young oak seedlings and saplings are growing. Sunlight reaching the understory is key for the continued existence of oak ecosystems, as young oak seedling and saplings need sunlight to develop, grow, and survive. This secures the next generation of oak trees that will ultimately replace the current generation. Over the past several decades, the midstories of many southeastern Ohio forests have become very dense and filled with shade-tolerant trees, such as red maples and American beeches. This development has shaded out young oak trees, putting the future of our oak ecosystems at risk. This is where midstory thinning comes in! Land stewards will fell certain small trees in specific areas of a forest. Stewards won’t fell all the trees in the midstory, but rather focus on the shade-tolerant species like red maples and American beech which are crowding out sun-loving trees like oaks. These downed trees will then lay on the forest floor and begin decomposing, returning important nutrients and carbon back into the soil. In the coming years, this area will also be prescribed burned, which will speed up the decomposition process of the downed trees. Midstory thinning is just one of the tools in the proverbial toolbox that land stewards can use to restore and sustain southeast Ohio’s oak ecosystems, keeping them healthy, resilient, and ready for the future! Forest Service photo by Kyle Brooks
Tipple Top Trail The Tipple Top Trail is part of the Baileys Trail System. This 4 mile trail is optimized for mountain biking, but is also open to walking, hiking, and trail running. Forest Service photo by Kyle Brooks.
Exploring the Ora E. Anderson Nature Trail The 0.5 mile Ora E. Anderson Nature Trail passes by the Rutherford Wetland. Visitors can expect to see wetland wildlife like waterfowl and turtles, as well as forest dwelling species. Forest Service photo by Kyle Brooks.
Upstream Rock Run A view of the Upstream Rock Run Coal Mine Remediation Site. Prior to reclamation efforts in the early 2000s, this hollow was the site of an abandoned coal mine with many environmental issues, such as acid mine drainage. A reclamation project mitigated the acid mine drainage, recontoured the land, created a pond, and created a native prairie planting. Photo by the Forest Service.
Payne Cemetery The historic Black community of Paynes Crossing lies in the northwest corner of the Athens Ranger District. The free Black founders of Paynes Crossing discovered economic security in the forested hills of Appalachia Ohio, and they acquired considerable amounts of land and wealth for the time and place. Many of the Black residents of Paynes Crossing were farmers, while others were coopers and miners, and at least one resident was a pharmacist. The residents were also heavily involved in the Underground Railroad, helping self-liberated Black Americans safely move north as they escaped enslavement in the south. Later during the Civil War, several residents enlisted in the Ohio regiments of the U.S. Colored Troops to fight for the Union and a cause which ultimately led to the abolition of enslavement in the United States. All of the men survived the war and returned home to Paynes Crossing and their families in 1865. The only obvious remnant of the community today is Payne Cemetery, which sits on a ridgetop adjacent to State Route 595 and is now part of the Wayne National Forest. The cemetery is a quiet reminder of the Black history that can be found in the hills of Ohio. Photo by the Forest Service.
Payne Cemetery The historic Black community of Paynes Crossing lies in the northwest corner of the Athens Ranger District. The free Black founders of Paynes Crossing discovered economic security in the forested hills of Appalachia Ohio, and they acquired considerable amounts of land and wealth for the time and place. Many of the Black residents of Paynes Crossing were farmers, while others were coopers and miners, and at least one resident was a pharmacist. The residents were also heavily involved in the Underground Railroad, helping self-liberated Black Americans safely move north as they escaped enslavement in the south. Later during the Civil War, several residents enlisted in the Ohio regiments of the U.S. Colored Troops to fight for the Union and a cause which ultimately led to the abolition of enslavement in the United States. All of the men survived the war and returned home to Paynes Crossing and their families in 1865. The only obvious remnant of the community today is Payne Cemetery, which sits on a ridgetop adjacent to State Route 595 and is now part of the Wayne National Forest. The cemetery is a quiet reminder of the Black history that can be found in the hills of Ohio. Photo by the Forest Service.
Payne Cemetery The historic Black community of Paynes Crossing lies in the northwest corner of the Athens Ranger District. The free Black founders of Paynes Crossing discovered economic security in the forested hills of Appalachia Ohio, and they acquired considerable amounts of land and wealth for the time and place. Many of the Black residents of Paynes Crossing were farmers, while others were coopers and miners, and at least one resident was a pharmacist. The residents were also heavily involved in the Underground Railroad, helping self-liberated Black Americans safely move north as they escaped enslavement in the south. Later during the Civil War, several residents enlisted in the Ohio regiments of the U.S. Colored Troops to fight for the Union and a cause which ultimately led to the abolition of enslavement in the United States. All of the men survived the war and returned home to Paynes Crossing and their families in 1865. The only obvious remnant of the community today is Payne Cemetery, which sits on a ridgetop adjacent to State Route 595 and is now part of the Wayne National Forest. The cemetery is a quiet reminder of the Black history that can be found in the hills of Ohio. Photo by the Forest Service.
Monday Creek Off-Highway Vehicle Trail System Riders prepare for a day of off-highway vehicle riding in the Monday Creek OHV Trail System. Forest Service photo.
Burr Oak Cove Campground Burr Oak Cove Campground is a small densely wooded campground on the northwest tip of Burr Oak Reservoir in Athens County. The campground has 19 camping units, including walk-in sites which offer additional seclusion to the camper looking for solitude. Forest Service photo by Gary Chancey.
Wayne National Forest Headquarters & Athens Ranger District Office The Wayne National Forest Headquarters and Athens Ranger District Office holds Forest Service staff and has a visitor center. Forest Service photo by Gary Chancey.
Big Bailey Wetland Big Bailey Wetland sits at the intersection of Big Bailey Run Road and Carr-Bailey Road near the Baileys Trail System. This shallow wetland is a popular place to go birding or fishing. Forest Service photo by Kyle Brooks
Tecumseh Lake and the Buckeye Trail The 1,440+ mile Buckeye Trail runs past Tecumseh Lake. The North Country National Scenic Trail runs concurrently with the Buckeye Trail through much of Ohio. Forest Service photo by Kyle Brooks

Contact OHIO VALLEY MUSEUM OF DISCOVERY

OHIO VALLEY MUSEUM OF DISCOVERY
743 E STATE ST
ATHENS
OH
45701-2110

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OHIO VALLEY MUSEUM OF DISCOVERY Information

MID # 8403900281
Name OHIO VALLEY MUSEUM OF DISCOVERY
Alternate Name
Classification Children's Museums, , Midwest
Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) 205062362
NTEECC A52
Tax period of the latest return filed (YYYYMM) 201212
INCOME 0
REVENUE 0
LAT/LONG 39.337158, -82.071459
CODES FIPS State Code: 39
FIPS County Code: 009
US Census Tract: 973400
US Census Block: 1055