Animal Tracks GreenZine

08/28/2026

We are in need of a colony caretaker for Saturdays. It is a very rewarding experience and you’d be part of a group of supporting volunteers that cover for each other when necessary.

If you’re able to help please shoot an email to the address in the flyer.

08/28/2026

Ohio has a stretch of ridgeline so steep and green that locals gave it a mountain nickname. The Shawnee State Forest Backpack Trail runs more than 40 miles through the largest state forest in Ohio, a 63,000 acre spread of second growth timber across Scioto and Adams counties known as Ohio's Little Smokies. Orange blazes carry hikers over repeated climbs and drops of 400 feet or more, past ridge views that fill with blue haze on humid mornings.

The route splits into a roughly 21 mile north loop and a 28 mile south loop, joined by a connector, with a 10 mile side trail leading into the forest's 8,000 acre wilderness area, where no roads or logging are allowed. Seven backcountry camps along the way offer tent sites, fire rings and latrines, and permits are self issued at the trailhead kiosk. Sections of the Buckeye Trail and the North Country Trail overlap the route. It is widely considered some of the toughest hiking in the state, which is exactly why backpackers keep coming back. Have you visited the Shawnee State Forest Backpack Trail?

⭐Shawnee State Forest Backpack Trail
📍 13291 US-52, West Portsmouth, OH 45663

08/26/2026

Tomorrow's an exciting day for APN! It's our first event at Land Grant Brew Co. We appreciate their support for APN's efforts to humanely reduce the stray cat population through TNR.

ALL DAY TOMORROW, Aug 26, you can round up your bill to support APN at Land Grant! It's an easy way to have a relaxing Wednesday evening with great bevvies and great people all while supporting a great cause🌞. 😎

Most excitingly, we will have adoptable KITTENS!!!!! From 4-8 PM, APN representatives will be inside with information about APN and how you can support or volunteer, and showing off our bird crew: Griffin, Chickadee, Phoenix, and Piper!! You know what they say about birds...one in the hand at Land Grant is worth 2 in your home! 😹🪶

We do not do same day adoptions, but if you'd like to apply to adopt at any time, you can complete the form below! Please keep in mind we prioritize homes where kittens will have a playmate, either from their litter or other cat in the home. 🐾

📋 Adoption application: https://airtable.com/appn98M3lBGJT5EI3/shrV0erpsoDEAY8db

We look forward to meeting you and supporting a more humane Columbus together. ❤️

08/25/2026

Plastics just keep getting smaller, and potentially more harmful to humans, fish and wildlife. Even the most remote areas of the Great Lakes aren’t spared.

08/25/2026

For years, Alfred Kailihiwa quietly dedicated his life to helping Maui's community cats. 💔🐱

The 71-year-old Maui man reportedly fed hundreds of cats each night and helped with spay-and-neuter efforts, caring for animals who had few people looking out for them.

On August 6, 2026, Alfred and his sister were reportedly involved in a confrontation while feeding cats in Kahului. Alfred was later attacked and hospitalized, but sadly died from his injuries the following day. Two men have been charged in connection with his death, while the investigation remains ongoing.

His passing has left Maui's animal-care community heartbroken. Alfred spent years showing compassion to cats that had no one else, and his dedication to them will not be forgotten. 🐱❤️

A life spent caring for animals is a life that mattered. Rest peacefully, Alfred. 🕊️💔

08/24/2026

08/22/2026

A Texas family is crediting their pet goose for alerting them to a barn fire earlier this month, helping to save their hatchery's 100 chickens and turkeys.

Chelsea Ge**er and her husband, Bert, said their pet goose — named Goosey — started honking loudly in the early morning hours of Aug. 3.

Ge**er said after he was awoken by Goosey, he realized the barn had caught fire and responded quickly, grabbing a garden hose to get the fire under control.

Read more: https://abcnews.visitlink.me/s9wuWh

08/20/2026

For years, Marietta and Washington County have seen billions of gallons of radioactive fracking waste injected underground. Residents are fed up.

08/18/2026

MARIETTA ‌— ‌Injection ‌wells have become a national flashpoint following an article in the New York Times, which references events in and around Marietta. In Washington County, the argument is still fueled by one hard fact the state has already verified: oil and gas wastewater moved out of ...