Hey there! Let me tell you a little about the charming Hueston Woods Biological Station (HWBS), which opened its doors back in April 2004 as the very first bird banding station under the AREI banner. Nestled in a cozy spot right below the dam of Acton Lake in beautiful Hueston Woods State Park, located in both Preble and Butler Counties, OH, it’s such a peaceful place to be. Picture a lovely 10-acre area filled with successional woods, marshy spots, and lovely edges. We kicked things off with just 10 nets way back when, and guess what? By 2008, we expanded to about 40 nets! How exciting is that? Of course, our banding adventures are a little dependent on the weather since we're out in the open, soaking up the great outdoors. If it’s too chilly, blazing hot, rainy, or windy, we’ll have to hold off on banding. But don’t worry—just keep an eye on our Calendar for updates! Now, parking can be a bit tricky, and the nearest restroom is about a half-mile uphill walk, but believe me, it's totally worth it! Sure, the terrain can be a little rough, but it holds a special place in our hearts. We’ve been lucky to witness some amazing diversity here, and since 2004, we’ve kept records of recaptures every single year. The birds love this spot too, returning each year as they migrate north to their breeding grounds and south for the winter. Can you believe that two Wood Thrushes were recaptured in the same net on the same day for three years running? How cool is that? Come join us for a visit anytime!