The same Aug. 11 derecho that toppled trees across Upper Arlington also knocked more than 150 baby animals from their nests, and the nonprofit caring for them needs help covering the bills.

The Ohio Wildlife Center, a Columbus-based rehabilitation hospital that runs entirely on donations, has admitted the animals since the storm tore through central Ohio with straight-line winds the National Weather Service clocked at 90 to 100 mph. Most are displaced orphans. Many have minor injuries from falls, ABC6 reported Aug. 16.

The center is now asking for donations to sustain care through baby season, with specific price tags for each species:

• Orphaned cottontail rabbits: $25 each, covering specialized feeding nipples, formula, fresh greens and careful monitoring to prevent stress-related illness.
• Orphaned squirrels: $50 each, covering species-specific formula, feeding equipment, rodent blocks, fruits, vegetables and nuts.
• Tiny songbird orphans: $75 each, requiring frequent feedings of precise formula and protein-rich diets, often from sunrise to sunset.

The center changed its standard protocol immediately after the storm, asking residents who found displaced baby wildlife to contact staff rather than attempt to renest the animals themselves. David Donahue, the center's development and communications manager, explained the protocol shift in an NBC4 interview on Aug. 12, the day after the storm: "Normally, our first choice is to reunite healthy young wildlife with their parents whenever possible … But with the severe and rapidly changing weather expected over the next 24 hours, returning a baby animal to an exposed nest could put it right back into a dangerous situation."

Upper Arlington bore some of the derecho's worst damage. A 10TV report on the NWS survey found the heaviest tree destruction near Upper Arlington High School along Mount Holyoke Road, Wellesley Drive, Halstead Road, Pickwick Drive and North Star Road. A city spokesperson told NBC4 that 75 homes sustained tree damage, and Upper Arlington Schools delayed the start of the new school year because of the destruction.

The free wildlife hospital is open 365 days a year. Residents who want to help can donate at ohiowildlifecenter.org/support or call (614) 793-9453.

Upcoming:

• Monday, Aug. 17: City of Upper Arlington curbside chipping begins for storm-related tree limbs and debris, according to the city. Have material at the curb; crews will make one pass.