Appalachia Ohio Alliance

Explore Aquatic Life in the Hocking River-AOA Demonstration Site, Rockbridge
2025-08-09 10:00 - 13:00 (America/Detroit)
How’s the water? Let’s ask the fish and bugs! Did you know the fish and aquatic insects that live in Ohio’s rivers and streams can tell a story about water quality? Join water quality expert Kelly Capuzzi of Ohio EPA, and Amy Mackey and Nora Sullivan, to learn about the species of fish and macroinvertebrates that live in the Hocking Hills region.
We will wade the cool summer waters of the Hocking River searching for the various species that make their home in this stream. As part of our exploration Kelly will discuss the importance of healthy riparian corridor habitat and issues that impact water quality and aquatic species.
This is a hands-on event that is appropriate for the whole family. Kids will have fun exploring the river looking for aquatic denizens, while learning about water quality. AOA events are free and open to the public.
Experience the conserved riparian corridor and enjoy a couple of hours along one of our natural streams at AOA’s beautiful Conservation Demonstration Site in Rockbridge. This property is part of AOA’s Hocking River Conservation Corridor and Greater Hocking Hills Conservation Initiative, which has conserved 100 properties and over 6,000 acres.
Time: Meet at 10:00 a.m. We expect this event to last for up to 2 hours, but feel free to stay as long as you like.
Place: AOA’s Conservation Demonstration Site is located next to Highway 33 along County Road 10 in Rockbridge – see Google map link below. Use 26550 Virginia Valley Road, Rockbridge as a Google Map street address for the site. Park in the gravel parking area at the kiosk or alongside the roadway.
What to Bring. Come prepared and dress appropriately for the warm summer weather and stream wading. Water shoes, old sneakers or boots are recommended. A towel and sunscreen desirable. Bug repellant is recommended. Please bring your own drinks and/or snacks. Feel free to pack a lunch and picnic in the shade forests along the river.
Water / Weather Conditions. Stream conditions are good at this time, however, this event may be postponed or cancelled due to high water conditions on the river and/or nearby lightning / thunderstorms during the event timeframes. We will post event status information on the AOA Facebook page if conditions require. Participants can call AOA at (614.721.2656) to check on stream conditions or the event status.
Google Map Link: https://www.google.com/maps/place/26550+Virginia+Valley+Rd,+Rockbridge,+OH+43149/@39.5879393,-82.5317166,195m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m5!3m4!1s0x8847f290635102b7:0x1fb91233161fc14f!8m2!3d39.5878163!4d-82.5318027
