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DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20251206T170000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20251206T200000
DTSTAMP:20260413T173829
CREATED:20251112T145517Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251112T182501Z
UID:4923-1765040400-1765051200@www.appalachiaohioalliance.org
SUMMARY:AOA Annual Dinner and Friend Gathering
DESCRIPTION:  \nThe Appalachia Ohio Alliance will hold its Annual Dinner and Friend Gathering at The Mill Event Center at 431 South Columbus Steet\, Lancaster\, Ohio on December 6\, 2025.  The Mill Event Center is located in Lancaster’s Historic Downtown District and was a former 1800’s grocery store and feed mill.  On site parking is available and the building is handicap accessible. \nDoors and the full-service bar will open for a social hour at 5 pm. The Annual Dinner will start at 6 pm. The cost will be $40 per person.  Please come and celebrate our many land and water stewardship accomplishments during the year 2025. \nOur guest speaker will be Rob Curtis who will discuss the Rare and Endangered Species of AOA’s Nature Preserves.  A silent auction of unique items will be provided again this year. \nThe buffet menu will include grilled chicken breast\, braised beef with mushrooms and a vegetarian option of stuffed shells.  Sides will include red skinned potatoes; honey glazed carrots and a fresh garden salad with Italian or ranch Dressing.  Desert will include a homemade pie assortment. \nPlease contact AOA with any questions or special meal accommodations at via email or contact Al Altfater via phone. \nPlease reserve your seat here.
URL:https://www.appalachiaohioalliance.org/event/aoa-annual-dinner-and-friend-gathering/
ORGANIZER;CN="AOA":MAILTO:office@appalachiaohioalliance.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20251102T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20251102T150000
DTSTAMP:20260413T173829
CREATED:20251028T225806Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251028T230219Z
UID:4899-1762088400-1762095600@www.appalachiaohioalliance.org
SUMMARY:Fall Color Hike at AOA’s Poston Preserve\, Alum Creek Conservation Corridor\, Morrow County
DESCRIPTION:  \n \n  \nEnjoy the colors and crisp cool weather this post-Halloween weekend – hike AOA’s beautiful Poston Preserve along Alum Creek.  The older growth forests that cover much of the site will be decked out for fall on what will likely be the peak color weekend this fall.  This spectacular property contains extensive riparian bottomland corridors and steep shale bluffs that line the creeks. While there\, learn more about the rewilding and planting of resistant Chestnut\, Ash and Elm trees on the former fields being carried out by AOA in collaboration with other partners. \nAOA has purchased several parcels totaling ~225 acres of the over 400-acre farm site from the Poston family\, who want the property to be permanently conserved as a natural area.  AOA will purchase another 178 acres later this year\, creating a Preserve of over 400 contiguous acres. \nLocated on the Delaware / Morrow County line\, this is the first site conserved by AOA in the beautiful upper Alum Creek corridor as part of our watershed and water quality protection mission. \nThe Fall Color hike and other AOA events are free and open to the public.  This event will be held rain or shine – so please come prepared and dress appropriately for the weather and hiking on some slopes. \nTime:  Meet at 1:00 p.m. to take advantage of the afternoon sunshine.  This hike will last approximately two hours.  Participants can stay as long as you like and explore the Preserve. \nWhat to Bring:  Binoculars to view the many birds and wildlife.  Pack drinks and/or snacks of your choice.  Bug repellant is recommended. \nLocation:  Poston Preserve is located along Alum Creek north of Alum Creek Lake and Kilbourne\, on the Morrow – Delaware County line – see link below.  We will rendezvous off the old farm drive on Morrow County Road 24 / Worthington-New Haven Road.  There is not a Google Map address for the drive but it is located directly across the road from 161 Worthington-New Haven Road\, Ashley.  We will park in the grassy area along the drive.  Look for AOA signs\, cones and staff at the entry drive. \nGoogle Map Link – to House across the Road from the entry drive:            https://www.google.com/maps/place/166+County+Rd+24\,+Ashley\,+OH+43003/@40.3652069\,-82.9193833\,297m/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x8838ff6f9bab384d:0xb8f4493406a50785!8m2!3d40.3652059!4d-82.9187396!16s%2Fg%2F11sbyt__6r?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI1MTAyMi4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D    
URL:https://www.appalachiaohioalliance.org/event/fall-color-hike-at-aoas-poston-preserve-alum-creek-conservation-corridor-morrow-county/
ORGANIZER;CN="AOA":MAILTO:office@appalachiaohioalliance.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20251012T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20251012T150000
DTSTAMP:20260413T173829
CREATED:20251008T132234Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251008T132410Z
UID:4874-1760274000-1760281200@www.appalachiaohioalliance.org
SUMMARY:Prairie Walk and Seed Collection Trella Romine Prairie\, Green Camp
DESCRIPTION:Enjoy an autumn day outdoors in the field learning about our native landscapes while helping to make a difference!  Walk the trail and experience AOA’s Trella Romine Prairie while helping to collect native prairie seed.  Led by David Williams and Amanda Reuter\, activities will include a walk through the prairie\, identification of native prairie plant species and appropriate seed collection and storage techniques. \nWe will learn about our native grassland habitats while collecting seeds from a variety of native grass and prairie forb species growing on this site\, one of Ohio’s few remaining native prairie habitats\, now almost extirpated throughout its former range.  Collected seed will be used to support native plant restoration and reintroduction efforts at several AOA Preserves.  Seed from prairie plants at Trella Romine are particularly desirable for local restoration activities due to their Scioto River-Sandusky Plains heritage – resulting from the long-term plant conservation efforts undertaken by Trella Romine\, Gale Martin and dedicated Marion County Historical Society members and volunteers. \nThis event is free and open to the public. \nLocation:  Trella Romine Prairie is located just south of Marion and just north of the Village of Green Camp at the intersection of Marion-Green Camp Road (Highway 739) and Larue-Prospect Road South (Highway 203).  See Google Maps link below.  Note\, there is no Google Maps street address for the property.   Parking is available adjacent to the Preserve gate.  Look for AOA’s chartreuse traffic cones and signs\, in addition to our parking staff. \nTime:  Meet at the prairie entrance at 1:00 p.m.  Look for AOA signs.  We expect to walk and collect for approximately 2 hours.  Feel free to participate for all or part of the time. \nWhat to Bring: Please come prepared and dress appropriately for the weather and walking through mature grasslands.  Long pants and sleeves and work gloves are recommended.  We will have some extra gloves.  Bug repellant is recommended.  Sunscreen may be desirable if we are lucky enough to have a beautiful sunny day.  Please bring your own drinks and/or snacks.  Water is not available on site.  Feel free to pack a lunch and picnic on site before we begin.  You may also want to bring a pair of binoculars for better viewing of the resident bald eagle’s nest at the Big Island Wildlife Area adjacent to the Trella Romine property. \nGoogle Maps Link:   \nhttps://www.google.com/maps/place/Trella+Romine+Prairie/@40.5452948\,-83.2013775\,2992m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m6!3m5!1s0x8839190c2c99dc2f:0x55fe89b51d68161!8m2!3d40.5484751!4d-83.1913184!16s%2Fg%2F1pxy_wjky?entry=ttu
URL:https://www.appalachiaohioalliance.org/event/prairie-walk-and-seed-collection-trella-romine-prairie-green-camp/
ORGANIZER;CN="AOA":MAILTO:office@appalachiaohioalliance.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20251011T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20251011T120000
DTSTAMP:20260413T173829
CREATED:20251008T130857Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251008T132556Z
UID:4870-1760176800-1760184000@www.appalachiaohioalliance.org
SUMMARY:Mindful Outdoor Walk at AOA’s Menchhofer Preserve
DESCRIPTION:Join us for a Mindful Outdoor Walk – a guided “saunter” into a natural setting to share mindfulness practices that break down the barriers that separate us from the rest of nature. \nIn addition to mindful walking\, we will do ‘centering’ and breath work\, learn to ‘forest bathe’ and enjoy open meditation in a ‘sit spot’.  Benefits of this experience include enhanced stress management through connection with nature\, re-awakened senses to the world around us\, a break from technology-centered lifestyles\, and increased sense of our place in the world. \nNOTE: A Mindful Outdoor Walk is not a continuous hike\, trying to get to somewhere specific. Nor is it a strenuous hike for exercise. We walk a bit\, we stop\, we walk more\, we stop\, we sit down for a time (on the ground\, a rock\, a fallen log).  The guide gives invitations for the participants to consider\, which bring them into deeper presence with the natural surroundings. We do not try to identify species or name things – it is not a naturalist led educational walk.  We do steep ourselves in the natural beauty and appreciate the species surrounding us.  We also walk without technology or taking pictures – we leave cell phones and cameras at home or in the car. This is a chance to have a full tech break. \nElements of a mindful outdoor experience include: \n\nForest bathing – taking in\, with all of our senses\, the forest atmosphere\nBiophilia – remembering to focus on life and lifelike processes\nSpecies re-connection – breaking through isolation from the natural world\nRefuge – finding peace and refuge in the natural world\n\nMichelle Greenfield will serve as our event leader.  Michelle has a Mindful Outdoor Guide certification and has taught Yoga for 15 years.  She has completed The Power of Awareness meditation training and is currently enrolled in Meditation and Mindfulness Teacher training. \nLocated just west of Ash Cave\, the Menchhofer Preserve contains spectacular Hocking Hills geology\, including a deep gorge\, multiple waterfalls\, high sandstone bluffs\, a large cave\, mature older forests\, hemlock groves\, and a high-quality stream tributary of Queer Creek.  The preserve is part of AOA’s Hocking Hills Conservation Initiative that has conserved 100 properties and over 6\,300 acres of natural features\, landscapes\, habitats\, heritage areas and water quality in this special Ohio region. \nThis and other AOA events are free and open to the public. \nTime:  Meet at 10:00 a.m. \nWhat to Wear:  This activity will be held rain or shine – so please come prepared and dress appropriately for the weather and hiking on slopes.  Appropriate footwear and outerwear are essential so plan accordingly! \nWhat to Bring:  A small mat or blanket to sit on. Lunch\, snacks and/or drinks of your choice.  Insect repellant is recommended. \nLocation:  AOA’s Menchhofer Preserve is located on the north side of Highway 56 west of Ash Cave.  The street address is 24490 Highway 56\, South Bloomingville\, OH 43152. Look for the barn with the painted Mail Pouch sign along the road.  We will park around the barn and in the grassy field behind the barn. \nGoogle Map Link:  https://www.google.com/maps/place/24490+OH-56\,+South+Bloomingville\,+OH+43152/@39.4105542\,-82.5793794\,760m/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x8847bffb19ead7a7:0x5cc4067359adcffd!8m2!3d39.4105501!4d-82.5768045?entry=ttu \n  \n  \n 
URL:https://www.appalachiaohioalliance.org/event/mindful-aoa-menchhofer-preserve/
ORGANIZER;CN="AOA":MAILTO:office@appalachiaohioalliance.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20250913T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20250913T150000
DTSTAMP:20260413T173829
CREATED:20250908T232605Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250910T222513Z
UID:4846-1757768400-1757775600@www.appalachiaohioalliance.org
SUMMARY:Tag Monarch Butterflies on their Way to Mexico This Weekend\,  AOA Hintz Hollow Preserve\,  Fairfield County
DESCRIPTION:  \nA key part of AOA’s mission is dedicated to inspiring a love of nature in future generations. As part of this effort AOA is sponsoring a citizen science event to track Monarch butterflies as they pass through our area on their way to their ultimate destination – Mexico! \n  \nWe will meet at the 220-acre Hintz Hollow Preserve in Fairfield County\, which is part of AOA’s Hocking River Conservation Corridor Initiative.  AOA has established habitats for pollinators and migratory butterflies in the former agricultural fields on this site. AOA board member Susan Clay will lead the tagging activities while enlightening us with interesting facts about Monarchs. \n  \nWe’ll have nets on hand for participants to capture wild monarchs for tagging. You can read more about the importance of this citizen science project at https://monarchwatch.org/tagging/. \n  \nThis is a family friendly event which will appeal to all ages – including the young and young at heart. It is free and open to the public.  Participants are welcome to stay and explore the beautiful Hintz Hollow Preserve site further following the tagging activities. \n  \nNOTE:  The weather looks great at this point.  However\, this event could be postponed or cancelled for inclement weather as butterflies will not be active during rain.  If weather conditions are not conducive for the event\, attendees will be notified through their registration contact information. \n  \nTime:  The tagging activities will start at 1:00 and continue until we run out of tags or butterflies to tag. \n  \nWhat to Bring:  Drinks of your choice\, snacks\, lunch for those wanting to picnic on-site. Dress appropriately for walking in prairie fields. There will be mowed paths.  Hats and/or sunscreen are advisable. \n  \nInsect Repellants are Unsafe:  Insect repellant is usually recommended during tick season – but do not use if you will be handling butterflies.  No insect repellants are safe to use during tagging activities.  Even small amounts from pet treatment can harm butterflies.  AOA will have gloves available for all to use to protect the butterflies from inadvertent contact. \n  \nRSVP Requested.  Participants are requested to RSVP for this event.  You can RSVP to Al Altfater by email at altfater@sbcglobal.net or by phone at 614.783.0220.  Please include the names\, phone numbers and emails for anyone you want to register for the event. \n  \nLocation:  Hintz Hollow Preserve is located in southern Fairfield County in the northern extent of the Hocking Hills landscapes.  It lies just north and east of Sugar Grove\, along Old Logan Road\, off Highway 33 and directly west of the Flight of the Hawk Park. We will enter from the rear gate to the property.  Turn west off Old Logan Road onto Brookdale Road SE.  Turn left onto South Street SE\, go to the end of the street and enter the Hintz Hollow Preserve through the entrance gate. Drive back to the old farmhouse where AOA volunteers will help to direct parking. You can follow AOA signs which will be placed at the road intersections. \n  \nGoogle Map Link to South Street Entrance:  https://www.google.com/maps/place/4498+South+St+SE\,+Lancaster\,+OH+43130/@39.6576917\,-82.5683561\,191m/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x88478ca978c2338b:0x826abe357ddce27d!8m2!3d39.6576907!4d-82.5677124?entry=ttu \n 
URL:https://www.appalachiaohioalliance.org/event/tag-monarch-butterflies-on-their-way-to-mexico-this-weekend-aoa-hintz-hollow-preserve-fairfield-county/
ORGANIZER;CN="AOA":MAILTO:office@appalachiaohioalliance.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20250817T093000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20250817T143000
DTSTAMP:20260413T173829
CREATED:20250811T211814Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250811T212003Z
UID:4840-1755423000-1755441000@www.appalachiaohioalliance.org
SUMMARY:Hocking River Float
DESCRIPTION:NOTE:  This trip was rescheduled due exceptionally high water in July. \nFloat a section of beautiful Hocking River through the picturesque Hocking Valley and Hocking Hills region.  Appalachia Ohio Alliance (AOA) is once again co-sponsoring a canoe/kayak trip on scenic Hocking River with the ODNR Ohio Scenic Rivers Program.  We will put-in on AOA’s Conservation Demonstration Site Preserve in Rockbridge\, and take-out at the Hocking Hills Adventures property just north of Enterprise\, a little over 4 miles downstream. \n  \nWe will take the opportunity to view some of the properties that have been protected by AOA as part of our Hocking River Conservation Corridor Initiative.  These sites are important components of AOA’s river conservation mission that helps safeguard our riparian corridors\, water quality\, native habitats and scenic assets.  Enjoy views of the Hocking River and the surrounding hills and learn about river characteristics and conditions. \n  \nHeather Doherty and Matt Smith with the Ohio Scenic Rivers Program will lead this adventure.  We will stop periodically to wade the stream and look for aquatic species.  Heather and Matt will identify and discuss the various fish and mussels that live in the creek as well as other Hocking River aquatic features.  We are also planning a short stop at the Rockbridge State Nature Preserve. \n  \nODNR will provide canoes and kayaks that will be available for participants without their own watercraft.  Canoes\, paddles\, and life jackets are included.  All participants all required to wear life vests while on the river. \n  \nParticipants who would like to use their own canoe or kayak are welcome.  Single and inexperienced paddlers will be paired with a partner based on experience level.  We will try to place at least one person with paddling experience in each canoe to navigate the natural meanders of the river environment. \n  \nThis trip will be held rain or shine so please dress appropriately for the weather and getting wet.  Also\, see the note below regarding water conditions.  We will rendezvous at the put-in site.  This trip is open to the public.  Spend a fun summer day on the river while learning first-hand about AOA’s riparian corridor and watershed conservation efforts! \n  \nRSVP Required.  Participants must RSVP to attend the canoe float to assure availability of a canoe or kayak.  You can RSVP to Al Altfater by email at altfater@sbcglobal.net or by phone at 614.783.0220.  Be sure and include the name\, phone number and email for anyone you want to register for the trip.  We must have this information for each individual you register. \n  \nLet Al know if you will be bringing your own canoe or kayak or will need to use an ODNR canoe.  Please RSVP by 5:00 Friday to assure a spot.  Al will respond and confirm your place on the participant list.  Please note that spaces can fill quickly and all info must be received to confirm a space. \n  \nTime.  Participants should be at AOA’s Demonstration Site by 9:30 a.m. to allow time to register and get your canoe ready and on the river ready to depart at 10:00 a.m.  Please be on time.  We expect the trip to last approximately 4 – 5 hours. \n  \nWhat to Bring.  Bring your own drinks\, snacks\, picnic lunch\, sunscreen\, bug repellant\, hat\, and/or water shoes or old sneakers. \n  \nLocation.  All participants should meet at the put in site on AOA’s Conservation Demonstration Site Preserve along Highway 33 just north of Rockbridge.  Turn off of Highway 33 onto Rockbridge A Road and look for AOA signs and staff to direct parking and canoe/kayak dropoff locations. \nGoogle Map Link.  Use this Google map link to AOA’s Conservation Demonstration Site property:  https://www.google.com/maps/place/Rockbridge+A+Rd\,+Good+Hope+Township\,+OH+43149/@39.587671\,-82.531452\,379m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m6!3m5!1s0x8847f28139685e8d:0x54257dc1316ed3dc!8m2!3d39.5845223!4d-82.5244226!16s%2Fg%2F1tdmfkx8?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI1MDYxNy4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D \nWater Conditions.  This trip will be postponed in the event of severe weather forecast or high-water conditions on the river.  Please note that water levels fluctuate and are highly dependent on local rains this week.  Water levels are up currently from the recent rainstorms.  If we determine that conditions require the trip to be postponed\, we will post event status information on the AOA Facebook page.  We will also email everyone who has registered for the event\, if any notices or postponements are necessary.  Participants can call AOA at (614.783.0220) if you need to check on river conditions or the trip status.
URL:https://www.appalachiaohioalliance.org/event/hocking-river-float-2/
ORGANIZER;CN="AOA":MAILTO:office@appalachiaohioalliance.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20250809T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20250809T130000
DTSTAMP:20260413T173829
CREATED:20250806T131623Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250806T131623Z
UID:4832-1754733600-1754744400@www.appalachiaohioalliance.org
SUMMARY:Explore Aquatic Life in the Hocking River-AOA Demonstration Site\, Rockbridge
DESCRIPTION:  \n \n  \nHow’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. \nWe 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. \nThis 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. \nExperience 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. \nTime:  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. \nPlace:  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. \nWhat 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. \nWater / 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. \nGoogle 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 \n 
URL:https://www.appalachiaohioalliance.org/event/explore-aquatic-life-in-the-hocking-river-aoa-demonstration-site-rockbridge/
ORGANIZER;CN="AOA":MAILTO:office@appalachiaohioalliance.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20250629T093000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20250629T143000
DTSTAMP:20260413T173829
CREATED:20250623T230812Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250623T231846Z
UID:4819-1751189400-1751207400@www.appalachiaohioalliance.org
SUMMARY:Hocking River Float
DESCRIPTION:Float a section of beautiful Hocking River through the picturesque Hocking Valley and Hocking Hills region.  Appalachia Ohio Alliance (AOA) is once again co-sponsoring a canoe/kayak trip on scenic Hocking River with the ODNR Ohio Scenic Rivers Program.  We will put-in on AOA’s Conservation Demonstration Site Preserve in Rockbridge\, and take-out at the Hocking Hills Adventures property just north of Enterprise\, a little over 4 miles downstream. \n  \nWe will take the opportunity to view some of the properties that have been protected by AOA as part of our Hocking River Conservation Corridor Initiative.  These sites are important components of AOA’s river conservation mission that helps safeguard our riparian corridors\, water quality\, native habitats and scenic assets.  Enjoy views of the Hocking River and the surrounding hills and learn about river characteristics and conditions. \n  \nHeather Doherty and Matt Smith with the Ohio Scenic Rivers Program will lead this adventure.  We will stop periodically to wade the stream and look for aquatic species.  Heather and Matt will identify and discuss the various fish and mussels that live in the creek as well as other Hocking River aquatic features.  We are also planning a short stop at the Rockbridge State Nature Preserve. \n  \nODNR will provide canoes and kayaks that will be available for participants without their own watercraft.  Canoes\, paddles\, and life jackets are included.  Participants using ODNR canoes are required to wear life vests while on the river. \n  \nParticipants who would like to use their own canoe or kayak are welcome.  Single and inexperienced paddle will be paired with a partner based on experience level.  We will try to place at least one person with paddling experience in each canoe to navigate the natural meanders of the river environment. \n  \nThis trip will be held rain or shine so please dress appropriately for the weather and getting wet.  Also\, see the note below regarding water conditions.  We will rendezvous at the put-in site.  This trip is open to the public.  Spend a fun summer day on the river while learning first-hand about AOA’s riparian corridor and watershed conservation efforts! \n  \nRSVP Required.  Participants must RSVP to attend the canoe float to assure availability of a canoe or kayak.  You can RSVP to Al Altfater by email at altfater@sbcglobal.net or by phone at 614.783.0220.  Be sure and include the name\, phone number and email for anyone you want to register for the trip.  We must have this information for each individual you register. \n  \nLet Al know if you will be bringing your own canoe or kayak or will need to use an ODNR canoe.  Please RSVP by 5:00 Friday to assure a spot.  Al will respond and confirm your place on the participant list.  Please note that spaces can fill quickly and all info must be received to confirm a space. \n  \nTime.  Participants should be at AOA’s Demonstration Site by 9:30 a.m. to allow time to register and get your canoe ready and on the river ready to depart at 10:00 a.m.  Please be on time.  We expect the trip to last approximately 4 – 5 hours. \n  \nWhat to Bring.  Bring your own drinks\, snacks\, picnic lunch\, sunscreen\, bug repellant\, hat\, and/or water shoes or old sneakers.  Any children weighing less than 50 pounds are required to bring their own appropriately size life vest if they will be in an ODNR canoe. \n  \nLocation.  All participants should meet at the put in site on AOA’s Conservation Demonstration Site Preserve along Highway 33 just north of Rockbridge.  Turn off of Highway 33 onto Rockbridge A Road and look for AOA signs and staff to direct parking and canoe/kayak dropoff locations. \nGoogle Map Link.  Use this Google map link to AOA’s Conservation Demonstration Site property:  https://www.google.com/maps/place/Rockbridge+A+Rd\,+Good+Hope+Township\,+OH+43149/@39.587671\,-82.531452\,379m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m6!3m5!1s0x8847f28139685e8d:0x54257dc1316ed3dc!8m2!3d39.5845223!4d-82.5244226!16s%2Fg%2F1tdmfkx8?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI1MDYxNy4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D \nWater Conditions.  This trip will be postponed in the event of severe weather forecast or high-water conditions on the river.  Please note that water levels fluctuate and are highly dependent on local rains this week.  Water levels are up currently from the recent rainstorms.  If we determine that conditions require the trip to be postponed\, we will post event status information on the AOA Facebook page.  We will also email everyone who has registered for the event\, if any notices or postponements are necessary.  Participants can call AOA at (614.783.0220) if you need to check on river conditions or the trip status.
URL:https://www.appalachiaohioalliance.org/event/hocking-river-float/
ORGANIZER;CN="AOA":MAILTO:office@appalachiaohioalliance.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20250608T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20250608T120000
DTSTAMP:20260413T173829
CREATED:20250603T123058Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250603T123251Z
UID:4754-1749376800-1749384000@www.appalachiaohioalliance.org
SUMMARY:Mindful Outdoor Walk at AOA’s Bison Hollow Preserve
DESCRIPTION:Join us for a Mindful Outdoor Walk – a guided “saunter” into a natural setting to share mindfulness practices that break down the barriers that separate us from the rest of nature. \nIn addition to mindful walking\, we will do ‘centering’ and breath work\, learn to ‘forest bathe’ and enjoy open meditation in a ‘sit spot’.  Benefits of this experience include enhanced stress management through connection with nature\, re-awakened senses to the world around us\, a break from technology-centered lifestyles\, and increased sense of our place in the world. \nNOTE: A Mindful Outdoor Walk is not a continuous hike\, trying to get to somewhere specific. Nor is it a strenuous hike for exercise. We walk a bit\, we stop\, we walk more\, we stop\, we sit down for a time (on the ground\, a rock\, a fallen log).  The guide gives invitations for the participants to consider\, which bring them into deeper presence with the natural surroundings. We do not try to identify species or name things – it is not a naturalist lead educational walk.  We do steep ourselves in the beauty and appreciate the species surrounding us.  We also walk without technology or taking pictures – we leave cell phones and cameras at home or in the car. This is a chance to have a full tech break. \nElements of a mindful outdoor experience include: \n\nForest bathing – taking in\, with all of our senses\, the forest atmosphere\nBiophilia – remembering to focus on life and lifelike processes\nSpecies re-connection – breaking through isolation from the natural world\nRefuge – finding peace and refuge in the natural world\n\nMichelle Greenfield will serve as our event leader.  Michelle has a Mindful Outdoor Guide certification and has taught Yoga for 15 years.  She has completed The Power of Awareness meditation training and is currently enrolled in Meditation and Mindfulness Teacher training. \nLocated just south of Ash Cave\, Bison Hollow Preserve contains spectacular Hocking Hills geology\, including a deep gorge\, waterfalls\, high sandstone bluffs\, caves\, mature older forests\, hemlock groves\, and a high-quality stream tributary of Queer Creek.  The preserve is part of AOA’s Hocking Hills Conservation Initiative that has conserved nearly 100 properties and 6\,500 acres of natural features\, landscapes\, habitats\, heritage areas and water quality in this special Ohio region. \nThis and other AOA events are free and open to the public. \nTime:  Meet at 10:00 a.m. \nWhat to Wear:  This activity will be held rain or shine – so please come prepared and dress appropriately for the weather and hiking on slopes.  Appropriate footwear and outerwear is essential so plan accordingly! \nWhat to Bring:  A small mat or blanket to sit on. Lunch\, snacks and/or drinks of your choice.  Insect repellant of choice is recommended during tick season. \nLocation:  We will be using the north\, non-public entrance to the Preserve that crosses private property.  This entry is located at the southern end of Amerine Road just south of Ash Cave\, at the gate to a privately owned site – see Google Map link below.   Drive to the end of the road where AOA staff and volunteers will direct parking alongside the roadway. \nGoogle Map Link: https://www.google.com/maps/place/26168+Amerine+Rd\,+South+Bloomingville\,+OH+43152/@39.3840635\,-82.5510539\,172m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m5!3m4!1s0x8847c06fdf0acc47:0x234725505baed41!8m2!3d39.3839598!4d-82.5509611
URL:https://www.appalachiaohioalliance.org/event/mindful-outdoor-walk-at-aoas-bison-hollow-preserve/
ORGANIZER;CN="AOA":MAILTO:office@appalachiaohioalliance.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20250607T093000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20250607T123000
DTSTAMP:20260413T173829
CREATED:20250603T121834Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250603T123435Z
UID:4748-1749288600-1749299400@www.appalachiaohioalliance.org
SUMMARY:Cedar Bog Orchid Walk / Hike AOA’s Preserves on Cedar Run
DESCRIPTION:  \n \nStart summer with a visit to Ohio’s spectacular Cedar Bog Nature Preserve and get a look at AOA’s adjacent Preserves on Cedar Run in Champaign County.  Cedar Bog is a wetland fen habitat that harbors a very rich diversity of native species including many that are listed as rare\, threatened\, and/or endangered.  It is one of the crown jewels of Ohio’s natural landscapes and Ohio’s first Nature Preserve. \nWalking through the preserve on the boardwalk we will travel through many of the unusual habitats found there including the cedar swamp\, savanna\, and sedge meadows.  We will see a variety of native flora adapted to the wetland habitats.  The highlight will be the showy lady’s slippers\, the large pink and white orchids which should be starting to bloom.  Increasingly rare due to habitat loss and collection\, this orchid is now limited to a small number of counties in Ohio. \nFollowing the Cedar Bog boardwalk visit we will take a short hike to see two of AOA’s adjacent Cedar Run Preserves\, located on the northern border of Cedar Bog Preserve.  These sites contain the headwaters for Cedar Run and help buffer Cedar Bog habitats.   AOA is working with numerous collaborative partners to convert these sites from agricultural fields back to wetland habitats which will be reintegrated into the Cedar Bog ecosystem. \nThis and other AOA events are free and open to the public.  There is a $5 entry donation to access the Cedar Bog Preserve boardwalk.  This activity will be held rain or shine – so please come prepared and dress appropriately for the weather and hiking on potentially wet soils. \nTime:  Meet at 9:30 a.m.  The event will last approximately two to three hours but stay as long as you like. \nWhat to Bring:  Drinks\, snacks and/or lunch of your choice.  Preferred insect repellant is recommended during tick season.  Sunscreen may be desirable as there will be some sun exposure.  Long pants and sturdy shoes are recommended for AOA hikes. \nLocation:  We will meet at the Cedar Bog Nature Center which is located on Woodburn Road south of Urbana.   The Google map street address is 980 Woodburn Road\, Urbana\, OH 43078. It is just west of Highway 68.  Park in the Nature Center Parking lot and look for the AOA signs designating our assembly area. \nGoogle Map Link:   \nhttps://www.google.com/maps/place/980+Woodburn+Rd\,+Urbana\,+OH+43078/@40.05559\,-83.792317\,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x883f45da25eeff97:0x52fa71868caf3005!8m2!3d40.05559!4d-83.792317
URL:https://www.appalachiaohioalliance.org/event/cedar-bog-orchid-walk-hike-aoas-preserves-on-cedar-run/
ORGANIZER;CN="AOA":MAILTO:office@appalachiaohioalliance.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20250524T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20250524T130000
DTSTAMP:20260413T173829
CREATED:20250520T220256Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250520T220256Z
UID:4711-1748080800-1748091600@www.appalachiaohioalliance.org
SUMMARY:Native Medicinal Plant Walk at AOA’s Bonnoront Preserve
DESCRIPTION:  \nEnjoy a late spring ramble on AOA’s Bonnoront Nature Preserve in Hocking County.  We will see the last vestiges of the spring wildflowers while walking through relatively mature forests as we survey and identify plants of medicinal value growing on this exceptional site. \nThis is an excellent opportunity to learn about threatened species such as American Ginseng\, Goldenseal\, and Black Cohosh\, their preferred habitats\, and tips for growing them on your own property.  Historical and contemporary medicinal uses of plants will be discussed as well as their greater ecological significance (pollinators\, seed dispersers\, wildlife value\, et al.). \nThe 25-acre Bonnoront Preserve is part of AOA’s Hocking Hills Conservation Initiative that has conserved 95 properties and over 6\,000 acres.   High hills frame a shallow and deep box canyon\, showcasing characteristic Hocking Hills landscape features such as spectacular Blackhand sandstone bluffs\, a rock shelter/cave\, slough rocks\, waterfall\, relatively mature forest\, historic sandstone quarry\, as well as a small\, forested wetland.  The site includes a small riparian corridor along the Hocking River and a Coldwater primary headwater habitat stream.  The site has very few invasive species with areas of relatively pristine forest habitat. \nThis medicinal plant walk will be led by Erika Galentin\, MNIMH\, RH (AHG)\, clinical herbalist consulting from Sovereignty Herbs in Athens and Columbus\, Ohio.  Erika utilizes her knowledge of and passion for medicinal plants native to Ohio and the Greater Appalachian region to teach\, lecture and write on native medicinal plant conservation and applied ecology\, propagation\, and clinical efficacy. \nThe walk will last approximately two to three hours.  We will be very informal and will have much to see and discuss!   This event is free and open to the public. \nTime:  Meet at 10:00 a.m. \nWhat to Wear:  This activity will be held rain or shine – so please come prepared and dress appropriately for the weather and hiking on some slopes. \nWhat to Bring:  Lunch\, snacks and/or drinks of your choice.  Insect repellant is recommended during tick season. \nLocation:  Bonnoront Preserve is located north of Rockbridge just off Highway 33.  Park along Bailey Road.  Please do not block the road.  We will enter the forest via the old dirt road on the far left side of the former Bonnoront house.  The Google map address for the property is 25651 Bailey Road\, Rockbridge\, OH\, 43149. \nGoogle Map Link:  https://www.google.com/maps/place/25651+Bailey+Rd\,+Rockbridge\,+OH+43149/@39.5906182\,-82.5465371\,758m/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x8847f2bda7a87cf1:0xa6eaad0af99d4005!8m2!3d39.5906141!4d-82.5439622?entry=ttu
URL:https://www.appalachiaohioalliance.org/event/native-medicinal-plant-walk-at-aoas-bonnoront-preserve/
ORGANIZER;CN="AOA":MAILTO:office@appalachiaohioalliance.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20250518T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20250518T120000
DTSTAMP:20260413T173829
CREATED:20250513T181417Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250513T181710Z
UID:4707-1747562400-1747569600@www.appalachiaohioalliance.org
SUMMARY:Spring Wildflower and Orchid Walk at AOA’s Mercer Woods Old Growth Forest Preserve
DESCRIPTION:  \n \nWalk through mature hardwood and hemlock forests and explore the wildflower covered slopes\, immersing ourselves in the magnificence of the beautiful old growth forest habitat.  Orchid expert Ken Mettler will lead this tour of AOA’s Mercer Woods Old Growth Forest Preserve that will focus on identifying native wildflowers and spring orchids of the Hocking Hills region.  We expect to see 4 or 5 species of orchids in bloom. \nMercer Woods is the core portion of 4 properties and over 180 acres conserved by AOA in scenic Misty Valley.  Located in the northern extent of the Hocking Hills\, this area is part of AOA’s Hocking River Conservation Corridor initiative.  The site includes characteristic Hocking Hills landscape features including sandstone outcrops\, a small gorge and headwater streams and low waterfalls in the several ravines.  There are a wide variety of habitats and numerous wildflowers – some still in bloom.  Mercer Woods is home to some of the largest trees and the most impressive old growth forest habitat found on any of AOA’s many preserves.  The highlight is a couple of nearly 5-foot diameter oaks. \nAfterwards\, feel free to wander the preserve on your own.  Participants are invited to stay and roam the site with AOA volunteers to help remove the garlic mustard that is invading portions of the site and choking out the wildflowers.  We will provide bags. \nThe Mercer Woods Walk and other AOA events are free and open to the public.  This activity will be held rain or shine – so please come prepared and dress appropriately for the weather and hiking on slopes. \nTime:  Meet at 10:00 a.m.  The Walk will last approximately two hours+ but stay as long as you like. \nWhat to Bring:  Snacks and/or drinks of your choice.  Feel free to bring a lunch and enjoy the peace and serenity of the deep forest environs.  Insect repellant is recommended during tick season. \nLocation:  Mercer Woods is located at 9016 Buckeye Troxel Road\, just southeast of Sugar Grove.   Look for AOA signs and volunteers who will be directing parking. \nGoogle Map link: https://www.google.com/maps/place/9012+Buckeye+Troxel+Rd\,+Sugar+Grove\,+OH+43155/@39.6044331\,-2.5374627\,19z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m2!3m1!1s0x8847f2e9a66f715b:0x439d53ef8426c791
URL:https://www.appalachiaohioalliance.org/event/spring-wildflower-and-orchid-walk-at-aoas-mercer-woods-old-growth-forest-preserve/
ORGANIZER;CN="AOA":MAILTO:office@appalachiaohioalliance.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20250504T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20250504T120000
DTSTAMP:20260413T173829
CREATED:20250430T112127Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250430T115118Z
UID:4702-1746352800-1746360000@www.appalachiaohioalliance.org
SUMMARY:Hike AOA's Kleinmaier State Nature Preserve in the Hocking Hills
DESCRIPTION:Explore Kleinmaier State Nature Preserve (SNP) and enjoy a hike to view the ongoing spring wildflower show.  The slopes are covered in spring-time blooms including Trillium\, Jack in the Pulpit\, Solomon’s Seal\, and many others.  We will look for the pink Lady’s Slipper orchids which should be blooming.  Native Flame Azaleas and Rhododendrons are also located on the preserve. \nKleinmaier is a magnificent property that includes ridges\, high rock bluffs and a shallow stream gorge.  Owned by AOA\, ODNR nature preserve rules restrict access by special permit – so take this opportunity to enjoy this outstanding site. \nAfterwards\, participants are invited to roam the site and help remove any of the garlic mustard we find that is invading the site and choking out the wildflowers. \nThe Kleinmaier SNP hike and other AOA events are free and open to the public.  This event will be held rain or shine – so please come prepared and dress appropriately for the weather and hiking on slopes. \nTime:  Meet at 10:00 a.m.  This hike will last for approximately 2 hours.  Please feel free to leave early or stay as long as you like. \nWhat to Bring:  Lunch\, snacks\, and/or drinks of your choice.  We will take a break to eat at the head of the gorge and enjoy the peace and serenity of the sheer rock bluffs and deep forest environs.  Insect repellant is recommended during tick season. \nLocation:  Kleinmaier SNP is located just west of Sugar Grove along Pump Station Road behind the Columbia Gas Plant.  Park in the ODNR gravel parking area on the north side of the road across from the plant.  The Google map address for the parking lot is 2455 Pump Station Road\, Berne\, OH. \nGoogle Map Link:   \nhttps://www.google.com/maps/place/2455+Pump+Station+Rd+SE\,+Berne+Township\,+OH/@39.6315015\,-82.5608739\,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x8847f33260b262d7:0xbe3d6bcc736ceb50!8m2!3d39.6315015!4d-82.5586852
URL:https://www.appalachiaohioalliance.org/event/hike-aoas-kleinmaier-state-nature-preserve-in-the-hocking-hills/
ORGANIZER;CN="AOA":MAILTO:office@appalachiaohioalliance.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20250427T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20250427T130000
DTSTAMP:20260413T173829
CREATED:20250422T201044Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250422T201044Z
UID:4696-1745748000-1745758800@www.appalachiaohioalliance.org
SUMMARY:Wildflower and Geology Hike at AOA’s Bison Hollow State Nature Preserve\,  Hocking Hills Conservation Initiative
DESCRIPTION:Spring is in the air and the wildflowers are busting out at AOA’s Bison Hollow State Nature Preserve.  Enjoy a springtime ramble through the gorge and admire the many native wildflowers that carpet the floor of the mature hardwood forests.  Wildflowers we will see are typical of the Hocking Hills region and should include a mix of early ephemerals and later spring bloomers such as Columbine\, Bloodroot\, Trillium\, Dutchman’s Breeches\, Virginia Bluebells\, Cut-Leaved Toothwort\, Trout Lily\, Foam Flower\, Jack in the Pulpit\, Dwarf Crested Iris\, Phlox\, Canada Violet\, Solomon’s Seal and False Solomon’s Seal\, among many others. \nWe will be joined by several current and former ODNR geologists who will share information regarding the Blackhand Sandstone formations and bluffs that form the Bison Hollow gorge as well as the geologic history of the southern Hocking Hills region. \nAOA’s Bison Hollow Preserve SNP consists of 24 parcels comprising a largely contiguous\, unfragmented preserve of over 1\,140 acres along the South Branch of the East Fork of Queer Creek.  It is in the southern extent of the picturesque Hocking Hills\, south of Ash Cave\, straddling the Hocking – Vinton County line. \nBison Hollow is part of AOA’s Hocking Hills Conservation Initiative that has permanently conserved over 94 properties and 5\,500 acres to help carry out our watershed and water quality protection mission.  Take this opportunity to view the soon to be preserved Scheer property with it’s spectacular bluffs that form the northern gateway into the gorge. \nThe Preserve features outstanding scenery that showcases typical Hocking Hills landscapes including high rock walls that delineate the main gorge\, sandstone outcrops and features\, and numerous wonderful waterfalls.  The property includes extensive bottomland riparian forests with  mature to older growth trees and large groves of the iconic hemlocks. \nPack a sack lunch as we will break to eat and enjoy the peace and serenity of the deep forest environs and the many waterfalls that line the gorge. \nThe Bison Hollow SNP hike and other AOA events are free and open to the public. \nTime:  Meet at 10:00 a.m.  Plan for a trip that will last approximately three hours.  Participants can leave early or stay as long as you like. \nWhat to Wear:  This activity will be held rain or shine – so please come prepared and dress appropriately for the weather.  We will mainly traverse relatively level terrain but be prepared for a slope or two.  The path through the gorge requires walking alongside and crossing the South Branch of the East Fork of Queer Creek.  Water levels in the creek vary widely depending on recent rainfall but can usually be navigated with high-top (at least 6 to 8-inches) hiking shoes or boots.  Please wear appropriate footwear and/or be prepared to get wet feet. \nWhat to Bring:  Lunch\, snacks and/or drinks of your choice.  Insect repellant is recommended during tick season. \nLocation:  We will be using the north\, non-public entrance to the Preserve that crosses private property.  This entry is located at the southern end of Amerine Road just south of Ash Cave\, at the gate to a privately owned site  – see Google Map link below.   Drive to the end of the road where AOA staff and volunteers will direct parking alongside the roadway. \nGoogle Map Link: https://www.google.com/maps/place/26168+Amerine+Rd\,+South+Bloomingville\,+OH+43152/@39.3840635\,-82.5510539\,172m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m5!3m4!1s0x8847c06fdf0acc47:0x234725505baed41!8m2!3d39.3839598!4d-82.5509611 \n 
URL:https://www.appalachiaohioalliance.org/event/wildflower-and-geology-hike-at-aoas-bison-hollow-state-nature-preserve-hocking-hills-conservation-initiative/
ORGANIZER;CN="AOA":MAILTO:office@appalachiaohioalliance.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20250419T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20250419T120000
DTSTAMP:20260413T173829
CREATED:20250416T215657Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250416T215951Z
UID:4687-1745056800-1745064000@www.appalachiaohioalliance.org
SUMMARY:Wildflower Hike at AOA's Wylie Ridge Preserve\, Hocking Hills Conservation Initiative
DESCRIPTION:Explore AOA’s relatively new 70-acre Wylie Ridge Preserve along Dunlap Road in Gibisonville.  Wylie Ridge is part of our Laurel Run Preserve Initiative that protects water quality in the upper Laurel Run watershed.  This area has been a long-term priority for AOA and includes AOA’s first conservation easement.  To date\, AOA has preserved 13 properties and over 1\,300 acres within this area. \nWylie Ridge Preserve protects over a mile of stream corridor\, including 2\,100 linear feet of Dunlap Creek\, a very high-quality Class 3B Coldwater Habitat stream.  These streams lie in the upper headwaters of Laurel Run.  Most of the property is covered in relatively mature mixed forest with steep gorges of exposed sandstone and shale bedrock along Dunlap Creek.  The site includes outcrops of Blackhand sandstone and several stone-lined tributary corridors. \nPortions of the upland areas of the site were previously utilized for a former golf course retired around 2010.  They have since reverted to largely native grasses.  AOA plans to return these upland areas to their original native forest habitat. \nThis hike as well as other AOA events are free and open to the public.  We will meet rain or shine – so please come prepared and dress appropriately for the weather. \nTime:  Meet at 10:00 a.m.  The trip will last approximately two hours.  Participants can leave early or stay as long as you like. \nWhat to Bring:  Binoculars to view birds and wildlife.  Pack drinks and/or snacks of your choice.  Feel free to bring a lunch and eat along the trail. Bug repellant is recommended. \nLocations:  Wylie Ridge Preserve is located in the small community of Gibisonville.  It is at the end of the one block long Market Street\, just off the north side of Highway 678.  Drive straight back onto the property via the driveway aligned with the road.  Look for AOA’s green cones and signs.  Staff will help direct you onto the property. \nGoogle Map Links:  https://www.google.com/maps/place/16201+OH-678\,+Rockbridge\,+OH+43149/@39.4992918\,-82.5670802\,190m/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x88479355d489258d:0xa062bd054f22f37!8m2!3d39.4992908!4d-82.5664365?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI1MDQxMy4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D \n \n 
URL:https://www.appalachiaohioalliance.org/event/wildflower-hike-at-aoas-wylie-ridge-preserve-hocking-hills-conservation-initiative/
ORGANIZER;CN="AOA":MAILTO:office@appalachiaohioalliance.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20250413T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20250413T130000
DTSTAMP:20260413T173829
CREATED:20250411T143857Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250411T144300Z
UID:4665-1744538400-1744549200@www.appalachiaohioalliance.org
SUMMARY:Doubleheader - AOA Preserve Restoration and Wildflower Visits this Sunday Along the Scioto River  Scioto River Flyway Corridor\, Pickaway County
DESCRIPTION:Enjoy short hikes on two of AOA’s Scioto River Preserves.  We will start out at AOA’s Scioto Bend Preserve where we will tour the recently completed phase 1 site restoration enhancements.  Recently flooded for only the second time in over 100 years we will view the western levee breach\, beaver dam analogs and other wetland and habitat enhancements completed as part of the reconnection of the Scioto River to its floodplain and enhanced stormwater retention.  The 310-acres Scioto Bend Preserve is located across Highway 23 from downtown Circleville. \n  \nFollowing our hike around Scioto Bend we will caravan north to the nearby Genevieve Jones Preserve just south of South Bloomfield.  Here we will hike up a remnant of the Circleville Esker to view the beautiful spring wildflower beds.  The wildflowers on this site have benefited from several years of invasive control and removal activities which particularly targeted the bush honeysuckle smothering the understory flowers.  We should see a good selection of wildflowers in bloom including Trout Lilies\, Bluebells\, Hyacinths\, et al. The ~337-acre Genevieve Jones Preserve is situated at the confluence of the Scioto River and Walnut Creek\, protecting over 1.6 miles of riparian corridor.  If we are lucky we may see a few of the Bald Eagles from the two local nests and view some of the many herons from the several rookeries. \n  \nBoth preserves are key components of AOA’s Scioto River Flyway Conservation Corridor Initiative which seeks to protect water quality and wildlife habitat along the Scioto River. \n  \nThis hike as well as other AOA events are free and open to the public.  We will meet rain or shine – so please come prepared and dress appropriately for the weather. \n  \nTime:  Meet at 10:00 a.m.  The combined trip will last approximately two to three hours.  Participants can leave early or stay as long as you like. \n  \nWhat to Bring:  Binoculars to view the many birds and wildlife.  Pack drinks and/or snacks of your choice.  Feel free to bring a lunch and eat along the trail. Bug repellant is recommended. We may encounter some remnant mud from the recent river flooding. \n  \nLocations:  Scioto Bend is accessed via a dirt drive directly off the west side (southbound lane) of Highway 23.  The drive is just south of the Highway 22 exit on the right side heading south.  Look for AOA cones and signs.  Staff will help direct you onto the property.  Please pull off the highway and down the dirt driveway quickly to prevent others from having to stack behind you on the highway. \n  \nFollowing\, we will caravan north to the Genevieve Jones Preserve which is located on the west side of Highway 23 just south of the State Police Station and the Village of South Bloomfield.  The Google address for the Genevieve Jones Preserve is 16405 US-23\, South Bloomfield.  Look for AOA signs / cones at the entry drive.  Park in the Pickaway County Park District parking lot in front of the old clubhouse building. \n  \nGoogle Map Links:   \nhttps://www.google.com/maps/place/22973+Corridor+C\,+Circleville\,+OH+43113/@39.5959904\,-82.9569097\,758m/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x8847777975b7a637:0xd4b293bfa02885aa!8m2!3d39.5959863!4d-82.9543348?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI1MDQwOC4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D \nhttps://www.google.com/maps/place/Cooks+Creek+Nature+Preserve/@39.6896947\,-82.9865611\,17z/data=!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x884779ce2d0da6f7:0x38bc80d773331c0c!2sCooks+Creek+Nature+Preserve!8m2!3d39.6896906!4d-82.9839862!16s%2Fg%2F11sz40087q!3m5!1s0x884779ce2d0da6f7:0x38bc80d773331c0c!8m2!3d39.6896906!4d-82.9839862!16s%2Fg%2F11sz40087q?entry=ttu \n 
URL:https://www.appalachiaohioalliance.org/event/doubleheader-aoa-preserve-restoration-and-wildflower-visits-this-sunday-along-the-scioto-river-scioto-river-flyway-corridor-pickaway-county/
ORGANIZER;CN="AOA":MAILTO:office@appalachiaohioalliance.org
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Detroit:20250329T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/Detroit:20250329T150000
DTSTAMP:20260413T173829
CREATED:20250327T223400Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250327T230441Z
UID:4627-1743253200-1743260400@www.appalachiaohioalliance.org
SUMMARY:Early Spring Wildflower and Trout Lily Hike at AOA's Lamb Preserve along Big Darby Creek
DESCRIPTION:Springtime is upon us again after a cold winter.  Join us for an early spring hike on AOA’s beautiful Lamb Preserve. \nThe last few years we have celebrated the arrival of spring with the massive bloom of White Trout Lilies at AOA’s Lamb Preserve. \nWe will wander along the stream tributary and riparian corridor bottomlands beside Big Darby Creek and enjoy the first blooms of spring. The steep hillsides and ridgetops will be covered with wildflowers throughout the spring into the summer months. \nBig Darby Creek is designated as a state and national scenic river. It is widely recognized for the diversity of aquatic species that make a home in the river. The 68-acre Lamb Preserve is one of 12 preserves totaling nearly 1\,400-acres AOA has recently conserved along the Big Darby. Conservation of the Lamb Preserve and other nearby sites is part of our efforts to protect water quality and the home for many rare aquatic species in this exceptional Ohio resource. \nAfterwards\, feel free to wander the preserve on your own. Participants are invited to stay and roam the site with AOA volunteers to help remove invasives and/or pick up trash. Feel free to join us with site stewardship or just enjoy the wildflowers\, hiking\, or being outside in a beautiful natural area. Either way it is a great way to spend some time and kick off another beautiful springtime. \nThe Lamb Preserve Wildflower Hike and other AOA events are free and open to the public.  This activity will be held rain or shine – so please come prepared and dress appropriately for the weather and hiking on slopes.  Most of the site can be navigated on relatively flat ground with limited exposure to the hillsides. \nTime:  Meet at 1:00 p.m.  The hike will last approximately two hours but stay as long as you like. \nWhat to Bring:  Snacks and/or drinks of your choice.  Insect repellant of choice is recommended. \nLocation:  AOA’s Lamb Preserve is located on the east side of London Road\, on the west bank of Big Darby Creek\, a few miles south of Darbyville.  Look for AOA signs.  Pull off at the dirt drive and park in the adjacent field or in the grassy area further back. Please do not park in the driveway and block other cars from entering or exiting the property. \nGoogle Map Link: \nhttps://www.google.com/maps/search/lamb+preserve/@39.6591447\,-83.0949899\,309m/data=!3m1!1e3!4m7!2m6!3m5!1slamb+preserve!2s39.659458\,+-83.094337!4m2!1d-83.0943367!2d39.6594576 \n 
URL:https://www.appalachiaohioalliance.org/event/early-spring-wildflower-and-trout-lily-hike-at-aoas-lamb-preserve-along-big-darby-creek/
ORGANIZER;CN="AOA":MAILTO:office@appalachiaohioalliance.org
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