Hike AOA's Kleinmaier State Nature Preserve in the Hocking Hills
2025-05-04 10:00 - 12:00 (America/Detroit)
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.
Kleinmaier 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.
Afterwards, 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.
The 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.
Time: 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.
What 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.
Location: 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.
Google Map Link:
https://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

Spring Wildflower and Orchid Walk at AOA’s Mercer Woods Old Growth Forest Preserve
2025-05-18 10:00 - 12:00
Walk 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.
Mercer 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.
Afterwards, 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.
The 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.
Time: Meet at 10:00 a.m. The Walk will last approximately two hours+ but stay as long as you like.
What 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.
Location: 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.
Google 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

Native Medicinal Plant Walk at AOA’s Bonnoront Preserve
2025-05-24 10:00 - 13:00
Enjoy 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.
This 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.).
The 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.
This 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.
The 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.
Time: Meet at 10:00 a.m.
What 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.
What to Bring: Lunch, snacks and/or drinks of your choice. Insect repellant is recommended during tick season.
Location: 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.
Google 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

Cedar Bog Orchid Walk / Hike AOA’s Preserves on Cedar Run
2025-06-07 09:30 - 12:30
Start 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.
Walking 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.
Following 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.
This 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.
Time: Meet at 9:30 a.m. The event will last approximately two to three hours but stay as long as you like.
What 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.
Location: 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.
Google Map Link:
https://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

Mindful Outdoor Walk at AOA’s Bison Hollow Preserve
2025-06-08 10:00 - 12:00
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.
In 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.
NOTE: 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.
Elements of a mindful outdoor experience include:

Forest bathing – taking in, with all of our senses, the forest atmosphere
Biophilia – remembering to focus on life and lifelike processes
Species re-connection – breaking through isolation from the natural world
Refuge – finding peace and refuge in the natural world

Michelle 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.
Located 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.
This and other AOA events are free and open to the public.
Time: Meet at 10:00 a.m.
What 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!
What 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.
Location: 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.
Google 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

Hocking River Float
2025-06-29 09:30 - 14:30
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.

We 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.

Heather 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.

ODNR 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.

Participants 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.

This 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!

RSVP 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.

Let 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.

Time. 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.

What 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.

Location. 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.
Google 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
Water 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.

Explore Aquatic Life in the Hocking River-AOA Demonstration Site, Rockbridge
2025-08-09 10:00 - 13:00
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

Hocking River Float
2025-08-17 09:30 - 14:30
NOTE: This trip was rescheduled due exceptionally high water in July.
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.

We 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.

Heather 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.

ODNR 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.

Participants 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.

This 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!

RSVP 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.

Let 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.

Time. 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.

What to Bring. Bring your own drinks, snacks, picnic lunch, sunscreen, bug repellant, hat, and/or water shoes or old sneakers.

Location. 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.
Google 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
Water 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.

Tag Monarch Butterflies on their Way to Mexico This Weekend, AOA Hintz Hollow Preserve, Fairfield County
2025-09-13 13:00 - 15:00
A 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!

We 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.

We’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/.

This 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.

NOTE: 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.

Time: The tagging activities will start at 1:00 and continue until we run out of tags or butterflies to tag.

What 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.

Insect 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.

RSVP 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.

Location: 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.

Google 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

Mindful Outdoor Walk at AOA’s Menchhofer Preserve
2025-10-11 10:00 - 12:00
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.
In 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.
NOTE: 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.
Elements of a mindful outdoor experience include:

Forest bathing – taking in, with all of our senses, the forest atmosphere
Biophilia – remembering to focus on life and lifelike processes
Species re-connection – breaking through isolation from the natural world
Refuge – finding peace and refuge in the natural world

Michelle 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.
Located 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.
This and other AOA events are free and open to the public.
Time: Meet at 10:00 a.m.
What 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!
What to Bring: A small mat or blanket to sit on. Lunch, snacks and/or drinks of your choice. Insect repellant is recommended.
Location: 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.
Google 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

Prairie Walk and Seed Collection Trella Romine Prairie, Green Camp
2025-10-12 13:00 - 15:00
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.
We 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.
This event is free and open to the public.
Location: 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.
Time: 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.
What 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.
Google Maps Link:
https://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

Fall Color Hike at AOA’s Poston Preserve, Alum Creek Conservation Corridor, Morrow County
2025-11-02 13:00 - 15:00
Enjoy 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.
AOA 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.
Located 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.
The 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.
Time: 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.
What to Bring: Binoculars to view the many birds and wildlife. Pack drinks and/or snacks of your choice. Bug repellant is recommended.
Location: 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.
Google 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

AOA Annual Dinner and Friend Gathering
2025-12-06 17:00 - 20:00
The 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.
Doors 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.
Our 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.
The 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.
Please contact AOA with any questions or special meal accommodations at via email or contact Al Altfater via phone.
Please reserve your seat here.

Early Spring Emphemeral and Trout Lily Hike at AOA's Lamb Preserve along Big Darby Creek
2026-03-29 13:00 - 15:00
Springtime is upon us once again after a colder than normal winter. AOA’s spring Wildflower Festival gets underway this weekend with an early spring hike on AOA’s beautiful Lamb Preserve.

The last few years we have celebrated the arrival of spring with the massive bloom of White Trout Lilies at the Lamb Preserve on Big Darby Creek.
We 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.
Big 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.
Afterwards, feel free to wander the preserve on your own. Participants are invited to stay and roam the site with AOA volunteers to help remove non-native 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 delightful springtime.
The 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 a couple of slopes. Most of the site can be navigated on relatively flat ground with limited exposure to the hillsides.
Time: Meet at 1:00 p.m. The hike will last approximately two hours but stay as long as you like.
What to Bring: Snacks and/or drinks. Insect repellant of choice is recommended.
Location: 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 at the entry. 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.
Google Map Link:
https://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

Wildflower Hike at AOA’s New Medford Preserve Laurel Run Headwaters Conservation Hocking Hills Conservation Initiative
2026-04-04 10:00 - 12:00
Explore AOA’s new 35-acre Medford Preserve along Bigham Road in the headwaters of the locally important Laurel Run watershed. This impressive property packs a lot into a small site. It contains six headwater stream reaches with an estimated 3,930 linear feet of Coldwater stream habitat protected. Several small waterfalls and rock-lined sluices are located along the primary stream course.
The Medford site is punctuated by an imposing line of south and east-facing non-calcareous cliff habitat ledges along a deep central stream gorge. The property has a mixed forest canopy of varying age. We will hike down into the deepest part of the gorge then back out.
The Medford Preserve is part of our Laurel Run Conservation Initiative that protects water quality and aquatic habitats in the upper Laurel Run watershed. Conservation within the Laurel Run watershed has been a priority for AOA as part of our Greater Hocking Hills Conservation Initiative. To date, AOA has preserved 14 properties and nearly 1,400 acres within the upper Laurel Run watershed headwaters area that provides a critical habitat connection between Cantwell Cliff State Park and Crane Hollow and other ODNR conserved sites in the center of the Hocking Hills.
This 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 and hiking on slopes.
Time: Meet at 10:00 a.m. The trip will last approximately two hours. Participants can leave early or stay as long as you like.
What 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.
Locations: The Medford Preserve is located at 23531 Bigham Road, Rockbridge, OH, one mile west of Cantwell Cliffs State Park. Bigham Road can be accessed off Highway 180 via Big Cola Road. Use the street address or the Google map link below for directions. Look for AOA’s green cones and signs along the road at the entry. Staff will help direct you onto the property.
Google Map Links: https://www.google.com/maps/place/23531+Bigham+Rd,+Rockbridge,+OH+43149/@39.5344749,-82.5924224,1169m/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x8847931e6294d371:0x4f70e5dda7cb86ee!8m2!3d39.5344708!4d-82.5898475?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI2MDMyOS4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D

AOA – Izaak Walton League Tree Planting AOA’s Poston Farm Preserve Alum Creek Conservation Corridor
2026-04-08 08:30 - 13:00
Now that the winter cold has wound down and spring is in the air, get out and enjoy our natural world. Tree planting season is upon us now that the ground is warming. AOA is partnering with the Izaak Walton League to plant tree seedlings on AOA’s Poston Farm Preserve. The event is part of a massive reforestation effort AOA is undertaking this spring that includes the planting of hundreds of thousands of new trees on our Preserves (more information on this effort coming soon).
Help us make a lasting difference by helping to plant 10,000 new trees to reforest a portion of the Alum Creek corridor in Morrow County. A variety of new hardwood trees will reclaim and restore a section of old field, reestablishing the upland forest habitat and enhancing the natural buffer along Alum Creek. Natural stream corridors are critical to the protection of water quality and aquatic species such as mussels, that are critically endangered.
Alum Creek is a diverse riparian and habitat corridor that bisects the central portion of Morrow County. The 402-acre Poston Farm Preserve protects over 2 miles of riparian corridor along Alum Creek and the West Branch of Alum Creek – both classified by Ohio as Superior High-Quality Waters. The Poston Preserve, a primary component of AOA’s Alum Creek Conservation Corridor Initiative, is a core component in the assembly of a larger conservation corridor that protects water quality and native habitat corridors.
Afterwards, feel free to wander the Preserve with AOA staff and explore the mature forests, the beautiful wildflower covered slopes and scenic exposed shale bluffs that line the stream corridors.
The Poston Farm Tree Planting and other AOA events are free and open to the public. Necessary planting implements and trees to plant will be provided. This activity will be held rain or shine – so please come prepared and dress appropriately for the weather and site conditions. The fields may be wet or muddy if we get rain in the preceding days. This is a family-friendly event – feel free to bring the kids and instill land and nature stewardship values.
Registration: Not required for AOA participants but feel free to register using the Izaak Walton League link.
Time: 8:30 to 1:00 p.m. Please feel free to come at any time and stay as long as you like.
What to Bring: Snacks, lunch and/or drinks of your choice. Work gloves. Insect repellant is recommended.
Location: Poston Preserve is located along Alum Creek north of Alum Creek Lake and Kilbourne, on the Morrow – Delaware County line. We will rendezvous at the entry east of the old farmstead on Morrow County Road 24. The Google Map address is 161 Worthington-New Haven Road, Ashley. Look for AOA cones and signs.
Google Map Link:
https://www.google.com/maps/place/161+Worthington-New+Haven+Rd,+Ashley,+OH+43003/@40.3640947,-82.9216758,1189m/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x8838ff6f7f626395:0x901431162d834995!8m2!3d40.3640947!4d-82.9191009?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI2MDMzMC4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D

AOA Volunteer Tree Planting Utzinger Bog Preserve Scioto River Conservation Corridor
2026-04-16 13:00 - 16:00
AOA will sponsor another volunteer tree planting this week to help reforest our Preserves. AOA is partnering with Green Columbus to plant tree seedlings on AOA’s Utzinger Bog Preserve in Franklin County. This event is part of a massive reforestation effort AOA is undertaking this spring that includes the planting of hundreds of thousands of new trees on our Preserves (more information on this effort coming soon).
Help us make a lasting difference by planting new trees to help reestablish forested habitat to the bog site. A variety of new hardwood trees will reclaim and restore a section of old field, reestablishing the upland forest habitat and enhancing the natural buffer around the bogs. The Utzinger Bog Preserve is a component of AOA’s Scioto River Flyway Corridor Initiative.
Afterwards, feel free to wander the Preserve with AOA staff and explore the restoration of the bog habitats. The Tree Planting and other AOA events are free and open to the public. Necessary planting implements and trees to plant will be provided. This activity will be held rain or shine – so please come prepared and dress appropriately for the weather and site conditions. This is a family-friendly event that welcomes kids and helps instill land and nature stewardship values.
Time: 1:00 p.m.
What to Bring: Snacks and/or drinks of your choice. Work gloves. Insect repellant is recommended.
Location: Utzinger Bog is located south of Columbus and south of Interstate 270 along Highway 104. Park in the area in front of and alongside the peat barn just off the roadway. Look for AOA signs. The Google map address for the parking area part of the farmstead is 6218 Jackson Pike (Highway 104), Grove City, OH 43123.
Google Map Link:
https://www.google.com/maps/place/6218+Jackson+Pike,+Grove+City,+OH+43123/@39.833989,-83.0320993,181m/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x8838839f40a3a5f3:0x96dc32dea23817b2!8m2!3d39.833988!4d-83.0314556?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI2MDQwOC4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D

Wildflower Hike at AOA’s New Johnson / Yeiser Preserve Queer Creek Conservation Corridor Hocking Hills Conservation Initiative
2026-04-19 10:00 - 13:00
Join us for a spring wildflower hike on one of AOA’s newest conserved properties in the heart of the Hocking Hills. AOA recently purchased a spectacular 111-acre parcel along Queer Creek from the Johnson family. Located in the unincorporated community of South Bloomingville, the parcel protects both sides of a stretch of Queer Creek and spans ridgetop to ridgetop across the valley bisected by Highway 664 on the northern entry. This site contributes to creation of a conserved habitat corridor along Queer Creek, a high priority AOA water quality protection goal.
The Johnson-Yeiser parcel conserves outstanding Hocking Hills and Blackhand sandstone geologic formations including high steep bluffs and rock outcrops, shelter caves and numerous large slough rocks. There are several high-quality wetlands on the site. Most of the property is covered by older growth hardwood forests with large stands of hemlock and many native wildflower species.
The new Preserve protects over 2,200 linear feet of riparian corridor along Queer Creek, an Exceptional / Coldwater Habitat, Superior High Quality Waters, as it flows south from Old Man’s Cave to Salt Creek. There are two headwater streams in gorges on the west side of the site that flow into Queer Creek. The Preserve Increases lands AOA has preserved in the Queer Creek watershed to over 1,900 acres.
We will hike around the property enjoying the spring wildflower show while exploring the massive Black-hand sandstone formations and enjoying the scenic views. Afterwards, participants are free to stay and roam the site with AOA volunteers to help remove non-native invasive plants.
This 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 and hiking on slopes.
Time: Meet at 10:00 a.m. The trip will last approximately two to three hours. Participants can leave early or stay as long as you like.
What 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.
Location: Meet at 21624 Chilcote Road in South Bloomingville, just north of Highway 664. Use the street address or the Google map link below for directions. Look for AOA’s green cones and signs along Chilcote Road at the entry drive to the property. AOA staff will help direct you onto the property.
Google Map Link: https://www.google.com/maps/place/21624+Chilcote+Rd,+South+Bloomingville,+OH+43152/@39.4235786,-82.6032185,364m/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x884795791bae79ef:0x30dddbd0f85045ce!8m2!3d39.4235765!4d-82.601931!16s%2Fg%2F11qg0_1v6b?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI2MDQwOC4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D

Wildflower Hike at AOA’s Poston Farm Preserve Alum Creek Conservation Corridor
2026-04-26 10:00 - 12:00
Hike AOA’s Poston Farm Preserve located along Alum Creek and the West Branch of Alum Creek. We will enjoy the peak spring wildflowers, older growth forests and scenic exposed shale bluffs the line the stream corridors. We will also view recent habitat restoration activities on this spectacular site.
Alum Creek is a diverse riparian and habitat corridor that bisects the central portion of Morrow County. The 402-acre Poston Farm Preserve was purchased from the Poston family, who desired this special place to be permanently conserved as a natural area. The Preserve protects over 2 miles of riparian corridor along Alum Creek and the West Branch of Alum Creek – both classified by Ohio as Superior High-Quality Waters.
Located on the Delaware / Morrow County line, the Poston Preserve is the first site conserved by AOA along the beautiful Alum Creek. It is the core component of our Alum Creek Conservation Corridor Initiative, and the assembly of a larger riparian conservation corridor that protects native habitat as part of our watershed and water quality protection mission.
This event is free and open to the public. We will plan to meet rain or shine – so please come prepared and dress appropriately for the weather and hiking on some moderate slopes.
Time: Meet at 10:00 a.m.
What to Bring: Lunch, snacks and/or drinks of your choice. Insect repellant is recommended.
Location: Poston Preserve is located along Alum Creek north of Alum Creek Lake and Kilbourne, on the Morrow – Delaware County line. We will rendezvous at the entry east of the old farmstead on Morrow County Road 24. The Google Map address is 161 Worthington-New Haven Road, Ashley. Look for AOA cones and signs.
Google Map Link:
https://www.google.com/maps/place/161+Worthington-New+Haven+Rd,+Ashley,+OH+43003/@40.3640947,-82.9216758,1189m/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x8838ff6f7f626395:0x901431162d834995!8m2!3d40.3640947!4d-82.9191009?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI2MDMzMC4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D

Hike AOA’s Kleinmaier State Nature Preserve in the Hocking Hills
2026-05-03 13:00 - 15:00
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 are blooming. Native Flame Azaleas and Rhododendrons are also located on the Preserve.
Kleinmaier 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.
We will take a break at the head of the gorge and enjoy the peace and serenity of the sheer rock bluffs, native American sites and deep forest environs. Afterwards, participants are invited to help remove any of the garlic mustard we find that is invading the site and choking out the wildflowers.
The 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.
Time: Meet at 1:00 p.m. This hike will last for approximately 2 hours. Please feel free to leave early or stay as long as you like.
What to Bring: Snacks, and/or drinks of your choice. Insect repellant is recommended.
Location: 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.
Google Map Link:
https://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

Hike AOA’s New Big Woods Preserve, Salt Creek Narrows, Hocking Hills Conservation Initiative
2026-05-09 13:00 - 16:00
Explore one of AOA’s newest and our largest Preserve – the Big Woods in the Salt Creek Narrows on the Hocking-Vinton County line. The Big Woods protects riparian corridor along Salt Creek as well as an extensive network of primarily coldwater headwater streams that contribute to high water quality in Salt Creek.
Salt Creek is designated as Exceptional Warmwater Habitat and is classified as a Superior High Quality Waters stream. Much of the headwater areas we have conserved have always been forested and never been cleared for agriculture or experienced significant development – a virtual wilderness impacted only by prior timbering.
Salt Creek within the Narrows is the site of a glacial driven stream reversal which left behind extraordinarily rugged landscapes featuring high ridges and narrow, steep sloped stream valleys. Although much of the Preserve includes excessively steep slopes with most 40 to over 70%, we will confine our hike to a stream valley and encounter only moderate slopes.
The Big Woods Preserve currently comprises about 2,000 acres and protects a rich native habitat. AOA is actively working to connect the Big Woods to the nearby Tar Hollow State Park and Forest. Enjoy the scenic drive to the site through the high hills that line Salt Creek. We will visit a hilltop overlook where we can view the miles of the Big Woods being conserved.
This 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 and hiking on some slopes.
Time: Meet at 1 p.m. The hike will last approximately two to three hours.
What 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.
Location. We will rendezvous at AOA’s nearby Riddle Preserve along Narrows Road on the Hocking / Vinton County line to park. Drive down Narrows Road from Highway 56 (approximately 4.7 miles) and look for AOA signs / green traffic cones at the entry gate. Staff will help direct you onto the property. Use the street address, 26244 Narrows Rd, South Bloomingville, OH 43152, or the google link below for directions.
Google Map Link. Use this Google map link to AOA’s Riddle Preserve property which is located at the intersection of Narrows Road and Carmel / Pole Ridge Road: https://www.google.com/maps/place/Carmel+Rd,+Eagle+Township,+OH+43152/@39.361792,-82.6678917,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x8847bc3f067fe6a1:0xcd1c9c33a71447c4!8m2!3d39.361792!4d-82.6678917

Hike to The Archaeological Conservancy’s Davis Works Mound Site on AOA’s Etchison/Friend Conservation Easement, Salt Creek Valley, Laurelville Hocking Hills Conservation Initiative
2026-05-16 10:00 - 12:00
Let yourself be transported back in time as we hike through deep woods to an ancient native mound and circle complex on the high hills overlooking the Salt Creek valley.
AOA is cosponsoring this hike with The Archaeological Conservancy which owns the Davis Works mound site, donated by Bob Etchison, the former property owner. Bob also graciously donated a conservation easement (CE) on his surrounding 80-acre property to AOA to insure protection of the adjacent contextual landscapes. We are grateful to Linda Friend, the current property owner of the easement land, who agreed to host this event for AOA.
The Davis Works Archaeological Preserve site includes the mound and two circular ditches which “likely dates to around 300 BC to AD 600, during the time the Hopewell culture was dominant in this area”. A partial excavation of the mound in 1887 found an adult skeleton encased on a log tomb at the base of the mound.
The Etchison CE property is one of many cultural and heritage sites protected by AOA as part of our conservation mission for community benefit.
The Archaeological Conservancy is the only national nonprofit dedicated to permanently preserving archaeological sites. They protect and preserve America’s most significant archaeological sites through partnership and collaboration with others.
This 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 and hiking on some slopes.
Time: Meet at 10:00 a.m. The trip will last approximately two hours.
What to Bring: Binoculars to view birds and wildlife. Pack drinks and/or snacks of your choice. Feel free to bring lunch and eat at the mound site. Bug repellant is recommended.
Location. We will meet at the site which is located south of Highway 56 and east of Laurelville. Turn south off Highway 56 onto Sams Creek Road and cross Salt Creek. Turn right after about 0.9 miles onto Butler Road (which name changes to Black Road). The entry drive is about one-third of a mile on the right. Look for AOA signs / green traffic cones at the entry. Staff will help direct you onto the drive and up to the parking area in a sylvan field. Use the street address, 17612 Black Rd, Laurelville, OH 43135, or the google link below for directions.
Google Map Link. Use this Google map link to AOA’s Etchison CE property: https://www.google.com/maps/place/17960+Black+Rd,+Laurelville,+OH+43135/@39.4360046,-82.7129898,542m/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x884797e880a76a85:0xd4e951d3c38fc01a!8m2!3d39.4360046!4d-82.7129898?entry=ttu&g_ep=EgoyMDI2MDUxMC4wIKXMDSoASAFQAw%3D%3D

Utzinger Bog Walk-Event Cancelled due to Wet Weather
2026-05-23 10:00 - 12:00
Join AOA for a visit to a unique habitat – the only preserved bog in Franklin County – AOA’s 91-acre Utzinger Bog Preserve. We will follow natural trails that traverse the site and explore the bog wetland habitats.
AOA is in the later stages of restoring the former Utzinger farm property including enhancing the hydrology and bog habitats, demolishing dilapidated farm structures, removing accumulated trash and debris, breaking field drainage tiles, eradicating non-native invasive plants, planting former agricultural fields with native prairies, and reforesting much of the site.
Learn about peat formation and a brief history of the peat mining operations on the farm. After hiking around the bog ponds, we will tour the old homestead site checking out the barns and machinery.
Expect to see a variety of wildlife which could include wood ducks or other migratory waterfowl, herons, killdeers, warblers, songbirds, deer, frogs, snakes and butterflies. Prepare for wet ground and some mud.
This 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.
Time: Meet at 10:00 a.m. This event will last for approximately 2 hours.
What to Bring: Binoculars to view birds and wildlife and an interest in the conservation and restoration of wetlands. Bug repellant recommended. Pack drinks and/or snacks of your choice. Feel free to bring lunch and eat at the site. You can walk the fields and woodlands without boots, but boots or high-top water-resistant shoes will make it easier to traverse the wetter portions of the property.
Location: Utzinger Bog is located south of Columbus and south of Interstate 270 along Highway 104. Park in the parking area inside the AOA gate. Look for AOA signs and cones. The Google map address for the Preserve is 6268 Jackson Pike (Highway 104), Grove City, OH 43123.
Google Map Link:
https://www.google.com/maps/place/6268+Jackson+Pike,+Grove+City,+OH+43123/@39.8332806,-83.0339939,779m/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m12!1m6!3m5!1s0x8847f3533da61c21:0x44dc79ad42e0e6ee!2sFlight+of+the+Hawk+Park!8m2!3d39.6534786!4d-82.5601158!3m4!1s0x8838839eb2a062f9:0xc32347c2794293c2!8m2!3d39.8332806!4d-83.031898

Cedar Bog Orchid Walk / AOA’s Cedar Run Preserves Hike
2026-06-06 10:00
Start summer with a visit to Ohio’s spectacular Cedar Bog Nature Preserve and get a look at a 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.
Walking 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.
Following 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.
This 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.
Time: Meet at 10:00 a.m. The event will last approximately two to three hours but stay as long as you like.
What to Bring: Drinks, snacks and/or lunch of your choice. Preferred insect repellant is recommended. Sunscreen may be desirable as there will be some sun exposure. Long pants and sturdy shoes are recommended for AOA hikes.
Location: We will meet in the parking area of 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.
Google Map Link:
https://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

Native Medicinal Plant Walk at AOA’s Mercer Woods Old Growth Forest Preserve
2026-06-20 10:00 - 12:00
Enjoy an early summer ramble as we explore AOA’s beautiful 116-acre Mercer Woods Old Growth Forest Preserve near Sugar Grove on the border of Hocking and Fairfield Counties. We will encounter 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 Preserve site, permanently conserved through a donation to AOA by the Hargraeve family.

This is an excellent opportunity to learn about threatened species such as American Ginseng, Goldenseal, and Black Cohosh, among many others, 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.).

AOA’s Mercer Woods Preserve is part of AOA’s Hocking River Conservation Corridor, a component of our Greater Hocking Hills Conservation Initiative that has permanently conserved over 100 properties and 6,000 acres in this spectacular part of Ohio. The Preserve includes a variety of habitats including a blend of older growth Hemlock and deciduous hardwood forest environments as well as a grassland prairie and wetlands. High hills frame deep ravines with characteristic Hocking Hills landscape features such as Blackhand sandstone outcrops and Coldwater primary headwater habitat streams.

Our 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. For more information about Erika please visit her online at www.sovereigntyherbs.com and connect on Facebook and Instagram: @sovereigntyherbs

The 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.
Time: Meet at 10:00 a.m.
What 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.
What to Bring: Drinks of your choice, snacks, lunch for those wanting to eat in the woods following the hike. Walking poles if desired for the steeper slopes. Bug spray is recommended.
Location: Mercer Woods is located at 9016 Buckeye Troxel Road, just southeast of Sugar Grove – see Google map link. Note: Google link takes you to the driveway address which is 9012). Volunteers and staff will be on hand to direct parking.

Google 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
