Tag Monarch Butterflies on their Way to Mexico This Weekend, AOA Hintz Hollow Preserve, Fairfield County
2025-09-13 13:00 - 15:00 (America/Detroit)
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
