Events & Programs
CLICK HERE to view the Nature Center's Events & Programs Calendar SHOPPING CART
Fun for All!
Click on the program dates for pricing, registration information and full descriptions.
CLICK HERE to view the Events & Programs Calendar.
CLICK HERE to discover what's happening at our Schott Nature PlayScape!
CLICK HERE to sign up and be notified for various upcoming programs.
Searching for Beavers at Long Branch Farm & Trails
On this beaver watch adventure, we’ll have fun with interactive activities (including time travel) and games to help us dig into the rich history of the beaver in Ohio that spans from the fur trade to today. Be prepared to hike on and off trail as we search for beaver-gnawed trees, den entrances, beaver slides and other signs of these 60-pound rodent engineers. As the sun sets, we’ll silently watch for beaver activity from the bank of the stream. Geared for families with children ages 5 and up. Preregistration required. Members $5; nonmembers $10 (includes daily admission).
DIY Build Your Own Bug Catcher + Bug Hunt
Saturday, May 25, 10-11:30 am
Saturday, May 25, 1-2:30 pm
Saturday, May 25, 3:30-5 pm
Build your own screened bug box for housing tiny friends. Then, venture outside to discover all sorts of bugs as we try to figure out why everything wants to eat insects. We’ll learn from the best bug hunters while we carefully catch and release our findings. Preregistration required. Members: $10 per bug catcher kit; nonmembers $14 (includes daily admission) per bug catcher kit.
Firefly Walk
A Thursday or Friday night in late June or early July, at dusk. Register HERE to be on the notification list.
Did you know there are many species of fireflies in Ohio, and some of them are cannibals while others don’t even light up? Join us for a brief presentation about these charismatic beetles before heading out to appreciate their beauty. We will email you in advance when conditions are right. Members $5; nonmembers $10 (includes daily admission).
Geology of Running Water
Did you know that the Nature Center had to re-route the popular Geology Trail due to erosion? Try out the new trail route and stop at the stream crossing to visit with a professional geologist. Chat about the history of Avey’s Run and check out local fossils found in the stream bed. No preregistration required. Members free; nonmembers pay daily admission.
Make and Take: Craft Your Own Hiking Stick
Saturday, June 15, 10-11:30 am
Saturday, July 13, 10-11:30 am
Saturday, August 10, 10-11:30 am
Choose your own pre-harvested honeysuckle branch, and craft it into a customized hiking stick. Use hand tools to cut, smooth and work the stick. Add embellishments like brass tacks, then cut and add your own leather lanyard. Preregistration required. Members $7; nonmembers $14 (includes daily admission).
Full Moon Walks: Honey Moon at Rowe Woods
In warm, bright midsummer, it seemed to ancient people in northern areas that the life-giving sun came down closer to the earth, with the life of earth rising up in response. On this full moon hike, we celebrate the “marriage” of heaven and earth and look back into history to reveal why the Honey Moon falls in June. Recommended for ages 8 and up. Preregistration required. Members $5; nonmembers $10 (includes daily admission).
Explore the Pond Family Programs
Put on some play clothes and rain boots to explore the interesting wildlife that calls our ponds home! In each class, we’ll use nets to catch pond creatures. Each program will focus on a different animal. Sign up for one or all three. Preregistration required. Single class: Members $5; nonmembers $10 (includes daily admission).
Wiggly Newts
Friday, June 21, 10-11:30 am
Newts are quiet amphibians that glide through the water looking for insects to munch on. We’ll search for adults and larvae and see if we can catch some aquatic insects too!
Turtles on a Log
Friday, July 19, 10-11:30 am
Summer is a fabulous time to turtle spot! Whether lined up on a floating log or bobbing in the water, aquatic turtles are fun to observe. We’ll hike to several ponds to look for turtles and we’ll learn about their habits and needs.
Zippy Dragonflies
Friday, August 9, 10-11:30 am
Explore the lives of dragonflies at the Nature Center. We’ll seek out these hunting insects by dipping in the ponds for nymphs and eye-spying the showy adults.
American History Nature Hike
Saturday, July 6, 10:30 am-12 pm
Meet the plant and animal celebrities of American history. Hear about the colonial Pine Riot; see the odd plant growths used in writing the Declaration of Independence and sniff out America's first commercial export. Enjoy this colorful tour of natural phenomena that figured big in our nation's past. Preregistration required. Members $5; nonmembers $10 (includes daily admission).
Full Moon Canoe at Long Branch Farm & Trails
Friday, July 12:
Saturday, July 13:
Hit the trail and the water on this hybrid full moon canoe hike. Discover why July is called the Full Buck Moon while enjoying your time on McCarthy pond and the trail. Recommended for ages 8 and up. Preregistration required. Members $10; nonmembers $15 (includes daily admission).
Bat Night: The Truth about Bats -- for Families at Long Branch Farm & Trails
Meet a live bat up close and personal as Kathy Edelen of EchoBats, Inc., dispels myths about these mysterious nocturnal flying mammals and why they’re protected. We’ll then head out and use high-tech equipment to listen to bats as they search for food. For adults or children ages 6 and up with adult. Preregistration required. Member $7; nonmember $12 (includes daily admission).
Get to Know Long Branch Farm & Trails Hike
This hike is for members who have never visited Long Branch Farm & Trails before. Come check it out! You’ll hear some history, learn some fun facts, and see the natural treasures Long Branch has to offer. Preregistration required. Members $5.
Searching for Beavers at Long Branch Farm & Trails
On this beaver watch adventure, we’ll dig into the rich history of the beaver in Ohio that spans from the fur trade to today. Be prepared to hike on and off trail as we search for beaver-gnawed trees, den entrances, beaver slides and other signs of these 60-pound rodent engineers. Geared for families with children ages 5 and up. Preregistration required. Members $5; nonmembers $10 (includes daily admission).
Fossil Hunt for Families
Saturday, August 3, 10-11:30 am
Take a peek at the past as we hunt for evidence of Rowe Wood’s ancient ocean. We’ll investigate the stream crossings for fossils and interesting rock formations. Plan to get wet! After we’re done searching, we’ll practice positive conservation action by leaving what we find. Preregistration required. Members $5; nonmembers $10 (includes daily admission).
Families Out at Night: Bats vs. Moths
Explore the Nature Center during the “night shift” to witness the bat vs. moth struggle for yourself. With the help of our bat detector, you’ll “hear” bats hunting for moths. On this family-friendly, station-based night hike, you’ll search for weird moth caterpillars, visit special moth-attracting lights and trees painted with “moth bait,” discovering that moths are not just brown. Meet a bat up close and find out how some moths outwit bats. Round out the evening by creating your own bat vs. moth snack. Preregistration required. Members $8; nonmembers $13 (includes daily admission).
Dog Day Full Moon at Rowe Woods
Thursday, August 15, 8:30-10 pm
The name “dog day” comes from an ancient belief that Sirius (the dog star) was responsible for adding extra heat to the Earth. On this full moon hike, we’ll explore Native American and Old World stories about the astronomical dog star and the earthly dog family creatures that inhabit our area. Recommended for ages 8 and up. Preregistration required. Members $5; nonmembers $10 (includes daily admission).