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).

Hike for Your Health with RRT

Sunday, August 18, 2-3:30 pm - Upland Trail (Rowe Woods), approx. 1.5 miles

Sunday, September 29, 2-3:30 pm – Woodpecker Trail (Long Branch Farm & Trails), approx. 2 miles

Sunday, October 20, 2-3:30 pm – Far Ridge Trail (Rowe Woods), approx. 2 miles

Sunday, November 17, 2-3:30 pm – Lookout Trail (Rowe Woods), approx. 2.5 miles

Grab your Hike for Your Health passport and get hiking with Nature Center staff and a representative from Roads Rivers and Trails (RRT), a local adventure outfitter. Join us each month as we traverse our trails (approximately 2-3 miles each hike). Purchase your passport ahead of time, available at the Rowe Visitor Center, for $2. Geared for adults and children ages 8 and up with an adult. Preregistration required. Free; nonmembers pay daily admission.

Spider Night Hike

Friday, September 6, 7:30-9 pm

Friday, September 27, 7:30-9 pm

Look into the eyes of a spider as we bust misconceptions about these important eight-legged hunters. Using a flashlight, you’ll learn to spot spider eye shine as we peer into the secret lives of spiders. Recommended for ages 7 and up. Preregistration required. Members $6; nonmembers $11 (includes daily admission). 

Pawpaw Hunting

Wednesday, September 11, 6-7:30 pm - Rowe Woods

Saturday, September 14, 3:30-5 pm - Long Branch Farm & Trails

Wednesday, September 18, 6-7:30 pm - Rowe Woods

Pawpaw trees have been hiding right here in Ohio’s backyard for thousands of years, but it wasn’t until 2009 that the pawpaw was named Ohio’s native state fruit. As we venture “way down yonder” to treasure hunt for ripe pawpaw fruits, we’ll explore the history, science, and lore of the “Ohio Banana.” Preregistration required. Members $6; nonmembers $11 (includes daily admission).

Full Moon Walks

Pawpaw Moon at Rowe Woods—Saturday, September 14, 8:30-10 pm

Hunter’s Moon at Rowe Woods—Sunday, October 13, 7:30-9 pm

Beaver Moon at Long Branch Farm & Trails—Tuesday, November 12, 7:30-9 pm

Hit the trails at night and enjoy the full moon and natural history readings. Recommended for ages 8 and up. Preregistration required. Members $5; nonmembers $10 (includes daily admission).

Mason Bee Tube Opening Party

Saturday, September 28, 12-2 pm

Have you ever held a live bee cocoon? As you help open Mason bee nesting tubes, you’ll peer into the life cycle of these solitary native pollinators and learn how you can provide them with habitat in your own yard. This is a family friendly, sting-free experience; drop by the front of the Rowe Visitor Center anytime between 12 pm and 2 pm.

Primitive Fire Starting Sampler with Marshmallows

Saturday, September 28, 1-4 pm

Venture out to our Fernwood cabins to try your hand at primitive fire making! We’ll have a variety of techniques to explore, including flint and steel, in this hands-on experience. Finish up your visit with a toasty marshmallow treat at our campfire. All supplies provided. No preregistration required. Free.

Black Walnut Cracking

Sunday, September 29, 1-3 pm                 

Try your hand at cracking black walnuts and savor some fresh nutmeats! The experience is imbued with botany, history, and lore of the black walnut. Drop by the front of the Rowe Visitor Center anytime between 1 pm and 3 pm. Suitable for all ages. No preregistration required. Free.

Get to Know Long Branch Farm & Trails Hike

Sunday, September 29, 4-5:30 pm

Sunday, October 27, 2-3:30 pm

This hike is for members who have never visited Long Branch Farm & Trails before. Come check it out! You’ll hear some history, some fun facts, and see the natural treasures Long Branch has to offer. Preregistration required. Members $5.

Family Flashlight Scavenger Hunt at Long Branch Farm & Trails

Friday, October 4, 7:30-9 pm

What could be more fun than a night hike? A scavenger hunt at night! During this night hike we’ll use our senses and our flashlights to experience nature in a new way. Preregistration required. Members $7; nonmembers $11 (includes daily admission).

Legends and Folklore of Fall Hike

Saturday, October 5, 10-11:30 am

Ohio's fields and forests are filled with strange tales of magical plants and animals, brave heroes, miraculous cures, and odd explanations. On this easy walk, you'll see autumn through the eyes of Shawnee villagers, early settlers, and other storytelling peoples. Adults will be surprised by the strange history and symbology of "familiar" things, while kids can enjoy the colorful stories. Preregistration required. Members $6; nonmembers $ 11 (includes daily admission).

Make and Take: Craft Your Own Hiking Stick

Saturday, October 12, 10-11:30 am

Saturday, November 16, 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).

Slithery Snakes!

Saturday, October 19, 10-11:30am

Join a nature center naturalist to learn about the snakes of Ohio, create a craft snake to take home, and meet some of the scaly friends that live in our visitor center. Preregistration required. Members $6; nonmembers $11 (includes daily admission).

New Moon Meander at Long Branch Farm & Trails

Sunday, October 27, 7:30-9 pm

Have you ever taken a night-time walk under a moonless sky?  Leave your flashlights at home and explore life in the darkness in the forest. While walking, look for florescent fungus, millipedes and animal tracks using UV light. Preregistration required. Members $5; nonmembers $10 (includes daily admission).

Falling Leaves Family Program

Saturday, November 2, 3:30-4:30 pm

Friday, November 8, 10-11 am

Explore the beautiful fall colors of Rowe Woods with your little one! We’ll learn about why leaves change colors and how dead leaves contribute to the forest ecosystem. We’ll take a leisurely hike and finish our time together with a fresh made s’more!  Geared for ages 3-6 with an adult. Preregistration required. Members $5; nonmembers $10 (includes daily admission).

Animal Homes and Where to Find Them

Sunday, November 3, 2-3:30 pm

Animal homes are all around, but often overlooked. We'll explore along the trails to spot nests, dens, burrows, and more to reveal a world of busy, hidden life, full of stories. Geared for ages 4 and up with an adult caregiver. Preregistration required. Members $5; nonmembers $10 (includes daily admission).

Nature Crafts and Merry Snacks

Saturday, December 7, 3-4:30 pm

Leave the hustle and bustle of the season behind for an easy afternoon of holiday crafting and snacking. Join the fun as we use natural and recycled materials to make wintery decorations. Popcorn, cider, and all supplies included. This class will have varying crafts appropriate for ages 3-10. Preregistration required. Members $8; nonmembers $12 (includes daily admission).