Included with general museum admission.
Join us for a weekend full of natural history programing and learn more about the plants and animals that call Ohio their home!
Check out the list of activities and programs below! Please note that the time of display tables may be subject to change.
Join us for a behind-the-scenes look into the lab of a natural history museum to reveal how specimens are preserved and prepared. Learn how curators create beautiful animal skeletons and engaging taxidermy mounts, discover how delicate flowers and fungi specimens are preserved, and what exactly is in those jars of preserved specimens!? Includes a display of museum specimens and materials used in preparation.
An introductory workshop for those who want to preserve Ohio’s ecosystem in words with Dr. Susann Moeller, Charles Salmons & Paula Lambert.
Grab pen and paper and get to know your backyard through observation as we consider the non-human inhabitants around us: Participants will be given a choice of species and their respective habitat to inspire their poems. Through this process we will deepen our understanding of life in Ohio’s outdoors. To connect or reconnect to Ohio’s landscape, we can use poetry to engage with the wild to shape and expand our knowledge and conversation. Inspiring sample readings by two Ohio ecopoets, writing exercises, photographs, and prompts will have you explore Ohio’s Wild in words as they emulate the rhythm of the woodpecker, the sonorous sound of a bullfrog, the weaving of a spider’s net.
Join our friends from Ohio Canid Center to learn about one of North America's most fascinating wild animals - wolves! We'll separate fact from fiction and cover some of their family life, diet, habitat and role in the ecosystem - plus, visitors will have the chance to see a live wolf!
The documentary deals with the topic of water affordability in Ohio. Building and maintaining the physical infrastructure to deliver high-quality, affordable water to Ohio’s citizens is a costly endeavor, and how to pay for these important investments can lead to heightened levels of social and political conflict. The documentary examines the challenges that governmental and nongovernmental actors will face to secure access to clean, affordable water in the coming decades. Please visit this link for more information.
A panel discussion with Ramiro Berardo, Eugene Braig and Linda Pettit to follow after.
The Ohio Bird Conservation Initiative is a collaboration of non-profit groups, businesses, state and federal government agencies, and citizens that are participating in or are interested in bird conservation for the state of Ohio. We will have information on how to make your homes better for migratory and resident birds.
The Byrd Polar and Climate Research Center will highlight knowledge about Ohio’s last glaciation, the forces that caused it, and the evidence it left behind. This table will showcase how glaciers move and grow through an active and tactile glacial model known as flubber. The flubber will be placed over a map of the United States to visualize the extent of the Laurentide Ice Sheet during the last glacial maximum. The table will also have QR codes so guests can access our Kelley’s Island virtual reality tour to witness the best-preserved glacial grooves in Ohio.
Although Ohio does not have glaciers anymore, The Byrd Polar and Climate Research Center is dedicated to preserving the ice records found in the glaciers still present around the world. A model ice core will be available for guests to touch and observe the layers that hold valuable paleoclimate data. This table will have additional take home materials including coloring pages of our graduate students alongside their projects, the highest resolution maps of Antarctica and the Arctic, and flyers that highlight home activities and current events happening at the Byrd Center
Come learning about some of Ohio’s most popular mammals at the Division of Wildlife Mammal Table with pelts, skulls, and tracks!
The Ohio Geological Survey researches the state’s geology and provides information to the public to better understand our natural history and resources. Staff geologists will be on hand with a variety of plant and animal fossils, publications, and activities that help tell that story, including three state symbols: Dunkleosteus terrelli, Isotelus, and flint. Young learners can identify fossils to earn a prize!
“Trees as Medicine”, highlighting tree identification and how people have used trees as medicine through the ages. How have people used trees for healing? Did you know Willow trees were the source for pain relief before we had aspirin. We will walk you through the different parts of the tree that were used as well as some examples of the herb, bark, leaf, & flower. We will have a parts of the tree coloring sheet available as well as an informational handout on some of our favorite trees. You won’t look at a tree the same as you walk through the woods.
What types of turtles are in Ohio? What are the differences between lizards and salamanders? Are all snakes venomous? Join Shawnee State Park naturalists to learn about Ohio’s reptiles and amphibians and check out a few native animal ambassadors!
Dig into the wonderful world of worms, who live just below our feet! They are one of the most important organisms when it comes to composting- they break down our food scraps and create nutrient rich compost to help us grow our food! Explore our worm bin and learn all about the wiggly worms inside
At the end of the last Ice Age giant mastodons roamed the forests of Ohio. Stop by this item table to learn more about these extinct mammals and you'll get a chance to an up close look at some actual mastodon bones!
Ohio is a wonderful place to see wild Owls! 12 different species have been recorded in the state that range from the massive great horned owl to the miniscule northern saw-whet owl. Stop by this display to learn more about these amazing birds!
COSI’s Wild Experience will be bringing several animals from its ambassador collection to talk about some truly WILD SCIENCE! Come and meet some of these amazing animals for a hands-on experience.
Join Ohio Geological Survey geologist Tyler Norris for a special talk, titled “Ohio’s Ice Age Geology and Wildlife.” Norris will discuss Cedar Bog Nature Preserve (Champaign County) and the geological forces that shaped the landscape during the Ice Age. Ice Age plants and animals will be discussed as well.
Join the Ohio School of Falconry and witness a variety of raptors "up-close and personal" as you learn about birds of prey and their important role in nature.
Directed by Nel Shelby Productions, with original soundtrack composed by Nicolas Soto Urrea. The documentary showcases stories of how individuals and organizations, inspired and motivated by their participation in Global Water Dances, have been making a difference in protecting water in their communities. Please click on this link for more information. Followed by music and dance performances!
Speakers for this program: Loren Bucek and Global Water Dance Columbus, with dance and music artists - Brianna Rhodes, Mansee Singhi, LP & Dancers and SELO.
Speaker for this program: Historian and Greenlawn Cemetery Trustee, Doreen Uhas Sauer.
The Ohio Bird Conservation Initiative is a collaboration of non-profit groups, businesses, state and federal government agencies, and citizens that are participating in or are interested in bird conservation for the state of Ohio. We will have information on how to make your homes better for migratory and resident birds.
Come learning about some of Ohio’s most popular mammals at the Division of Wildlife Mammal Table with pelts, skulls, and tracks!
The Ohio Geological Survey researches the state’s geology and provides information to the public to better understand our natural history and resources. Staff geologists will be on hand with a variety of plant and animal fossils, publications, and activities that help tell that story, including three state symbols: Dunkleosteus terrelli, Isotelus, and flint. Young learners can identify fossils to earn a prize!
Dig into the wonderful world of worms, who live just below our feet! They are one of the most important organisms when it comes to composting- they break down our food scraps and create nutrient rich compost to help us grow our food! Explore our worm bin and learn all about the wiggly worms inside
At the end of the last Ice Age giant mastodons roamed the forests of Ohio. Stop by this item table to learn more about these extinct mammals and you'll get a chance to an up close look at some actual mastodon bones!
Ohio is a wonderful place to see wild Owls! 12 different species have been recorded in the state that range from the massive great horned owl to the miniscule northern saw-whet owl. Stop by this display to learn more about these amazing birds!
