Chapters in Ohio

April is Native Plant Month. Join Shari Bowers of Wild Ones for a discussion of Doug Tallamy's book Nature's Best Hope. After the discussion there will be a brief presentation on Wild Ones including future programming and events. There will be a native plant seedling giveaway while supplies last. 

You can pick up a copy of the book for discussion at the front desk or utilize one of our digital collections!https://www.bellevue.lib.oh.us/calendar

According to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Caesar Creek Gorge, rising 180 feet above Caesar Creek, was “formed by large volumes of glacial meltwater cutting down through the bedrock to expose Ordovician limestone and shale rich in fossils.” Dayton Area Wild Ones is offering an all-day exploration of two different areas of the gorge to view its abundant spring wildflowers. Join us for any combination of activities offered on this field trip—morning walk, lunch at a local restaurant, afternoon walk—or join us for all three!  

Caesar Creek Gorge State Nature Preserve, 9:00–11:15 am; 4080 Corwin Road, Oregonia, OH 45054.  This preserve features diverse habitats including heavily wooded hillsides and a floodplain covered by “luxuriant herbaceous flora,” which is an understatement! As a possible bonus, zebra swallowtail butterflies were abundant at this time last year. This is a moderate walk; the trail is a dirt path with a steep descent/ascent to and from the gorge. Our leader will be Preserve Manager Eric Sagasser. Total distance: about 1.75 miles

Lunch at Sun Sprouts Cafe, approx.11:30 am–12:45 pm; 69 S. Maple Street, Corwin, OH 45068. Park along Corwin Rd. or Maple St. Order and pay at the counter; seating will be in the front room to the left of the counter. 

US Army Corps of Engineers Caesar Creek Gorge, 1:00–3:00 pm; Meet at the Caesar Creek Fishing Pier parking lot, Caesar Creek Gorge Access Road, Waynesville, OH 45068. Join leader Kim Baker, USACE retiree, to explore the wooded trails along Caesar Creek, just downstream of the dam. Over the years, much work has been done in this area to eliminate non-native invasive species, so it is now a great area for viewing healthy woodland structure. The canopy trees, understory shrubs, and woodland wildflowers will be inspiration for creating your own woodland habitat!

There are two options for this afternoon walk:

Option 1 – Easy.  The first section is a level gravel trail parallel to the creek.  There is a wooded strip between the trail and the creek, with the wooded hillside rising from the opposite side and wildflowers and native understory shrubs on both sides. This is an easy walk with lots to see for those who may not be able to walk the full loop trail with the steep hills. Those who prefer this easy walk option will need to turn around to head back to the parking lot while the rest of the group continues up the hill.  Total distance: about 3/8 mile

Option 2 – Moderate. Continue on the loop trail, ascending the steep hill on wooden stairs.  This overlooks a tributary stream and a hillside covered with wildflowers. The trail loops back at the top of the hill and the descent is on an old road. Total distance: about 1.0 mile

Plant ID Slow Hike

Spring Ephemeral Edition

Join us for a leisurely stroll with Wild Ones Greater Cleveland and Portage Park District as we explore the trails and identify spring wildflowers together. No need to rush; we'll be taking our time to appreciate the beauty around us and identify the flowers we encounter along the way.

Make sure to wear comfortable shoes or boots suitable for walking on trails, rain or shine. Don't forget to bring water and sunscreen if needed. This hike won't be too strenuous; we'll be stopping frequently to admire flowers and practice identification.

https://www.travelbutlercounty.com/events/oxford-bee-festival

Celebrate our pollinator pals with a day full of fun, music, and activities at Oxford’s annual Bee Festival! Bring your picnic blankets, your love for nature, and join the city of Oxford as they kick off a buzzing new tradition!

Join us for a leisurely stroll as we explore the trails and identify spring wildflowers together.

Join us for a leisurely stroll as we explore the trails and identify spring wildflowers together. No need to rush; we'll be taking our time to appreciate the beauty around us and identify the flowers we encounter along the way. We'll start at Sulphur Springs Picnic Area at South Chagrin Reservation in Bentleyville, OH.

Make sure to wear comfortable shoes or boots suitable for walking on trails, rain or shine, as the trail could be muddy and parts of the trail are steep. Don't forget to bring water and sunscreen if needed. This hike won't be too strenuous; we'll be stopping frequently to admire flowers and practice identification.