Arc Education Events
The 2026 Appalachian Forest School will be announced this December.
Registration will be available once our workshop offerings are offically announced. Our larger events are open and currently taking registrations. To learn more about those events, click below.
Wildflower Pilgrimage
Friday, April 17 - Sunday, April 19, 2026
at the Highlands Nature Sanctuary
Day-long field trips head out on Saturday and Sunday to botanical hotspots and outstanding floral showcases of our region, featuring both Arc preserves and other private and state-owned natural areas. The treks are led by some of Ohio’s most talented botanists and interpretive naturalists. Included are two breakfasts and one dinner - with remarkably delicious food, as well as evening keynote presentations at the historic Paxton Theatre in downtown Bainbridge, Ohio, just five miles away from the Sanctuary.
photo by Lewis Ulman
Nature is Neat
MONTHLY PROGRAMS FOR KIDS
MAY THROUGH OCTOBER
at the Highlands Nature Sanctuary
Nature programs for children and their families promote exploration, learning, and a deeper appreciation of our natural world, with an emphasis on learning, through hands-on immersive nature experiences. One weekend a month from May - October. Each month will feature a new nature theme. Free to the public.
photo by Kayla Ranki
Spring Women’s Walk in the Woods
Saturday, May 2, 2026
at the Highlands Nature Sanctuary
The Women’s hike is a time for women of all ages to join together to relax and connect in the serene beauty of our natural world. Before we head to the woods, we will meet at the Appalachian Forest Museum to hear a presentation from a guest speaker and enjoy a packed lunch, which participants are asked to bring with them. After lunch, we will depart on one of the stunningly beautiful trails at the Highlands Nature Sanctuary. Bring your female friends and family to meet new people, share stories, and celebrate the beauty, balance, and biodiversity of Mother Nature!
photo by Roy Willman
Mothapalooza
Friday, July 17 - Sunday, July 19, 2026
at Tremper Mound Preserve & Shawnee State Park & Forest
Experience the magic of Southern Ohio’s nighttime wilderness during this immersive celebration of moths and night-flying insects. Based in the heart of Shawnee State Forest, with key activities at Tremper Mound and evening lectures at the Southern Ohio Museum in Portsmouth, this program blends exploration, learning, and wonder. Spend your nights at illuminated field stations witnessing spectacular diversity up close, enjoy engaging expert presentations indoors, and join guided daytime excursions through one of Ohio’s most biodiverse landscapes.
photo by Danae Wolfe
Simon Sorghum Festival
Saturday, Sept. 26 - Sunday, Sept. 27, 2026
at historic Simon Farm, W. Portsmouth, OH
Held from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm on Saturday and Sunday. Immerse yourself in the rich rural heritage of Appalachia. Breathe in the sweet steam of old-fashioned sorghum syrup and watch the entire process of sorghum making from cane harvest to a finished mason jar of goodness. A variety of Appalachian artisans will be demonstrating rural Appalachian arts, agrarian skills, and live music jamming traditional mountain music Free to the public.