Women’s Walk in the Woods
Spring Date - Saturday, May 2, 2026
10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Held at the Highlands Nature Sanctuary
Registration fee: $20.00
photo by David AckermanThe Women’s hike is a time for women of all ages and occupations to join together, 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 our guest speaker. We will enjoy a packed lunch, which participants are asked to bring with them, and then depart on one of the stunningly beautiful trails near 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!
Overview
Please join us for the Spring 2026 Women’s Walk in the Woods On May 2, 2026. Our guest speaker will be Risa Pesapane, PhD, OSU Associate Professor and Director of Buckeye Tick Test, as we discuss how to:
Beyond the Bite: What Ohioans Need to Know About Ticks Today
Join us for an informative and engaging seminar exploring the world of Ohio’s ticks. We’ll start with the basics - how to recognize different species, understand their life cycles, and learn about their roles in our natural landscapes. From there, we’ll dive into the latest data on where ticks are being found across the state, current case numbers, and the arrival of new and emerging species. You’ll hear insights from recent field studies, discover why accurate tick identification is so important, and learn about the challenges Ohioans face as tick populations continue to shift. We’ll also share reliable resources for staying informed and offer practical ideas for helping your friends, family, and community take effective, evidence-based steps to prevent tick-borne illnesses.
We will meet at the Appalachian Forest Museum for the presentation and a bring-your-own picnic lunch before heading out to hike one of the beautiful trails near the Highlands Nature Sanctuary.
Bring your female friends and family to meet new people, learn about what we can do to support native habitats, and enjoy nature.
Make it a weekend trip by reserving one of our lodges today! Lodging at Highlands Nature Sanctuary | Arc of Appalachia.
Beyond the Bite: What Ohioans Need to Know About Ticks Today
About our Speaker
Risa Pesapane, PhD, OSU Associate Professor and Director of Buckeye Tick Test.
Risa Pesapane, PhD: Dr. Pesapane is an Associate Professor with a joint appointment between the Department of Veterinary Preventive Medicine and the School of Environment and Natural Resources at The Ohio State University. Her research focuses on the impact of ticks and mites on human and animal health, understanding the ecological drivers of tick abundance and disease transmission, and interventions for managing ticks and mites. Dr. Pesapane is also the Director of Buckeye Tick Test, a tick pathogen testing service lab for contracted partners and the public.
Schedule
10:00 am: Sign in and get to know each other at the Appalachian Forest Museum.
10:30 am: Program begins with an introduction to the Arc of Appalachia and a review of the day’s agenda.
10:45 am: Guest Speaker Presentation: Beyond the Bite: What Ohioans Need to Know About Ticks Today
Presented by Risa Pesapane, PhD, OSU Associate Professor and Director of Buckeye Tick Test
12:00 -12:45 pm: Enjoy a bring-your-own picnic lunch in the company of fellow hikers.
1:00 – 4:00 pm: Naturalist-led hike (select a first, second, and third choice for your hike during the registration process.)
What to Bring
packed lunch
water
binoculars
good hiking shoes
hiking stick or poles
appropriate clothing/rain gear
Cancellation Policy
WE WILL HIKE RAIN OR SHINE unless the weather or trails become too hazardous.
Sorry, there are no refunds for cancellations of this event. The registration fee will be considered a donation to the Arc of Appalachia. Please try to find someone to fill your place as this program will run rain or shine.