Photo by Kayla Rankin
Nature is Neat!
Children’s programs are offered May through October
Usually between 10:00am - 2:00pm
See details below
Location: Appalachian Forest Museum Cost: FREE
Our Nature is Neat! at the Highlands Nature Sanctuary program promotes exploration, learning, and a deeper appreciation of our natural world, with an emphasis on learning, through hands-on immersive nature experiences. The Appalachian Forest Museum is committed to providing our community with science-focused programming, hikes, and fun for the entire family. The Museum will host special themed days that will be free of charge. These exciting programs will include access to our Forest Museum, theme-based activities, and the ability to put your newfound knowledge to use while you meander the nearby trails. Registration is not required. Please note the time change for our special event in July. See dates and descriptions below.
Misunderstood Friends of the Forest
Saturday, May 10, 2025
What do you know about animals such as snakes, opossums, and bats?
Some people are afraid of them, some just don’t like them, and some don’t understand how important they are to keeping nature in balance. These animals have a unique place in nature and we would be in trouble without them. Our friends from Nature Nurses will be bringing animal ambassadors such as Petey the Possum and Elvira the Bat. Join us to meet some of these animals and learn all about their lives.
Take a self-guided hike on the beautiful trails at the Appalachian Forest Museum and make a crafty momma opossum with her babies to take home!
Birds of a Feather
Saturday, June 14, 2025
Would you like to meet some raptors in person? Our friends from the Glen Helen Raptor Center will be joining our birding program with live raptors you can meet up close! Raptors are the majestic predatory birds that hunt and feed on small animals. They include such birds as eagles, hawks, falcons, and owls.
Discover what owls eat by examining their digestive pellets under a microscope. Learn backyard bird identification basics and what tools can help you. Play the migration game and make some “binoculars” from recycled materials to help you spot birds during your hike. And when you decide it’s time to migrate home to your own backyard, take a free Bird Explorer booklet to continue your learning!
Caterpillar Lab
Saturday, July 19, 2025 - 1pm - 4pm
Sam Jaffe is the founder of Caterpillar Lab, a New Hampshire nonprofit that fosters appreciation and care for the complexity and beauty of the natural world by using the mind-bending, gorgeous creatures we know as caterpillars as a gateway experience. Sam is back in Ohio with his practiced talents of putting together a caterpillar lab “on the road.” Witness his collection of live caterpillars feeding on their native food sources over the weekend, and marvel at their colors and diversity of form. Caterpillars will be returned where they were found at week’s end to continue their metamorphosis.
Reptiles & Amphibians
Sunday, August 10, 2025
Are you a herpetologist? What the heck is that? It’s a person who studies reptiles and amphibians! Phil Preston, a 9th grade biology teacher with the Lakota school system will share his knowledge and his live reptile and amphibian friends! We are also grateful to have Josh Pennington with ODNR join us with his live animal friends. And remember, you don’t have to touch anything you don’t want to!
Make a frog puppet or a snake if you like crafts. Hike the beautiful trails of the Appalachian Forest Museum on a herpetology scavenger hunt and take home some Ohio Department of Natural Resources field guides. So come hop, hiss, and hike your way to a fun day at the Arc of Appalachia!
Marvelous Mammals of Ohio’s Woodlands
Saturday & Sunday, August 30 & 31, 2025
Discover the diverse mammals that inhabit our surroundings and learn to identify their tracks and signs. At the Appalachian Forest Museum, explore exhibits featuring skulls, pelts, and tracks of woodland mammals. Delve into the fascinating world of animal scat and its insights into their diet and habits.
Come meet Willie the one-eyed Opossum and Elvira the Brown Bat visiting us courtesy of Nature Nurses Wildlife Rescue. Plus, get hands-on with a clay modeling activity to create your own woodland mammal track souvenir! Take home the "Tracks and Scat" book for more learning and fun activities.
Artists of the Forest
Saturday, October 25, 2025
Not only is Nature Neat, it is also Beautiful!
Join us as we meet and learn about some of nature’s animal and human artists. We will be highlighting the fall beauty of our natural world as we hike, draw, color, paint, use natural dyes, and create items to take home that will help us remember all of the beauty that nature has to offer. Artists will be at the Appalachian Forest Museum and along the trails. You’ll be able to observe them in action, talk with them about their craft, and maybe even get a few tips about how they create art that reflects the loveliness and wonder of our natural world.There will be art kits available for those who want to take them out on the trails and immortalize what they see. No experience necessary!