Education: Mandala Rock Painting
You must register for the event : REGISTER HERE
Create your own Magical Mandala Rock Painting! Register in advance, then drop in anytime during the listed hours to craft a beautiful mandala-inspired rock to take home. This family-friendly activity takes approximately 45 minutes and is best suited for ages 8 and up.
Local nature artist and naturalist Nora Steele will be on hand to guide participants in designing their masterpieces. All materials will be provided. Just bring your creativity and enjoy this relaxing, nature-inspired art experience!
To register, please head to Eventbrite to purchase your ticket for $12.
If you have any questions please email mellis@pickawaycountyohio.gov
The program will take place indoors in our accessible event room at the District Headquarters. On-site amenities include a paved parking lot, access ramp, and restrooms. This program requires paid registration.
An adult must accompany all children under the age of 12.
Ohio University Mom’s Weekend- Art & Craft Market
Saturday, April 5, 2025 : Vending table from 10am-4pm
University Courtyard Apartments
366 Richland Ave, Athens, OH, 45701
Arc of Appalachia Wildflower Pilgrimage
Arc of Appalachia Wildflower Pilgrimage- Vendor Table & Field trip leader
April brings welcome carpets of dazzling floral color to our drab winter-worn woodlands. In May, the jewels of migrating birds splash color across our woodlands. But there is a third source of seasonal color that explodes covertly below the surface of our rivers and streams. Spring is the season when our native fish species adorn themselves in breathtaking breeding colors.
During the Pilgrimage, three days of field trips will lead you into some of the Eastern Forest’s most outstanding wildflower displays - led by expert naturalists and botanists. On Friday evening’s indoor presentation, Dan Rice, co-author of The Naturalist’s Guide to Fishes of Ohio, will introduce you to the rainbow-hued darters that are endemic to North America. On Saturday evening, Dr. Anna George from the Tennessee Aquarium will present a program on the importance of conserving our Eastern aquatic treasures. Two hearty breakfasts and a delicious dinner are included in the registration fee. Witness spring’s masterpiece in full color!
Irvine Mountain Mushroom Festival
The Irvine Mountain Mushroom Festival mission is to share the cultural heritage and traditions of our community and support area groups (mushroom hunters, agate hunters, local crafters, artisans, and civic organizations) and businesses to foster community pride and stimulate economic development. A local volunteer committee partners with the community to present a variety of activities and provide educational opportunities. The festival provides a weekend of free activities and entertainment for everyone.
Vending booth Friday April 25-Sunday April 27
Biggest Week in American Birding
Biggest Week In American Birding - Vending Table
-Find me at Maumee State Park Lodge-
Art Workshop: Biggest Week in American Birding
Art Workshop: Shimmer Watercolor
Register for the workshop HERE
Discover the magic of the night sky and its profound impact on the natural world in this Shimmer Watercolor Workshop led by skilled artist and naturalist Nora Steele. During the class participants will learn about the importance of preserving dark night skies as a sanctuary for other species and use shimmer watercolors to make details come to life- giving their artistic subjects a glowing 3D effect. Each participant will leave with at least two finished projects. This workshop is perfect for both beginning and experienced artists looking to deepen their understanding of the natural world.
Art Workshop: Biggest Week in American Birding
Art Workshop: Shimmer Watercolor
Register for the workshop HERE
Discover the magic of the night sky and its profound impact on the natural world in this Shimmer Watercolor Workshop led by skilled artist and naturalist Nora Steele. During the class participants will learn about the importance of preserving dark night skies as a sanctuary for other species and use shimmer watercolors to make details come to life- giving their artistic subjects a glowing 3D effect. Each participant will leave with at least two finished projects. This workshop is perfect for both beginning and experienced artists looking to deepen their understanding of the natural world.
Arc of Appalachia - Birds By Song
Arc of Appalachia, Birds By Song - Vending Table and Field Trip Leader
Imagine having the capacity to enter any forest, old field, or woodlot in the eastern United States, and, with your eyes closed, recognize nearly every bird song that you hear.
This in-depth course will teach you to learn the songs, calls, and field identification skills of the breeding birds in America’s Eastern forest heartland, as well as their natural history and ecology. Gaining such skills requires lots of time in the field, patient repetition, good learning aides, and positive reinforcement – attributes that are not often found in casual bird walks with birders, but will be bountifully present in this course.
Whether you are a beginning or intermediate birder, you will leave this course with substantially higher levels of mastery, adding 25-45 new songs to your repertoire. Participants will spend every day outdoors in small groups. All students will be personally coached and guided by our experienced course leaders. This course will accommodate all levels of experience and abilities, and most people - sometimes to their surprise - discover they have an inherent knack for learning bird calls. This course has been offered to the public for years with consistently outstanding results. Everyone will leave this course feeling proud of their newly won life skill.
Spring Nature Safari : Exploring the Hills of Southern Ohio
Vending Booth set up for the weekend for event participants
We are planning a fun and relaxed weekend exploring the beautiful natural areas of Shawnee State Forest in Scioto County, and the wild areas in Adams County. We expect to find some amazing wildflowers, migrant warblers who have returned to nest, and many other amazing creatures we will see during our daytime and nighttime forays into nature. Our past safaris have proven that there is always something new and fascinating to discover in the Hills of Shawnee and Ohio TNC / Edge of Appalachia preserve system. In addition, we will visit Kamama Prairie, one of the Arc of Appalachia preserves. Our home base will be at the Shawnee Lodge & Conference Center.
In addition to the daytime field trips, on Friday night, naturalist Jim McCormac will introduce you to warblers and wildflowers that you will likely see on your weekend field trips. On Saturday night, you will get a look into Ohio Bobcat conservation by Dr. Shauna Weyrauch. On Sunday morning at 10:00 am, Dr. Doug Tallamy will give us an inspiring and educational talk about the latest news on native plants! His talk will be open to the public for $15.00 fee. Evening talks are followed by various field trips and mothing at the sheets with Diane Placto Brooks.
Lilyfest
Vending Booth set up Friday July 11- Sunday July 13
13200 Little Cola Rd
Rockbridge, Ohio 43149
Join us for Art, Music, and the beautiful Bishop Educational Gardens!
Please keep pets at home, only service animals are allowed. We look forward to seeing you, consider carpooling to help keep parking congestion to a minimum, thank you!
Arc of Appalachia: Mothapolooza
Vending booth set up for event participants
Register for Mothapolooza HERE
In the biologically rich 3000-acre Highlands Nature Sanctuary and surrounding preserves, we will witness a breathtaking number of moth species and other nocturnal insects that will be attracted to our light stations, all while under the mentorship of expert naturalists, Evening presentations will be hosted at the Paxton Historic Theater in Bainbridge, Ohio. This event will serve to help you begin or further advance your personal journey of discovery into the mysterious and intriguing nocturnal world of moths. Be prepared to stay up late into the night, so come well-rested!
Stargazer Cannabis Festival
Stargazer is a vibrant celebration of at scenic Adventures on the River, on over 70 acres of lush woodlands and riverfront beauty.
Midwest Native Plant Conference
Register for the conference HERE
Vending table set up for conference participants Fri Aug 1- Sat Aug 2 (field trips occur Sun Aug 3)
Hippiefest
Hippie Fest is a family-friendly art festival featuring vibrant entertainment for all ages. Everyone is invited! Coming to Hocking County Fairground in Logan, OH August 9 & 10, 2025. Featuring live music, hundreds of bohemian vendor booths, vintage hippie car show, DIY tie-dye, giant bubble garden, sideshow performers, kids activities, delicious food, and more. All ages welcome. It's groovy baby!
NOTE: Due to crowd size and parking limitations, all tickets must be reserved online in advance. Limited tickets available. Tickets can be reserved at HippieFest.org.
Ohio Botanical Symposium
Ohio Botanical Symposium- Vending Table
The Ohio Botanical Symposium is one of the largest natural history conferences in Ohio and the nation. Its mission is to bring together a diverse conservation community invested in protecting and celebrating Ohio’s native flora.
Woman in Science - Columbus Audubon Monthly Program
Tuesday, March 25, 2025
505 W Whittier St. Columbus, OH, 4E215
Columbus Audubon Monthly Program, Woman in Science Event - Vending Table
Shreve Migration Sensation
Shreve Migration Sensation - Vending Table
This event takes place in the largest inland marsh in Ohio and is home to a great variety of nesting and migratory birds. There will be 6 birding stations throughout the 5,000 acres of Killbuck Marsh Wildlife Area and Funk Bottoms Wildlife Area. Join us for breakfast served in the morning, three speakers in the afternoon, and bird related vendors in the registration area. Children activities throughout the village and marsh including live raptors, scavenger hunt, crafts, and dip netting.
Ohio Woodland, Water & Wildlife Conference
Ohio Woodland, Water & Wildlife Conference - Vending Table
Register for the Conference Here
The 2025 Ohio Woodland Water and Wildlife Conference will be March 5 (8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.) at the Mid-Ohio Conference Center in Mansfield. The conference features three concurrent sessions focused on key topics: woodlands (trees), water (lakes, streams, and ponds), and wildlife.
Adams County Amish Bird Symposium
Adams County Amish Bird Symposium – Vending Table
Register For The Symposium Here
March 1, 2025, 9:30 am to 3:15 pm
2891 Wheat Ridge Road, West Union,
EDUCATION: Shimmer Watercolors
TO ATTEND YOU MUST REGISTER FOR THIS EDUCATIONAL CLASS WITH THE BEXLEY RECREATION AND PARKS DEPARTMENT
REGISTER HERE
Discover the eastern forest in this shimmer, watercolor workshop, led by artist, and Naturalist Nora Steele. Participants will learn about the diverse flora and fauna that call Ohio home in this class you will use shimmer watercolors that will make your subjects come to life with a glowing 3-D effect, which is perfect for the beginning, inexperienced artist, looking to deepen their understanding of the natural world.
DATE: Saturday, January 18
TIME: 10:30am-12:00pm
LOCATION: Jeffery Mansion, Garden Room
AGES: This program is family friendly, best suited for 8 and up
EDUCATION: Ohio Arts Council Presents- Aging Creatively (Class VII)
Art Series for seniors 55+
Location: Fairfield County District Library (219 N Broad St, Lancaster, OH)
Class VII: This hands-on program combines both art and nature education by challenging participants to explore a forest habitat and then express their discoveries through collaborative collage. Participants will first create a series of individual collages representing different aspects of a forest ecosystem. Then, through collaboration, participants will work together to blend and display the creations in a public exhibition; showcasing the interconnectedness of humans, nature, and our place within a larger ecosystem.
Please plan to attend all classes. There will be a commencement ceremony on December 13 at 2:30 pm.
Full List of Class Dates:
September 3 (10:15am-12:00)
September 10 (10:15am-12:00)
September 24 (10:15am-12:00)
October 8 (10:15am-12:00)
November 19 (10:15am-12:00)
December 3 (10:15am-12:00)
December 10 (10:15am-12:00)
Commencement Ceremony December 13 2:30-4:30pm
Project funding provided by the Ohio Arts Council, through a grant from the National Assembly of State Arts Agencies in collaboration with E.A. Michelson Philanthropy.
SHOP: Brukner Nature Center Arts and Crafts Show
Vending table at Brukner Nature Center for their annual Winter Arts and Crafts Show
EDUCATION: Ohio Arts Council Presents- Aging Creatively (Class VI)
Art Series for seniors 55+
Location: Fairfield County District Library (219 N Broad St, Lancaster, OH)
Class VI: This hands-on program combines both art and nature education by challenging participants to explore a forest habitat and then express their discoveries through collaborative collage. Participants will first create a series of individual collages representing different aspects of a forest ecosystem. Then, through collaboration, participants will work together to blend and display the creations in a public exhibition; showcasing the interconnectedness of humans, nature, and our place within a larger ecosystem.
Please plan to attend all classes. There will be a commencement ceremony on December 13 at 2:30 pm.
Full List of Class Dates:
September 3 (10:15am-12:00)
September 10 (10:15am-12:00)
September 24 (10:15am-12:00)
October 8 (10:15am-12:00)
November 19 (10:15am-12:00)
December 3 (10:15am-12:00)
December 10 (10:15am-12:00)
Commencement Ceremony December 13 2:30-4:30pm
Project funding provided by the Ohio Arts Council, through a grant from the National Assembly of State Arts Agencies in collaboration with E.A. Michelson Philanthropy.
SHOP: Holiday Tree Lot and Wreath Making with ‘Deeply Rooted Landscapes
LOCATION: 1230 N Montgomery County Line Rd Tipp City, OH, 45371
You MUST pre-register event for this event!
Register for Wreath Making Workshop HERE
Register for the Holiday Tree Lot HERE
From 10am-4pm: Shop for live, native holiday trees, evergreen wreaths, and more at Deeply Rooted Landscape's first-ever Holiday Tree Lot experience! Enjoy holiday tunes and complimentary hot beverages, and snag a few native plant-inspired stocking stuffers from Nora Steele Art.
From 12-3pm: Make a gorgeous wreath using fresh evergreens, dried Ohio native plants, and seed pods on a locally harvested grapevine wreath form. Get festive with Deeply Rooted Landscapes in our workshop! We'll play holiday music and have hot beverages to sip, along with some sweet treats for snacking. After you make your wreath, you can shop for a live holiday tree for your home.
Deeply Rooted Landscapes will supply all the materials and instructions for making your wreath. We recommend that you bring your own pair of gloves, as the evergreen needles can be prickly. If you have a preferred pair of plant snips, you are encouraged to bring them!
Dress for the weather in layers! This workshop will be held in our insulated shop at Deeply Rooted Landscapes HQ on Sunday, December 1st, from 12 to 3 pm. The fee is $65 per person, and the number of participants is limited to 20.
EDUCATION: Mandala Painting Class
TO ATTEND YOU MUST REGISTER FOR THIS EDUCATIONAL CLASS WITH THE BEXLEY RECREATION AND PARKS DEPARTMENT
REGISTER HERE
Register and then drop in anytime between the times listed, and create your own magical Mandala Rock Painting to take home. Nora Steele, a local nature artist, naturalist and instructor of Mandala painting, will be on hand to help participants create their own masterpiece. This family-friendly project takes approximately 45 minutes to complete.
DATE: Sunday, November 24
TIME: Anytime between 12:00 and 3:00
LOCATION: Jeffery Mansion, Garden Room
AGES: This program is family friendly, Adults and Children, best suited for 8 and up though younger children are welcome to participate. Wear paint-friendly clothing
SHOP: OSU Maker’s Market
The Ohio State University’s School of Environment and Natural Resources (SENR) Local Maker’s Holiday Market
Thur Nov 21 10:00am to 3:00pm
Kottman Hall (2021 Coffey Rd, Columbus OH)
EDUCATION: Ohio Arts Council Presents- Aging Creatively (Class V)
Art Series for seniors 55+
Location: Fairfield County District Library (219 N Broad St, Lancaster, OH)
Class V: This hands-on program combines both art and nature education by challenging participants to explore a forest habitat and then express their discoveries through collaborative collage. Participants will first create a series of individual collages representing different aspects of a forest ecosystem. Then, through collaboration, participants will work together to blend and display the creations in a public exhibition; showcasing the interconnectedness of humans, nature, and our place within a larger ecosystem.
Please plan to attend all classes. There will be a commencement ceremony on December 13 at 2:30 pm.
Full List of Class Dates:
September 3 (10:15am-12:00)
September 10 (10:15am-12:00)
September 24 (10:15am-12:00)
October 8 (10:15am-12:00)
November 19 (10:15am-12:00)
December 3 (10:15am-12:00)
December 10 (10:15am-12:00)
Commencement Ceremony December 13 2:30-4:30pm
Project funding provided by the Ohio Arts Council, through a grant from the National Assembly of State Arts Agencies in collaboration with E.A. Michelson Philanthropy.
EDUCATION: Things That Go Bump In The Night
TO ATTEND YOU MUST REGISTER FOR THIS EDUCATIONAL WALK WITH THE BEXLEY RECREATION AND PARKS DEPARTMENT
REGISTER HERE
A hoot of an owl, a curious raccoon, the eye shine of a passing animal and the slow chatter of insects come alive in an awakening night time woods. Listen and look for those things that go “bump in the night” with this family-friendly stroll through Jeffrey Woods.
DATE: Saturday, November 16
TIME: 7:00-8:00pm
LOCATION: Jeffery Mansion, Memorial Shelter
AGES: This program is family friendly
EDUCATION: Create It Saturday Holiday Edition
Come Make Art—Free for All Ages!
Choose from two fun ornament projects or make both–rustic painted wood ornaments or cute snowman ornaments.
No registration required for this FREE event
Ohio Craft Museum
1665 W 5th Ave, Columbus OH
November 16, stop by between 10am and 12pm
SHOP: Rio Grande Valley Birding Festival
Attending the 30th annual Rio Grande Valley Birding Festival, November 6-10
SHOP: Texas Master Naturalist Annual Meeting
Get excited for our Texas Master Naturalist 2024 Annual Meeting – to be held Thursday, October 24th through Sunday, October 27th in San Marcos, Texas. Stay tuned for more information coming soon!
The Texas Master Naturalist Annual Meeting provides an opportunity for the Texas Master Naturalist volunteers from around the state to gather, participate in hands-on educational seminars, and receive all their Advanced Training requirements for the year in one weekend. It’s also an opportunity for program participants and supporters to network, share new ideas, and to learn from chapters in different regions of the state.
Camp Oty’okwa Fall Festival
Embrace the colors of fall at Camp Oty’Okwa’s FREE Fall Festival
Date: October 12
Time: Festivities begin at 1, concert begins at 5:30pm
Location: Camp Oty’okwa, 24799 Purcell Rd, South Bloomington OH
EDUCATION: Ohio Arts Council Presents- Aging Creatively (Class IV)
Art Series for seniors 55+
Location: Fairfield County District Library (219 N Broad St, Lancaster, OH)
Class IV: This hands-on program combines both art and nature education by challenging participants to explore a forest habitat and then express their discoveries through collaborative collage. Participants will first create a series of individual collages representing different aspects of a forest ecosystem. Then, through collaboration, participants will work together to blend and display the creations in a public exhibition; showcasing the interconnectedness of humans, nature, and our place within a larger ecosystem.
Please plan to attend all classes. There will be a commencement ceremony on December 13 at 2:30 pm.
Full List of Class Dates:
September 3 (10:15am-12:00)
September 10 (10:15am-12:00)
September 24 (10:15am-12:00)
October 8 (10:15am-12:00)
November 19 (10:15am-12:00)
December 3 (10:15am-12:00)
December 10 (10:15am-12:00)
Commencement Ceremony December 13 2:30-4:30pm
Project funding provided by the Ohio Arts Council, through a grant from the National Assembly of State Arts Agencies in collaboration with E.A. Michelson Philanthropy.
Ohio Wildlife Center 40th Anniversary Celebration
A fall evening at our wildlife campus where you can learn all about the mission of the Ohio Wildlife Center while enjoying entertainment.
More information at: Ohio Wildlife Center
EDUCATION: Ohio Arts Council Presents- Aging Creatively (Class IV)
Art Series for seniors 55+
Location: Fairfield County District Library (219 N Broad St, Lancaster, OH)
Class II: This hands-on program combines both art and nature education by challenging participants to explore a forest habitat and then express their discoveries through collaborative collage. Participants will first create a series of individual collages representing different aspects of a forest ecosystem. Then, through collaboration, participants will work together to blend and display the creations in a public exhibition; showcasing the interconnectedness of humans, nature, and our place within a larger ecosystem.
Please plan to attend all classes. There will be a commencement ceremony on December 13 at 2:30 pm.
Full List of Class Dates:
September 3 (10:15am-12:00)
September 10 (10:15am-12:00)
September 17 (10:15am-12:00)
September 24 (10:15am-12:00)
October 8 (10:15am-12:00)
November 19 (10:15am-12:00)
December 3 (10:15am-12:00)
December 10 (10:15am-12:00)
Commencement Ceremony December 13 2:30-4:30pm
Project funding provided by the Ohio Arts Council, through a grant from the National Assembly of State Arts Agencies in collaboration with E.A. Michelson Philanthropy.
Osborn Fall Fest
Osborn Fall Fest and the Grand Opening of the Roger Johnson Nature Center
September 21 from 11am to 5pm
Ohio Pawpaw Fest
Pawpaws to the People!
The Ohio Pawpaw Festival is a fun-filled, educational community event celebrating one of America’s largest native tree fruits, the pawpaw (Asimina triloba). This all-weekend event highlights the rich history and future possibilities of the pawpaw through delectable food and beverages, and a full line-up of presentations and activities that cover pawpaw growing, cooking, genetics, medical use and other topics related to sustainability. Special events at the festival include competitions for the best and biggest pawpaw, a pawpaw cook-off, a best pawpaw-related work of art and the ever-popular pawpaw-eating contest.
September 13 through September 15, Albany OH
EDUCATION: Ohio Arts Council Presents- Aging Creatively (Class II)
Art Series for seniors 55+
Location: Fairfield County District Library (219 N Broad St, Lancaster, OH)
Class II: This hands-on program combines both art and nature education by challenging participants to explore a forest habitat and then express their discoveries through collaborative collage. Participants will first create a series of individual collages representing different aspects of a forest ecosystem. Then, through collaboration, participants will work together to blend and display the creations in a public exhibition; showcasing the interconnectedness of humans, nature, and our place within a larger ecosystem.
Please plan to attend all classes. There will be a commencement ceremony on December 13 at 2:30 pm.
Full List of Class Dates:
September 3 (10:15am-12:00)
September 10 (10:15am-12:00)
September 24 (10:15am-12:00)
October 8 (10:15am-12:00)
November 19 (10:15am-12:00)
December 3 (10:15am-12:00)
December 10 (10:15am-12:00)
Commencement Ceremony December 13 2:30-4:30pm
Project funding provided by the Ohio Arts Council, through a grant from the National Assembly of State Arts Agencies in collaboration with E.A. Michelson Philanthropy.
Lithopolis Honeyfest
BOOTH NUMBER 89!
Vendor booth set up at the Lithopolis Honeyfest- Friday September 6 through Saturday September 7th.
It's All Things Honey - from bee beards, educational sessions, and a bee train to food trucks and hands-on honey extraction...and more!
See more at: Lithopolis Honeyfest
Ohio Association of Garden Clubs Annual Convention
Vendor booth set up at Maumee Bay Lodge for the Annual OAGC Convention- TUESDAY and WEDNESDAY only.
Sign up for the Convention here: OAGC Annual Convention
Midwest Native Plant Conference
Vendor table set up at the Midwest Native Plant Conference, August 2-3
Register for the Conference here: https://midwestnativeplants.org/midwest-native-plant-conference/
In 2024, Nora Steele Art attended 32 in-person events!