Spring Nature Safari
Exploring the Hills of Southern Ohio
Join us each year for the Spring Nature Safari, a relaxed, 2½-day immersion into the natural wonders of southern Ohio’s rugged landscapes. Hosted at Shawnee State Forest and surrounding wild areas, this event combines expert-led field trips, evening presentations, mothing excursions, and social gatherings—designed for naturalists, families, and anyone who loves the outdoors.
Each year we enjoy seeing amazing wildflowers, migrant warblers who have returned to nest, and many other amazing creatures 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 visit Kamama Prairie, one of the Arc of Appalachia preserves. Our home base is at the Shawnee Lodge & Conference Center.
2025 Safari Recap
May 30 – June 1 | Scioto & Adams Counties, Ohio, at Shawnee Lodge
- Friday Evening Welcome & Program: After check-in and registration (5:30–7 PM), participants heard from Jim McCormac on warblers of Shawnee State Forest followed by mothing, firefly spotting, and nocturnal insect walks under expert guidance.
- Saturday Field Trips & Social Time: Guided day hikes began at 8:45 AM, exploring diverse forest flora, with lunches on-site and an afternoon Sunset Social (4–5 PM), followed by a dinner buffet. Evening sessions included Dr. Shauna Weyrauch on “Bobcat: The Return of the Native Ohio Wild Cat,” then more nighttime wildlife excursions.
- Sunday Wrap-Up: The weekend concluded after breakfast with Dr. Doug Tallamy’s inspiring talk, “How Can I Help? Saving Nature with Your Yard,” ending around noon.
What Made It Special
We had a fantastic time at this event, which attracted approximately 165 attendees over the weekend and an additional 30 who came on Sunday to hear Doug Tallamy speak. It went so well, we hope to be back again next year, in 2026. Subscribe to our mailing list to be alerted first of all events hosted by the Midwest Native Plant Society, Inc.
This weekend was in honor of Cheryl Harner, past trip leader, speaker and team member who left us far too soon. We were fortunate enough to be able to donate $1,500 in Cheryl Harner’s honor to the Ohio Nature Conservancy, Edge of Appalachia System, one of Cheryl’s preferred beneficiaries, from event proceeds. Additionally, we utilized $1,500 to establish the Cheryl B. Harner Wonder Fund, a scholarship fund specifically designed for individuals aged 18 and above.
We were delighted to welcome three students to the event using our White Oak Scholarship, which we offer to young individuals passionate about nature who are under the age of 18 and can attend the event accompanied by an adult.
We want to thank all of you who worked the weekend by offering presentations, leading day and/or evening field trips, that made this event a great success. And most of all to our attendees! Enjoy this video created by one of our trip leaders Don Cipollini, who co-lead a trip with Dave Todt to Raven Rock Nature Preserve.
Note: This area is accessible by permit only from ODNR.
What’s Next?
Planning is already underway for future Safari events—featuring a similar loop of presentations, explorations, and community engagement. Want to be among the first to know? Join our mailing list or contact us for updates.
"Those who contemplate the beauty of the earth find reserves of strength that will endure as long as life lasts."
~ Rachel Carson, Silent Spring
