Open Free to the Public, No Registration Necessary- at the Appalachian Forest Museum

The Artists-in-Sanctuary gallery show and sale – featuring artwork, poetry readings, and naturalist led hikes – is the culminating event of the two week residency program at the Highlands Nature Sanctuary. Take time to chat with the artists to learn more about their experiences at the Sanctuary and the stories behind their works, and take a moment to listen to our resident author and local school children read from writings inspired by the Sanctuary’s preserves. Those familiar with the Highlands Nature Sanctuary preserves may recognize favorite hiking spots in some of these works. Much of the artwork will be offered for sale, with 20% of the proceeds benefiting the Arc of Appalachia.

While at the museum, be sure to check out works created by local students from Rainsboro Elementary School. Through their work with the artists and their visit to the Sanctuary, the students have created their own interpretations of this spectacular space. Light refreshments will be served.

This year we will also be offering two free guided hikes, starting from the Forest Museum. The first begins at 11:30 am. Join retired naturalist, John Jaeger, for “This Gorge Rocks!” a pun-filled geology-themed hike on the Valley of the Ancients Trail. The 0.5 mile long trail descends 100 feet down into the Rocky Fork Gorge, passing along Marble Cave, where we’ll learn about the importance of cave conservation. After walking below the steep rock walls of the gorge we’ll pass a small waterfall and then make the climb back up to the museum again. Following the hike we will introduce Echo the Big Brown Bat, who will teach us about the importance of bats in our ecosystem and what you can do to help protect them!

The second hike begins at 1:30 pm. Naturalist Vicki Solomon of Lake Metroparks will lead us “Way Down Yonder to the Paw Paw Patch” on the 0.5 mile long Etawah Woods trail! Discover the fascinating natural and cultural history of “Poor man’s Banana,” then hike to a pawpaw patch in search of Ohio’s official native fruit. Meet at the picnic shelter for a brief introduction and help piece together fun facts about Asimina triloba. We may even get to taste George Washington’s favorite dessert!

Email [email protected] for more information.

Location – Appalachian Forest Museum, 7660 Cave Road, Bainbridge, OH 45612.
Questions? Please contact [email protected].