The 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!

Amy Stevens will be our guest speaker for the day. She joins us from Dragonfly Garden Wildlife Rescue, an Ohio Division of Wildlife Category 2 Wildlife Rehabilitation Facility based in Batavia, Ohio. Dedicated to the compassionate care, rehabilitation, and release of injured, orphaned, and displaced native wildlife, Dragonfly Garden Wildlife Rescue serves as a vital bridge between people and the ecosystems we share — promoting understanding, protecting biodiversity, and fostering a culture of conservation.

Amy will share her engaging bat education program tailored especially for our event. The presentation will explore the fascinating and often misunderstood world of bats: their biology, ecological roles, behaviors, and why these remarkable creatures deserve our appreciation and protection.

The highlight of the presentation will be a rare, up-close encounter with Elvira and Debanhi, two live ambassador bats who call Dragonfly Garden Wildlife Rescue home. As permitted ambassador animals, they serve as living representatives of their species, transforming what can be an abstract conservation message into a personal, memorable experience.

We hope through the program you gain a newfound appreciation of bats — and maybe even affection — for one of nature’s most mysterious and marvelous mammals!

Photo by Lexie Stevenson