Celebrate 50 years of the Ohio Division of Natural Areas and Preserves with a guided hike at Stage’s Pond State Nature Preserve near Ashville.
Families and nature lovers are invited to enjoy a two-mile meander along the preserve’s scenic boardwalk and white oak forest while learning more about one of Pickaway County’s unique natural spaces and the role natural preserves play in protecting Ohio’s landscapes.
Participants should wear comfortable walking shoes and bring water for the hike. Families are welcome. There are no restrooms on site.
Visit the organizer’s website for additional program details.
Discover the basics of birdwatching during Bird Your Preserves: Stage’s Pond, hosted by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.
This family-friendly program takes place at Stage’s Pond State Nature Preserve near Ashville in Pickaway County and offers a welcoming introduction to birding for all ages. Participants will gather inside the Stage’s Pond Office to learn how to identify birds using sound, color, shape, and behavior.
Perfect for beginners, this interactive session provides helpful tips and tools to build confidence in bird identification while exploring one of Pickaway County’s most scenic natural areas.
Start your morning with the birds during Bird Your Preserves: Bird Banding at Stage’s Pond, hosted by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.
This unique, family-friendly program takes place at Stage’s Pond State Nature Preserve near Ashville in Pickaway County, where participants can experience bird banding up close and learn about the science behind this important research.
Guests will observe a professional bird bander demonstrating how birds are safely captured, studied, and released as part of ongoing conservation efforts. It’s a rare opportunity to see native bird species up close while gaining insight into how researchers track migration and monitor bird populations.
Advance registration is required and must be completed by May 7 by calling 740-380-8918 or emailing kayla.bowyer@dnr.ohio.gov.
Join a hands-on conservation effort at Stage’s Pond State Nature Preserve near Ashville in Pickaway County during the Stage’s Pond Garlic Mustard Pull, hosted by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.
This volunteer opportunity focuses on removing garlic mustard, an invasive plant that threatens native wildflowers and forest ecosystems. By participating, volunteers will help protect one of Pickaway County’s most unique natural areas while enjoying time outdoors.
Two sessions are available on April 29, allowing flexibility for participants:
9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Volunteers may register for one or both sessions. Those attending both are encouraged to bring a packed lunch to enjoy on-site between sessions.
Trash bags and buckets will be provided. Participants should bring gloves, water, and appropriate outdoor gear.
Work will take place off-trail in natural areas that may include brush, ticks, and poison ivy. Stage’s Pond has a high presence of poison ivy, so volunteers should come prepared and use caution.
Help protect native wildflowers and restore a local natural habitat during the Stage’s Pond Garlic Mustard Pull, hosted by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.
This volunteer event takes place at Stage’s Pond State Nature Preserve near Ashville in Pickaway County, where participants will work together to remove garlic mustard, an invasive plant that threatens native forest ecosystems and spring wildflowers.
Volunteers will assist with hands-on conservation efforts by pulling garlic mustard throughout the preserve. Trash bags and buckets will be provided. Participants should bring gloves, water, and appropriate outdoor clothing.
Please note that work will take place off-trail in natural areas that may include brush, ticks, and poison ivy. This site has a high presence of poison ivy, so volunteers should come prepared and use caution.
Advance registration is required. To sign up, contact Kayla Bowyer at kayla.bowyer@dnr.ohio.gov or call 740-380-8918. Space is limited, and volunteers may register for multiple sessions if available.
Experience one of spring’s most beautiful natural displays during the Stage’s Pond Trillium Hike, hosted by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.
This guided hike takes place at Stage’s Pond State Nature Preserve near Ashville, a hidden gem in Pickaway County known for its seasonal wildflower blooms. Participants will explore a 1.5-mile easy boardwalk trail while learning about Ohio’s state wildflower, the trillium, and the diverse plant life that thrives in this protected wetland habitat.
Perfect for families and nature lovers, this program offers a chance to enjoy the spring wildflower show in a peaceful outdoor setting. Attendees are encouraged to dress for the weather and wear comfortable walking shoes.
The group will meet at the Stage’s Pond parking lot before beginning the hike.
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