Non-Sierra Club Community Events

The following activities are not sponsored nor administered by the Sierra Club. The Sierra Club has no information about the planning of these activities and makes no representations or warranties about the quality, safety, supervision or management of such activities. They are published only because they may be of interest to our readers. These programs, meetings, outings, and events are free and open to the public unless otherwise noted.

Ongoing Events at Stratford Ecological Center, 3083 Liberty Rd. outside Delaware.  For more information contact Christa at 740-363-2548 or or visit www.StratfordEcologicalCenter.org.

Fri., June 29—Envirotech Nursery's Annual Workshop “Backyard Habitats”, 9 am-3 pm, 5380 Twp. Rd. 143 NE in Somerset, OH. Speakers: Randy Sanders, ODNR Environmental Administrator, retired, on Ohio's Great Woody Plants; Barb Arnold, Garden Designer, Franklin Park Conservatory,Seasonal Color with Native Plants; John Kiertscher, ecologist, on Creating Backyard Habitat.  RSVP to 740-743-1669 www.envirotechcon.com.

Sat., June 30—Riverfest  Noon to 7 pm at North Bank Park, 311 W. Long St. in downtown Columbus.  This annual event will celebrate Central Ohio’s rivers and streams with live music, a rock climbing wall, boating on the Scioto, crafts, and much more. Riverfest features booths and hands-on activities for kids. Sponsored by the Mid Ohio Regional Planning Commission.  For information on events and how to participate in the Greenways photo contest, visit www.riverfestcolumbus.org.

Sat.-Thurs., July 7-12—SOLAR 2007 Conference, Cleveland Convention Center.  Hosted locally by Green Energy Ohio, this national weeklong event is the largest and most exclusive renewable energy conference held each year by the American Solar Energy Society (ASES). It includes a technical conference, hands-on workshops, tours of renewable energy sites, and a tradeshow featuring more than 130 companies. Register online at www.ases.org/solar2007/register.htm. For more information, contact Christina Panoska ().  See Chapter Meeting 2007 in the Calendar  for information on the Ohio Sierra Club weekend that is in conjunction with this event.

 Sat., July 7—Care and Maintenance of Conifers, 1-4 pm at Dawes Arboretum on Rte. 13, five miles south of Newark and 3 miles north of I-70, Exit 132. This class will be useful to anyone considering planting conifers their yard as well as those who already have them.  Cost is $10. To register, contact 800-44-DAWES or visit www.dawesarb.org.

 Sun., July 8—Columbus Symphony Orchestra and Fireworks!  8:15 pm at Dawes Arboretum on Rte. 13, five miles south of Newark and 3 miles north of I-70, Exit 132. $12.50 gate/$10 advance.  Children 2 and under are free.  Arrive early and enjoy the collection and garden areas!  Fireworks begin immediately following the concert. For tickets, contact 800-44-DAWES or .

 Mon.-Fri., July 9-1—Farm Camp for 9-13 Year-Olds at Stratford Ecological Center, 3083 Liberty Rd. outside Delaware. A real farm and forest experience. We’ll take care of farm animals, work with garden plants and play among fields and trees. Through taking care of the farm, we can foster an awareness of foods and the ecosystem. $150/child. Register at 740-363-2548 or or visit www.StratfordEcologicalCenter.org for more information.

 Mon.-Fri., July 9-13—Dawes Arboretum Day Camp for 6-8 years-olds, 8:30am – 1pm. Explore the nature, horticulture and history of Ohio during five fun-packed days. We'll tromp through streams, touch and see native Ohio wildlife, examine wildflowers, create awesome crafts and immerse ourselves in the beauty and adventure of the summer season. Cost is $80. Dawes Arboretum is on Ohio Rt. 13, five miles south of Newark and 3 miles north of I-70, Exit 132. To register, contact 800-44-DAWES or visit www.dawesarb.org.

 Sat., July 14—Whetstone Prairie Dedication Join Wild Ones and Columbus Recreation & Parks at 6 pm to celebrate completion of the 5-acre Whetstone Prairie and Native Habitat. Over the last 5 years, hundreds of members of the community have joined together to complete this biologically diverse and ecologically rich area right in the middle of the city.  Learn about the native woodland, wetland and prairie plants that exist in this natural area and the balance their installation has created. Information will be available on natural landscaping and how to adapt a small piece of this urban wonder to your own yard. The prairie is located next to the Olentangy River in Whetstone Park, 3901 N. High St.  Follow Hollenbeck Rd. to the west end of the parking lot.  See www.for-wild.org/chapters/columbus for more information.

 Tues., July 17—Herbal Study Group 3:30-5:30 pm at Stratford Ecological Center, 3083 Liberty Rd. outside Delaware.  Each month the group explores a different herbal topic and works together in Stratford’s herb garden.  The Herb Study Group meets the third Tuesday of every month.  Beginners welcome! Contact 740-363-2548 or visit www.StratfordEcologicalCenter.org.

 Wed., July 17—Sustainability Roundtable Lauren Kyser from Renewable Choice Energy www.renewablechoice.com in Boulder, CO will discuss how and why corporations are rolling out green power programs. She’ll explain how these programs are revolutionizing the energy infrastructure as well as companies’ relationships with their stakeholders. From 6-7 pm at The Design Group, 515 E. Main Street, third floor (come to the fourth floor in the elevator and walk down).  For more information visit www.swaco.org/srco.aspx.

 Mon.-Fri., July 23-27—Dawes Arboretum Day Camp for 9-11 years-olds, 8:30am – 1pm. See July 9-13 entry. 

 Fri., July 27—Simplicity Circle at Stratford Ecological Center, 3083 Liberty Rd. outside Delaware. Simplicity Circle meets from 7-9pm on the fourth Friday of every month. This discussion group is a forum for exploration of topics relating to our relationships with the earth and each other.  Visit www.StratfordEcologicalCenter.org or contact 740-363-2548 .

 Sat., Aug.  4—Listening to the Land: A Celebration of the Writings of Aldo Leopoldat Stratford Ecological Center, 3083 Liberty Rd. outside Delaware. Wagon ride departs education center at 8 pm. Join us for readings from A Sand County Almanac and other books.  After the reading stay for a campfire, complete with marshmallow roasting, and campfire songs.  Bring a blanket or folding chair to sit on.  Visit www.StratfordEcologicalCenter.org or contact 740-363-2548 .

Sat., Aug 11—Kids in the Prairie, 10 am at Whetstone Park Prairie.  Ever see a mitten tree? Or grass that looks like a turkey's foot? Did you know that when you walk though the prairie, you're standing on a "super sponge" that cleans water? We'll look for butterflies and birds, and plants that they like to eat and explore. The prairie is next to the Olentangy River in Whetstone Park, 3901 N. High St.  Follow Hollenbeck Rd. to the west end of the parking lot.  Sponsored by Wild Ones Natural Landscapers.  Visit www.for-wild.org/chapters/columbus for more information.

Aug. 11-26—Branch Out with TREEmendous Art This joint art show between Dawes Arboretum and Licking County Arts highlights artists from Central Ohio. Opening reception is August 11, 6 – 8 pm. See paintings, fabric art, photographs, sculptures and more.  At Dawes Arboretum on Rte. 13, five miles south of Newark and 3 miles north of I-70, Exit 132.  Contact 800-44-DAWES or visit www.dawesarb.org for more information.

Tues., Aug. 21—Butterfly Monitoring at Stratford Ecological Center, 3083 Liberty Rd. outside Delaware. 11 am Since many butterfly species are now in decline, information on populations is highly valued. The public is welcome to walk the monitoring trail with us, identifying butterflies. Program will be canceled in high wind, rainy weather, or temperatures below 60 degrees.  Contact Christa at 740-363-2548 or visit www.StratfordEcologicalCenter.org.

Tues., Aug. 21—Herbal Study Group at Stratford Ecological Center, 3:30-5:30 pm. See July 17 entry.

Fri., Aug. 24—Simplicity Circle at Stratford Ecological Center, 7-9 pm. See July 27 entry.