Immerse yourself in hands-on, field based, inquiry learning at the 20,000-acre Edge of Appalachia Preserve System!

Sponsored by the Cincinnati Museum Center, the Educators at the Edge program provides participants with new, experiential learning opportunities. Explore topics focused on natural history and gain new skills to be used in the classroom. These exciting classes are open to classroom teachers, naturalists, and other non-traditional educators. Graduate credit through Ashland University is available as well as up to 45 contact hours.

The Richard and Lucile Durrell Edge of Appalachia Preserve System is a 20,000-acre nature preserve located in beautiful Adams County, Ohio. The preserve is owned and managed by Cincinnati Museum Center and The Nature Conservancy in Ohio. Both of these private non-profit organizations have been working in partnership to conserve the rare and unusual flora and fauna of Adams County since 1959.

Series 8
Water Wins!

Thursday, September 28, 2023
Guest Instructors: Angie Burke, Community & Conservation Specialist, The Nature Conservancy; Liss Whiting, Conservation Coordinator, The Nature Conservancy

Join CMC’s Edge of Appalachia Preserve System’s partner, The Nature Conservancy for a day of watery fun! Experience and participate in citizen science by investigating streams, creeks, runs, and ditches. Learn how to make visual observations, record water quality measurements, document sampling location with a photo and coordinates, and upload information to the online “My Backyard Stream” program through Ohio University. Discover tips and strategies for indoor use and larger events as well as field trips and camp activities.

SOLD OUT: A Day of Fun-gi!

Thursday, October 19, 2023
Guest Instructor: Gia Giammarinaro, Park Naturalist, Nature Center Director, Explore Nature!, Cincinnati Park Board

Want to have more to say about mushrooms and fungus in general when out with students or participants? Join fellow educator, Gia G. and delve into the kingdom of fungi. This workshop will focus less on taxonomy and more on fungi’s ecological role, proper collection techniques, and hands on activities that can be replicated in the park or classroom.

Making Pictures

Thursday, November 2, 2023
Guest Instructor: Sam James, Photographer

Join professional photographer, Samuel James, for an introduction to nature photography. See and experience nature through a different lens and go beyond the mechanics of taking a picture and learn to make the picture you really want. In addition to working on developing your personal artistic voice, practice making images that can be used to effectively illustrate scientific ideas and tell stories about natural history.

Animal Adaptations

Thursday, February 29, 2024
Instructor: Robyn Wright-Strauss, Chief Naturalist, Edge of Appalachia Preserve System

Every animal has adapted to fill a specific niche in their ecosystem. From teeth and beaks to feet and everything in between, these adaptations make each animal unique. Investigate physical and behavioral adaptations that have helped animals survive and thrive in the Eastern Forest.

Land Snails

Thursday, March 21, 2024
Instructor: Robyn Wright-Strauss, Chief Naturalist, Edge of Appalachia Preserve System

Small and often overlooked, land snails are tremendously important organisms in the ecosystem. Occupying several trophic levels and taking part in nutrient cycling, these mollusks are worth taking a closer look at. With 60 species of land snails documented at EOA, the preserve is the perfect place to learn and love the humble land snail.

Abuzz about Bees

Thursday, May 16, 2024
Instructor: Robyn Wright-Strauss, Chief Naturalist, Edge of Appalachia Preserve System

Other insects want to be them and plants need them, yet we know so little about the approx. 4,000 native bees known to North America. Discover all things bees and pollination with this hands-on and field based workshop!

Registration Information

Mail the registration form to:

Robyn Wright-Strauss, Chief Naturalist
Edge of Appalachia Preserve
4274 Waggoner Riffle Road
West Union, OH 45693

 

Please note: Please do not mail, call or drop off registrations to Cincinnati Museum Center's Union Terminal location, as this will delay your registration's arrival to the preserve.

 

For more information, contact Chief Naturalist Robyn Wright-Strauss at rwrightstrauss@cincymuseum.org or (937) 544-2880, ext. 14.

Payment Information

Checks should be payable to Cincinnati Museum Center (CMC) and sent to:

Guest Services
Cincinnati Museum Center
1301 Western Ave
Cincinnati, OH 45203

 

Please put the name of each class you are taking on the Memo line.

 

For more information, contact Chief Naturalist Robyn Wright-Strauss at rwrightstrauss@cincymuseum.org or (937) 544-2880, ext. 14.