Life on Earth Workshops

2026 Life on Earth Workshops: Series 1

This is a new workshop series that explores life on Earth at The Edge of Appalachia Preserve System. The theme of this series is exploring how things in nature work, specifically life found in the eastern forest. With advances in technology, putting a name on a species with a device has become more readily available, but truly understanding how that organism, or group of organisms works, is often the more difficult information to obtain. This workshop series utilizes experts in their fields to take participants beyond simple identification and into a deeper look at the sensory systems, ecology and adaptations that allow life in the eastern forest to flourish and continue to support human existence.

The workshops are open to everyone at all skill levels, although naturalists, teachers, science educators, natural area managers and others in the natural sciences will find these workshops especially beneficial.

Please note: Workshops are both indoors and in the field. Participants should be able to handle moderate hiking conditions as the preserve is situated in rugged, unglaciated southern Ohio and be prepared to tolerate the elements, such as insects, heat and rain.

Mycorrhizal Fungi

Saturday, August 1, 2026 from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Instructor: Claudia Bashian-Victoroff, Research Specialist, Holden Forest and Gardens

The green leafy world as we know it would not exist were it not for underground mycorrhizal fungi growing into (endo) and around (ecto) plant roots. These fungi form vast networks underground that are essential to the health of the world’s ecosystems. They play important roles in increasing nutrient and water uptake, strengthening plants responses to environmental stressors and influence nearly every aspect of soil function and plant health. In fact, 90% of all plants live in association with mycorrhizal fungi and depend on them for their survival. Only somewhat recently have scientists begun to develop a fuller understanding of these fungi and their complex relationships with the universe of plants. While many naturalists tell the story of the orchid family’s dependence on these fungi, this workshop will expand the discussion to why most all plants are involved. It is a mysterious mutualistic system with countless yet to be described species of fungi and so much more to be learned about how it all works. Come to this workshop to learn what is known about this amazing system and how it defines the eastern woods as we know it. Claudia Bashian-Victoroff is a fungal ecologist studying the connections between soil fungi and tree health and the perfect ambassador to lead us into this strange unseen world.

Location: Eulett Center, 4274 Waggoner Riffle Road, West Union, Ohio 45693

Please note: Lunch is provided. 15 maximum attendees.

Ant Sensory Systems

Saturday, August 29, 2026 from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Instructor: Rachelle Adams, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Ohio State University and select members of her Adams Megalomyrmex Ant Lab (https://megalomyrmex.osu.edu/).

Ants are arguably one of the most fascinating of all organisms. Their eusocial systems are highly organized and dependent on chemical signals critical to the operation of the colony. These compounds are created from a multitude of different glands on ants’ bodies and vary by species. From trail pheromones that organize foraging highways to cuticular hydrocarbons that define colony identity, nearly every ant behavior is orchestrated by chemical signals. Participants will explore how these compounds regulate cooperation, warfare and symbioses, while gaining hands-on experience. Attend this workshop to learn the inner details of how ants work so you can broaden your knowledge of and appreciation for, this fascinating group of organisms. Join Dr. Adams, forthcoming author of the ODNR Guide to Ants, for this immersive Ant Chemical Ecology Workshop!

Location: Eulett Center, 4274 Waggoner Riffle Road, West Union, Ohio 45693

Please note: Lunch is provided. 15 maximum attendees.

Spider Senses

Saturday, September 19, 2026 from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Instructor: Nate Morehouse, Ph.D., Associate Professor, University of Cincinnati & Director, Institute for Research in Sensing

Spiders are one of the most captivating, yet misunderstood, groups of organisms on Earth. Their diversity is staggering with some 4000 species in North America alone occurring in nearly every habitat imaginable. But what physiological features do they possess to make them such a success in the evolutionary arms race? Dr. Morehouse and his lab are doing groundbreaking work on jumping spider species to unravel some of these mysteries. Their work on jumping spider color vision, mating displays and visual systems is revolutionizing our understanding of how these creatures work and how it all may have played out evolutionarily. Other spider groups have adaptations beyond vision like high precision sensory hairs to detect vibration, air currents and even chemosensation. They also have a bewildering array of silk types and web designs developed from spiders’ own physical adaptations to their unique environments and prey choice. Dr. Morehouse and his lab are dedicated to increasing science literacy in this region and their work studying spider senses is undoubtedly some of the best and most fascinating research in this region. Change your arachnophobia into arachnophilia with this compelling workshop!

Location: Eulett Center, 4274 Waggoner Riffle Road, West Union, Ohio 45693

Please note: Lunch is provided. 15 maximum attendees.