Arc of Appalachia

Arc of Appalachia Grassroots nonprofit for reuniting the Eastern forest. Stewarding over 18,000 acres of nature preserves.

Today will be a rainy day, but don't let the weather keep you away, Nature is Neat! is happening rain or shine, Saturday...
07/11/2026

Today will be a rainy day, but don't let the weather keep you away, Nature is Neat! is happening rain or shine, Saturday, July 11th.

Stop by the Appalachian Forest Museum anytime between 11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. to discover the incredible aquatic life found in our local creeks and rivers. Get up close with live fish, macroinvertebrates, and more while learning from our knowledgeable junior naturalists and volunteers.

It's a fun, hands-on experience for the whole family, and we'd love to see you there!

๐Ÿ“ Appalachian Forest Museum
7660 Cave Road
Bainbridge, OH 45612

Have you visited the Appalachian Forest Museum?Located within the beautiful Highlands Nature Sanctuary, the Appalachian ...
07/09/2026

Have you visited the Appalachian Forest Museum?

Located within the beautiful Highlands Nature Sanctuary, the Appalachian Forest Museum is one of the few museums in the world dedicated to the temperate deciduous forest, and admission is FREE!

Step inside and explore ten stunning murals that tell the 40-million-year story of the Great Hardwood Forest. Each mural includes interpretive information and a fun scavenger hunt that's perfect for visitors of all ages!

While you're here, you can also enjoy:
๐ŸŒฟ Three scenic hiking trails: Etawah Woods, Valley of the Ancients, and Barrier Ridge
๐Ÿฆ‡ Two seasonally open caves (Julyโ€“November)
๐Ÿ‘จโ€๐Ÿ‘ฉโ€๐Ÿ‘งโ€๐Ÿ‘ฆ Free monthly family education programs
๐Ÿ›๏ธ A nature-inspired gift shop filled with books, locally made gifts, apparel, and more

Be sure to browse our newest arrivals, including Traveler's Guide to Ancient Ohio by John E. Hancock, a fantastic resource for exploring Ohio's ancient history and many of the Arc of Appalachia's preserves.

Whether you're looking for a family outing, a peaceful hike, or an opportunity to learn more about the forests of Appalachia, the Appalachian Forest Museum is a destination worth exploring!

We hope to see you soon!

๐Ÿ“ 7660 Cave Road, Bainbridge, OH 45612
๐Ÿ•ค Open daily from 9:30 am to 4:00 pm

Did you know the Arc of Appalachia offers educational events and experiences for all ages?This year, we've hosted more e...
07/08/2026

Did you know the Arc of Appalachia offers educational events and experiences for all ages?

This year, we've hosted more educational programs than ever before! From weekend workshops and guided hikes to signature events like Mothapalooza and the Wildflower Pilgrimage, Nature is Neat! family events at the Appalachian Forest Museum and Arc Exploration Days throughout our preserves, there's something for everyone to enjoy.

Be sure to check out our event calendar to see what's coming up!

We'd love to have you join us at an upcoming program!

Join us at the Highlands Nature Sanctuary this Saturday for two exciting events: Nature is Neat! and an Arc Exploration ...
07/07/2026

Join us at the Highlands Nature Sanctuary this Saturday for two exciting events: Nature is Neat! and an Arc Exploration Day with Brian Prose.

๐Ÿธ Nature is Neat! โ€“ Aquatic Life
Stop by the Appalachian Forest Museum anytime between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. for this free, family-friendly event! This month's theme is Aquatic Life, and the museum will be filled with fascinating aquatic creatures and hands-on learning opportunities for visitors of all ages. No registration is required, just stop by before 3 p.m.!

๐Ÿ“ธ Arc Exploration Day: Drone Photography with Brian Prose
At 10 a.m. at the Whispering Springs Education Center, join Brian Prose for a presentation showcasing his incredible drone photography from across the Arc of Appalachia Preserve System and the surrounding region. Experience breathtaking views of our preserves from perspectives few people ever get to see while Brian shares the stories behind his images. Registration can be found on our website.

We hope to see you this weekend!

The Appalachian Forest Museum and all trails within the Arc of Appalachia will be open during normal hours during the Ho...
07/02/2026

The Appalachian Forest Museum and all trails within the Arc of Appalachia will be open during normal hours during the Holiday Weekend.

As you head outdoors this Fourth of July weekend, please help us protect these special places by following all preserve rules and regulations for your own safety, the safety of fellow visitors, and the natural environment.

We wish everyone a happy, safe, and enjoyable Fourth of July!

Did you know you can explore two caves at the Highlands Nature Sanctuary? The Appalachian Forest Museum provides access ...
07/01/2026

Did you know you can explore two caves at the Highlands Nature Sanctuary?

The Appalachian Forest Museum provides access to Marble Cave and McKimie Cave, which are open July through November during museum hours (9:30 a.m.โ€“4:00 p.m. daily).

The caves are closed each spring to protect the female bats that use them as maternity roosts. Bat pups are typically born from late spring into early summer, and minimizing disturbance during this critical time gives them the best chance to thrive.

Location: 7660 Cave Road, Bainbridge, OH 45612
Please note: McKimie Cave is limited to one family at a time due to its size.

๐Ÿ“ธJosh Zielinksi

A Conservation Victory!The final results are in, and we're thrilled to announce that the Arc of Appalachia is now the pr...
06/30/2026

A Conservation Victory!

The final results are in, and we're thrilled to announce that the Arc of Appalachia is now the proud steward of Tracts 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8!

That means nearly 2,000 acres of the New River Wilderness will now be permanently protected!

We are nothing short of amazed and deeply grateful for the overwhelming support that made this campaign a reality. A huge thank you to each individual person who helped the Arc along the way.

More details to come soon...

There's still time to register for two exciting July Arc Exploration programs!Friday Night โ€“ Old Growth Mothing at Fort ...
06/30/2026

There's still time to register for two exciting July Arc Exploration programs!

Friday Night โ€“ Old Growth Mothing at Fort Hill Earthworks
Join Elijah Crabtree and Dave Ackerman for a fascinating night of mothing beneath the stars. We'll gather at the Fort Hill Earthworks main parking lot/trailhead beginning at 10:00 p.m. to discover the incredible diversity of moths found in one of Ohio's oldest forests.

Saturday, July 11 โ€“ Arc Drone Photography Feature with Brian Prose
See the Arc's preserves from a whole new perspective! Longtime Scioto County resident Brian Prose has a deep appreciation for the region's unbroken forested hills and has captured breathtaking aerial images of many Arc preserves. Join us as he shares stunning drone photography and the stories behind these remarkable landscapes.

Space is still available for both programs. Register today on our website!

We are in the final hours. Will you help us cross the finish line?
06/29/2026

We are in the final hours. Will you help us cross the finish line?

Address

7660 Cave Road
Bainbridge, OH
45612

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Arc of Appalachia posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share