Wild Ohio Weekend at Ohio History Center

Join Ohio History Center at Wild Ohio Weekend from February 4-5, 2023 for a fun, family-friendly learning experience from home! Enjoy a week of natural history talks and activities and learn more about the plants and animals that call Ohio home.

Wild Ohio Weekend at Ohio History Center

Activites are included in regular admission and/or membership.

Saturday, February 4, 2023

Ohio Poetry Association Eco-Poets – Ohio Collective performances

At noon. More information on this program coming soon!

Ohio Canid Center

1 p.m. Join our friends from Ohio Canid Center to learn about one of North America’s most fascinating wild animals – wolves! We’ll separate fact from fiction and cover some of their family life, diet, habitat and role in the ecosystem – plus, visitors will have the chance to see a live wolf!

Special Film Screening and Panel Discussion: And Water for All

2:30 p.m. The documentary deals with the topic of water affordability in Ohio. Building and maintaining the physical infrastructure to deliver high-quality, affordable water to Ohio’s citizens is a costly endeavor, and how to pay for these important investments can lead to heightened levels of social and political conflict. The documentary examines the challenges that governmental and nongovernmental actors will face to secure access to clean, affordable water in the coming decades. Please visit this link for more information.

Panel discussion with writer and director Ramiro Berardo, PhD, OSU School of Environmental and Natural Resources to follow after.

Family Fun Day photographed Wednesday, October 14, 2020 at the Ohio History Connection in Columbus, Ohio. © James D. DeCamp

Sunday, February 5, 2023

COSI’s Wild Experience

11 a.m. COSI’s Wild Experience will be bringing several animals from its ambassador collection to talk about some truly WILD SCIENCE! Come and meet some of these amazing animals for a hands-on experience.

Ohio’s Ice Age Geology and Wildlife

Noon. Join Ohio Geological Survey geologist Tyler Norris for a special talk, titled “Ohio’s Ice Age Geology and Wildlife.” Norris will discuss Cedar Bog Nature Preserve (Champaign County) and the geological forces that shaped the landscape during the Ice Age. Ice Age plants and animals will be discussed as well.

Ohio School of Falconry

1 p.m. Join the Ohio School of Falconry and witness a variety of raptors “up-close and personal” as you learn about birds of prey and their important role in nature.

Special Film Screening: Ripples and Reflections: 10 Years of Global Water Dances

2 p.m. Directed by Nel Shelby Productions, with original soundtrack composed by Nicolas Soto Urrea. The documentary showcases stories of how individuals and organizations, inspired and motivated by their participation in Global Water Dances, have been making a difference in protecting water in their communities. Please click on this link for more information. Followed by music and dance performances!

Unintentional Consequences: Columbus’ Rivers

3 p.m. More information coming soon!

Family Fun Day photographed Wednesday, October 14, 2020 at the Ohio History Connection in Columbus, Ohio. © James D. DeCamp

Ongoing programming through the weekend

The Ohio Bird Conservation Initiative Display Table
The Ohio Bird Conservation Initiative is a collaboration of non-profit groups, businesses, state and federal government agencies, and citizens that are participating in or are interested in bird conservation for the state of Ohio. We will have information on how to make your homes better for migratory and resident birds.

Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Wildlife Display Table
Come learning about some of Ohio’s most popular mammals at the Division of Wildlife Mammal Table with pelts, skulls, and tracks!

Ohio Geological Survey Display Table
The Ohio Geological Survey researches the state’s geology and provides information to the public to better understand our natural history and resources. Staff geologists will be on hand with a variety of plant and animal fossils, publications, and activities that help tell that story, including three state symbols: Dunkleosteus terrelli, Isotelus, and flint. Young learners can identify fossils to earn a prize!

Ohio Herb Center Display Table
“Trees as Medicine”, highlighting tree identification and how people have used trees as medicine through the ages. How have people used trees for healing? Did you know Willow trees were the source for pain relief before we had aspirin. We will walk you through the different parts of the tree that were used as well as some examples of the herb, bark, leaf, & flower. We will have a parts of the tree coloring sheet available as well as an informational handout on some of our favorite trees. You won’t look at a tree the same as you walk through the woods.

Shawnee State Park Display Table
What types of turtles are in Ohio? What are the differences between lizards and salamanders? Are all snakes venomous? Join Shawnee State Park naturalists to learn about Ohio’s reptiles and amphibians and check out a few native animal ambassadors!

Mastodon Bones Display Table
At the end of the last Ice Age giant mastodons roamed the forests of Ohio. Stop by this item table to learn more about these extinct mammals and you’ll get a chance to an up close look at some actual mastodon bones!

Owls of Ohio Display Table
Ohio is a wonderful place to see wild Owls! 12 different species have been recorded in the state that range from the massive great horned owl to the miniscule northern saw-whet owl. Stop by this display to learn more about these amazing birds!