Moderately Active Ohio

Museum of Biological Diversity at Ohio State University Open House

In my search for inexpensive, educational, and fun activities to do with my grandson, I stumbled upon the Museum of Biological Diversity at Ohio State University Open House. It promised a day of education and biological wonders. It was also FREE (Donations Appreciated). Free is one of my favorite words.

According to their Facebook page, The Museum of Biological Diversity has over 9 million specimens and they are dedicated to preservation, documentation, and scientific study of biodiversity. Intrigued, I packed up the husband and the grandson and off we went.

Two days earlier, I didn't even know that this place existed. What a find! If you have a child, then this event is a must to put onto your calendar for next year. I do not know if this facility is open throughout the year. It seemed to have an academic side to it that may not be conducive to daily tours. Perhaps, someone from the facility can answer that for me.

Nature

Insects and Microscopes

Aquatic and Marine

DNA Lab

Birds

Plants and Plant Specimen Mounting - This lady and her friend (sorry, I don't have her picture) were so sweet. They discussed plant specimen mounting and gave me helpful tips. I have a new project to do with my grandson. Thank you!

Kid Activities

There were many more areas of interest, including an amazing section on flying insects. After every section, the children received a button. It became an educational treasure hunt for my grandson. That was a nice touch. All of the guides, helpers, students, scientists were so nice. While their open house seemed to be geared toward inspiring and educating children, it offered much more. This moderately active Ohioan enjoyed it just as much as my grandson.

What a great event!

Christmas Rocks State Nature Preserve

Until recently, Christmas Rocks SNP was one of the "super secret" state nature preserves that required a permit to enter. Unless you were looking for it, you never knew it was there.

You do not talk about Super Secret SNP
You DO NOT talk about Super Secret SNP

Not anymore, now you can hike Christmas Rocks with no permit required.

Christmas Rocks SNP is located just south of Lancaster, in Fairfield County. You must park in the parking area located at the Mink Hollow Covered Bridge at the junction of Meister Rd SW, Oil Mill Hollow Rd SW, and Crooks Rd SW.

Christmas Rocks does not have restroom facilities. You have been warned.

Christmas rocks is a beautiful nature preserve. It features Jacob's Ladder Overlook, Arney Run, a pine forest, and Ohio native plants, beautiful rock formations, and rural scenic beauty.

Jacob's Ladder Overlook is a Blackhand sandstone bluff that rises approximately 300 feet above Arney Run. The hike up the bluff is challenging for the Moderately Active Ohioan. If you are new to hiking, this is not the hike to start with. Believe me...It was my first hike when I started. 95 degrees, 98% humidity..I was a red faced mess. It can be done, but if I had known then...or if someone had ignored the rules...

You do not talk about Super Secret SNP
You DO NOT talk about Super Secret SNP

...I would have worked my way up to this hike. I also would not have taken by parents along to keep me company.

We did the hike. We didn't give up. We were proud of ourselves.

I would not have put off the hike for too long. It is a challenging hike, but it is not out of reach for a Moderately Active Ohioan like myself. My father is 70 years old in this picture and made the hike without any problems.

This is the view from the top of Jacob's Ladder Overlook.

Arney Run, a glacially reversed stream. If I understand this correctly, the nearby valley was once a prehistoric lake that was breached during glacial activity and reversed the course of the stream. Very cool...very beautiful

Native plants - There is beauty at every point in this hike.

Rural beauty

Mink Hollow Covered Bridge

As you leave Christmas Rocks,

I still need to hike the pine forest loop. That is on my list for a spring hike if we ever do see spring.

Christmas rocks is a beautiful nature preserve. Visit the preserve and take in the natural beauty of Christmas Rocks SNP. Make the trip up to the top of Jacob's Ladder Overlook View the glacially reversed Arney Run. Enjoy the Ohio native plants, beautiful rock formations, and the rural scenic beauty that is Christmas Rocks SNP.

I can't wait to go back and hike the pine forest loop.

Winter Bonus!

The winter has been long, but created an opportunity for beautiful winter hikes.

I recently participated in the first annual Christmas Rocks State Nature Preserve Winter Hike 2014. I am adding pictures from that hike. It was a beautiful hike and a good one to add to your Ohio must do hike list.
Enjoy!