There are many excellent volunteer opportunities, conferences, meetings and events that are complimentary to the mission of Wild Ones. Our aim is to let you know about them so you can go if you wish. The embedded links (if available) within each description connects you with additional information or directions.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
1. The Wilds
The Wilds welcomes conservation minded, dedicated, enthusiastic people over the age of 18 to serve as volunteers. While volunteers do not work directly with animals, there are a number of other opportunities at The Wilds, such as greeting visitors, assisting with the Sunset Safari, helping during special events, working in the field with Restoration Ecology or in additional capacities.
Some volunteers assist during the visitor season (May through October) while others support various departments all year long.
These opportunities are primarily long-term and volunteers are assigned based on operational needs and availability. If you are interested in volunteering at The Wilds, please fill out and submit the volunteer application.
2. Ohio Natural Areas and Preserves Association
The Ohio Natural Areas and Preserves Association (ONAPA) is an all-volunteer, state-wide, non-profit organization dedicated to the protection of Ohio’s natural areas. The main roles of the Ohio Natural Areas & Preserves Association are to: 1) Provide a support group for the sustainable management of state nature preserves as well as other natural areas around the state. 2) Educate, promote and advance natural areas issues within the Ohio General Assembly as well as with the general public. 3) Promote the protection of rare species of plants and animals and rare ecosystems.
Using the online volunteer interest form, send us your contact information along with which of your skills you wish to share with us. If you are interested in volunteering in a preserve, you will find the stewardship project schedule and directions to register on this link:
CONFERENCES
1. 12th Annual Midwest Native Plant Society Conference
Date & Time: Friday – Sunday, July 17th – 19th, 2020 (REGISTRATION CLOSED)
Address: Bergamo Center, Dayton
Description: This 3-day conference offers keynote speakers, breakout sessions, daily field trips and the chance to network with other nature lovers.
Date & Time: Saturday, August 8th, 2020 | 9:00am-3:30pm
Address: Dawes Arboretum, 7770 Jacksontown Rd. SE, Newark 43056
Description: Are you interested in learning about native plant landscaping, wild edible gardens, sustainable urban habitats and exploring the wildlife that depend on them? Then you won’t want to miss this year’s special symposium, featuring speakers from all across Ohio who will share tips on how you can turn you’re your backyard into a conservation oasis. This year’s symposium will feature well-known speaker, photographer and natural history expert, Jim McCormac who will unveil the mystery of moths and their interconnectedness with the eastern deciduous forest ecosystem. Come and learn how every landscape has an important role to play in supporting our native wildflowers and wildlife!
COMMUNITY EVENTS/EDUCATIONAL OUTREACH
1. Birdwatching for Beginners
Date & Time: every Saturday at 10:00am – 11:30am
Address: Grange Insurance Audubon Center; 505 W. Whittier St, Columbus, OH 43215
Description: If you’ve wondered what birdwatching is about, but can’t even see a bird in a pair
of binoculars, this is for you. Bring your binoculars or use ours. You will learn tricks to start or
improve upon a fun hobby. Weather permitting; there will be either a short hike or ‘arm chair’ bird
watch.
2. Dawes Arboretum Spring Plant Sale
Date & Time: Saturday, May 16th, 2020 | 8am-12pm
Address: 7770 Jacksontown Rd, Newark, OH 43056
Description: Shop a variety of shrubs, trees and perennials for your home landscape. Arboretum experts will be available to answer your questions about plant care. Vendors will complement the sale with additional plants. Members receive a discount on plants sold by The Arboretum. Arboretum admission will be free for everyone until noon.
3. Wild Ones Columbus Annual Native Plant Sale
Date & Time: May 23, 2020 from 9am-1pm
Address: behind the Whetstone Recreation Center at 3923 N. High Street
Description: This is a popular source for native plants. Plants are donated by members of Wild Ones plus plants from Natives in Harmony. Come early for the best selection!
Date & Time: July 31st-August 2nd, 2020
Address: Camp Oty’Okwa | 24799 Purcell Rd., South Bloomingville 43152
Description: Moth lovers unite! Join your fellow nature enthusiasts for a laid-back weekend in the heart of Hocking Hills mothing this diverse and beautiful habitat.