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2025 Nature Study Retreat
We’re back at the Kirkmont Center for the 2025 Nature Study Retreat. Rates are: Full-time (flat rate) - $325; Part-time (variable) - $70 for one overnight and three meals; $35 daily attendance with no overnight (includes meals). This site, near Bellefontaine, features interesting topography that we’ll take full advantage of — ravine hiking anyone? Bill Carpenter will be back with his Wild Edibles program, and we are trying again for a stellar astronomy program. We’ve got outings to two nature preserves and a very special program, “Going on a Minard,” honoring our late friend and eagle expert, Jon Minard. (More details, below.)
Fun crafts this year will include painting rocks to create unique stone art, and making miniature sand art bottles adding natural materials we collect.
And if you remember the great meals by chef Nicole last year, expect more of the same!
Nature Study will begin Sunday, May 18, with an afternoon check-in and dinner, and will conclude Friday, May 23, after breakfast.
Accommodations are dorm-room style, with four (Croft House) or five (Dunaway Lodge) to a room; all beds will be singles or bottom bunks. New this year is the opportunity to bring campers or tents, or sleep on the floor or a top bunk, if we need overflow accommodations. Room assignments will be confirmed before the retreat, and the coordinator will work with individuals on those details. Please indicate preferences on the registration form. Every effort will be made to honor accommodation choices, but there are no guarantees. Please call the organizer with questions about the various buildings.
Here are the schedule highlights:
Sunday: Check-in, make name tags and enjoy dinner.
Monday, Wednesday and Thursday: Nature walk - 7 a.m.
Monday: Interpretive hike at Siegenthaler-Kaestner Esker Nature Preserve with ODNR - 9 a.m.; Wild Edibles hike and tasting - 1 p.m.; Plant auction - 7 p.m.
Tuesday: Bird walk - 6 a.m.; Woodland animal presentation- 10 a.m.; Optional ravine hike with bagged lunch - 12-3:30 p.m.; For those who want a gentler hike, ODNR will lead a tree lore and identification hike - 1 p.m.; Game night (tentative)- 6:30 p.m.
Wednesday: Craft - 9 a.m.; Eagle program with ODNR - 1 p.m.; “Going on a Minard!” - Looking at trains and eagle nests; ice cream at the Moodys’ - 2-5 p.m.
Thursday: Craft - 9 a.m.; Big Darby Headwaters Nature Preserve hike and program with Nature Conservancy - 1-4 p.m.
Friday, May 23: Closing remarks and departure
The retreat is always an enjoyable time; please consider joining us, to connect with nature and one another!
ATTENDANCE AND SCHOLARSHIP INFORMATION FOR JUNIORS
Juniors may attend NSR with an adult, who will room with and participate in programs with the junior attendee. Any junior (under the age of 18) attending NSR for the first time, may apply for scholarship assistance by submitting a letter explaining why they wish to attend the retreat. Please email to coordinator Sue Hagan, oagcnature@gmail.com). She will forward the request to the OAGC Foundation Development Director. Please include your name, address, phone number, and age. The deadline to apply for a scholarship is April 10. This will allow enough time for the Foundation to review the application before the NSR registration deadline.