Friday, April 11, 2025

9:30 am – 6:30 pm – CHECK-IN AT THE APPALACHIAN FOREST MUSEUM.

Stop by, say hello, and pick up your name tag and any destination directions you are missing. If you have time, come earlier in the day and enjoy some quiet hiking on the Sanctuary’s 16 miles of floral-laden trails, many of which are worthy floral destinations but are not included among the Pilgrimage field trip offerings —OR— choose from one of the options below.

ESPECIALLY RECOMMENDED FOR ATTENDEES NEW TO THE PILGRIMAGE

2:00 pm – Welcome/Orientation to the Arc of Appalachia & Highlands Nature Sanctuary. Meet at the Museum.

If this is your first time visiting the Highlands Nature Sanctuary and you’re new to the Wildflower Pilgrimage, please join us for an introduction/orientation to the Arc of Appalachia’s wildlands preservation work, the remarkable natural history and stunning scenery of the Highlands Nature Sanctuary, and visitor services in the area.

3:00 pm – Making the most of iNaturalist this weekend. Meet at the Museum.

iNaturalist is a powerful tool that helps you improve your nature identification skills, builds community for nature lovers, and provides valuable data to help us track species across our preserves. The Arc will be setting up an iNaturalist Project for the pilgrimage where you can share photos that you take during the weekend and see everyone else’s observations. If you are new to iNaturalist and need help getting started, we will be dividing people up in groups of ten or less, and getting hands-on demonstrations on how to use ithe program on your own phone. Just be sure to download iNaturalist, and Seek by iNaturalist on your phone ahead of time. Click here for detailed step-by-step instructions to get started.

4:00 pm – Presentation:”Why southern Ohio is quite arguably one of the best floral destinations in the world” – Meet at the Museum.

Now is that claim mere theatrical exaggeration or is it actually a true statement? We will be finding out! You will learn the magic of karst landscapes and why they are so often epicenters of floral showcases, and you will also learn the unique combination of the geological, physiological, and anthropological factors that converged in this corner of the world to make this region so floristically special.

7:00 pm at the Paxton Theatre: Keynote Speaker: Dr. Anna George, “Ridges to Rivers: Freshwater Conservation Starts on Land”

Dr. Anna George, Vice President of Conservation Science and Education at the Tennessee Aquarium, discoverer early in life that being a biologist provided a good excuse to be outside.  Since joining the Aquarium in 2006, she has led successful research initiatives in freshwater habitat restoration, species reintroduction, and population genetics.  Her enthusiasm for educating scientists and non-scientists alike reflects her passion for collaborative conservation problem-solving.  Anna has taught at Franklin & Marshall College, Mountain Lake Biological Station, the University of the South, and the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.  She holds a B.A. from the University of Virginia and a Ph.D. from Saint Louis University, both in biology.  Whether for work or fun, she can be found snorkeling, paddleboarding, and otherwise enjoying the company of fish. 

Saturday, April 12, 2025

7:30 am and 8:15 am – HOT BREAKFAST AT THE APPALACHIAN FOREST MUSEUM. Because parking & seating are limited, you will be assigned a breakfast service time after you register. Folks who have the farthest to drive will be scheduled on the earlier shifts. Please attend at your assigned serving time.

Menu for breakfast: Scrambled eggs with Swiss cheese, spinach and mushrooms, turkey sausage; fruit bowl with yogurt and granola; tea, & coffee. For vegan and gluten-free options, check in at the front desk when you arrive to eat and we will customize your meal.

AFTER BREAKFAST – SATURDAY FIELD TRIPS TO SOUTHERN OHIO MOST SPLENDID FLORAL SHOWCASES

A couple of months in advance of the Pilgrimage, registrants will be surveyed for their top preferences, and will receive an email with confirmed field trip assignments and directions. Hikes last until mid-afternoon and will be in groups of 12 or less people.

5:15 pm —6:30 pm – DINNER IN THE WOODS – A PILGRIMAGE TRADITION AT THE APPALACHIAN FOREST MUSEUM. Because parking & seating are limited, you will be assigned a breakfast service time after you register. Please attend at your assigned serving time and depart after eating so make room for others.

The menu consists of a large spinach-apple salad with our beloved herbed vinaigrette dressing; hearty vegetarian chili with optional toppings of sour cream, cheddar cheese, and green onions, and served with tortilla chips. Dessert is decadent homemade chocolate brownies and real whipped cream!

7:15 pm - 9:00 pm at the Paxton Theatre. To be announced.

Sunday, April 13, 2025

7:30 am and 8:15 am – HOT BREAKFAST AT THE APPALACHIAN FOREST MUSEUM. (Because parking & seating are limited, you will be assigned a breakfast service time after you register. Please attend at your assigned serving time).

Menu for breakfast: Beer pancakes with butter & syrup, turkey sausage, and fruit cups of bananas, apples, dates and walnuts drenched in orange juice.

AFTER BREAKFAST – SUNDAY FIELD TRIPS TO SOUTHERN OHIO’S MOST SPLENDID FLORAL SHOWCASES

Hikes last until mid-afternoon. Be sure to check out of your respective lodges before departing on your hikes.

Drive safely home, or linger to hike on your own. The Sanctuary trails are open until sunset. We are happy to provide you with a trail map.