Spring Nature Safari :
Exploring the Hills of Southern Ohio
Spring Nature Safari :
Exploring the Hills of Southern Ohio
Registration opens February 5, 2025 at 7:00 pm
May 30-June 1, 2025
Cost $150.00
Shawnee Lodge and Conference Center*

We are planning a fun and relaxed weekend exploring the beautiful natural areas of Shawnee State Forest in Scioto County, and the wild areas in Adams County. We expect to find some amazing wildflowers, migrant warblers who have returned to nest, and many other amazing creatures we will see during our daytime and nighttime forays into nature. Our past safaris have proven that there is always something new and fascinating to discover in the Hills of Shawnee and Ohio TNC / Edge of Appalachia preserve system. In addition, we will visit Kamama Prairie, one of the Arc of Appalachia preserves. Our home base will be at the Shawnee Lodge & Conference Center.
In addition to the daytime field trips, on Friday night, naturalist Jim McCormac will introduce you to warblers and wildflowers that you will likely see on your weekend field trips. On Saturday night, you will get a look into Ohio Bobcat conservation by Dr. Shauna Weyrauch. On Sunday morning at 10:00 am, Dr. Doug Tallamy will give us an inspiring and educational talk about the latest news on native plants! His talk will be open to the public for $15.00 fee. Evening talks are followed by various field trips and mothing at the sheets with Diane Placto Brooks.
Cost $150.00, and includes 3 keynote speakers, Saturday field trips, Saturday dinner buffet, and Sunday morning breakfast buffet. Saturday field trip lunches are available at an additional cost. Lodging is not included but discounted conference contract rates are available for attendees by calling the Shawnee Lodge & Conference Center and be sure to mention the Midwest Native Plant Society Spring Safari. You may book your room at the lodge or rent a cabin with friends now!
Visit the documents below for more information!
Jim McCormac, Warblers of Shawnee State Forest
Dr. Shanua Weyrauch, Bobcat: The Return of a Native Ohio Wild Cat
Dr. Doug Tallamy, How can I help? Saving Nature with Your Yard
Doug Tallamy 10:00 am presentation on Sunday, June 1, 2025
will be open to the public for a fee of $15.00. Register below.
Natives in Harmony will be selling native plants.
(If you have registered for the weekend, Doug’s talk is included,
and you do not need to register for his talk separately.)
Below is a gallery of photos from some of our events.














