Spring Nature Safari - April 31 to May 2, 2027

Exploring the Hills of Southern Ohio.

Join us at the Shawnee State Lodge & Conference Center, nestled amidst the beauty of Shawnee State Forest. This event offers a perfect blend of expert-led field trips, engaging presentations, exciting night excursions (weather permitting), and lively social gatherings. Whether you’re a seasoned naturalist, a family seeking an unforgettable outdoor experience, or simply someone who loves the great outdoors, this event is designed just for you. Come and immerse yourself in nature’s wonders! 

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We are thrilled to announce our return to Shawnee on the weekend of April 30 to May 2, 2027 for the Spring Nature Safari. Spring is the ideal time to witness the incredible diversity of life found in Shawnee State Forest, Adams County and surrounding areas. Our primary objective will be to observe the vibrant Spring native wildflowers and orchids that adorn the landscape. Our home base will be the Shawnee Lodge & Conference Center, providing a comfortable and convenient location for our exploration. Our past safaris have proven that there is always something new and fascinating to discover over the weekend. We are still working out the details, so check back regularly!


2026 Lodging: You may call to reserve your lodge room or cabin at Shawnee Lodge at 1-800-282-7275 and be sure to use the code Nature Safari Block.   I believe they have a few bunk rooms in the lodge and cabins open. Camping is available as well.  We have a block of discounted rooms reserved at the Holiday Inn in Portsmouth  until April 28. You can click here to register: Spring Nature Safari. If you would like to call the hotel, let the front desk know that you are with the Spring Nature Safari block or the block code SNS.  Hotel phone number is 740-354-7711 and front desk agents are available 24/7. Holiday Inn is about 11-12 miles from Shawnee.


Due to facility obligations, refunds can not be offered 6 weeks before the event.

2026 Nature Safari Weekend - Registration Link Below!

April 31-May 2, 2027 | Scioto & Adams Counties, Ohio, with our basecamp at Shawnee Lodge & Conference Center in Portsmouth, OH.



Day Trips: On Saturday, expert-led field trips will visit diverse areas to search for wildflowers and explore the forest canopy and understory for native trees and shrubs. Participants will see many common plants, orchids, and scads of wildflowers, along with specialized trips focusing on birds, herps, salamanders, butterflies, moths, and any other local wildlife we can find! It's also a good opportunity to spot nesting wood warblers such as Cerulean Warblers, American Redstarts, Worm-eating Warblers, Blue Grosbeaks, Chuck-will’s-widows, whip-poor-wills, and possibly early migrants passing through. 


  • Friday Evening Welcome & Program:


  • Saturday Field Trips & Dinner and Presentation:
    Guided day hikes begin 8:00 - 8:45 am. We will be exploring rich, diverse ecosystems to find interesting flora and fauna.  The registration link has available lunch or breakfast options at an additional cost. 
    6:00 -  7:00 Dinner buffet 
    7:15 - Announcements

  • Optional night-time activities are weather and wildlife dependant and will be announced during the weekend.

 

  • Sunday Wrap-Up and Farewells
    Optional early Bird Walks around the lodge

Safari Vendors & Exhibitors in 2026

Interested in being a vendor or exhibitor? Email Kathy at for approval and details at info@midwestnativeplants.org.

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Our Bucket Raffle proceeds in 2026 will benefit Friends of Scioto Brush Creek. The mission of FoSBC is to maintain and improve the water quality of Scioto Brush Creek through education, awareness and involvement of local residents. Founded 1997, Non-profit status in 2006.

What Made It Special in 2025

We had a fantastic time at this event, which attracted approximately 165 attendees over the weekend and an additional 30 who came on Sunday to hear Doug Tallamy speak. It went so well, we hope to be back again next year, in 2026. Subscribe to our mailing list to be alerted first of all events hosted by the Midwest Native Plant Society, Inc.


This weekend was in honor of Cheryl Harner, past trip leader, speaker and team member who left us far too soon. We were fortunate enough to be able to donate $1,500 in Cheryl Harner’s honor to the Ohio Nature Conservancy, Edge of Appalachia System, one of Cheryl’s preferred beneficiaries, from event proceeds. Additionally, we utilized $1,500 to establish the Cheryl B. Harner Wonder Fund, a scholarship fund specifically designed for individuals aged 18 and above.


We were delighted to welcome three students to the event using our White Oak Scholarship, which we offer to young individuals passionate about nature who are under the age of 18 and can attend the event accompanied by an adult.


We want to thank all of you who worked the weekend by offering presentations, leading day and/or evening field trips, that made this event a great success. And most of all to our attendees! Enjoy this video created by one of our trip leaders Don Cipollini, who co-lead a trip with Dave Todt to Raven Rock Nature Preserve.


Note: This area is accessible by permit only from ODNR.

Bloodroot

 

Courtyard watercolor, Wendy Partridge

What’s Next?


Planning is already underway for future Safari events—featuring a similar loop of presentations, explorations, and community engagement. Want to be among the first to know? Join our mailing list or contact us for updates.

"Those who contemplate the beauty of the earth find reserves of strength that will endure as long as life lasts."


~ Rachel Carson, Silent Spring