January 6, 2024
By Rachel Scofield
Wild Ones of Fairfield County Ohio Chapter (WOFOC) is thrilled to announce the second annual Pickerington Environmental Education Fair, scheduled for February 2 from 2:00 PM to 4:30 PM at Combustion Brewery & Taproom. The expo brings together eco-conscious individuals, local businesses, and environmental organizations to explore ways to protect and preserve our community. This free event is open to the public and offers a variety of activities, workshops, and exhibits designed to educate and inspire attendees of all ages.
The afternoon will begin with a talk by Denise Ellsworth, director of the Ohio State University Bee Lab, discussing the delicate relationship between pollinators and native plants. Following the discussion, there will be a demonstration of winter sowing. “Participants will have the opportunity to take home completed winter sown jugs ready to be set outside,” said WOFOC director Michelle Hill. “In the springtime, you’ll notice sprouts, and by the time each plant has at least two sets of true leaves, they will be ready to plant. You’ll have grown gorgeous, beneficial native plants to add to your properties.”
Renowned local artist Michelle Stitzlein will lead a take-home craft for kids using repurposed materials (registration for this activity will be posted closer to the date). In addition, Hill said, “OSU’s Entomology department is bringing their Bug in a Box, which is always fun for the littles.”
Local conservation organizations and natural resource agencies will be on site with informational materials and giveaways, including The Bill & Joyce Hague Foundation, Catch the Water, Ohio Native Concepts, Xerces Society, Walnut Creek Seeds, Connecting Community Corridor for People, Pollinators, and the Planet, Clear Creeks & Byways, the Ohio State Fairfield County Extension, and Pickerington Earth Day. The Columbus Zoo Eco Summit teams from both Pickerington high schools will share the awesome projects they are tackling this school year.
The fair will kick off Wild Ones’ “Plant Forward” giveaway, with the goal to distribute 50 native “Pollinator Pockets.” Pollinator Pockets are mini native meadows. Participants will have the opportunity to register to receive 32 free native plants.
“I want the whole family to feel included,” Hill said. “Gardening with nature in mind is something we can all do. We all benefit from time spent outside, working with plants, feeling the sun and the breeze, watching a butterfly flit by. A small bit of work goes a long way. The kiddos will remember your effort. Let’s Plant Forward in 2025!”
