Pick. Environmental Fair Returns in February

Clear Creeks & Byways will provide information on local efforts to protect local watersheds.

December 10, 2024
By Eve Copeland

Combustion Brewery & Taproom in Pickerington is proud to host the Second Annual Environmental Education Fair on Sunday, February 2, 2025. This family-friendly event, titled Plant Forward – A Pro Pollinator Initiative, aims to raise awareness about environmental conservation and sustainability through interactive exhibits, demonstrations, and engaging activities.

Join Wild Ones Fairfield County Ohio for an afternoon filled with learning and fun from 2:00 PM to 4:30 PM. All ages are welcome to attend, as the fair is designed with the whole family in mind.

The event will kick off with a 35-minute presentation by Denise Ellsworth, director of the Ohio State University Bee Lab. Attendees will learn about the delicate relationship between pollinators and native plants, as well as the role humans play as stewards of the land. Denise will also share insights on how and why to get involved in the movement to support pollinators.

Following the presentation, participants will have the opportunity to view demonstrations of the winter sowing process. Attendees can take home completed winter sown jugs, which will sprout in the spring and produce beautiful, beneficial native plants ready to be added to their properties. Wild Ones will offer ongoing educational options throughout 2025 to support the community in this process.

Local artist Michelle Stitzlein will lead an adorable craft activity for kids, using items that would otherwise end up in a landfill. Registration for this activity will be posted closer to the event date.

Additionally, Ohio State’s Entomology Department will bring their “Bug in a Box” exhibit, which is always a hit with the little ones.

Various participating organizations will set up tables to showcase their work in the community, provide educational resources, and offer small crafts and coloring pages for children. Multiple high schools will also participate, sharing the exciting projects they are working on this school year.

At the fair, Wild Ones Fairfield County Ohio will announce details about the giveaway of 50 native Plant Forward – Pollinator Pockets. These mini native meadows include 32 free native plants, which participants can use to establish their own Pollinator Pocket.

“We want the whole family to feel included,” said Michelle Hill, president of Wild Ones Fairfield County and event organizer. “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!”

Combustion Brewery & Taproom is located at 80 W Church St, Pickerington. The fair is free to attend, but donations are welcome to support local environmental initiatives.