If you’re looking for a fun, family-friendly, and educational event, and let’s be honest, just want to get outdoors, you won’t want to miss the annual Mohican Wildlife Weekend. The 2022 weekend event takes place on April 22-24.
The Mohican Wildlife Weekend has been held for over 20 years and continues to draw visitors from the community and around Ohio. This event is perfect for families that are remote learners, homeschoolers, or just enjoy learning and spending time outdoors. While this event is family-friendly, couples and solo adults are also in the center of the action. The varied topics prevented ensure you’ll find topics that appeal to a wide age range.
Each year, the Mohican Wildlife Weekend chooses a different overall theme and opens with a key-note speaker. This year, the topic is Mohican Under the Stars. Key-note Speaker, Terri Mann, the President of the Dark-Sky Association will kick off this popular event at the Warren Rupp Observatory during Friday Night’s Reception.
While you can count on some of your favorite programs like the bird encounters at Gorman Nature Center, Gold Panning, Archery and BB Gun Range at Pleasant Hill Lake Park, and birding boat tours on the Clear Fork Reservoir to continue this year, there are always new activities to look forward to as well.
New for 2022
Warren Rupp Observatory will be open for the first time to attendees in 2022. Located on the grounds of Hidden Hollow Camp, the observatory boasts one of the largest amateur-operated telescopes in the world.
The Mohican Wildlife Weekend is also the perfect time to check out the new accessible Nelson Treehouse, completed at the Ohio Bird Sanctuary in 2021. A naturalist will be in the treehouse to introduce you to the Avian Ambassadors during two separate sessions over the weekend.
Mohican Wildlife Weekend Locations
This outdoor event is held rain or shine in several locations throughout North Central Ohio including:
- Gorman Nature Center– This public park offers free access to 7-miles of trails through diverse ecosystems, a visitor center that houses small animals and amphibians, picnic areas, and great migratory bird viewing.
- Malabar Farm State Park– This 850-acre working farm offers hiking trails, bridle trails, fishing, house tours, wagon tours of the property, a primitive campground, a petting farm, interpretive programming, and more. Don’t miss a stop at Mt. Jeez to take in the breathtaking view. Malabar Farm State Park is also part of the Shawshank Trail.
- Mohican State Park– Mohican State Park and the adjoining Mohican State Forest provide the ultimate outdoor experience. With hiking, mountain biking, and bridle trails, this state park offers some of the most scenic views in the area and while the covered bridge is a popular spot for photos, a ¼ mile downstream is sometimes a great spot to see Bald Eagles.
- Clearfork Reservoir Marina- A full-service marina that offers boat rentals, bait and tackle, and more. Recreational opportunities on and around the 971-acre Clearfork Reservoir include disc golf, a public boat launch, picnic areas, hiking trails, shore fishing, birding, and more.
- Ohio Bird Sanctuary– This 90-acre nature preserve rehabilitates injured native birds that are key for educational programming. Visit to see the birds of prey, feed the songbirds and aviary birds mealworms, play at the Children’s Nature Scape Play area, and walk the trails.
- Pleasant Hill Lake Park– This 2,000+ acre park features a marina, deluxe cabins, a campground, the floating WhoaZone water park, and opportunities to swim, hike, kayak, and more. With three osprey platforms and Bald Eagles in the vicinity, this is a great spot for bird watchers.
- Charles Mill Lake Park – Charles Mill Lake, the focal point of the park, covers 1,350 acres and provides swimming, fishing, boating, and sailing opportunities. Camping is also available in the park.
- Camp Nuhop Hemlock Campus – Formerly Mohican Outdoor School, Camp Nuhop offers outdoor education camps that allow students to learn more about the world through hands-on experiences.
Mohican State Park Lodge & Conference Center– Located between Mohican and Malabar Farm State Parks, the lodge is a great location for those looking for a place to stay during the Mohican Wildlife Weekend. You’ll love the views of Pleasant Hill Lake from the lobby, and the indoor & outdoor pools and game rooms are sure to be a hit with the younger members of the family. Saturday night live Birds of Prey presentation by the Ohio Bird Sanctuary.
What will you Learn at Mohican Wildlife Weekend?
Attendees will learn about the night sky, basic fire building, basic survival skills, birds of prey, solar scopes & cooking, and the natural history and heritage found in both Richland and Ashland County through workshops and demonstrations for beginners and experienced naturalists. Some of the hands-on activities include birding boat tours, trout fishing archery, and panning for gold.
Tips for Attending:
- Make a plan. With multiple events happening at various locations simultaneously, it pays to have a plan, so you don’t miss the sessions that appeal most to you.
- Most of the events are free to the public but some require a fee and advance reservation. Don’t wait until the last minute as these will sell out fast!
- This is held in April in Ohio so you never know what the weather will be like. Our suggestion is to dress in layers so if the temperatures start to rise, you can shed what you need to make you comfortable.
Tips for Visiting with Kids:
- Pack your camera. You’ll have plenty of photo ops that you won’t want to miss.
- Pack snacks and water and even a picnic lunch as some of the locations offer picnic areas.
- This is an outdoor event so make sure you have your sunscreen and protective clothing.
- There are many hands-on activities throughout the weekend and plenty of activities for little hands to enjoy. Consider gold panning, BB guns, nocturnal animal crafts and so much more!
The Mohican Wildlife Weekend provides a great time for outdoor lovers to learn something new, but if you miss it there’s no need to fret. Most of these locations are open to the public and available for you to enjoy year-round. Visit www.MohicanWildlifeWeekend for full schedule details, reservations, and links to local lodging, dining, and more things to round out your adventure.