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Exploring Nature with Your Sense of Smell
September 21 @ 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Scents are all around us and are an important component in the functioning of nature’s ecosystem. In this first ever AOA event focusing on natures odors, we will explore the world of smells we discover in a natural habitat. As we stroll through the beautiful forests and fields at AOA’s Fickardt Farm Preserve along Big Darby Creek in Pickaway County we will search for a variety of aromas, beyond the familiar fragrant bouquets of our many wildflowers.
Betty Altfater will lead our ramble and discuss how our noses and brains work to detect and process what we smell and how is our smell sense is different from other animals, many of which rely on their sense of smell to survive.
Acquired in 2018 the 276-acre Fickardt Farm Preserve is being restored to prairie meadow and succession upland and bottomland forests. This site protects 4,440 linear feet of riparian corridor along Big Darby Creek, a State and National Scenic River which is one of the aquatic jewels of Ohio.
This is a family friendly event which will appeal to all ages – including the young and young at heart. It is free and open to the public. Participants are welcome to stay and explore the preserve site further following the tagging activities.
Time: Meet at 10:00 a.m. The event will last approximately 2 hours but stay as long as you like.
What to Bring: Drinks of your choice, snacks, lunch for those wanting to picnic on-site. Dress appropriately for walking in prairie fields and on forest trails. Insect repellant is recommended during tick season. Hats and/or sunscreen are advisable.
Location: AOA’s Fickardt Farm Preserve is located on the north side of London Road, on the west bank of Big Darby Creek, a few miles south of Darbyville and west of Circleville. Use 20180 London Road, Circleville, as a Google Street address. Look for AOA signs at the driveway along the road. AOA staff and volunteers will direct parking.