From the Fairfield County Park District

Go Wild! A Nature Fair returns Sept. 27, for its third annual celebration of conservation, preservation, and restoration.

Hosted by the Fairfield County Park District in partnership with the Coyote Run Nature Preserve, the day-long event promises a mix of expert-led presentations, guided hikes, interactive displays, and hands-on activities designed to connect people with the natural world.

“Conservation is the responsible use of natural resources, while preservation is about protecting them from human activity. Restoration comes in when those efforts fall short,” explained Kimber Caito of the Fairfield County Park District. “This event is one of the best ways we’ve found to help people understand — and experience — all three.”

The free event, which runs from 10-4 p.m., will be held at Coyote Run’s historical tabernacle located at 9270 Pickerington Rd. in Violet Township. Presentations and educational hikes will take place throughout the day.

The program lineup features presentations from scientists, educators, and conservation leaders across Ohio. Visitors can explore topics such as clean water through Ohio EPA’s Stream Sleuths program, grassland biodiversity, the role of wildlife in history, and the future of Fairfield County parks.

For those who prefer hands-on learning, guided hikes will highlight birdwatching, late-summer wildflowers and pollinators, compass navigation, wetland ecosystems, and tips for photographing native species.

Local organizations will also be on site with interactive displays, including Ohio Nature Education, Columbus Audubon, the Pickerington Public Library, and the Fairfield Soil & Water Conservation District. Visitors can even try their hand at making a pine cone bird feeder to take home.

Organizers say the fair isn’t just about fun, it’s also about building awareness of the work being done locally to restore and protect natural spaces. Groups like The Bill & Joyce Hague Foundation and Coyote Run will showcase their efforts to acquire land and reestablish native habitats.

“There are so many ways for people to get involved,” said Caito. “From volunteering with the Park District to supporting projects at Coyote Run, this is about building a community that values and protects nature.”

A schedule of which can be found on the Fairfield County Park District’s website and social media pages.