Birds in the Hills Festival

Welcome to the Birds in the Hills Festival!

About the Festival:

Come join us on Friday, May 17, 2024, at 5 p.m., at the beautiful Wisteria Event Site and Campground for a fun-filled weekend celebrating the natural world and the spring migration.

Birds in the Hills welcomes individuals of diverse ages and backgrounds, providing a chance to explore the biodiversity of the Appalachian region through interactive nature activities led by local guides and naturalists. In addition to a variety of birding excursions, the festival provides family-oriented programming, food, camping, interactive workshops, live music, nature inspired vendors, an off-the-charts silent auction, and more!

Whether you're a seasoned birder or just starting out, there's something for everyone at this family-friendly festival. Grab your binoculars and get ready to immerse yourself in nature at the Birds in the Hills Festival.

About the Habitat:

The campground is 80 acres of meadows and woodlands nestled into the foothills of the Appalachian mountains.

Observing the nearest breeding bird survey route recorded by the USGS in 2022, a total of 104 species have been documented along this pathway. Including: American Woodcock, Eastern Screech-Owl, Belted Kingfisher, Purple Martin, Eastern Meadowlark, Worm-eating Warbler, Prothonotary Warbler, Northern Parula, Indigo Bunting and so many more!

In addition to the natural beauty, this 620-acre sanctuary offers many wonderful amenities. A centrally-located pavilion has a full commercial kitchen, coffee house, and snack bar. There are numerous unique forest spaces and sacred sites for workshops, gatherings, and celebrations. Facilities include potable water spigots throughout the campground, hot showers, internet service, trash, compost and recycling.

*Ticket prices do not include meals, but food will be available for purchase at the event. Participants are welcome to bring their own food and alcoholic beverages into the festival. Glass is not permitted.

Volunteer: https://bit.ly/3Vs06DZ

Donate: https://bit.ly/3TSPddc

Merch: https://bit.ly/443q4jh

The following schedule is in progress and is subject to change

Vendors with Nature Themed Items and the Silent Auction will be available throughout the weekend

Friday

• 5 - 6:30 PM - Check In and Tent Set Up
• 6:30 - 8 PM - e-Bird Presentation by Heather Aubke
• 6:30 - 8 PM - Build a Birds Nest (Family Program)
• 8 - 9 PM - The Bobwhite: Ohio’s Only Native Quail Species a Live Bird Presentation by Dr. Paul E. Patton
• 9:15-11:15 PM - Nightjar Survey with Jess Fritz (Weather dependent)

Saturday

• 6:30 -7:30 AM - Dawn Chorus Birding with Kevinn Fung
• 8AM - 2 PM - Field Trip with Joe Brehm
• 9:30 AM - Noon - Birding For All with Nandini Stockton
• 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM - Birds, Fungi and Symbiosis Exploration Hike with Homer Elliott
• 2 - 3:30 PM - Sensory Hike (Family Program)
• 2 - 4 PM - Using Photography as a Way to Connect With Nature by David Ackerman
• 3:30 - 5 PM - Bird Beak Buffet (Family Program)
• 7 - 8 PM - Guided Drum Circle by Lawrence Greene
• 8 - 9 PM - Live Music by Rock Cave Revival
• 9 - 11 PM - Mothing with Homer Elliott

Sunday

6:30 - 8 AM - Early Bird Birding with Kevinn Fung

7 -11 AM - Bird Banding with Bob Scott-Placier

8:30 -10:30 AM - Birding by Sight and Sound with David Ackerman

9 - 10 AM - Introduction to Bird Language with Austin Wild (Family Program)

10:30 - 11:30 AM - Sounds of the Forest Hike with Lawrence Greene (Family Program)

11:30 AM - Noon - Concluding Session With Pete Thompson and His Homing Doves

Check out the Local Lodging Accommodations that will provide a discount rate if you reach out and show your ticket!

• 10% off Landis Lane Cabin Rentals
• Chicory Inn and Orchards is a BnB property located within walking distance of Wisteria Event Site. Attendees enjoy a 20% discount for rooms or a private cabin. Contact Charlene at (740) 416-6194 to make arrangements and receive info.