RiverFest in Columbus Celebrates and Educates

RiverFest in Columbus is changing shape a bit this year to Riverfest On Tour! They will have a kick-off celebration featuring a COSI family fun night and a Waterfire performance on the Scioto.

RiverFest Kick-Off Celebration
Date: Friday - May 29, 2009 at 5PM
Location: COSI and Genoa Park, 333 West Broad Street, Columbus, Ohio

The Kick-Off Celebration features "Family Night" at COSI and Waterfire just outside on the banks of the Scioto River.

This year throughout the month of June you will find water-themed activities across Central Ohio including boating and fishing.

June Activities

Griggs Reservoir Clean-up
Saturday, June 6, 2009 - 9AM
Help make Griggs better for everyone with this morning litter clean-up. Presented by Columbus Department of Public Utilities and the Scioto Boat Club. For more information, call (614) 645-1748.

Rain Garden Workshop
Saturday, June 6, 2009 - 9AM
Ohio 4-H Center
Learn how a rain garden can be a healthy and picturesque part of your landscaping. Presented by the Franklin Soil and Water Conservation District (www.franklinswcd.org), (614) 486-9613 ext. 125.

Explore Big Walnut Creek
Saturday, June 6, 2009 - 2PM
Three Creeks Park
We'll use nets, buckets, and scoops to uncover macro invertebrates and other critters in our creeks. For more information, call Jill Snyder at 614-409-9914. Website: www.metroparks.net

Passport to Fishing
Sunday, June 7, 2009 - 1PM - 3PM
Three Creeks Park
Learn about fish habitat, knots, casting and fishing tips, doing the Division of Wildlife's Passport to Fishing program. Complete all the stages to receive a fishing pole. Ages 7-12. Call (614) 409-9914 with questions. Website: www.metroparks.net

The Reel Paddling Film
Friday, June 12, 2009 - Starts at dark
Thompson Park, Upper Arlington
View some of the year's best paddling films. Festival World Tour 2009 presents The Reel Paddling Film. If rained out we will have the showing Sunday, June 13, 2009. For more information, call Outdoor Source at 614-457-3620.

Adena Brook Clean-up
Saturday, June 13, 2009 - 9AM
Adena Brook Community
Help beautify the Adena Brook by picking up litter and removing invasive plants. For more information, call (614) 263-8125.

80 Kites Over The Dutch Fork Wetlands
Saturday, June 13, 2009 - 10AM - 4PM
Dawes Arboretum
Come to the Dutch Fork Wetlands at The Dawes Arboretum and learn how a wetland functions as you fly "your" kite over the wetland ecosystem. Walk a meandering trail and pause along the way to engage in some supervised, fun, hands-on activities using dip nets and collecting pans. Why 80 kites? The Dawes Arboretum is celebrating its 80th Anniversary in June, 2009. Remember to bring your own kite, your enthusiasm and most of all your curiosity!

For more information, call 740-323-2355.

Bonsai Show
Saturday, June 13, 2009 - 12PM - 7PM
Dawes Arboretum
Dawes Arboretum presents a look at these unique trees. For more information, call 740-323-2355.

Boating on the Hoover Reservoir
Saturday, June 13, 2009 (& June 20, 2009) - 10AM – 2PM
Bring a picnic, then enjoy a summer midday boat ride on Hoover Reservoir. Presented by the City of Columbus. For more information, call Chris Dundon at 614-645-1721.

Pond Safari
Sunday, June 14, 2009 - 4PM - 7PM
Sharon Woods Metro Park
Stop by to view underwater creatures and try your hand at catching them with nets. Meet at the fishing dock at the Schrock Lake West Bulletin Board. Website: www.metroparks.net

Olentangy River Clean-up
Saturday, June 20, 2009 - 9AM
Various locations around the Olentangy Watershed
Kick-start this summer Saturday by helping clean up litter and removing invasive plants in the Olentangy watershed. There will be groups at several places throughout the watershed, so people who are interested should call FLOW for details: hdean@olentangywatershed.org (Heather Dean) or (614) 267-3386. Website: www.olentangywatershed.org/

Alum Creek Clean-up and Canoe Float
Saturday, June 20, 2009 - 9AM
Call for location
Float down Alum Creek in a canoe and help clean litter from the creek. For more information, contact Kim Williams at kwilliams@friendsofalumcreek.org or (614) 409-0511 and visit FACT's web site www.friendsofalumcreek.org/

Boating on the Hoover Reservoir
Saturday, June 20, 2009 - 10AM – 2PM
Bring a picnic, then enjoy a summer midday boat ride on Hoover Reservoir. Presented by the City of Columbus. For more information, call Chris Dundon 614-645-1721.

Spring Creek Adventure
Saturday, June 20, 2009 - 2PM
Sharon Woods
Start by meeting others at Apple Ridge Picnic Shelter. Hike 1/2-mile to the cool waters of Spring Creek and search for aquatic life. Wear close-toed shoes. For more information, call Metro Parks Naturalist Office 614-865-4507. Website: www.metroparks.net

Fishing at Schrock Lake
Sunday, June 21, 2009 - 11AM - 2PM
Schrock Lake
Bring your dad or grandpa and enjoy fishing at the lake. Poles and some bait provided. Ages 15 and younger or 60 and older are permitted to fish in Schrock Lake. Meet at the fishing dock at the Schrock Lake West Bulletin Board. For more information, call Metro Parks Naturalist Office 614-865-4507. Website: www.metroparks.net

Summer Solstice Paddle
Sunday, June 21, 2009 - 12PM - 3PM
To promote four season paddling, we invite everyone to join us for a warm paddle and cool drinks at Hoover Reservoir this summer Solstice. For more information, call Outdoor Source at Outdoor Source at 614-457-3620.

Jackson Pike Waste Water Treatment Plant Tour
Saturday, June 27, 2009 - 9AM
Discover some of the sophisticated processes our waste water goes through. Closed shoes required. Register at COSI Kick-Off Night Friday, May 29 or call Anita Musser 614-645-5970.

Three Creeks Festival
Saturday, June 27, 2009 - 11AM - 3PM
Three Creeks Park
Join us for a family fun day to celebrate recreation and watersheds at Three Creeks. Enjoy hands-on environmental exhibits, crafts, guided hikes, bike safety checks, games, canoeing, creek critter catching, live animals from the Ohio Wildlife Center, and more! Website: www.metroparks.net