Monthly Archives: May 2018

Wildflowers, Wildlife Habitat

2018 Annual Plant Walk

Annual Plant Walk at Scioto Grove Metro Park

On a sunny, but chilly day, an enthusiastic crowd stood on an observation deck overlooking a large patch of trout lilies. A ravine slope along the edge of the Scioto River with mature, leafless trees set the stage for emerging spring ephemerals whose beauty was highlighted by Friends of the Ravines’ annual plant walk. On our walk, we saw specimens of cut-leaved toothwort, Dutchman’s breeches, spring beauty, bloodroot, Virginia waterleaf, and harbinger-of-spring. And here and there the landscape was dotted with the familiar blue blossoms of Virginia bluebells and common blue violet. Leading walk were Metro Park Naturalists, Carrie Morrow and Gregg Wittman who told the history of the 620-acre park located just eight miles south of downtown Columbus.

After the one-and-a-half-hour walk, participants socialized and enjoyed hot chocolate and cookies at the park’s Arrowhead Picnic Area. Metro Parks has developed this park for people of all ages and abilities to experience nature and enjoy quality time for family and friends. Be sure to check Friends of the Ravines’ Facebook page and website for information about FOR’s 2019 Annual Plant Walk. Location TBA.


Plant talk before the walk


Heading into the ravine


An abundance of trout lilies

Art Contest, In the News, Thanks

Winners of the 2018 Ravine Art Contest

Since 2011, The Ravine Art Contest for K-12 students of Franklin County has celebrated the artwork of central Ohio youth, and each year there are surprising entries that show how much kids know about our local ravines. The entries to the 2018 contest are a testament to the imagination and hard work of the student artists. Join FOR in congratulating each member of the 2018 winner’s circle as well as their families, teachers and schools for a job well done.

2018 Student Winners

Visual Art Grades K-2
Jacob Howell, Grade 2, of Como Elementary (not shown) for his colorful owl painting that evokes the essence of an urban owl.

 

Visual Art Grades 3-5
Joseph Johnson, Grade 4, of Starling K8 for his oak leaf painting on cloth that stands as a tribute to the giant trees that grace ravine landscapes across central Ohio.

 

Visual Art Grades 6-8
Hattie Edinger, Grade 6, of Columbus Gifted Academy, for her 3D collage entitled “Purple Patch” that is a delightful explosion of color with violet blossoms emanating from the surface of the artwork. Hattie commented, “I chose wood violets because they soothe and inspire me”.

 

Visual Art Grades 9-12
Trevon Pittman (not shown), a senior at Marion Franklin HS for his skillfully executed landscape painting entitled “Walhalla” that captures the beauty of a wooded ravine on a hot summer day.

 

Friends of the Ravines also recognized the achievement of Thomas Gott, an eighth grade student from Columbus Gifted Academy. His entry, “A Possible Future” was comprised of artifacts gathered in a ravine near his home and made a statement about litter problems in our local ravines.

Sterling Jackson and his mother receiving his participation award. We are proud of all our young artists and enjoyed and appreciated all the very creative and artistic entries.

Thanks also to the teachers associated with the winning entries including: Kassie Hurley-Hook of Como Elementary, Amy Simmons of Starling K8 School, Michelle Alder of the Columbus Gifted Academy and Maria Francesca Fleming of Marion Franklin High School.

Thanks to everyone that entered and made the 2018 contest a very memorable event!

The 2018 Ravine Art Contest is made possible through the generosity of individual donors as well as a Franklin County Neighborhood Arts grant from the Ohio Alliance for Arts Education.