
Shrink to insect size in Life on a Leaf! Climb, crawl, and explore a native plant world from a bug’s-eye view. Kids become insects, playing among giant leaves while discovering how native plants power biodiversity. It’s an immersive plant adventure that’s buzzing with fun and full of discovery!
Life On A Leaf Exhibit
McKay Lodge at Shale Hollow Park
MAY 24 – AUGUST 31: Wednesday – Monday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Free all summer!

A Partnership with Sarah Strong
Sarah Strong works in handmade paper and natural materials to remind us of the importance of the natural world. She hopes to inspire others to plant native gardens, preserve the land and healthy waterways! Sarah says to “get outside and connect with nature!” She continues to share her art and practice through exhibitions, education, and community building. Her paper artwork will be featured as the “Prairie Ceiling” in the Life on a Leaf exhibit.
Park Programs with Sarah Strong
BIRD FEST
Saturday, June 28, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Deer Haven Park, All Ages
Grab a bird friendly coffee and enjoy a guided hike at 10 a.m., meet live birds from Ohio Nature Education, and help create a prairie paper sculpture with paper artist Sarah Strong as we celebrate birds with crafts and other fun activities.
PAPER MAKING DURING THE DEPRESSION
Sunday, August 3, 12 – 2 p.m.
Gallant Farm, All Ages
Embrace the “waste not, want not” spirit of the 1930s. Bring cotton textile scraps and watch them transformed into paper pulp with paper artist Sarah Strong. Participants can create one sheet of unique, usable handmade paper.
MONARCHS & MORE
Saturday, August 23, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Deer Haven Park, All Ages
This festival will showcase the flora and fauna of Ohio with activities, crafts, and presentations throughout the day.
Opening Weekend
EXHIBIT GRAND OPENING
Saturday, May 24, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Shale Hollow Park, All Ages
Join us for the grand opening of the summer exhibit Life On A Leaf! Stop by Franklin Park Conservatory’s table to explore the partnership between plants and pollinators and grab some wildflower seeds to start your own pollinator garden!
MOVIE UNDER THE STARS – LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS
Sunday, May 25, 8:30 – 11 p.m.
Gallant Farm, Ages 13+
Movie is rated PG-13
Enjoy an outdoor showing of Little Shop of Horrors! Experience this quirky musical comedy under the stars with singing, laughter, and a man-eating plant. Bring lawn chairs and blankets and enjoy free popcorn and snow cones before the movie starts at 9 p.m.
Closing Weekend
NATURAL TIE-DYE
Saturday, August 30 & Sunday, August 31, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Shale Hollow Park, All Ages
Stop by Shale Hollow Park to tie-dye a bandana or bring your letterbox prize to dye!
ANIMALS & LEAVES DISPLAY
Saturday, August 30, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Shale Hollow Park, All Ages
Join our partners from Ohio Nature Education for a display of various live animals and how leaves fit into their everyday lives.