An Intimate Introduction to the Arc of Appalachia

Saturdays: June 27, July 25, and August 22, 2026, at the Highlands Nature Sanctuary. 10:00 am to 3:00 pm at the Appalachian Forest Museum

 7660 Cave Rd. Bainbridge, Ohio 45612 (Map).

Participants will:

* Learn about the Arc’s 36 nature preserves in Ohio, WV, and KY, its 90 miles of hiking trails, and its 15,000 acres of protected lands.
* Explore the story of how the Arc began and the mission that continues to guide its work today
* Explore a cave! The Highlands Nature Sanctuary has the most natural cave system in all of Ohio.
* Tour a series of large, hand-painted museum murals that explain the 40-million-year story of America’s Great Eastern Forest.
* Walk through one or two of the Arc’s splendidly renovated historic buildings. 
* Discover the Arc’s vast offerings of educational programs, volunteer opportunities, and special events.
* Learn how to get involved and how to stay connected through Arc e-News and Telegram groups as the Arc continues to save and protect the best-of-the-best forested communities remaining in the heartland of Appalachia.
* Share fellowship and conversation over a light lunch 
* Experience a peaceful guided hike into the stunning Rocky Fork Gorge 

Whether you are new to the Arc or a longtime supporter, this experience is for you! Although geared to adults, families with children are welcome, and we will make sure the youngsters feel included and acknowledged.

Arc Outreach Coordinator Kim Baker is your host for the day. Kim found the gateway to the Arc of Appalachia when she and her husband, David, were determined to save and protect a beautiful gorge that was in their “back yard.” Today, that land is now the Arc’s beloved Quiverheart Gorge Preserve. Kim’s story is representative of the many human-wrought miracles behind the Arc’s spectacular landscapes. We promise that you will leave the day with new friends, and you will be inspired to become part of the Arc of Appalachia’s story!

 

Dear Friends,

We apologize that we are obliged to require our participants to sign a liability waiver. Accidents befalling our participants are rare, but they are possible. Given the litigious nature of our society and the fact that we have 14,000 precious acres of natural communities that we have to be solvent to be able to protect in perpetuity, we regretfully state that only volunteers who sign this waiver may engage in physical volunteer services on our properties.

Please read and sign the following volunteer agreement:

I acknowledge that by attending a Highlands Nature Sanctuary, Arc of Appalachia program, I am exposing myself to the risks of potentially dangerous situations that could result in physical or emotional injury, paralysis, death, damage to me, damage to property, or damage to third parties. I understand that, statistically, these risks are rare occurrences, but they cannot be eliminated without jeopardizing the essential qualities of the program to which I have registered.

I accept and assume the risks associated with the Welcome to the Sanctuary Program. My participation comes from my free will, and I choose to participate regardless of the risks. I hereby voluntarily release, forever discharge, and agree to indemnify and hold the nonprofit, its employees, volunteers, and board members harmless from any and all claims and demands on behalf of myself, my spouse, my children, parents, heirs, and assigns, and release the Arc and its associates and representatives for any action that is connected to my participation, including claims that allege negligence and omission. Should the Arc or anyone acting on their behalf be required to incur attorney's fees and costs to enforce this agreement, I agree to indemnify and hold them harmless for all such fees and costs.

I agree to bear the cost of any injury or damage that I might experience as a result of being a participate, and willing to assume the risk of any medical or physical condition that I/ and all members of my participating party may have now and in the future, so long as I/ and all members of my participating party remain an active engaged with the organization and its programs.  I hereby waive my right to maintain a lawsuit against the Arc on the basis of any claim from which I have released them herein.

Please sign below.

Thank You

My signature below indicates that I have read, understand, and agree to the above terms.

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