Ariel-Foundation Park, in partnership with Rural Action, will host Hellbender Discovery Day on Saturday, June 13, from 1-5 p.m. at Ariel-Foundation Park in Mount Vernon, according to a statement from the park.
This free community event invites guests to explore the hidden life of local waterways through hands-on activities, educational experiences, film screenings, and a guided river exploration focused on the Eastern Hellbender — one of North America’s largest salamanders and an important indicator of healthy streams and rivers.
Known by nicknames such as the "snot otter," "devil dog," and "lasagna lizard," the Eastern Hellbender has become a symbol of clean water and healthy ecosystems throughout Appalachia. The event is part of Ohio’s America-250 celebration and a broader film screening series presented by Rural Action and partner organizations throughout Appalachian Ohio. The series celebrates the Eastern Hellbender, local wildlife, and ongoing efforts to protect and restore the region’s waterways with events taking place in Knox, Scioto, and Columbiana counties during summer and fall.
The afternoon will begin in the Schnormeier Event Center with watershed activities and games from 1-2 p.m., assisted by SPI Spot. This will be followed by a screening of 'Hidden Creatures in Wild Waters: Protecting What Lives Below' from 2-3 p.m. From 3-5 p.m., participants can join a guided Kokosing Scenic River exploration led in partnership with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), offering families an opportunity to connect with natural resources while learning about conservation.
The first 50 children ages 16 and under attending will receive a free event t-shirt while supplies last. Guests participating in the river exploration are encouraged to wear outdoor clothing and closed-toe shoes. Registration is encouraged; updates are available via Ariel-Foundation Park's Facebook page or website.
