Oak Openings Region Blue Week 2022
May 16-22
Each May, the partners of the Green Ribbon Initiative assemble a wide array of programs to encourage people to get out into the amazing region that we have right here in northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan. This globally unique region is home to a wide variety of plants and animals such as wild blue lupine, Karner blue butterflies, blue spotted salamanders, big and little bluestem, blueberries, bluebirds, blue racers and much, much more. The programs offered each year are assembled to encourage people to get out and explore the region and inform them of how diverse and important the region is. This year our theme is Youth in Nature, be sure to check the full schedule for all of the family-friendly events our partners have to offer!
2022 BLUE WEEK SCHEDULE
*To maintain the health and safety of our partners and supporters Blue Week 2022 will offer a variety of virtual, self-guided, and in-person events that follow COVID safety protocol and capacity guidelines.
Click HERE for the downloadable PDF 2022 Blue Week Schedule (updated 5/3/2022).
2022 BLUE WEEK NATIVE PLANT SALE
Help restore nature and bring more wildlife to your yard by growing native plants sourced from the Oak Openings Region and Great Black Swamp. Proceeds go to the Oak Openings Green Ribbon Initiative & Wild Ones programs.
Note: NO Registration required.
2022 BLUE WEEK SELF-GUIDED ACTIVITIES
Blue Week Featured StoryWalk: Begin with a Bee at Black Swamp Conservancy
Begin with a Bee. This story by Liza Ketchum, Jacqueline Briggs Martin, and Phyllis Root teaches the whole family about our own responsibilities in the natural world by examining the life of a queen bee. StoryWalks are an innovative and delightful way for children — and adults — to enjoy reading and the outdoors at the same time! Wind your way through the Black Swamp Conservancy’s Pat & Clink Mauk Prairie using the permanent story panels as your guide. Consider creating space for bees in your yard; visit the Blue Week Native Plant Sale from 10am-4pm on May 21 & 22. CLICK FOR MORE INFORMATION
Bedford Township Blue Week Self-Tour
Take a self-guided tour of the trails at Ansted Park and Wheeler Preserve in Bedford Township, MI. Enjoy a one-mile walking trail through native wildflowers at Ansted Park which has been recognized as a Monarch Waystation. Also, visit Wheeler Preserve for an opportunity to observe Blue Birds during Blue Week! Arrive in the morning or late afternoon for the best chance to spot these beautiful birds from the trailhead. Be sure to take photos while you’re enjoying the trails to submit to the Blue Week Photo Contest! CLICK HERE FOR FULL CONTEST DETAILS
Artists in the Parks Blue Week Exhibit
Visit an Art Exhibit for Blue Week in the Solarium at the Manor House, in Wildwood Preserve Metropark, May 18th, 19th, and 22nd. In an effort to highlight the amazing natural history in our area and engage a variety of audiences, The Olander Park System (TOPS) connected northwest Ohio-area artists with regional scientists and conservationists in order to educate the public about the rare natural treasures in Sylvania. After engaging in a series of conversations over 6 months, facilitated by TOPS, the artists immersed themselves in the parks during that time and created artwork that reacts to the parks’ habitats, their ecology, and the science. Adore the Artists in the Parks Exhibit and take a tour of the Manor House, which is open to the public Sundays, Wednesdays through Fridays, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. No registration required. CLICK HERE FOR MANOR HOUSE INFO
Explore the Oak Openings Region with a Blue Week Scavenger Hunt!
The Blue Week Scavenger Hunt challenges you to get outside and explore the Oak Openings Region. See for yourself why many have called the Oak Openings Region One of the 200 Last Great Places on Earth! How to Play: Print out the scavenger hunt booklet online by CLICKING HERE. Find all 12 native species by visiting the parks/preserves listed. Snap a picture of each item you find. How to Win: Submit your pictures and findings via the Google Form by Sunday, May 22 at 11:59 p.m. for a chance to win GRI Oak Openings swag! Winners will be emailed and announced on Facebook. Google Form Link: https://forms.gle/2Ydcy8GPGAD8cGhd6
Visit the GRI Blue Week Virtual Learning Page
This webpage features videos and resources for learning more about the globally unique Oak Openings Region. If you are not able to join us for an in-person program during Blue Week, you can visit the Blue Week Virtual Learning Page during Blue Week to learn more about the Oak Openings Region and how you can get involved with the Green Ribbon Initiative throughout the year. www.oakopenings.org/blue-week/gri-blue-week-virtual-learning-page/