A visit to Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park is steeped in varied history. Visitors to the park Saturday, Oct. 4, will have the opportunity to explore the ecology of the Ohio River and learn how it helped shaped the island’s history.
“‘The ‘Life in the River’ hike will be the last of our ‘Six Saturdays’ nature walks this year and we invite visitors to join us for a fun day,” said Emily Grafton, Mid-Ohio Valley Master Naturalist program director. “We’ll be learning about fish, mussels and river ecology, and about the behavior and ecological role of several species that are part of the island’s story.”
Joining Grafton for this special nature weekend is Ann Anderson from West Virginia University Environmental Research Center. Anderson has been preparing a hands-on nature program for Blennerhassett visitors. To learn more about the Ohio River’s ecology, visit www.riverworksdiscovery.org/about.cfm and the Environmental Research Center at WVU http://erc.davis.wvu.edu/.
The program is appropriate for all age groups. The walk will begin at 2 p.m. on the island; however, you must take the 1 p.m. boat to the island in order to begin the nature walk on time. The only cost is the sternwheeler ride to the island, which is $10 for adults and $8 for children 3 -12. Boat tickets can only be purchased at the Blennerhassett Museum located at 2nd and Juliana streets near Point Park in Parkersburg. For more information about the island, call the park office at 304-420-4800.
