EAST LIVERPOOL — The Beaver Creek Wildlife Education Center will open for the 2026 season. All events are listed on the web calendar, found at http://www.beavercreekwildlife.org. They are also on the center’s Facebook page under “events.” The Wildlife Center opens for visitors on May 2 and is open every Saturday and Sunday from 1 to 5 through Oct. 4.

Coming up in April:

Saturday, April 18 from 9 to 11 a.m. – Spring Wildflower Hike. Join BCWEC volunteers Cheryl Mattevi and Eileen Dray-Bardon as they welcome early spring wildflowers and wildlife. There is always something new and exciting in bloom in the Beaver Creek forests and hills. The trail ranges from gentle to moderately steep and may be muddy. Suitable for ages 10 and older. Dress for the weather, wear sturdy shoes, and bring a walking stick if you like. The hike will be canceled if there is a downpour. Meet in the Beaver Creek State Park parking lot, 12021 Echo Dell Road, East Liverpool.

Saturday, April 25 from 6 to 9 p.m. – Wine and Wildlife. Invitation/registrations required. Join the center at its annual fund-raising benefit event. Tour the building and displays, grounds and gardens while enjoying a variety of hors d’oeuvres, desserts, and Ohio wines. For information and to request an invitation, call Karen Henry at 330-932-0908 or contact her by email at kr.swanson59@yahoo.com.

Nature Art Event – The Beaver Creek Wildlife Education Center is inviting local artists to display their works of nature-themed art at a one-night event to be held at the Center on Saturday, April 25. Titled “Wine and Wildlife,” this is an annual pre-season opening fundraising event for BCWEC, which is a non-profit, admission-free, award-winning education center and natural history museum located near the entrance to Beaver Creek State Park. Founded in 2002 by local biology teacher Jim Kerr, the center is entirely staffed and maintained by dedicated volunteers who have developed the building from a small, former park ranger’s dwelling, into a multi-room and grounds display representing the conservation of wildlife and the natural environment in every form.

Every year, the annual “Wine and Wildlife” invitational event features the latest addition or display in the center for the upcoming season (Saturdays and Sundays, from the first weekend in May through the first weekend of October). For this year’s event, the center would like to treat guests to a nature-themed show provided by our talented local artists.

Individuals are invited to submit a piece of artwork to be displayed in the center during this one-evening event. The art can include any media form, and the subject must represent the “natural world” (wildlife, including animals, birds, insects, fish, flowers, trees, etc; and natural landscapes). Contributing artists are encouraged to attend the event and welcome the chance for personal “marketing” connection with guests. Individuals are welcome to sell their piece, if desired, with no commission fee charged. They can also bring a portfolio to display or personal artist business card, if requested by an interested guest. Since the “Wine and Wildlife” is the major yearly fundraiser for this non-profit organization, individuals are also welcome to contribute a piece of their artwork to the center’s basket raffle to benefit the center.

The registration fee for artwork will be $25 for one piece and an additional $10 for a second piece. Due to space limitation and depending on the number participating, artists may be restricted to displaying one piece per artist. The artwork must be displayable on standing or tabletop easels or plate holders, or properly wired to be hung. Indicate the exact size of the piece when registering.

To register, call or text Karen Henry at 412-334-0628 or email kr.swanson59@yahoo.com by the registration deadline Wednesday, April 8. Early registration is encouraged. Henry will make arrangements to receive artwork from in time for set up before the day of the event.Registration fee is payable at that time (cash, or check payable to BCWECVA).

Sunday, April 26 from 10 a.m.to noon – iNaturalist Class. Join Tracy Hager, local hiker and outdoor enthusiast, and learn how to use the iNaturalist app, making it easy and fun to identify plants and wildlife in one’s own back yard. This outdoor program will start at picnic area 3 in Beaver Creek State Park and will involve a 1 mile moderately difficult hike on the Lower Salamander Trail. Participants must have a smart device capable of downloading the iNaturalist app and should bring their device. The download and account setup are free and participants are encouraged to do that prior to this event. Dress for the weather and wear sturdy shoes. Registration is required and limited to 20. Email beavercreekw@aol.com with contact information to register. Suitable for age 12 and older.