Morning hike and talk with naturalist on endangered freshwater mussels**Educational Forum Topic:** Learn about Endangered Freshwater Mussels and how to help protect the Darby Watershed. The occurrence of a wide variety of mussels is one reason the Big Darby Creek is so outstanding and why its protection is so important. The City of Columbus has been pushing a new Accord due to pressures for increased development in the watershed region. Learn more here: [https://protectthedarby.org/](https://protectthedarby.org/)
**When:** Saturday, June 27, 2026, 9am-12noon
**Location:** Battelle Darby Metropark, Indian Ridge picnic area parking lot. At the base of the hill, park at the second parking lot near the restrooms with a kiosk next to it.
**Itinerary:**
9:00-10:00am: Endangered freshwater mussels talk.
10:00-12:00noon: 4-mile loop hike on Terrace Trail and Ancient Trail
**What to Bring:** Wear cool, comfortable clothing for hiking, sturdy hiking shoes, bug spray, sunscreen and water.
**Restrictions:** No pets allowed on the trails.
**Event speaker:** Elaine Hall, Assistant Resource Manager & Darby Watershed Coordinator with Columbus and Franklin County Metroparks, will lead a discussion focused on endangered freshwater mussels found in Big Darby Creek.
Following the forum, volunteers will lead the group on a roughly 4-mile hike beginning with Terrace Trail and continuing on the Ancient Trail, leading back to the parking lot.
Register at: [https://act.sierraclub.org/events/details?formcampaignid=701Po00001qoLUFIA2](https://act.sierraclub.org/events/details?formcampaignid=701Po00001qoLUFIA2)
**Contact:** Ginny Roedig, 440-497-9876 cell, 440-257-3281 landline, Roedig5@msn.com email.