“Where north meets south and east meets west.” – Charles Eulett

Early in 2019, Cathy Knoop approached the Edge of Appalachia Preserve System (EOA) staff with the hope of transitioning to EOA and have it administered by Robyn Wright-Strauss, Chief Naturalist. Robyn has been involved with Educators’ Week in a variety of ways for many years. She has been a presenter since 2012 teaching a range of subjects including lichens, insects, pond studies, and inquiry learning for upper elementary students. The goal was to have Educators’ Week fully transitioned to Robyn and the Edge in time for the 2021 conference.

The Edge of Appalachia Preserve System is the perfect outdoor learning lab. The diverse geology that makes up the Edge gives rise to a tremendous diversity of plants and animals, many of whom are rare, threatened or endangered. It’s close proximity to the 65,000 acre Shawnee State Forest, Serpent Mound, and a half dozen state nature preserves increases the opportunities for learning in the out-of-doors. In addition, having facilities such as the Eulett Center allows for people to gather for meals, large group learning sessions and fellowship.

The Richard and Lucile Durrell Edge of Appalachia Preserve System is a 20,000 acre nature preserve located in beautiful Adams County, Ohio. The preserve is owned and managed by Cincinnati Museum Center and The Nature Conservancy in Ohio. Both of these private non-profit organizations have been working in partnership to conserve the rare and unusual flora and fauna of Adams County since 1959.

Educators’ Week 2023

Due to ongoing improvements to Edge facilities, the 14th Educators’ Week taking place June 4 – 9, 2023 will be held at Shawnee State Park located in the rugged and rolling foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. Adjacent to the 63,000 acre Shawnee Forest, this area of Southern Ohio is a wonderful example of the Eastern Forest. High quality streams along with a high diversity of plants and animals make it a perfect outdoor learning lab. In addition, on-site facilities will allow people to gather for meals, large group learning sessions and fellowship.

Donations to Educators’ Week are welcome and will be used to offset the costs of holding the conference off-site. If you are interested in donating to Educators’ Week, please send your check to: