For too many of us, the return of the insect population each summer prompts a hearty sigh. After all, who wants to contend with ants, gnats, mosquitoes and other invaders?
Author Barrett Klein has different ideas about our miniscule companions.
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In his book The Insect Epiphany: How Our Six-Legged Allies Shape Human Culture, Klein does a deep dive into the many ways in which insects contribute more than mere annoyance. In fact, they are part of the glue that holds our world together.
“They affect how we do everything,” says Cassidy Drummond, education coordinator of Arc of Appalachia, a system of nature preserves concentrated in southern Ohio. On June 12-14, at the organization’s hub in Bainbridge, Arc of Appalachia will host Klein for an event that will bring to life the theme of his book.
Up to 20 registrants can sign up for the event, also called Insect Epiphany, which will include presentations, workshops and outdoor excursions to scenic environs sure to be populated with all manner of insects. The cost is $325 per participant; lodging costs $50 for a shared room or $85 for a private room. Details can be found at arcofappalachia.org/insectepiphany.
On the evenings of June 12 and 13, nocturnal insect discovery walks will be among the highlights.
“We do a lot of programs throughout the year that do take us outside at night,” Drummond says. “Last year, I did one called Summer Singers. We went out as a group, listening to crickets. It’s really fun.”
Daytime insect discovery sessions will take place on the afternoon of June 13 and the morning of June 14.
Also on tap is an “insect movie night” on the evening of June 13, and a session detailing “specimen care and curation” on the morning of June 14.
“You’re not expecting to learn as much as you might come away with,” Drummond says. “I know I’m always just blown away at the end of a course, and I’m not even taking it. I’m just leaning in here and there when I can.”
For those who can’t attend the weekend-long event, Klein will be in conversation with Ohio State University emeritus entomology professor Bruce McPheron at Gramercy Books in Bexley on June 10. A community lecture open to those not signed up in the event itself will also take place at Arc of Appalachia at 7 p.m. June 13.
One thing is certain: The insect community has never had a stronger advocate.
“He is a force of nature, quite literally, a genius,” Drummond says.
More outdoor activities in Columbus this summer
Columbus Outdoors Trails Pass
This free trails pass provides extra inducement to hike, run or travel by other means through such locales as the Alum Creek Trail, Darby Trail and Glacier Ridge Metro Park: Not only does the pass provide possible itineraries to follow, but those who check-in along the way can be entered to walk away with a $100 gift card to an assortment of area restaurants or businesses. experiencecolumbus.com/marketplace/outdoortrails
Columbus Recreation and Parks
It’s easy to forget that the Columbus region is a pretty ecologically exciting place. Making a stop at one of the region’s nature preserves is the perfect reminder of our rural roots. There are ample spots from which to choose, including the Hamilton Road Wetland Nature Preserve, the Hoover Meadows Nature Preserve and Mud Hen Marsh Nature Preserve. Free, columbusrecparks.com/facilities/nature-preserves
Chadwick Arboretum & Learning Gardens
Looking for a place to meditate amid the hubbub of summer in the city? The West Campus of Ohio State University has just the place for you—or three, to be precise, fanning out over more than 60 acres. This arboretum encompasses a trio of bucolic spots: the Learning Gardens, the Lane Avenue Gardens and Arboretum North. Free, chadwickarboretum.osu.edu/gardens
Beginner Bird Walks | May 23, June 13 and 27
Bird-watching need not be a specialized skill. Columbus Audubon makes it easy by inviting newbies and pros alike to go on bird walks throughout the summer. Attendees will gather at the Grange Insurance Audubon Center and then head outside. Binoculars are suggested (of course). Free, columbusaudubon.org
Edible Blooms | June 6
Most of us are familiar with the cooking potential found in planting a vegetable garden, but the experts at the Dawes Arboretum aim to train you to look to your flower bed to enhance what you make in the kitchen. At this event, guests can learn about how to use flowers to cook. Stay for a taste test that is sure to be fragrant, if nothing else. dawesarb.org/events
Adventure Nights | June 26-July 25
On Friday and Saturday nights from late June through the end of July, the zoo’s Adventure Cove will get up and running at 6 p.m. even as the zoo itself is winding down for the day. Adventure Nights promise to include movies on Fridays, music on Saturdays, food, rides and, of course, some quality time with animals in spots like the Stingray Bay. Zoombezi Bay is also open ($24.95). Free, columbuszoo.org/adventure-nights
Blooms & Butterflies | Through July 5
Butterflies may be all around us, but, as with roses, how many of us stop to ponder their beauty? Among the exhibitions at the Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, Blooms & Butterflies will enable us to become more intentional observers of butterflies and their flowers. $25.20, or $21 for senior citizens, $17.33 for ages 3 through 12, fpconservatory.org
This story appeared in the June 2026 issue of Columbus Monthly as part of the Summer Entertainment Guide feature package. Subscribe here.
This article originally appeared on Columbus Monthly: Join Arc of Appalachia and Barrett Klein for a Bug-Filled Weekend
Reporting by Peter Tonguette, Columbus Monthly / Columbus Monthly
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