Kick-Off Event: Planting Native Plants at the Aerospace Research Center

Event Details

Join members of the Aerospace Research Center and Franklin Soil and Water Conservation District to learn about the plan to refresh the front entrance of the Aerospace Research Center. The garden that is being designed will feature native plants and includes volunteer opportunities for members of The Ohio State University, the community, and partnering agencies. This event will take place outdoors, but please wear a mask and maintain 6' of physical distancing. 

About the Event Hosts

Sara Ernst is the Conservation Implementation Specialist at Franklin Soil and Water Conservation District, where she leads backyard conservation programs with a focus on rain gardens and other storm water management practices. Sara has worked as a field botanist in Florida and Pennsylvania, performed environmental education in various parts of Ohio and Central America, and led several Greater Cincinnati schools and communities in the installation of rain gardens.

Sara earned her BA in botany from Miami University, studied environmental education at Antioch University, and received her Master of Community Planning from the University of Cincinnati. In addition, Sara has served as a volunteer with Americorps and Peace Corps. Sara is particularly interested in creating and preserving habitats so kids everywhere have a creek to play in, and to return to when they’re big and in need of reminding.

Rajat Saksena is a graduate student researcher at the Aerospace Research Center. He has been a volunteer naturalist with Metro Parks and Ohio Department of Natural Resources for almost 5 years. Rajat has also been engaged with numerous biotic surveys and restoration efforts over the years. He regularly holds educational public programs at Metro Parks, Preservation Parks, and other locations that focus on butterfly/dragonfly hikes and feeder bird programs.