It was a big day at the University of Akron Field Station that started with a celebration in the Tamarack Bog and ended with pizza, s’mores, and a whole lot of science. From snake robots to real snakes, DIY pollinators to bug-handling entomologists, the UA Field Station’s full day of events on June 8, 2025, embodied everything this space stands for: connection, curiosity, and community.
Celebrating 10 Years in the Bog
The day kicked off with a “big bog party” marking a decade of monitoring the Tamarack Bog at Bath Nature Preserve. This rare wetland ecosystem has provided years of hands-on learning and research opportunities for students, faculty, and environmental partners.
Spring into Nature with STEM!
From there, the Field Station launched into Spring into Nature with STEM!, a science and community festival featuring more than a dozen partners and campus collaborators. Families, students, and kids of all ages rotated through activity tables, live demonstrations, robots, reptiles—and even a visit from Zippy!
Community partners included:
Dr. Henry Astley introduces a young visitor to snakes.
- Bath Township Fire and Police Departments
- City of Akron Watershed Division
- Fairlawn-Bath Library and Bright Star Books
- OSU Bug Zoo, Summit Metroparks, ODNR, and Greater Akron Audubon Society
- Shannon Marie Makes, Liquid Lab and Studio, and Dark Sky Ohio
From The University of Akron:
- Surveying & Mapping
- Robotics
- Department of Biology
- School of Exercise Science
Building Kits and Confidence
Later in the day, students from Bath Elementary’s after-school club joined for a hands-on celebration of their own. Thanks to a grant from the Ohio Environmental Education Fund, secured by the UA Field Station and the LeBron James Family Foundation School of Education, students received STEM kits packed with learning tools and activities.
A fun photo backdrop for families.
Events like this wouldn’t be possible without a passionate team of UA faculty, students, community volunteers, and township staff. Special thanks to Dr. Randy Mitchell, Jean Marie Hartman, Elaina Goodrich, Kasha Brackett, Jeff Franz, and the many student volunteers and organizers who made the day such a success.
From watercolor illustrations of bog plants to snake robots and book giveaways, the UA Field Station continues to bring science to life and into the community.