Shepherd’s Corner

Open to visitors
2025-08-04 10:00 - 15:00, 2025-08-11 10:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York) | Shepherd’s Corner Ecology Center, 987 N Waggoner Road, Blacklick, OH, 43004, United States
10:00 am – 3:00 pm.
We invite you to spend time at Shepherd’s Corner Ecology Center. Come walk our meditation trail and the outdoor labyrinths. We do ask that all visitors check in at the office upon their arrival. We will be closed in the event of inclement weather. If you are considering visiting, we ask that you contact us either by calling (614) 866-4302 or by emailing and letting us know. Visitors under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
If there are Mondays where we will be closed, these will be noted on the calendar & on Facebook. There will also be occasions where we are open other days which we will note on our calendar & on Facebook.
When coming to visit please stop by the barn and let us know you’re here for a visit. We ask a $2 donation per person donation. (We’re continually collecting items to be donate to local food pantries, so you are always welcome to bring shelf stable items!)

Yoga & Ayurvedic Tea
2025-08-09 09:00 - 11:00 | Shepherd’s Corner Ecology Center, 987 N Waggoner Road, Blacklick, OH, 43004, United States
Summer Yoga & Tea
Saturday, August 9th
9:00 am – 11:00 am
10 participant max
$20/participant
Led by Joy Lawrence

Feeling overheated this summer? Is the humidity making you wilt? Join us for a yoga and Ayurvedic tea making practice to help bring balance back into your life.
Cooling yoga poses and breathwork, followed by summer friendly teas (no caffeine), will leave you refreshed and ready to face the day. Take home recipes will be provided.
Please wear comfortable clothes to move in and a mat if you have one. We will also have some extra mats and props to use. All are welcome.

Garden Volunteer Days
2025-08-11 10:00 - 11:00 | Shepherd’s Corner Ecology Center, 987 N Waggoner Road, Blacklick, OH, 43004, United States
Monday June 23rd – August 25th
10:00 am – Noon
Meet at the barn and take park in various garden activities. 10 years and up welcome. Those 10-17 years old must have an adult present also volunteering.
We ask that you wear close toed shoes, bring along your reusable water bottle and gardening/work gloves if you have them.

Middle School: Home School Adventure Days
2025-08-13 09:30 - 11:30, 2025-09-17 09:30 - 11:30, 2025-10-15 10:00 | Shepherd’s Corner Ecology Center, 987 N Waggoner Road, Blacklick, OH, 43004, United States
3rd Wednesday of the month
9:30 – 11:30 am
$5/student, up to $15/family
9:30 – 11:30 am
This time slot is for middle school aged homeschoolers. Come learn and explore! Join us for seasonal activities each month. We aim to be outside as much as possible, so we ask that participants dress for the weather.

Elementary: Home School Adventure Days
2025-08-13 13:00 - 15:00, 2025-09-17 13:00 - 15:00, 2025-10-15 13:00 - 15:00 | Shepherd’s Corner Ecology Center, 987 N Waggoner Road, Blacklick, OH, 43004, United States
Elementary: Home School Adventure Days
3rd Wednesday of the month
1:00 – 3:00 pm
$5/student
Programming from 1:00 – 3:00 is designed for grades 1-5th grade students (6 years and older). Students older than this are welcome in our middle school program which is held from 9:30 am – 11:30 pm the same day. If you have younger students, please see our Young Learner Adventure program which takes place on a different rotating day. While a tagalong outside of this age range is permitted, the programming will be geared towards the educational needs and interests of 1st – 5th graders.

Garden Volunteer Days
2025-08-18 08:30 - 10:30, 2025-08-25 08:30 - 10:30 | Shepherd’s Corner Ecology Center, 987 N Waggoner Road, Blacklick, OH, 43004, United States
Monday June 23rd – August 25th
8:30 – 10:30 am
Meet at the barn and take park in various garden activities. 10 years and up welcome. Those 10-17 years old must have an adult present also volunteering.
We ask that you wear close toed shoes, bring along your reusable water bottle and gardening/work gloves if you have them.

Open to visitors
2025-08-18 10:00 - 15:00, 2025-08-25 10:00 - 15:00 | Shepherd’s Corner Ecology Center, 987 N Waggoner Road, Blacklick, OH, 43004, United States
10:00 am – 3:00 pm.
We invite you to spend time at Shepherd’s Corner Ecology Center. Come walk our meditation trail and the outdoor labyrinths. We do ask that all visitors check in at the office upon their arrival. We will be closed in the event of inclement weather. If you are considering visiting, we ask that you contact us either by calling (614) 866-4302 or by emailing and letting us know. Visitors under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
If there are Mondays where we will be closed, these will be noted on the calendar & on Facebook. There will also be occasions where we are open other days which we will note on our calendar & on Facebook.
When coming to visit please stop by the barn and let us know you’re here for a visit. We ask a $2 donation per person donation. (We’re continually collecting items to be donate to local food pantries, so you are always welcome to bring shelf stable items!)
Collecting for care kits: full size gender neutral shampoo, bodywash, body lotion, toothpaste, adult toothbrushes, deodorants, menstrual supply products.

Early Learners Adventures
2025-08-19 10:00 - 11:00 | Shepherd’s Corner Ecology Center, 987 N Waggoner Road, Blacklick, OH, 43004, United States
Tuesday, August 19th
10:00 am – 11:00 am
$5/learner (up to $15/family)

Early Learners Adventures is for ages 3, 4, 5, 6-year-olds. This group will have similar seasonal activities as our other homeschool groups however, it will be designed to meet the developmental needs and interests of younger students. You will notice that this program lasts for an hour instead of two. After the planned programming is finished you and your family are welcome to explore the grounds for another hour. As with other groups, we will spend time outside and may get messy. Our goal is to appreciate the natural world and enjoy simple seasonal activities.

Shepherds Fest: Annual Open House
2025-09-13 10:00 - 14:00 | Shepherd’s Corner Ecology Center, 987 N Waggoner Road, Blacklick, OH, 43004, United States
September 13th
10:00 am – 2:00 pm
FREE EVENT

This annual event is free to the public! We are asking those who attend bring unexpired shelf stable foods to donate to local food pantries. You can also bring unused personal care items to donate as well! (Such as full-size gender-neutral shampoo, bodywash, body lotion, toothpaste, adult toothbrushes, deodorants, menstrual supply products.)

Bring your water bottle along with you. More information will be added as the date approaches!

Activities for the day: more announced as the event gets closer!

*Walk our meditation trail & labyrinths (yes, there are two!)
*See Gail Maraman from Windy Crest Design & her amazing wool art
*Learn from our friends at Columbus Audobon, Franklin County Soil & Water Conservation District, and SWACO!
*View a neat wool yarn spinning demonstration (Diana Morse)
*Meet, greet, and feed our flock of sheep! Maggie Francesca Llama, our llama, may even come to say, ‘Hi’!
*Take a hayride around to see parts of Shepherd’s Corner you may not have seen before! (Including our emerging wetland!)
*Meet and learn from our beekeeper! (Med Lutmerding, who is the Central Ohio Beekeepers Association President)
*Purchase some Shepherd’s Corner Ecology Center crafts and other items. Including some of our limited 2025 maple syrup! (cash & card)

Schedule of events:
What is a labyrinth? Learn about labyrinths as a meditation tool and take time to walk our St. Catherine labyrinth.
10:30 am & 12:30 pm
Meet at the tree near our St. Catherine Labyrinth. Located between our barn and our garden, adjacent to the maple sugaring shack. This will be facilitated by our labyrinth caretaker, John Seryak.
Garden Tour: See what’s going on in the garden area.
11:30 am
Meet outside the double doors, closer to the pastures.

Nature Sketching with Color: A three-part series
2025-09-16 13:00 - 15:00, 2025-09-23 13:00 - 15:00 | Shepherd’s Corner Ecology Center, 987 N Waggoner Road, Blacklick, OH, 43004, United States
Nature Sketching with Color: A three-part series
Adding Color to Your Nature Sketches

Tuesdays, September 16th, 23rd, and 30th from 1:00 om – 3:00 pm
$36/participant
Led by Donna Nesbitt
Learn how to add color as you observe nature more closely. Your choices of media include watercolor, gouache, colored pencils, or watercolor pencils. Bring your sketch book and any materials you already have. Please do not purchase anything new before the first class. At the first session you can try out the instructor’s gear and we will discuss the pros and cons of each. Then you can purchase whatever you like the best for your own use. The three-part series will explore various materials and techniques with emphasis on the colors in nature.
This class is limited to 10 participants and will occur rain or shine.
Tuesday, September 16, 23, and 30 from 1-3 pm rain or shine

Early Learners Adventures
2025-09-24 10:00 - 11:00 | Shepherd’s Corner Ecology Center, 987 N Waggoner Road, Blacklick, OH, 43004, United States
Wednesday, September 24th
10:00 am – 11:00 am
$5/learner (up to $15/family)

Early Learners Adventures is for ages 3, 4, 5, 6-year-olds. This group will have similar seasonal activities as our other homeschool groups however, it will be designed to meet the developmental needs and interests of younger students. You will notice that this program lasts for an hour instead of two. After the planned programming is finished you and your family are welcome to explore the grounds for another hour. As with other groups, we will spend time outside and may get messy. Our goal is to appreciate the natural world and enjoy simple seasonal activities.

Nature for Everyone: Inclusive Learning
2025-09-24 13:00 - 14:00 | Shepherd’s Corner Ecology Center, 987 N Waggoner Road, Blacklick, OH, 43004, United States
Nature for Everyone
September 24th
1:00 – 2:00 pm
$5/learner

Are you interested in our homeschool programming but concerned that your students’ needs might make participation in group activities challenging? Then consider joining us for our new program, Nature for Everyone.
Inclusive center-based learning themed on seasonal nature activities. This program takes place in our barn and the grounds immediately surrounding it. Some of the centers will be outdoors as the weather allows.
The barn itself and the bathrooms are accessible. Families can walk the trail after the program. Please note that the surface of the trails is uneven and unimproved. Open to all ages. Neurotypical siblings are welcome as well.

Nature Sketching with Color: A three-part series
2025-09-30 13:00 - 15:00 | Shepherd’s Corner Ecology Center, 987 N Waggoner Road, Blacklick, OH, 43004, United States
Nature Sketching with Color: A three-part series
Adding Color to Your Nature Sketches
$36/participant
Led by Donna Nesbitt
Learn how to add color as you observe nature more closely. Your choices of media include watercolor, gouache, colored pencils, or watercolor pencils. Bring your sketch book and any materials you already have. Please do not purchase anything new before the first class. At the first session you can try out the instructor’s gear and we will discuss the pros and cons of each. Then you can purchase whatever you like the best for your own use. The three-part series will explore various materials and techniques with emphasis on the colors in nature.
This class is limited to 10 participants and will occur rain or shine.
Tuesday, September 16, 23, and 30 from 1-3 pm rain or shine

Mini Needle Felted Pumpkins
2025-10-04 13:30 - 15:30 | Shepherd’s Corner Ecology Center, 987 N Waggoner Road, Blacklick, OH, 43004, United States
Mini Needle Felted Pumpkins
Saturday, October 4th 1:30-3:30 pm
$20 program fee
*12 participant maximum*
Learn how to work with dry wool to create needle-felted pumpkins. Using a single felting needle, you can shape and sculpt the natural and dyed fibers into a three-dimensional representation of a miniature pumpkin. Your finished pumpkin will be sized approximately 3 inches.
Facilitated by: Gail Maraman
Gail became interested in wool and felt making when she began caring for a small flock of sheep at Windy Crest Farm in Granville, Ohio. Using the wool from her own sheep, she learned how to design and create many different types of felt: traditional, watercolor, needle, and Nuno. Today, her finished felt pieces include wearable art accessories and items for home decor.
Registration, which is required, closes three business days prior to the program or when capacity is reached. Program has a minimum of five participants. We ask that program participants pay for the program at the time of registration. Payment can be made using the secure form on this page. You may also pay by check or cash if you prefer. Please register by calling (614) 866-4302, emailing, or via this form,

Shepherd’s Corner Ecology Center is an outreach of The Dominican Sisters of Peace.

Closed to the public
2025-10-06 | Shepherd’s Corner Ecology Center, 987 N Waggoner Road, Blacklick, OH, 43004, United States
We are closed to the public this Monday.

Open to visitors
2025-10-13 10:00 - 15:00, 2025-10-20 10:00 - 15:00, 2025-10-27 10:00 - 15:00 | Shepherd’s Corner Ecology Center, 987 N Waggoner Road, Blacklick, OH, 43004, United States
Mondays: October 6th, ongoing
10:00 am – 3:00 pm.
We invite you to spend time at Shepherd’s Corner Ecology Center. Come walk our meditation trail and the outdoor labyrinths. We do ask that all visitors check in at the office upon their arrival. We will be closed in the event of inclement weather. If you are considering visiting, we ask that you contact us either by calling (614) 866-4302 or by emailing and letting us know. Visitors under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
If there are Mondays where we will be closed, these will be noted on the calendar & on Facebook. There will also be occasions where we are open other days which we will note on our calendar & on Facebook.
When coming to visit please stop by the barn and let us know you’re here for a visit. We ask a $2 donation per person donation. (We’re continually collecting items to be donate to local food pantries, so you are always welcome to bring shelf stable items! Collecting for care kits: full size gender neutral shampoo, bodywash, body lotion, toothpaste, adult toothbrushes, deodorants, menstrual supply products.)

Growing Quiet: October Labyrinth Walk
2025-10-16 19:00 - 20:30 | Shepherd’s Corner Ecology Center, 987 N Waggoner Road, Blacklick, OH, 43004, United States
Growing Quiet: October Labyrinth Walk
Thursday, October 16th 7:00 – 8:30 pm
Suggested Donation: $5
Facilitated by Joy Lawrence, LMT & yoga instructor.

As nature grows quiet, celebrate the Autumn within the labyrinth.
Using yoga and breath work, we will focus on this introspective time of year.

Labyrinth walks are times for quiet reflection. Due to their nature, silent walking is encouraged. Our labyrinth is located on Wengert Road, at the second drive to the right. Please wear comfortable shoes. Everyone is welcome! No previous meditation experience or experience walking labyrinths is required.

Learn more about labyrinths! Here’s a video and here’s another to learn more!
Registration, which is required, closes three business days prior to the program or when capacity is reached. We ask that program participants pay for the program at the time of registration. Payment can be made using the secure form on this page. You may also pay by check or cash if you prefer. Please register by calling (614) 866-4302, emailing, or via this form,

Shepherd’s Corner Ecology Center is an outreach of The Dominican Sisters of Peace.

Early Learners Adventures
2025-10-29 10:00 - 11:00 | Shepherd’s Corner Ecology Center, 987 N Waggoner Road, Blacklick, OH, 43004, United States
Wednesday, September 24th
10:00 am – 11:00 am
$5/learner (up to $15/family)

Early Learners Adventures is for ages 3, 4, 5, 6-year-olds. This group will have similar seasonal activities as our other homeschool groups however, it will be designed to meet the developmental needs and interests of younger students. You will notice that this program lasts for an hour instead of two. After the planned programming is finished you and your family are welcome to explore the grounds for another hour. As with other groups, we will spend time outside and may get messy. Our goal is to appreciate the natural world and enjoy simple seasonal activities.

*participation waiver

Shepherd’s Corner is a non-profit organization providing access and programs focused on care of creation, connection to earth, and reflection. An individual’s decision to participate in any activity or program at Shepherd’s Corner Ecology Center
is entirely voluntary. Visitors/participants assume all risks inherent to or associated with his, her, or their participation in the activity or event on Shepherd’s Corner’s property. Visitors/participants also take responsibility for their own level of fitness.
In signing this waiver, I, intending to be legally bound for myself, my heirs, executors, and administrators, waive, release and forever discharge any and all rights and claims for damages I have or may have against Shepherd’s Corner or its employees, for any and all claims and damages, demands actions whatsoever in any manner, as a result of my participation in programs, events, or visitation. I hereby grant full permission to any and all of the foregoing to use my name and likeness in any broadcast, telecast, video or print media reporting or advertising of the event without compensation. This waiver extends and includes the minors in attendance for whom you are responsible.

Nature for Everyone: Inclusive Learning
2025-10-29 13:00 - 14:00 | Shepherd’s Corner Ecology Center, 987 N Waggoner Road, Blacklick, OH, 43004, United States
Nature for Everyone
October 29th
1:00 – 2:00 pm
$5/learner

Are you interested in our homeschool programming but concerned that your students’ needs might make participation in group activities challenging? Then consider joining us for our new program, Nature for Everyone.
Inclusive center-based learning themed on seasonal nature activities. This program takes place in our barn and the grounds immediately surrounding it. Some of the centers will be outdoors as the weather allows.
The barn itself and the bathrooms are accessible. Families can walk the trail after the program. Please note that the surface of the trails is uneven and unimproved. Open to all ages. Neurotypical siblings are welcome as well.

*participation waiver

Shepherd’s Corner is a non-profit organization providing access and programs focused on care of creation, connection to earth, and reflection. An individual’s decision to participate in any activity or program at Shepherd’s Corner Ecology Center
is entirely voluntary. Visitors/participants assume all risks inherent to or associated with his, her, or their participation in the activity or event on Shepherd’s Corner’s property. Visitors/participants also take responsibility for their own level of fitness.
In signing this waiver, I, intending to be legally bound for myself, my heirs, executors, and administrators, waive, release and forever discharge any and all rights and claims for damages I have or may have against Shepherd’s Corner or its employees, for any and all claims and damages, demands actions whatsoever in any manner, as a result of my participation in programs, events, or visitation. I hereby grant full permission to any and all of the foregoing to use my name and likeness in any broadcast, telecast, video or print media reporting or advertising of the event without compensation. This waiver extends and includes the minors in attendance for whom you are responsible.

HollyDay Craft Bazaar
2025-11-01 09:00 - 15:00 | Church of the Resurrection, 6300 E Dublin Granville Rd, New Albany, OH, 43054
Join Shepherd’s Corner ant over 70 other vendors at the 26th Annual HollyDay Craft Bazaar at Church of the Resurrection in New Albany.

This wonderful annual event is on Saturday, November 1st from 9:00 am – 3:00 pm. The entrance fee is $3/person.

We will have lots of wonderful goodies for purchase. Including some wonderful jams & jellies! Many are made from things we foraged around Shepherd’s Corner! Including a green tomato jam & mint, among others!

P.S. Do you want to learn how to make jams & jellies out of things that you can forage?! GOOD NEWS! You can sign up for our Foraging Jams & Jellies that is being held on Saturday November 15th! Register soon as spots are limited.
