Garden Club Presents Unique Field Trip in July
Natural Ecosystem Tour – Armstrong Test Facility Thursday, July 25-2024 10:00 am
3597 Scheid Rd, Sandusky, Ohio (see Map with directions)
3597 Scheid Rd, Sandusky, Ohio (see Map with directions)
FREE EVENT
This event is free for PiB Garden Club members and/or guests and will proceed rain or shine.
PRIVATE TOUR
The private Tour is an EXCLUSIVE opportunity to explore a little known, but gigantic natural gem near us with an expert guide who will provide an in-depth educational tour of an area that the general public cannot access. (NASA) Armstrong Test Facility grounds contain numerous natural ecosystems.
TOUR DESCRIPTION
Environmental Specialist, John Blakeman, will be our expert guide. We will follow him in our personal vehicles with numerous stops (8+) where we exit the vehicles to learn about the highlights of each particular area. The Test Facility site encompasses many natural ecosystems; which include original tallgrass prairies, oak forests, and other natural ecosystems. In the tour, the site’s large populations of wild animals will be encountered, including white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, several species of hawks and eagles, and other wild animals.
Except for scheduled events such as this, the public is restricted from entering or experiencing ATF. But in this special event, registered visitors will be taken to at least eight stopping points where John Blakeman will interpret what is being seen. The car caravan tour can last as long as 2.5 hours. Little or no walking can be expected, as we move through the site in the cars in the caravan. Carpooling is STRONGLY encouraged. Visitors are encouraged to bring cameras and take photos.
FACILITY
ATF is about 10 square miles in size, with over 60 miles of interior roadways. NASA has a number of world-class aerospace testing facilities (which we won’t visit). But they are sited remotely among the large expanses of prairie and forest; presenting natural landscapes similar to what they were before Europeans settled the area in the 19th century.
PRE-REGISTRATION AND PHOTO ID REQUIRED
NASA will allow entry to only those who have pre-registered for the visit. Presentation at the gate of a government-issued photo ID (a driver’s license or passport), along with a list of visitor names is required. Contact Sheri Murphy to register 419.348.0383 by July 12th and provide your mailing address, which must match your government-issued photo ID.
Directions from the IslandsHead east on SR 2, across the Bay, into Erie County.
Exit SR 2 at US 250 and head South.
2.9 miles ~ NASA ATF sign and entrance on the right, opposite a stone church