Columbus ArborFest 2026
Saturday, August 22 | Whetstone Park | 12:00–5:00 p.m.

Green Columbus is bringing its Fighting for the Urban Forest talk to Columbus ArborFest 2026. At 2:00 p.m. at the Shelter House, Executive Director Shelly Douglas will present "Why Columbus is Calling for More Canopy," which examines the state of the city's tree canopy and how residents can help protect and expand it. The talk is presented by Green Columbus and Columbus Recreation and Parks.

Beyond the presentation, Columbus ArborFest offers a full afternoon of programming at Whetstone Park, including:

• Native plant sale with local nurseries

• Live music from local bands Six Feet Apart and Roscommon Sessions

• Guided tour of the Whetstone Prairie with Columbus Recreation and Parks

• Guided tour of the Park of Roses with tree and bird identification

• Live tree pruning demonstration from Russell Tree Experts

• River critter search exploring how sewers and streams connect

• Talks on bats, ecopoetry, and native tree care

• Story time and sustainable crafts for kids

• All-day activities including a scavenger hunt, suncatchers, and flower pressing

View the full schedule and learn more at columbusarborfest.com.