Background
A keystone of the OHIO Museum Complex, mAppAthens is a web-based app for self-guided education. The name reflects the idea of a mapping app for Athens and the surrounding community: Map + App + Athens = mAppAthens.
Curated by OHIO professor Nancy Stevens, this interdisciplinary collaborative project offers online maps that can be leveraged as outdoor museum tours to engage visitors of all ages in active, place-based learning experiences to explore an array of topics including art, wellness, history, geology, ecology, and more.
Below are suggested place-based learning routes that have been provided by local experts. Explore these tours throughout the region using your mobile device; you will travel from stop to stop, reading information at each location and following the directions provided. You will see photos and a map of your tour route in the app.
Active Tours
Choose your adventure below. Once your tour opens, tap the down arrow (or in some cases, select a grey tab) to begin the self-guided route. For the app to function correctly, you will need either cellular service or internet access. Keep in mind that your cell signal may drop during one of the walks, but we have included photos and directions to help you. If your signal does drop, try to enjoy the scenery and follow the trail on the app. And most importantly, have fun!
Note: For those with limited mobility, the accessible option is to click through the tours virtually instead of in person.
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Geology TrekFollow one of the popular hiking trails at The Ridges, learning about local geological phenomena along the way.
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Kids Nature HikeVisit one of the many places children explore throughout The Ridges, learning about nature through the lens of a child.
Other languages: German, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish, Vietnamese -
Grand Bug TourExplore the habitats on The Ridges, and learn more about the largest groups of animals on Earth—the insects! There are over 1 million insect species on our planet and thousands to explore in our own backyards—visit and learn about them with this tour.
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Uptown and Around Mural WalkIf you stop and take a look around Athens, you most assuredly will notice the abundance of murals present. Some are in plain sight; others are not so easy to find. This tour will take you to some of these prominent and hidden murals in close proximity to Court Street. There are ten locations in this walk, beginning and ending with avant-garde painter Aethelred Eldridge murals.
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Art StrollSee how art is integrated throughout the Athens Campus and around town. There are tabbed categories for multiple routes.
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The Ridges Cemeteries Nature WalkExplore this nature walk, constructed around the themes of regeneration and ecological diversity.
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Birder's TrailDiscover a diversity of bird habitats around Athens, encountering songbirds, swifts and shorebirds along the way.
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Wellness WalkTrace a peaceful path at The Ridges, following guidance to connect with nature and practice self-care.
Other languages: Arabic, Chinese, Portuguese, Spanish
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The Ridges Land Use History TourSee how the forest and fields on The Ridges have been shaped by prior land use.
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Library TourThis tour highlights unique history and free resources/services from libraries across Athens County.
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Hocking Adena River and Bikeway TourExplore a stretch of the Hockhocking Adena Bikeway in Athens (travel distance: 8.5 miles).
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Campus Green TourLearn about the amazing variety of trees around Athens, discovering ways to identify different species.
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Architectural AmbleLearn about local buildings designed by Ohio native Frank Packard, one of our state’s most prolific architects.
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Black History TourVisit various landmarks in Athens that document some of its African American history.
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Women's History TourLearn about our community’s distinguished women residents, alumni, and visitors.
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Green Infrastructure TourLearn about the many green roofs, rain gardens and other green infrastructure projects on the Ohio University campus and across the Athens community.
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Cavity Nesting Bird TourFollow this route to learn more about avian ecology at Ohio University, specifically Eastern Bluebirds and Tree Swallows.
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Ora Anderson TrailThis one-mile trail takes you around the Dairy Barn property, teaching you about the land and its inhabitants.
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The Ridges Tree Tour LoopExplore a striking array of sculptural trees that grace the Ridges Green.
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Kelly Campus HikeExplore and learn about the Teton Science Schools Kelly Campus in Wyoming.
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Parks, Playgrounds, & Green Spaces near Athens Tour
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Children's Challenge HikeHike to the summit of Radar Hill at The Ridges, the highest point in Athens County, and learn things along the way!
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Energy and Biofuels TourExplore sustainable innovations at The Ridges, including the Compost Facility, while following a scenic trail.
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Spring Poetry TourSpend time reflecting on verse and immerse in the biodiverse.
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The Ridges History LoopThis tour takes you around the Athens Asylum, including historical images and current-day photos.
Send Us Your Ideas
Have an idea for your own educational tour? We are always open for ideas for additional routes. Send us your ideas at mappathens@ohio.edu and we’ll get back to you.
The mAppAthens Team
The mAppAthens team was formed after Dr. Nancy Stevens submitted a project proposal for support from the 2017 Academic Innovation Accelerator . The team comprises Ohio University faculty and staff with strong skills in the various areas needed to bring mAppAthens to life and see the project to fruition.
Nancy StevensTeam Leader
Jessica SchaudtSubject Matter Expert for GIS Map Development
Elkan KimGIS Mapping Application Engineer
Ben SiegelPhotographer
Contact
Did you learn something on your tour? Are there other things you think would be interesting to include? We know cellular signals can drop; that’s something we cannot control, but we would love to hear your thoughts on the experience.
Community Partners
