If you’ve been paying attention to what’s been happening with Ohio’s public lands lately, you already know there’s a lot to be concerned about. Fracking on state parks, oil and gas deals made behind closed doors, communities bearing the brunt of decisions they had no say in — it’s a lot. The Great Ohio Climate March is a direct response to all of that, and it’s starting right here in Athens.
On May 16th, Third Act Ohio, a group of elder Ohioans committed to fighting for climate stability and clean energy, is kicking off a 13-day march that will take participants from Athens all the way to the Columbus Statehouse.
Before the march officially begins, there’s a free community send-off event at the Athens Solar Array at 15 East Park Drive on May 16th from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. It’s open to everyone, and students in Ohio University off-campus housing are only a short distance from the send-off location, making it an easy event to drop into between classes. This is a good opportunity to learn more about the march and show some support before the marchers head out.
What the March Is Actually About
Marchers will travel from Athens northeast to Salt Fork State Park, then west toward Columbus, covering portions of the Buckeye Trail, bike paths, small roads, and sidewalks. That’s roughly 100 miles over 13 days. The route is deliberately designed to pass oil and gas infrastructure, solar array fields, and data centers, drawing attention to exactly what the march is pushing back against.
The goals are straightforward and are aimed at raising awareness about fracking on Ohio public lands, calling out the deals between Ohio politicians and the oil and gas industry, advocating for environmental justice for affected communities, and making the case for clean, renewable energy.
You Don’t Have to Walk All 13 Days
One thing worth knowing is that participation is flexible. You can join for a single day, a few days, or the full 13 days. Just pick whatever works for your schedule.
Day hiking costs $20 per day, which covers meals and transportation. For those staying overnight, registration fees range depending on whether you choose camping or a hotel, with the full march running $669 for campers and $832 for hotel stays. Meals, shuttles, safety support, and gear transport are all included. If you’re staying in an apartment in Athens, near the campus, and want to join for just a day or two before heading back, that’s completely possible.
No prior hiking experience is required, though the organizers recommend building up some endurance ahead of time if you’re planning to walk multiple days. Registration closes April 16th.
The Send Off Is Free and Open to All
Even if the full march isn’t something you can commit to, the send-off event on May 16th is free and open to the public. It’s a chance to be part of something that’s starting right here in Athens, before it makes its way across the state to Columbus.
Visit the event website for more information or to register.