2019 STEWARDSHIP PROJECT SCHEDULE
We have several stewardship projects planned for 2019. We will include a short field trip on each project to see some of the preserve we are working at. When registering to volunteer, please allow at least 24 hours prior to the project as weather may impact conditions and we make every effort to inform our volunteers of changes.
Download the 2019 April-November List HERE.
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Questions: Contact us HERE.
Registration: Please let us know you are joining us, sign up HERE. Volunteer Forms: If you are joining us for volunteer stewardship training or for one or more stewardship projects, please complete our Volunteer forms found HERE. Volunteer Hours: At the completion of a project, please enter your time (Including travel time to and from the site) HERE. |
Thursday, April 11, 2019
Garlic Mustard Control at Rhododendron Cove State Nature Preserve
Garlic Mustard Control at Rhododendron Cove State Nature Preserve
10:00 am – 3:00 pm
2730 Pump Station Rd SE, Lancaster
Fairfield County
This 75-acre preserve is within the Sugar Grove Region of the Hocking Hills. A relatively strenuous hike to the top of the dry ridgeline affords a view of the Hocking River Valley to the east. This dry ridge forms a horseshoe shape, supporting a significant chestnut oak community with Virginia and pitch pine, sourwood and a well-developed heath layer of mountain laurel, blueberry, and deerberry. The cooler north-facing slopes below the cliff lines form an environment better suited to eastern hemlock, black birch and a state-listed member of the heath family – the great rhododendron (Rhododendron maximum). This is likely the home of the largest native population of this native rhododendron in Ohio.
We will be pulling and hauling garlic mustard in several areas where spring wildflowers still have the best displays.
Directions: The preserve is located south of Lancaster and northwest of the village of Sugar Grove. A small gravel parking lot is located on the north side of Pump Station Road, approximately 0.1 miles west of Old Logan Road. From Columbus, take Route 33 east towards Lancaster, follow Route 33 around Lancaster and exit at Tarkiln Road. At the bottom of the exit ramp, go straight through the intersection as this is Old Logan Road SE. In a little less than 2 miles, turn right onto Pump Station Road (sign for Wahkeena Nature Preserve), go approximately a couple hundred yards, and the gravel parking area is on the right.
What to bring: Lunch, water, hiking boots, and gloves.
RSVP: If you would like to attend or have questions, please contact The Ohio Natural Areas and Preserves Association HERE.
2730 Pump Station Rd SE, Lancaster
Fairfield County
This 75-acre preserve is within the Sugar Grove Region of the Hocking Hills. A relatively strenuous hike to the top of the dry ridgeline affords a view of the Hocking River Valley to the east. This dry ridge forms a horseshoe shape, supporting a significant chestnut oak community with Virginia and pitch pine, sourwood and a well-developed heath layer of mountain laurel, blueberry, and deerberry. The cooler north-facing slopes below the cliff lines form an environment better suited to eastern hemlock, black birch and a state-listed member of the heath family – the great rhododendron (Rhododendron maximum). This is likely the home of the largest native population of this native rhododendron in Ohio.
We will be pulling and hauling garlic mustard in several areas where spring wildflowers still have the best displays.
Directions: The preserve is located south of Lancaster and northwest of the village of Sugar Grove. A small gravel parking lot is located on the north side of Pump Station Road, approximately 0.1 miles west of Old Logan Road. From Columbus, take Route 33 east towards Lancaster, follow Route 33 around Lancaster and exit at Tarkiln Road. At the bottom of the exit ramp, go straight through the intersection as this is Old Logan Road SE. In a little less than 2 miles, turn right onto Pump Station Road (sign for Wahkeena Nature Preserve), go approximately a couple hundred yards, and the gravel parking area is on the right.
What to bring: Lunch, water, hiking boots, and gloves.
RSVP: If you would like to attend or have questions, please contact The Ohio Natural Areas and Preserves Association HERE.
Tuesday, May 7, 2019
Garlic Mustard Control at Christmas Rocks State Nature Preserve
Garlic Mustard Control at Christmas Rocks State Nature Preserve
10:00 am – 3:00 pm
4409 Christmas Rock Rd SW, Lancaster
Fairfield County
Undoubtedly the most spectacular feature at Christmas Rocks is the scenic vista from the top of the formation known as Jacob’s Ladder. This Black Hand Sandstone formation towers some 250 feet above the valley of Arney Run. The 554-acre preserve also serves as home for several rare species including a population of Bradley’s spleenwort (Asplenium bradleyi) and an excellent example of a dry chestnut oak (Quercus prinus) ridge top with associated Appalachian species. This site has also been a favorite of birders due to the diversity of habitat and frequent use of the oak stands by neo-tropical migrants.
We will be pulling and hauling garlic mustard in several areas where spring wildflowers have the best displays.
Directions: We will be meeting at the old Christmas Rocks office at 4409 Christmas Rocks Rd SW, Lancaster, not the public trail head. From Columbus, take Route 33 East towards and around Lancaster. Exit at US-22 and turn left (east towards Lancaster) for 1.4 miles, then turn right onto Stonewall Cemetery Road SW for 1.0 mile. Continue straight onto Snoke Road SW for 0.7 mile, then turn right onto Hamburg Road SW for 0.9 mile. Turn left onto Christmas Rock Road SW for 1.0 mile and the driveway is on the right.
What to bring: Lunch, water, hiking boots, and gloves.
RSVP: If you would like to attend or have questions, please contact The Ohio Natural Areas and Preserves Association HERE.
4409 Christmas Rock Rd SW, Lancaster
Fairfield County
Undoubtedly the most spectacular feature at Christmas Rocks is the scenic vista from the top of the formation known as Jacob’s Ladder. This Black Hand Sandstone formation towers some 250 feet above the valley of Arney Run. The 554-acre preserve also serves as home for several rare species including a population of Bradley’s spleenwort (Asplenium bradleyi) and an excellent example of a dry chestnut oak (Quercus prinus) ridge top with associated Appalachian species. This site has also been a favorite of birders due to the diversity of habitat and frequent use of the oak stands by neo-tropical migrants.
We will be pulling and hauling garlic mustard in several areas where spring wildflowers have the best displays.
Directions: We will be meeting at the old Christmas Rocks office at 4409 Christmas Rocks Rd SW, Lancaster, not the public trail head. From Columbus, take Route 33 East towards and around Lancaster. Exit at US-22 and turn left (east towards Lancaster) for 1.4 miles, then turn right onto Stonewall Cemetery Road SW for 1.0 mile. Continue straight onto Snoke Road SW for 0.7 mile, then turn right onto Hamburg Road SW for 0.9 mile. Turn left onto Christmas Rock Road SW for 1.0 mile and the driveway is on the right.
What to bring: Lunch, water, hiking boots, and gloves.
RSVP: If you would like to attend or have questions, please contact The Ohio Natural Areas and Preserves Association HERE.
Tuesday, May 21, 2019
Garlic Mustard Control at Lawrence Woods State Nature Preserve
Garlic Mustard Control at Lawrence Woods State Nature Preserve
10:30 am – 3:30 pm
13278 County Road 190, Kenton
Hardin County
This preserve is significant because it is the largest known mature forest in this region and is home to a number of rare plant and animal species. The highest and driest sites have an oak-hickory forest type. On the slightly less dry ground, the community grades into beech-maple, beech-oak-red maple, and maple-ash-oak swamp communities. The forest has large trees of many species including white, yellow, red and bur oaks, as well as beech, white ash, shagbark hickory, red maple, sugar maple and sycamore. There are substantial buttonbush swamps within the forest in areas which are inundated for most of the year. Heart-leaf plantain (Plantago cordata), an endangered species, occurs in Lawrence Woods. Grove sandwort (Arenaria lateriflora), also a state-listed species, may be seen along the boardwalk. This is an excellent location for spring wildflowers.
We will be pulling and hauling garlic mustard near the trail head, and along the boardwalk as needed.
Directions: Located in Hardin County, about 4 miles south of Kenton. From SR 31, bear right onto SR 292 and then turn west onto County Road 190. The trail begins from the parking lot near the northwest corner of the woods.
What to bring: Lunch, water, hiking boots, and gloves.
RSVP: If you would like to attend or have questions, please contact The Ohio Natural Areas and Preserves Association HERE.
13278 County Road 190, Kenton
Hardin County
This preserve is significant because it is the largest known mature forest in this region and is home to a number of rare plant and animal species. The highest and driest sites have an oak-hickory forest type. On the slightly less dry ground, the community grades into beech-maple, beech-oak-red maple, and maple-ash-oak swamp communities. The forest has large trees of many species including white, yellow, red and bur oaks, as well as beech, white ash, shagbark hickory, red maple, sugar maple and sycamore. There are substantial buttonbush swamps within the forest in areas which are inundated for most of the year. Heart-leaf plantain (Plantago cordata), an endangered species, occurs in Lawrence Woods. Grove sandwort (Arenaria lateriflora), also a state-listed species, may be seen along the boardwalk. This is an excellent location for spring wildflowers.
We will be pulling and hauling garlic mustard near the trail head, and along the boardwalk as needed.
Directions: Located in Hardin County, about 4 miles south of Kenton. From SR 31, bear right onto SR 292 and then turn west onto County Road 190. The trail begins from the parking lot near the northwest corner of the woods.
What to bring: Lunch, water, hiking boots, and gloves.
RSVP: If you would like to attend or have questions, please contact The Ohio Natural Areas and Preserves Association HERE.
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Wednesday, June 5, 2019
Teasel & Woody Species Control at Milford Center Prairie SNP 10:00 am – 3:00 pm Connor Road, Milford Center Madison County |
Milford Center Prairie is a very significant prairie remnant of the Darby Plains owned by Dayton Power & Light, but managed in cooperation with DNAP. It is approximately 1.5 miles in length beneath the power lines with more than 50 different species of prairie plants, including rare species such as royal catchfly. Unfortunately it was neglected for several years, so ONAPA volunteers are helping DNAP control the woody species and other invasives that have been taking over the native prairie.
We will be cutting brush and small trees, and hauling them to designated locations to be chipped or hauled out of the natural area. DNAP staff and trained ONAPA volunteers will be treating the cut stems with herbicide. We will be digging out any teasel rosettes that we encounter in the prairie.
Directions: Meet at the parking area located on Connor Road, just north off of State Route 4, west of Milford Center. We will park in the pull-off area on Connor Road near the power line crossing and walk down the DP&L power line ROW for the project.
What to bring: Lunch, water, and gloves. ONAPA will provide the tools.
RSVP: If you would like to attend or have questions, please contact The Ohio Natural Areas and Preserves Association HERE.
We will be cutting brush and small trees, and hauling them to designated locations to be chipped or hauled out of the natural area. DNAP staff and trained ONAPA volunteers will be treating the cut stems with herbicide. We will be digging out any teasel rosettes that we encounter in the prairie.
Directions: Meet at the parking area located on Connor Road, just north off of State Route 4, west of Milford Center. We will park in the pull-off area on Connor Road near the power line crossing and walk down the DP&L power line ROW for the project.
What to bring: Lunch, water, and gloves. ONAPA will provide the tools.
RSVP: If you would like to attend or have questions, please contact The Ohio Natural Areas and Preserves Association HERE.
Saturday, June 22, 2019
Teasel Control at Daughmer Savanna State Nature Preserve
Teasel Control at Daughmer Savanna State Nature Preserve
10:00 am – 3:00 pm
786 Marion-Melmore Road, Bucyrus
Crawford County
Daughmer Prairie Savannah is one of the finest prairie savannas in the country. It is a state nature preserve managed by Crawford Park District. The prairie has been grazed, but never farmed. Ever since ODNR purchased the site in 2011 and the sheep were removed, a number of invasive species have appeared, the most troublesome being common teasel. Work projects here over the last several years have greatly reduced common teasel numbers, but as yet, it has not been totally eradicated from the preserve.
We will be cutting the flower heads off any plants getting ready to flower, then using a shovel to cut down on an angle about 4-5 inches below the base of the plant to sever the tap root, and then pulling the mature plant or rosette out of the ground. We will also control other invasive plants as encountered in the savanna.
Directions: Meet at the parking lot located at 786 Marion-Melmore Road, one mile north of State Route 294, in Crawford County about 9 miles southwest of Bucyrus.
What to bring: Bring lunch, work gloves, long-sleeved shirt and pants, hiking boots, a long-handled shovel, tick spray or repellent, and hand pruners or scissors. Soft drinks and water will be provided.
RSVP: If you would like to attend or have questions, please contact the Ohio Natural Areas and Preserves Association HERE.
786 Marion-Melmore Road, Bucyrus
Crawford County
Daughmer Prairie Savannah is one of the finest prairie savannas in the country. It is a state nature preserve managed by Crawford Park District. The prairie has been grazed, but never farmed. Ever since ODNR purchased the site in 2011 and the sheep were removed, a number of invasive species have appeared, the most troublesome being common teasel. Work projects here over the last several years have greatly reduced common teasel numbers, but as yet, it has not been totally eradicated from the preserve.
We will be cutting the flower heads off any plants getting ready to flower, then using a shovel to cut down on an angle about 4-5 inches below the base of the plant to sever the tap root, and then pulling the mature plant or rosette out of the ground. We will also control other invasive plants as encountered in the savanna.
Directions: Meet at the parking lot located at 786 Marion-Melmore Road, one mile north of State Route 294, in Crawford County about 9 miles southwest of Bucyrus.
What to bring: Bring lunch, work gloves, long-sleeved shirt and pants, hiking boots, a long-handled shovel, tick spray or repellent, and hand pruners or scissors. Soft drinks and water will be provided.
RSVP: If you would like to attend or have questions, please contact the Ohio Natural Areas and Preserves Association HERE.
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Saturday, July 20, 2019
Invasive Species Control at Jackson Bog State Nature Preserve 10:30 am – 3:30 pm 7984 Fulton Drive NW, Massillon Stark County Jackson Bog, which is actually a fen, or alkaline wetland, lies at the foot of a dry, sandy kame (a glacially deposited hill or ridge). The belts of kames in this area of Stark County provide an extensive aquifer. These highly permeable gravel deposits readily absorb surface water and then hold it in staggering quantities as groundwater.
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The alkalinity is a limiting factor which dictates the types of unique plants which will grow there.
We will be removing invasive plant species such as narrow-leaved and hybrid cattail, glossy buckthorn, privet, and purple loosestrife which are encroaching in the fen meadows. We will be cutting and treating stems with herbicide, and removing the cut stems from the fen meadows.
Directions: Located in Stark County, 2 miles north of Massillon on Fulton Drive and a 1/2 mile west of the intersection of State Route 687 and State Route 241. The preserve is adjacent to Jackson Township Park.
What to bring: Bring lunch, water, gloves, and muck boots. Herbicide treatment will be done by DNAP staff or trained ONAPA volunteers. Tools will be provided.
RSVP: If you would like to attend or have questions, please contact The Ohio Natural Areas and Preserves Association HERE.
We will be removing invasive plant species such as narrow-leaved and hybrid cattail, glossy buckthorn, privet, and purple loosestrife which are encroaching in the fen meadows. We will be cutting and treating stems with herbicide, and removing the cut stems from the fen meadows.
Directions: Located in Stark County, 2 miles north of Massillon on Fulton Drive and a 1/2 mile west of the intersection of State Route 687 and State Route 241. The preserve is adjacent to Jackson Township Park.
What to bring: Bring lunch, water, gloves, and muck boots. Herbicide treatment will be done by DNAP staff or trained ONAPA volunteers. Tools will be provided.
RSVP: If you would like to attend or have questions, please contact The Ohio Natural Areas and Preserves Association HERE.
Wednesday, August 14, 2019
Invasive Species Control at Springville Marsh State Nature Preserve
Invasive Species Control at Springville Marsh State Nature Preserve
10:00 am-3:30 pm
Township Road 24, Carey
Seneca County
Springville Marsh is an unequaled nature preserve in northwestern Ohio as the largest inland wetland in this part of the state. Growing within the preserve are several Canadian and Atlantic coastal plain species, which became established here shortly after the Ice Age. Some of these plants are threatened and endangered species in Ohio. Fen orchids, bottle gentian, Kalm's lobelia and little yellow sedge can be seen along the boardwalk. One of Ohio's largest populations of twig-rush, a typical Atlantic coastal plain species, is located throughout the preserve in the remaining sedge meadows. There are also smaller areas of more northern plants, such as Ohio goldenrod, grass-of-parnassus and shrubby cinquefoil. The sedge meadows, shrubby thickets and vast areas of cattail marsh provide excellent opportunities to observe wildlife.
Our project includes hand-wicking (applying herbicide with gloves) narrow-leaved cattail and cutting invading woody species in the sedge meadows. This non-native cattail is very aggressive and will crowd out the native sedge meadow species. We will use the hand-wicking technique in the high-quality meadow areas as this reduces chances of accidentally treating non-target species.
Directions: Located in Seneca County 3 1/2 miles north of Carey on U.S. Route 23 / SR 199; then proceed 1 mile west on Township Road 24 (Muck Road) to the preserve parking lot.
What to bring: Bring lunch, water, waterproof or rubber boots, and gloves. Mosquito repellent may be needed. Herbicide treatment will be done by DNAP staff or trained ONAPA volunteers. Tools will be provided.
RSVP: If you would like to attend or have questions, please contact The Ohio Natural Areas and Preserves Association HERE.
Township Road 24, Carey
Seneca County
Springville Marsh is an unequaled nature preserve in northwestern Ohio as the largest inland wetland in this part of the state. Growing within the preserve are several Canadian and Atlantic coastal plain species, which became established here shortly after the Ice Age. Some of these plants are threatened and endangered species in Ohio. Fen orchids, bottle gentian, Kalm's lobelia and little yellow sedge can be seen along the boardwalk. One of Ohio's largest populations of twig-rush, a typical Atlantic coastal plain species, is located throughout the preserve in the remaining sedge meadows. There are also smaller areas of more northern plants, such as Ohio goldenrod, grass-of-parnassus and shrubby cinquefoil. The sedge meadows, shrubby thickets and vast areas of cattail marsh provide excellent opportunities to observe wildlife.
Our project includes hand-wicking (applying herbicide with gloves) narrow-leaved cattail and cutting invading woody species in the sedge meadows. This non-native cattail is very aggressive and will crowd out the native sedge meadow species. We will use the hand-wicking technique in the high-quality meadow areas as this reduces chances of accidentally treating non-target species.
Directions: Located in Seneca County 3 1/2 miles north of Carey on U.S. Route 23 / SR 199; then proceed 1 mile west on Township Road 24 (Muck Road) to the preserve parking lot.
What to bring: Bring lunch, water, waterproof or rubber boots, and gloves. Mosquito repellent may be needed. Herbicide treatment will be done by DNAP staff or trained ONAPA volunteers. Tools will be provided.
RSVP: If you would like to attend or have questions, please contact The Ohio Natural Areas and Preserves Association HERE.
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Wednesday, August 28, 2019
Invasive Species Removal at Kiser Lake Fen State Nature Preserve 10:30 am – 3:30 pm 3975 Kiser Lake Road, St. Paris Champaign County |
This 51-acre preserve is located within Kiser Lake State Park and contains two separate prairie fen areas (Headwaters and Grandview Heights sections) which are the last vestiges of a 360-acre area known as Mosquito Lake Bog. This large fen complex occupied the upper Mosquito Creek Valley prior to the construction of Kiser Lake. Both areas contain alkaline fen and marsh habitat with summer prairie and fen wildflowers. Unusual plant species present include shrubby cinquefoil, Kalm's lobelia, grass-of-parnassus, smaller fringed gentian, big bluestem, queen-of-the-prairie, Ohio goldenrod, and poison sumac.
The Grandview Heights section in the southcentral part of the park includes a meadow on the edge of the lake. The Headwaters section in the southeast part of the park includes meadows, marsh, and woods with a trail and boardwalk. For this stewardship project, we plan to work in the Headwaters section to cut and treat woody species to maintain the open fen habitat.
Directions: The Headwaters section of Kiser Lake State Nature Preserve is located at the eastern end of Kiser Lake (3975 Kiser Lake Road). We will meet in the small parking lot near the Kiser Lake State Nature Preserve sign. From St. Paris, proceed north on North Springfield Street. As you head out of town, this will become Kiser Lake Road; follow this road to the east side of the lake.
What to bring: Lunch, water, hat, muck/knee boots, insect repellent. DNAP and ONAPA will provide tools. DNAP staff and trained ONAPA volunteers will apply the herbicides.
RSVP: If you would like to attend or have questions, please contact the Ohio Natural Areas and Preserves Association to register HERE.
The Grandview Heights section in the southcentral part of the park includes a meadow on the edge of the lake. The Headwaters section in the southeast part of the park includes meadows, marsh, and woods with a trail and boardwalk. For this stewardship project, we plan to work in the Headwaters section to cut and treat woody species to maintain the open fen habitat.
Directions: The Headwaters section of Kiser Lake State Nature Preserve is located at the eastern end of Kiser Lake (3975 Kiser Lake Road). We will meet in the small parking lot near the Kiser Lake State Nature Preserve sign. From St. Paris, proceed north on North Springfield Street. As you head out of town, this will become Kiser Lake Road; follow this road to the east side of the lake.
What to bring: Lunch, water, hat, muck/knee boots, insect repellent. DNAP and ONAPA will provide tools. DNAP staff and trained ONAPA volunteers will apply the herbicides.
RSVP: If you would like to attend or have questions, please contact the Ohio Natural Areas and Preserves Association to register HERE.
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Saturday, September 7, 2019
Woody Species Removal at Gallagher Fen State Nature Preserve 10:30 am – 3:30 pm 4709 Old Columbus Rd, Springfield Clark County This high-quality spring-fed alkaline wetland is an exceptionally fine example of a prairie fen community in the state and protects at least 27 state-listed species. In addition to protecting the prairie fen ecosystem, a secondary management goal is to perpetuate the bur oak savanna-prairie community and to restore the oak woodlands-barren community on the uplands at this site. The goal of this project will be to work on removal of woody species in the eastern fen meadow. We will be cutting and treating the stumps of invasive woody species in the fen meadow. Directions: The grass parking area is located on the south side of Old Columbus Road between Bird Road and Redmond Road. |
What to bring: Bring lunch, water, and gloves. Herbicide treatment will be done by DNAP staff or trained ONAPA volunteers. Tools will be provided. RSVP: If you would like to attend or have questions, please contact The Ohio Natural Areas and Preserves Association HERE. |
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Tuesday, October 8, 2019
Invasive Species Control at Karlo Fen State Nature Preserve 10:30 am – 3:30 pm Summit County Karlo Fen is a ground water fed boreal fen exhibiting sphagnum hummocks, marl areas and some prairie species. Located in the Portage Lakes area near Nimisila Reservoir, this fen was once part of a much larger series of glacial relicts that have all but disappeared due to impoundments, agriculture and other developments. |
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Karlo Fen is home to small fringed gentian, white beak-rush and Ohio goldenrod. Karlo Fen is currently managed under lease agreement by Summit County Metroparks. Project goals will be to remove invading woody species in the fen meadow such as glossy buckthorn, autumn olive and gray dogwood.
Directions: Karlo Fen is located on the east side of Christman Road near the Portage Lakes State Park campground, .25 miles north of the intersection of E. Nimisila and Christman Roads. A parking lot is located on the west side of Christman Road across from the preserve. We will meet in the parking lot and hike into the small preserve.
What to bring: Bring a lunch, water, long-sleeved shirts, gloves, and muck boots. Herbicide treatment will be done by DNAP staff and trained volunteers. Tools will be provided.
RSVP: If you would like to attend or have questions, please contact the Ohio Natural Areas and Preserves Association to register HERE.
Directions: Karlo Fen is located on the east side of Christman Road near the Portage Lakes State Park campground, .25 miles north of the intersection of E. Nimisila and Christman Roads. A parking lot is located on the west side of Christman Road across from the preserve. We will meet in the parking lot and hike into the small preserve.
What to bring: Bring a lunch, water, long-sleeved shirts, gloves, and muck boots. Herbicide treatment will be done by DNAP staff and trained volunteers. Tools will be provided.
RSVP: If you would like to attend or have questions, please contact the Ohio Natural Areas and Preserves Association to register HERE.
Little Darby Creek is designated a state and national scenic river.
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Thursday, October 24, 2019
Autumn Olive Control along the Little Darby Creek 10:00 am – 3:00 pm 1150 Taylor Blair Road, West Jefferson Madison County Join Scenic Rivers Program staff at the Forrest Property along Little Darby Creek. Volunteers will remove invasive autumn olive and keep it from smothering a prairie remnant patch that hosts rare species such as scaly blazing star (Liatris squarrosa). Directions: This location is a neighboring property through which ODNR has an access easement to the Forrest Property. Pull past the property owner’s house and park in front of the barn or on the grass to the left. Please car pool if possible to limit the number of cars. What to bring: Volunteers should wear sturdy hiking shoes and long sleeves and pants, bring plenty of water and lunch, and be prepared to hike two miles round trip to the work site. Note that this access requires crossing Little Darby Creek – muck / rain boots are advised! RSVP: If you would like to attend or have questions, please contact The Ohio Natural Areas & Preserves Association HERE. |
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RESCHEDULED: Tuesday, November 5, 2019
Woody Species Control at Cranberry Bog State Nature Preserve 10:00 am – 3:00 pm Buckeye Lake, Licking County |
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Now called Buckeye Lake, this lake was once a swamp that was to be converted into a reservoir to feed the Ohio and Erie Canal system. The plan did not work well because the new lake was too shallow to feed the canal for barge traffic, especially during the dry season. Strangely, it was the impoundment of the swamp in 1830 which made Cranberry Bog so unique. As the waters backed up behind the dike, all of the big swamp was inundated and destroyed, except the very youngest and therefore most buoyant segment of the bog mat. Instead of disappearing beneath the mucky waters, as did most of the adjacent swamp forest, a 50-acre upper segment of the bog mat along the north shore stretched and expanded like a giant water-logged sponge and rose 8 feet with the new water level. No longer did the floating bog mat surround the glacial lake as is typically the case with bogs. Now the lake surrounded the bog mat, the only known such occurrence of its kind in the world.
Little habitat management has been done on the bog during the past several years and the bog meadows are severely invaded by woody species, including poison sumac. We will be working in the main bog meadow where the boardwalk is located, to open the meadow up as much as possible. Activities will include cutting woody species, hauling cut stems to brush piles, and trained volunteers or DNAP staff will treat the cut stems with herbicides.
Directions: We will be meeting at the North Shore boat ramp at Buckeye Lake State Park at 10am to take a pontoon boat to the island. Take State Route 79 south from I-70, then follow SR 79 south until the curve where you enter the state park. Park in the large parking lot and look for the boat at one of the docks to take us to the island. Be sure to register if you wish to attend this project and more details will be provided in advance. We will need to know how many people are coming to arrange for sufficient boat transportation as the state park will be providing the boat.
What to bring: Bring lunch, water, gloves, and muck boots. Herbicide treatment will be done by DNAP staff or trained ONAPA volunteers. Tools will be provided.
PLEASE RSVP: This is an added activity and we need you to use our CONTACT US link. If you would like to attend or have questions, please contact The Ohio Natural Areas & Preserves Association HERE.
Little habitat management has been done on the bog during the past several years and the bog meadows are severely invaded by woody species, including poison sumac. We will be working in the main bog meadow where the boardwalk is located, to open the meadow up as much as possible. Activities will include cutting woody species, hauling cut stems to brush piles, and trained volunteers or DNAP staff will treat the cut stems with herbicides.
Directions: We will be meeting at the North Shore boat ramp at Buckeye Lake State Park at 10am to take a pontoon boat to the island. Take State Route 79 south from I-70, then follow SR 79 south until the curve where you enter the state park. Park in the large parking lot and look for the boat at one of the docks to take us to the island. Be sure to register if you wish to attend this project and more details will be provided in advance. We will need to know how many people are coming to arrange for sufficient boat transportation as the state park will be providing the boat.
What to bring: Bring lunch, water, gloves, and muck boots. Herbicide treatment will be done by DNAP staff or trained ONAPA volunteers. Tools will be provided.
PLEASE RSVP: This is an added activity and we need you to use our CONTACT US link. If you would like to attend or have questions, please contact The Ohio Natural Areas & Preserves Association HERE.
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Wednesday, November 6, 2019
Woody Species Control at Medway Prairie Fringed Orchid Site 10:00 am – 3:00 pm Union Road, Medway Clark County This site is a small wetland, primarily an alkaline wet sedge meadow surrounded by farm fields, and is owned by the City of Dayton’s Water Department as a wellfield. The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and DNAP
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have been cooperating with the City of Dayton by verbal agreement since a significant population of the
Eastern prairie fringed orchid was reported at this site in 1993. Regular habitat management is necessary to maintain the open sedge meadow, which has been declining for several years due to woody species encroachment. ONAPA will be cooperating with USFWS and DNAP on this project to cut and treat woody species in the area where most of the orchids are located. Directions: From Columbus, proceed west on I-70. Take exit 26B to exit onto Spangler Road north towards Medway. After crossing the Mad River, turn right on to Union Road. The site, owned by the City of Dayton, is on the right. Parking will be along the roadside on the right, and near the gate. What to Bring: Lunch, water, hat, muck/knee boots, insect repellent. DNAP, USFWS and ONAPA will provide tools and conduct the herbicide application. RSVP: If you would like to attend or have questions, please contact The Ohio Natural Areas & Preserves Association HERE. |
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Thursday, November 7, 2019
Woody Species Removal at Richfield Heritage Preserve 10:30 am – 3:30 pm 4374 Broadview Road, Richfield Summit County ONAPA will be helping the Friends of Crowell-Hilaka and the Richfield Joint Recreational District with invasive woody plant control in the high-quality areas of the park. ONAPA has been mapping invasive plants in the park for the past two seasons and now we will help |
them cut and treat woody species such as glossy buckthorn, Japanese barberry, privet, autumn-olive, and bush honeysuckles.
We will meet at the parking lot near Gund Hall at 4374 Broadview Road, Richfield at 10:30am. Bring a lunch, water, and hiking boots. Tools will be provided. PLEASE RSVP: This is an added activity and we need you to use our CONTACT US link. If you would like to attend or have questions, please contact The Ohio Natural Areas & Preserves Association HERE. |
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POSTPONED DUE TO WEATHER
Invasive Species Control at Myersville Fen State Nature Preserve 
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10:30 am – 3:30 pm
Myersville Road, Green Summit County Myersville Fen is a small, 27-acre wetland area owned by the City of Green containing two small fen meadows. It is one of only two fens in Ohio containing the naturally occurring, state-listed pitcher-plant (Sarracenia purpurea). Surrounded by a housing development and besieged by invasive plants from the residences, Myersville Fen is truly an island of unique plants under constant threat and in need of persistent stewardship. We will be removing invasive plant species such as purple loosestrife, glossy buckthorn, alders, and other invading woody species which are encroaching upon the two fen meadows. We will be cutting the stems and treating them with herbicide, as well as hauling the stems out of the meadows. Directions: Two miles west of Interstate 77, take State Route 241 to State Route 619 west, then on to Myersville Road. Turn south on Myersville Road to Turtle Bay Circle. Park along Turtle Bay Circle where the nature preserve signs are located. What to bring: Bring lunch, water, gloves, and muck boots. Herbicide treatment will be done by DNAP staff or trained ONAPA volunteers. Tools will be provided. RSVP: If you would like to attend or have questions, please contact The Ohio Natural Areas & Preserves Association HERE. |
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POSTPONED DUE TO WEATHER
Invasive Woody Species Control at Cedar Bog State Nature Preserve 10:30 am – 3:30 pm 980 Woodburn Road, Urbana Champaign County Cedar Bog has been referred to as "The Crown Jewel of Natural Areas in Ohio." While there are many crown jewel nature preserves in Ohio, this special preserve is located in southern Champaign County in the Mad River Valley between the Farmersville and Springfield moraines. The moraines were left behind when the Wisconsin Glaciers receded 10,000-15,000 years ago. Cedar Bog is actually a fen (not a bog), with a constant source of alkaline water flowing through it. Cedar Bog has the highest biodiversity index of any preserve in the state and is home to many rare, threatened and endangered animal species.
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Photo by Ian Adams.
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ONAPA volunteers will be helping DNAP and the Cedar Bog Association remove woody and invasive species in several locations. The stems will be cut and treated with herbicide in most locations and the woody stems removed from the meadows.
Directions: Cedar Bog is located off of US 68 at 980 Woodburn Road, about 3 miles south of Urbana and 1 mile north of the Clark/Champaign County line.
What to bring: Water, lunch, sunscreen, insect repellant, gloves, and muck boots. Herbicide treatment will be done by trained staff or trained ONAPA volunteers. ONAPA will provide the tools.
PLEASE RSVP: This is an added activity and we need you to use our CONTACT US link. If you would like to attend or have questions, please contact The Ohio Natural Areas & Preserves Association HERE.
Directions: Cedar Bog is located off of US 68 at 980 Woodburn Road, about 3 miles south of Urbana and 1 mile north of the Clark/Champaign County line.
What to bring: Water, lunch, sunscreen, insect repellant, gloves, and muck boots. Herbicide treatment will be done by trained staff or trained ONAPA volunteers. ONAPA will provide the tools.
PLEASE RSVP: This is an added activity and we need you to use our CONTACT US link. If you would like to attend or have questions, please contact The Ohio Natural Areas & Preserves Association HERE.
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Tuesday, November 19, 2019
Woody Species Removal at Whipple State Nature Preserve 10:30 am – 3:30 pm 1194 State Route 247, Manchester Adams County Whipple State Nature Preserve contains a narrow wooded ridgetop, pocketed with small sinkholes. The ridgetop and head of the valley is bordered by dolomite cliffs of 10-30 feet in height. There is an abundance of ferns and spring wildflowers throughout the 448-acre wooded preserve. This area is dedicated in honor of Robert A. Whipple, who generously gave this land to the Division of Natural Areas and Preserve in 1989. The latest purchase, a 10-acre parcel with prairie openings, was acquired in 2015 and we will be working on this parcel to remove red cedar and other woody species, enhancing the prairie habitat. Directions: Although the preserve is located on State Route 247 south of West Union, there is very little parking here. We will be meeting at the parking lot of a small church located north of the preserve at the corner of State Route 247 and Germany Hill Road. If you |
proceed too far south on SR 247, you will reach State Route 52 and the Ohio River.
What to Bring: Lunch, water, hat, hiking boots, gloves, & insect repellent. DNAP and ONAPA will provide tools and conduct the herbicide application. RSVP: If you would like to attend or have questions, please contact The Ohio Natural Areas & Preserves Association HERE. |
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Wednesday, December 4, 2019
Woody Species Control at Brinkhaven Oak Barrens 10:00 am – 3:00 pm Township Road 13, Brinkhaven (Gann) Holmes County Brinkhaven Oak Barrens was designated as a state natural landmark in 2005 for being the best example in north central Ohio of what famous Ohio ecologist, Paul Sears called “oak openings.” The 114-acre preserve owned by the private non-profit organization, Killbuck Watershed Land Trust, protects two oak barrens containing 6 state-listed plants, including the threatened thyme-leaved pinweed. ONAPA has been assisting the KWLT with habitat management to restore the two oak openings. We will work in the northern opening, as the southern opening has had significant clearing in the past two years, as well as a spring burn in April 2016. We will be cutting larger woody stems and treating the cut stems with herbicide. Trained DNAP staff and ONAPA volunteers will conduct the herbicide application. Directions: From Brinkhaven (Gann) on U.S. Rt. 62, drive about 4 ¼ miles east on U.S. Route 62 to Holmes Co. Rd. 25. Drive about ¾ mile north to an intersection and |
turn left (west) on to Township Road 13. Drive for about
1.2 miles and the parking lot will be on the right. The parking lot is about 500 feet beyond the old railroad overpass, on the right (it is hard to see as it is a grass parking lot with no signage). What to bring: Bring lunch, water, hiking boots, gloves, and hand tools such as hand saws and loppers (if you wish). ONAPA and KWLT will provide tools and herbicide, and conduct herbicide application. PLEASE RSVP: This is an added activity and we need you to use our CONTACT US link. If you would like to attend or have questions, please contact The Ohio Natural Areas & Preserves Association HERE. |