2020 STEWARDSHIP PROJECT SCHEDULE
We have several stewardship projects planned for 2020. 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 2020 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. |
Tuesday, April 28, 2020
Garlic mustard control at Miller Nature Sanctuary State Nature Preserve
Garlic mustard control at Miller Nature Sanctuary State Nature Preserve
10:30 am – 3:30 pm
13657 Barrett Mill Rd, Bainbridge
Highland County
This 86-acre preserve is located within the striking geologic feature known as the Rocky Fork Gorge. Rocky Fork Creek has cut down through the dolomite bedrock for thousands of years, forming the steep bluffs characteristic of this area. Dolomite cliffs and slump blocks produce tremendous spring wildflower displays in April and May. Several unusual and rare plants occur here, such as barren strawberry, arbor vitae, Walter’s violet, American columbo, shooting-star, and sullivantia. There is a natural arch and bridge visible from trail.
We will be pulling and hauling garlic mustard in several areas where spring wildflowers have the best displays. Garlic mustard will be bagged and carried out of the preserve.
Directions: Located in Highland County, proceed from Rainsboro on U.S. Route 50, then south on Barrett Mill Road for 2.1 miles. The preserve entrance is on the left. When the gate is closed, park to the side and walk ½ mile back to the trail head; do not block gate. The gate should be open for this project, so you can drive back to a small parking lot.
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. Online registration is important for our planning.
13657 Barrett Mill Rd, Bainbridge
Highland County
This 86-acre preserve is located within the striking geologic feature known as the Rocky Fork Gorge. Rocky Fork Creek has cut down through the dolomite bedrock for thousands of years, forming the steep bluffs characteristic of this area. Dolomite cliffs and slump blocks produce tremendous spring wildflower displays in April and May. Several unusual and rare plants occur here, such as barren strawberry, arbor vitae, Walter’s violet, American columbo, shooting-star, and sullivantia. There is a natural arch and bridge visible from trail.
We will be pulling and hauling garlic mustard in several areas where spring wildflowers have the best displays. Garlic mustard will be bagged and carried out of the preserve.
Directions: Located in Highland County, proceed from Rainsboro on U.S. Route 50, then south on Barrett Mill Road for 2.1 miles. The preserve entrance is on the left. When the gate is closed, park to the side and walk ½ mile back to the trail head; do not block gate. The gate should be open for this project, so you can drive back to a small parking lot.
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. Online registration is important for our planning.
Tuesday, May 12, 2020
Scouting for invasive plants at Fowler Woods State Nature Preserve
Scouting for invasive plants at Fowler Woods State Nature Preserve
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10:00 am – 3:00 pm
7815 Olivesburg-Fitchville Rd, Greenwich Richland County Fowler Woods is an excellent example of a beech-maple community, grading into swamp forest on the lower ground. Several low areas are water-covered most of the year and occupied by large buttonbush swamps. The numerous buttonbush swamps and woodland pools scattered throughout Fowler Woods support a wide diversity of breeding amphibians during the spring and early summer months. This nature preserve is one of the best sites in Ohio for viewing spring wildflowers. The woodlands support a variety of nesting birds including red-headed woodpecker, ovenbird, redstart and scarlet tanager. The 187-acre preserve has a 1-1/4 mile loop boardwalk trail that begins at the parking lot. It has been damaged by falling trees over the past few years and is under repair at present. Caution should be used when walking this boardwalk; it is not handicapped-accessible at present. We will be scouting the woods in search of invasive plants that are high priority for control, such as garlic mustard, butterweed, lesser celandine, and woody invasive species. Depending on what is found, we may pull some garlic mustard along the way. Directions: The preserve is approximately 13 miles north of Mansfield. From the north or south, take State |
Route 13 to Noble Road, go east on Noble Road for approximately 1- 1/4 miles to Olivesburg-Fitchville Road, then south to the preserve's parking lot, which is located on the west side of the road.
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. Online registration is important for our planning. |
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Thursday, June 4, 2020
Teasel and 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 also be digging out teasel rosettes and pulling sweet-clover 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. Online registration is important for our planning.
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 also be digging out teasel rosettes and pulling sweet-clover 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. Online registration is important for our planning.
Thursday, June 18, 2020
Sweet clover & teasel removal at Chaparral Prairie State Nature Preserve
Sweet clover & teasel removal at Chaparral Prairie State Nature Preserve
10:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
209 Hawk Hill Road, West Union
Adams County
Chaparral Prairie State Nature Preserve features 120 acres of prairies, glade openings, and woodlands. This preserve is best viewed in mid to late summer. It has very unique flora, featuring prairie dock, dense blazing-star, pink milkwort, blackjack oak and much more. This preserve has one of largest populations of rattlesnake master in the state. The newest addition, purchased by the Arc of Appalachia in 2015, features a 1.2-mile trail extension. This trail, Bald Hill and the Cedar Barrens trails, has a large population of dense blazing-star and a beautiful view of the rolling Adams County countryside.
Our project will include removing yellow and white sweet-clover, and common teasel which are invasive plant species throughout the preserve. Control will include pulling and using a small digging spade, if applicable. Yellow and white sweet-clovers are biennial herbs which become very bushy in the second year. Common teasel is also a biennial that grows as a rosette its first year, and then it sends up a flowering stalk the next.
Directions: Located about 3 miles north of West Union, Ohio, follow State Route 247 to Chaparral Road to 209 Hawk Hill Road (parking lot & office is on the left).
What to Bring: Lunch, water, hat, boots, tick spray or repellents, digging tool.
RSVP: If you would like to attend or have questions, please contact The Ohio Natural Areas & Preserves Association HERE. Online registration is important for our planning.
209 Hawk Hill Road, West Union
Adams County
Chaparral Prairie State Nature Preserve features 120 acres of prairies, glade openings, and woodlands. This preserve is best viewed in mid to late summer. It has very unique flora, featuring prairie dock, dense blazing-star, pink milkwort, blackjack oak and much more. This preserve has one of largest populations of rattlesnake master in the state. The newest addition, purchased by the Arc of Appalachia in 2015, features a 1.2-mile trail extension. This trail, Bald Hill and the Cedar Barrens trails, has a large population of dense blazing-star and a beautiful view of the rolling Adams County countryside.
Our project will include removing yellow and white sweet-clover, and common teasel which are invasive plant species throughout the preserve. Control will include pulling and using a small digging spade, if applicable. Yellow and white sweet-clovers are biennial herbs which become very bushy in the second year. Common teasel is also a biennial that grows as a rosette its first year, and then it sends up a flowering stalk the next.
Directions: Located about 3 miles north of West Union, Ohio, follow State Route 247 to Chaparral Road to 209 Hawk Hill Road (parking lot & office is on the left).
What to Bring: Lunch, water, hat, boots, tick spray or repellents, digging tool.
RSVP: If you would like to attend or have questions, please contact The Ohio Natural Areas & Preserves Association HERE. Online registration is important for our planning.
Saturday, June 27, 2020 - CANCELLED DUE TO WEATHER
Teasel control at Daughmer Savannah State Nature Preserve
Teasel control at Daughmer Savannah 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 the Crawford County 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. A few other herbaceous invasive plants have been documented as well.
We will be cutting the teasel 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. Online registration is important for our planning.
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 the Crawford County 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. A few other herbaceous invasive plants have been documented as well.
We will be cutting the teasel 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. Online registration is important for our planning.
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Thursday, July 9, 2020
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 wetland 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 to 15,000 years ago. Cedar Bog is actually a fen (not a bog), with a constant source of alkaline water flowing through it.
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Photo by Ian Adams.
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Cedar Bog has the highest biodiversity index of any preserve in the state and is home to many rare, threatened and endangered plant and animal species. 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 Route 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 OHC staff or trained ONAPA volunteers. ONAPA will provide tools.
RSVP: If you would like to attend or have any questions, please contact the Ohio Natural Areas and Preserves Association HERE. Online registration is important for our planning.
Directions: Cedar Bog is located off of US Route 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 OHC staff or trained ONAPA volunteers. ONAPA will provide tools.
RSVP: If you would like to attend or have any questions, please contact the Ohio Natural Areas and Preserves Association HERE. Online registration is important for our planning.
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Saturday, July 11, 2020
Invasive species control at Jackson Bog State Nature Preserve 10:30 am – 3:30 pm 7984 Fulton Drive NW, Massillon Stark County Jackson Bog is a 58-acre preserve located in northern Stark County and owned by the Jackson Township Local Board of Education and the Ohio Division of Natural Areas and Preserves. The area was dedicated in 1980 as an interpretive preserve.
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It is actually a fen, or alkaline wetland, which 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. The alkalinity is a limiting factor which dictates the types of unique plants which grow there. While the preserve is surrounded by residential development, a large school system, and a township park, it contains an amazing amount of plant and animal diversity, particularly many rare plant species. Habitat management is critical in the fen meadows to maintain the biodiversity of this small preserve.
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 woody stems with herbicide, and removing the cut stems from the fen meadows. Flowering purple loosestrife will be cut or dug and removed from the preserve.
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. Online registration is important for our planning.
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 woody stems with herbicide, and removing the cut stems from the fen meadows. Flowering purple loosestrife will be cut or dug and removed from the preserve.
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. Online registration is important for our planning.
Thursday, July 16, 2020
Bush honeysuckle removal at Clifton Gorge State Nature Preserve
Bush honeysuckle removal at Clifton Gorge State Nature Preserve
10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
2381 State Route 343, Yellow Springs
Greene County
This 268-acre preserve protects one of the most spectacular dolomite and limestone gorges in the state. Registered as a National Natural Landmark in 1968, Clifton Gorge encompasses a 2-mile stretch of the Little Miami State & National Scenic River, just east of John Bryan State Park. The gorge protects one of the best examples of post-glacial and inter-glacial canyon cutting. The Silurian limestone and dolomite bedrock supports an abundance of plant life, including at least 347 species of wildflowers and 105 species of trees and shrubs. The cool north-facing slopes provide much needed moist, shady habitat for northern relics such as hemlock, Canada yew, arborvitae, red baneberry and mountain maple.
The limestone bedrock here provides an ideal habitat for bush honeysuckle, and other invasive shrubs.
This stewardship project will focus on removal of these shrubs in sensitive areas. We will be working on the south side of the river which is the Scientific side and usually requires an access permit to visit. We will be cutting shrubs and treating stumps with herbicide to prevent re-sprouting. Smaller shrubs may be pulled and removed from the site. Hiking on the Scientific side of the preserve may be difficult as there are no trails & it is very rocky, including some mild climbing down rocks to reach some areas.
Directions: Park at the main Clifton Gorge parking lot, just west of Clifton on State Route 343.
What to Bring: Bring lunch, water and gloves. Herbicide treatment will be done by DNAP staff or trained ONAPA volunteers.
RSVP: If you would like to attend or have questions, please contact the Ohio Natural Areas and Preserves Association HERE. Online registration is important for our planning.
2381 State Route 343, Yellow Springs
Greene County
This 268-acre preserve protects one of the most spectacular dolomite and limestone gorges in the state. Registered as a National Natural Landmark in 1968, Clifton Gorge encompasses a 2-mile stretch of the Little Miami State & National Scenic River, just east of John Bryan State Park. The gorge protects one of the best examples of post-glacial and inter-glacial canyon cutting. The Silurian limestone and dolomite bedrock supports an abundance of plant life, including at least 347 species of wildflowers and 105 species of trees and shrubs. The cool north-facing slopes provide much needed moist, shady habitat for northern relics such as hemlock, Canada yew, arborvitae, red baneberry and mountain maple.
The limestone bedrock here provides an ideal habitat for bush honeysuckle, and other invasive shrubs.
This stewardship project will focus on removal of these shrubs in sensitive areas. We will be working on the south side of the river which is the Scientific side and usually requires an access permit to visit. We will be cutting shrubs and treating stumps with herbicide to prevent re-sprouting. Smaller shrubs may be pulled and removed from the site. Hiking on the Scientific side of the preserve may be difficult as there are no trails & it is very rocky, including some mild climbing down rocks to reach some areas.
Directions: Park at the main Clifton Gorge parking lot, just west of Clifton on State Route 343.
What to Bring: Bring lunch, water and gloves. Herbicide treatment will be done by DNAP staff or trained ONAPA volunteers.
RSVP: If you would like to attend or have questions, please contact the Ohio Natural Areas and Preserves Association HERE. Online registration is important for our planning.
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Wednesday, August 12, 2020
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 that contains 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. Online registration is important for our planning. |
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Wednesday, August 26, 2020
Woody species control at Meilke Road Savanna Wildlife Area 10:30 am-3:30 pm 630 North Meilke Road, Holland Lucas County Meilke Road Savanna was acquired by the Division of Wildlife (DOW) as oak savanna habitat specifically for Karner blue butterflies and other rare butterflies in the Oak Openings. While it is a small wildlife area, only 22 acres in size, it has tremendous plant and animal diversity. The Division also has a management agreement with Spencer Township for another 15 acres of oak savanna adjacent to the wildlife area. Regular management including prescribed burning and woody species removal is necessary to maintain the open oak savanna and barrens habitat. In the spring, large populations of wild lupine bloom. Wild lupine is the only host plant for the Federal threatened Karner blue butterfly, once known to be abundant in the Oak Openings. For this stewardship project, we will cutting and treating woody sprouts in the savanna to maintain open habitat necessary for rare plants and butterflies. |
Directions: Located on the north side of Hill Avenue, west of Crissey Road, and east of Meilke Road in Holland, just west of Toledo; parking is at the Spencer Township office at 630 North Meilke Road. Hill Avenue can be accessed from Crissey Road.
What to bring: Bring lunch, water, hiking boots, gloves, and hand tools such as hand saws and loppers (if you wish). ONAPA will also provide loppers. Herbicide application will be done by DOW staff and trained ONAPA volunteers. RSVP: If you would like to attend or have questions, please contact The Ohio Natural Areas & Preserves Association HERE. Online registration is important for our planning. |