2020 - Ohio Natural Areas & Preserves Association

Thursday, October 5, 2023
Invasive Bush Honeysuckle Control at Great Parks' Sharon Woods Gorge
11:00 am – 3:30 pm
11450 Lebanon Road, Sharonville
Hamilton County

This state nature preserve is within the 740-acre Sharon Woods Park. The 90-foot cliff of the gorge of Sharon Creek found in this preserve has been known to professional and amateur paleontologists and geologists for many years as an excellent exposure of Ordovician fossils. More than 450 million years ago, this region of Ohio was covered by a vast inland sea. The fossilized remains of the marine creatures which inhabited this sea have been revealed by the eroding force of Sharon Creek during the formation of the gorge. The floor of the creek bed still shows the wave or ripple marks formed when the present-day rock was the mud floor of the ancient sea. The forest above the gorge is mainly beech, maple and ash with scattered tulip-poplar, oaks, walnuts, hickories and many shrub species. The preserve was dedicated as a state nature preserve in 1977, one of the earliest preserves in the system.
For this project, we will be working with Great Parks staff to cut and treat bush honeysuckle and wintercreeper in the preserve.

DIRECTIONS: Instructions on where to meet will be emailed to people who register in advance for this project.

What to bring: Water, lunch, sunscreen, insect repellant, gloves, and hiking boots. Tools will be furnished but you may bring your own.

RSVP: If you would like to attend, please REGISTER. If you have questions, please contact The Ohio Natural Areas and Preserves Association HERE . Online registration is important for our planning.

Tuesday, December 12, 2023
Clean-up in the pine plantation area of
Crane Hollow State Nature Preserve

10:30am – 3:30pm
Gibisonville (Hocking County)

Located in Hocking County, Crane Hollow Preserve is part of the unglaciated Allegheny Plateau. The Preserve features varied native vegetation, along with cliffs and ravines formed in Black Hand Sandstone. William and Jane Ann Ellis began protecting the Crane Hollow watershed in 1977.
In addition to preserving and managing Crane Hollow, scientific research is an important part of Crane Hollow's program. Studies of the preserve's geology, flora and fauna, and other natural features have been or are being conducted. In 1990, 1,200 acres of the Crane Hollow Preserve became part of the State of Ohio Nature Preserve system. Between the years of 2002-2011, an additional 85 acres were dedicated, increasing the size of the dedicated nature preserve to 1,285.

Crane Hollow is in the process of removing a planted white pine plantation within the preserve. Trees have been cut down and assistance is needed to clean up the branches and smaller logs to facilitate access for invasive plant control. ONAPA will be helping with this clean-up work.

Directions: Crane Hollow is access by permit only or guided hikes. It is located south of Gibisonville on SR 374. Volunteers who register for this project will be provided more specific directions of where to meet before the project.

What to bring: Bring lunch, water, hiking boots.

RSVP: If you would like to attend, please REGISTER. If you have questions, please contact The Ohio Natural Areas and Preserves Association HERE . Online registration is important for our planning.

Thursday, November 9, 2023
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, please REGISTER. If you have questions, please contact The Ohio Natural Areas and Preserves Association HERE . Online registration is important for our planning.

Thursday, August 17 and Tuesday, September 5, 2023
Woody Species Control at Brinkhaven Oak Barrens State Nature Preserve
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.” It was just dedicated as a state nature preserve this year. 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 one of the two openings, cutting woody stems and treating the cut stems with herbicide. Trained ONAPA stewardship assistants 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, and gloves. ONAPA and KWLT will provide tools and herbicide, and conduct herbicide application.

RSVP: Please REGISTER HERE. Online registration is important for our planning. If you have questions, please contact The Ohio Natural Areas and Preserves Association HERE.

Apply by March 15 for ONAPA Stewardship Assistant openings

The Ohio Natural Areas & Preserves Association (ONAPA) is once again offering 3-6-month part-time contract positions, beginning in May, designed to assist ONAPA with stewardship activities including habitat management on nature preserves, rare plant monitoring, preserve monitoring, and administrative activities.

These activities will provide an individual recently graduated from college, or college student going into their senior year, with excellent field experience, training, and good contacts for future employment.

Program Highlights

Work in nature preserves across the state
Monitor Ohio’s rare plants
Participate in educational opportunities
Network with environmental professionals

MORE INFORMATION

APPLY

Saturday, May 20, 10 am. visit North Kingsville Sand Barrens State Nature Preserve

Lupine - Photo by Guy Denny

Dr. James K. Bissell, distinguished botanist, naturalist and natural areas manager, will lead this tour through one of the finest natural areas of northeast Ohio.

North Kingsville Sand Barrens is a treasure trove of rare species, and a naturalist's delight. Several very rare plants occur, such as Striped Maple (Acer pensylvanicum) and Bluebead Lily (Clintonia borealis). The site is especially showy in May, when the Wild Lupine (Lupinus perennis) is in bloom. The sand barrens are habitat to rare beetles, spiders, and an endangered moss as well.

Registration is REQUIRED. To register, email [email protected].

Tuesday, February 6, 2024
Woody species removal at Bonnet Pond Bog State Nature Preserve

10:30 am - 3:30 pm
State Route 179, Northeast of Loudonville, Holmes County

Bonnett Pond Bog State Nature Preserve is a small, 16-acre, high-quality sphagnum kettle-hole bog. A floating sphagnum mat with bog plants such as large cranberry, poison sumac, round-leaved sundew, swamp loosestrife, little prickly sedge, white beak-rush, highbush blueberry, and glaucous sedge surround the dark acidic waters of the bog lake. There are some large trees on the wooded slopes surrounding the kettle-hole bog.

Our project includes removing woody shrubs such as highbush blueberry from the bog meadow. We will be using the cut stump treatment method. Each shrub will be cut with loppers and the stump will be treated with herbicide to prevent re-sprouting. Trained DNAP staff and ONAPA volunteers will conduct the herbicide application. Note that poison sumac is present in this bog, so special care will be taken to avoid it.

Directions: In Washington Township, the preserve is located on State Route 179. From Loudonville, proceed northeast on SR 3. Turn right on SR 179. The preserve will be on the left before you reach Lakeville. Parking is very limited; a few cars can park at the edge of the field near the electric substation, while others may need to park at the intersection of SR 3 and SR 179 (and be shuttled to the preserve). The preserve is mostly wooded and you will see state nature preserve boundary signs from the road. Due to the lack of facilities and the sensitive species present in the small bog, access is usually by permit only from the Division of Natural Areas and Preserves.

What to bring: Bring lunch, water, gloves, and good hiking boots. Herbicide treatment will be done by licensed or trained ONAPA stewardship assistants and volunteers. Tools will be provided.

RSVP: If you would like to attend, please REGISTER. If you have questions, please contact The Ohio Natural Areas and Preserves Association HERE . Online registration is important for our planning.

A THIRD SEASON OF ONAPA STEWARDSHIP ASSISTANTS – ANOTHER SUCCESS!
As the season of stewardship draws to a close, we reflect on all that we have experienced these past six months. Valerie Sasak, Brad Von Blon, and I, Brad Small, are the three latest additions to the ONAPA stewardship assistantship program. We are unhappy to see our time with ONAPA come to an end so swiftly. Yet, we are grateful to have gained this experience, met many different like-minded individuals in the process, and partnered with organizations that share the same goals as ONAPA. Here I report information on the work we completed this season and relay some of the thoughts the stewardship assistants have.
Over the course of the season, the three of us travelled to visit 37 state nature preserves. Not to mention those locations that were not counted among the state nature preserves, such as other natural areas. These natural areas were located in 28 counties throughout the state. Between the three of us, we succeeded in putting in over 800 hours of work on behalf of ONAPA. We took part in 20 different stewardship projects across the state, performing various types of invasive plant control. We also attended several workshops through diverse organizations during the year including: Ohio Invasive Plant Council’s (OIPC) invasive plant workshops, Ohio Prescribed Fire Council’s (OPFC) annual meeting, Division of Forestry’s prescribed fire manager training, and The Dawes Arboretum for botany sessions with Dr. David Brandenburg.

Out of everything we did this year, there were notable projects and trips that stand out in our memories. The ongoing efforts to restore and preserve populations of Lakeside Daisy was one of these projects. Multiple times this year we made the trip to Lakeside-Marblehead in order to be a part of this incredible conservation effort. Trips to survey for Eastern prairie fringed orchid were always rewarding and challenging. Very early in the season, we were able to participate in prescribed burns at Honey Run Highlands and Daughmer Savannah – what a rare treat! The rare plant surveys we took part in yielded some intriguing moments as well. The plants we surveyed comprised of royal catchfly, red baneberry, Canby’s mountain-lover, Northern monkshood, and prairie valerian. I am all but certain that Brad Von Blon managed to capture these majesties with his tireless camera work.

Finally, I would like to expound on the value this program has for aspiring recent college graduates. Without a doubt, the stewardship assistantship served its intended purpose as a springboard into the field of ecology, preserve management, and the like. The combination of being exposed to the wide-ranging natural habitats of Ohio and those who are already involved in these types of careers has opened many doors. The countless organizations, groups and individuals we have interacted with through this program have granted us many possibilities and potential interests, making it difficult to choose a direction to proceed from here. The three of us truly appreciate the opportunity that ONAPA has afforded us and we come out of this experience feeling as though our work helped make the world a little bit better. `Brad Small

Donations needed for new stewardship assistant team in 2023

ONAPA is still planning to start a second stewardship team in 2023 in the west and southwest portions of Ohio. Our development committee is working to raise $50,000 towards this effort and will be working in several ways to raise these funds.

If you would like to support this effort, feel free to CONTACT US or send a donation directly to our ONAPA address: PO Box 415,
Johnstown, OH 43031. If you specify that you want your donation to go towards stewardship, we will make sure that happens! With almost 20 partners across Ohio now, our stewardship team is helping to manage natural areas, besides state nature preserves, that need our help, including sites owned by the Cleveland Museum of Natural

2022 Stewardship Assistant team

History and The Nature Conservancy. In SW Ohio, we will be working with Great Parks, Beaver Creek Wetlands Association, and other partners.

Photo courtesy of the Knox County Visitors Bureau

Thursday, March 2, 2023
Woody species control at Honey Run Highlands Park

10:00 am - 3:00 pm
10816 Millersburg Road, Howard
Knox County

In April 2010, the Knox County Park District, with financial assistance from the Clean Ohio Fund Green Space Conservation Program, acquired a 348-acre property located across the road from the Honey Run Waterfall. The park includes hiking trails, picnic facilities and habitat restoration (warm season grasslands/prairie forb areas and tree plantings). During the 2021 growing season, park volunteers identified a total of 320 species of forbs.
The park includes 60 acres of planted prairie, on which ONAPA assists with the prescribed burning in the spring.

RSVP: If you would like to attend, please REGISTER. If you have questions, please contact The Ohio Natural Areas and Preserves Association HERE . Online registration is important for our planning.

Tuesday, February 28
Woody species control at Sheldon's Marsh State Nature Preserve

10:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
2715 Cleveland Road W, Huron
Erie County

Sheldon's Marsh State Nature Preserve and contiguous wetlands comprise some of the last remaining undeveloped stretches of shoreline in the Sandusky Bay region. As Ohio's once expansive coastal wetland habitat disappears, the importance of Sheldon Marsh increases immensely. This preserve contains many types of habitats such as old field, hardwood forest, woodland swamp, cattail marsh, barrier sand beach and open water-lake. All are relicts of the lake-marsh-forest ecosystem which originally encompassed thousands of acres along Lake Erie's western basin.

This preserve is known to attract nearly 300 bird species and also provides habitat for many wildflowers. Along the barrier sand beach, numerous shorebirds are frequently seen searching for food at the water's edge.

We will be removing woody species along the barrier beach.

Directions: Located in Erie County, approximately 2 miles west of Huron on U.S. Route 6. Use the Rye Beach Road exit from SR 2 and proceed west approximately ½ a mile to the preserve entrance and parking lot.

What to bring: Lunch, water, hiking boots, and gloves.

RSVP: If you would like to attend, please REGISTER. If you have questions, please contact The Ohio Natural Areas and Preserves Association HERE . Online registration is important for our planning.

Thursday, February 2, 2023
Clean-up in the pine plantation area of
Crane Hollow State Nature Preserve

10:30am – 3:30pm
Gibisonville (Hocking County)

Located in Hocking County, Crane Hollow Preserve is part of the unglaciated Allegheny Plateau. The Preserve features varied native vegetation, along with cliffs and ravines formed in Black Hand Sandstone. William and Jane Ann Ellis began protecting the Crane Hollow watershed in 1977.
In addition to preserving and managing Crane Hollow, scientific research is an important part of Crane Hollow's program. Studies of the preserve's geology, flora and fauna, and other natural features have been or are being conducted. In 1990, 1,200 acres of the Crane Hollow Preserve became part of the State of Ohio Nature Preserve system. Between the years of 2002-2011, an additional 85 acres were dedicated, increasing the size of the dedicated nature preserve to 1,285.

Tuesday, November 29, 2022
Woody species control at Irwin Prairie

10:30 am – 3:30 pm
9987 West Bancroft Street, Holland
Lucas County

The core of this preserve is a treeless, wet sedge meadow dominated by several species of sedges, rushes and wetland grasses. It is the finest remaining sedge meadow in the state. The preserve is actually comprised of a mosaic of distinctive

plant communities based on variations in water table levels. We will be cutting and treating invasive woody species in the sedge meadow.

Directions: Meet at the parking lot located at on Bancroft Road, about five miles north of the Toledo airport.

What to bring: Bring lunch, work gloves, and dress for the weather.

RSVP: If you would like to attend, please REGISTER. If you have questions, please contact The Ohio Natural Areas and Preserves Association HERE . Online registration is important for our planning.

What to bring: Water, lunch, sunscreen, insect repellant,
gloves, and hiking boots. Tools will be furnished but you may bring your own.

RSVP: If you would like to attend, please REGISTER. If you have questions, please contact The Ohio Natural Areas and Preserves Association HERE . Online registration is important for our planning.

Thursday, November 3, 2022
Woody species control at Tucker SNP
10:00 am – 3:00 pm
6975 E. Livingston Avenue, Reynoldsburg
Franklin County

Tucker Preserve is a dedicated state nature preserve within Blacklick Woods Metro Parks on the east side of Columbus. The beech-maple forest association in this preserve is considered to be among the least disturbed in central Ohio, although it was logged after settlement. We will be assisting Columbus Metro Parks' staff to cut and treat invasive woody species in the woods, such as Asian bush honeysuckle, privet, multiflora rose, and other non-native woodies.

Directions: From I-270, take exit 41 for I-70 and merge onto E. Main Street. Turn right on McNaughten Road and then left on East Livingston Avenue. Turn right on Blacklick Woods Park Road. We will meet at the parking lot for the Blacklick Wood Nature Center.

Tuesday, September 6, 2022
Invasive Species Control at Myersville Fen State Nature Preserve

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 woody plant species such 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. We may be controlling purple loosestrife and cattails.

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, please REGISTER. If you have questions, please contact The Ohio Natural Areas and Preserves Association HERE . Online registration is important for our planning.

Tuesday, November 15, 2022
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.

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, please REGISTER. If you have questions, please contact The Ohio Natural Areas and Preserves Association HERE . Online registration is important for our planning.

Thursday, September 8, 2022
Invasive Woody 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, please REGISTER. If you have questions, please contact The Ohio Natural Areas and Preserves Association HERE . Online registration is important for our planning.

Thursday, October 27, 2022
Woody species control at Conneaut Creek Scenic River site
11:00 am – 3:30 pm
Scenic Rivers Property, Center Road, Conneaut
Ashtabula County

Of the 21 miles to receive State Scenic River designation, 16.4 miles, from the state line to the Creek Road bridge crossing, received the additional State Wild River status. Only two other stream segments in Ohio -- portions of the Grand River in Ashtabula County and Little Beaver Creek in Columbiana County -- are so listed. The stream corridor is home to 78 fish species and 32 species of amphibians and reptiles. The heavily wooded watershed harbors more than 30 unique plants and plant communities, many of which are listed as threatened or endangered.

ONAPA volunteers will assist with woody invasive vegetation in the floodplain and around some floodplain wetlands utilizing cut and treat techniques.

Directions: From I-90, take the SR 7 exit north to Gateway Avenue and turn left. Turn right on Center Road and
proceed about one mile to the parking area which will be

on the left, once you cross the West Branch of Conneaut Creek. GPS Coordinates for parking: 41.93746024683781, -80.57209640485493.

What to bring: Water, lunch, sunscreen, insect repellant, gloves, and muck boots. Tools will be furnished but you may bring your own.

RSVP: If you would like to attend, please REGISTER. If you have questions, please contact The Ohio Natural Areas and Preserves Association HERE . Online registration is important for our planning.

NEW DATE: Thursday, May 19, 2022

Garlic Mustard & Dame's Rocket Control at Augusta-Anne Olsen State Nature Preserve
10:30 am - 3:30 pm
4934 West River Road, Wakeman
Huron County

This very scenic preserve contains a large section of the Vermilion River Gorge. In addition to an abundance of spring wildflowers, this preserve supports a locally significant oak-maple forest and mixed floodplain community. Vermilion River Preserve was a gift from Reverend and Mrs. William Olsen of Port Clinton in 1985. There are over 3 miles of hiking trails at this preserve.

We will be working through the wooded portions of the preserve to hand pull garlic mustard and Dame's rocket. There are also large populations of lesser celandine at the

the preserve, but we will focus on garlic mustard since hand pulling is not effective for lesser celandine.

Directions: The preserve is located on West River Road, just north of Wakeman. West River Road can be easily
assessed from US Route 20 on the north side of Wakeman. We will meet in the parking lot.

What to bring: Lunch, water, waterproof or rubber boots or hiking boots, gloves.

RSVP: If you would like to attend, please REGISTER. If you have questions, please contact The Ohio Natural Areas and Preserves Association HERE.

Thursday, May 12, 2022
Pulling Invasive Plants at Fowler Woods State Nature Preserve
10:30 am - 3:30 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 brand new 1-1/4 mile loop boardwalk trail that begins at the parking lot.

We will be pulling invasive plants that are high priority for control: garlic mustard and butterweed.

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, please REGISTER. If you have questions, please contact The Ohio Natural Areas and Preserves Association HERE.

Wednesday, May 11, 2022
Invasive Plants Scouting and Control at Hueston Woods

10:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Hueston Woods State Park, Main Loop Road
College Corner, OH
Butler County

Hueston Woods is a tiny remnant of the beech-maple forest that once stretched in a broad band from southwestern Ohio to its northeastern corner. This forest type is dominated by the ghostly gray trunks of beech trees along with varying proportions of sugar maple, red and white oaks, and white ash. The quantity and variety of species vary according to the wetness and slope of the ground and other environmental factors. In Hueston Woods, beech trees form nearly 44 percent of the canopy, sugar maples make up 28 percent, and white ash 19 percent. During the spring, the forest floor is blanketed with a luxuriant display of wildflowers including Dutchman's breeches, squirrel corn, large-flowered and sessile trilliums, may-apple, bloodroot and several species of violets and buttercups. Unfortunately, garlic mustard and Japanese stiltgrass now threaten the native wildflower populations.

For this project, we will be scouting for garlic mustard, Dame's rocket and Japanese stiltgrass. When found, we will be pulling and removing it from the woods in plastic bags.

Directions: Follow directions to Hueston Woods State Park, which is located north of Oxford and southwest of Camden in Butler County (SW Ohio). Once you enter the state park, the preserve is located in the park, off the Main Loop Road. We will meet at the Blue Heron parking lot, which is the closest to the archery range (one of three parking lots in the preserve).

What to bring: Bring lunch, work gloves, hiking boots, tick spray or repellent, and a hiking stick if desired.

RSVP: If you would like to attend, please REGISTER. If you have questions, please contact The Ohio Natural Areas and Preserves Association HERE.

Tuesday, May 10, 2022
Invasive Plants Control at Davey Woods

10:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
7661 Lonesome Road, St. Paris
Champaign County

This mature forest woodland has numerous large tuliptrees, sugar maple, ash and oak as well as an excellent array of spring

wildflowers. It is one of the best woodlots remaining in this part of Ohio: about 90 acres are old-growth forest. Named in honor of the Davey Tree Expert Company which, through The Nature Conservancy, provided half the funding to acquire this site in 1989. The terrain is hilly for this part of Ohio.

For this project, we will be removing garlic mustard and Dame's rocket from the woods in plastic bags. This project may be rescheduled to a different preserve, depending on the results from the April 28 project at this location.

Directions: The preserve is located near the town of St. Paris, about nine miles northeast of your turn on Zimmerman Road off U.S. Rt 36.

What to bring: Bring lunch, work gloves, hiking boots, tick spray or repellent, and a hiking stick if desired.

RSVP: If you would like to attend, please REGISTER. If you have questions, please contact The Ohio Natural Areas and Preserves Association HERE.

CANCELLED
Tuesday, May 3, 2022
Garlic Mustard Control at Clear Fork Gorge State Nature Preserve

10:30 am - 3:30 pm
Mohican Park Road # 51, Perrysville, OH
Ashland County

The 29-acre Clear Fork Gorge State Nature Preserve is situated along the north bluff of the Clear Fork of the Mohican State Scenic River. The white pine-hemlock forest community here, although only 8 acres in extent, is one of the best remaining woodlands like this in the state.
Huge native white pines and eastern hemlocks grow on the steep sides of the gorge wall. In addition to rare nesting warblers, one of the most interesting species observed here is the round-leaved orchid.

We will walking through the preserve in search of garlic mustard in an effort to eradicate it from this preserve which is surrounded by state forest and state park land. Hiking will be on steep, rugged terrain.

Directions: Proceed to the fire tower in Mohican State Forest on Park Road 51 and park at the fire tower. We will leave from this parking lot and hike into the preserve.

What to bring: Lunch, water, hiking boots, and gloves.

RSVP: If you would like to attend, please REGISTER. If you have questions, please contact The Ohio Natural Areas and Preserves Association HERE.

Tuesday, April 19, 2022
Garlic Mustard Control at Miller 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, please REGISTER. If you have questions, please contact The Ohio Natural Areas and Preserves Association HERE.

Saturday, July 7 (Rain Date: July 10)
Invasive Species Control at Jackson Bog State Nature Preserve

RESCHEDULED: Thursday, April 5
Garlic Mustard Control at Rhododendron Cove State Nature Preserve

10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
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 please RSVP HERE or if you have questions, please contact us HERE.

POSTPONED, NEW DATE: Wednesday, March 14
Bush Honeysuckle Control at Mentor Marsh State Nature Preserve

Tuesday, May 8 (Rain Date: May 9)
Garlic Mustard Control at Lawrence Woods State Nature Preserve

10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
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 please RSVP HERE or if you have questions, please contact us HERE.

NEW DATE: Wednesday, April 25
Garlic Mustard Control at Lake Katharine State Nature Preserve

10:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
1703 Lake Katharine Road, Jackson
Jackson County
Lake Katharine is a magnificent forested nature preserve of over 2,000 acres in Jackson County. It has a beautiful lake and over 6 miles of hiking trails, surrounded by spring wildflowers and many rare plants, including the bigleaf magnolia. Garlic mustard is one of the invasive plants that needs to be controlled to preserve wildflower diversity, particularly in the bottomlands. We will be pulling and hauling garlic mustard in several areas in the bottomlands.

Directions: Meet at the main parking lot near the maintenance building. The parking lot can be reached by taking State Street west out of Jackson about 2 miles, then turning right on County Road 85 (Lake Katharine Road) and proceeding 2 miles to the main parking lot.

What to bring: Lunch, water, waterproof or rubber boots or hiking boots, gloves.

RSVP: If you would like to attend please RSVP HERE or if you have questions, please contact us HERE.

Tuesday, February 27, 2018
Woody Species Control at Meilke Road Savanna Wildlife Area

10:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
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, the only host plant for the Federal threatened Karner blue butterfly, once known to be abundant in the Oak Openings, bloom.

For this stewardship project, we will cutting and treating woody sprouts in the savanna to maintain open habitat necessary for rare plants and butterflies.

Please note that the directions have changed!
Directions: The wildlife area is located on the north side of Hill Avenue, west of Crissey Road, and east of Meilke Road in Holland, just west of Toledo. Parking will be along Hill Avenue where the wildlife area meets Hill Avenue (watch for WA boundary signs). There is a sandy pull-off area along Hill Avenue on the north side of the 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, USFWS staff, and trained ONAPA volunteers.

RSVP: If you would like to attend please RSVP HERE or if you have questions, please contact us HERE.

Wednesday, March 23, 2016, no rain date
Garlic Mustard Pull at Boch Hollow State Nature Preserve

7000 Beach Camp Road
Logan, Ohio
Hocking County
10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
The most notable botanical feature at Boch Hollow is the extensive population of the Federally Endangered Running Buffalo Clover – the largest such population in Ohio. Unique among Ohio’s preserves is the mission of Boch Hollow to serve as an educational site for hands-on environmental education of Appalachian Ohio ecology. Primarily geared toward local school children, the staff also provides programs to the general public as well as various civic and environmental organizations.

Our project entails the following: Garlic mustard is the target of the day! By pulling this invasive, non-native plant from the ground, we will open up habitat for woodland wildflowers to thrive on the newest addition to the preserve. This tract of land, named the Rago tract, is a 35-acre parcel which includes waterfalls, hemlock cliffs, a breathtaking glen, and deep, cascading pools. Please join us on this very special opportunity to see a beautiful part of Boch Hollow!

Directions: Driving directions HERE. From Columbus travel east on US 33 and take the Tarkiln Road exit. Turn left at the bottom of the ramp and proceed straight through the light at Business route 33 onto Horn’s Mill road. Travel approximately 4.8 miles on Horn’s Mill Road. As road enters Hocking County, it becomes Hide-Away-Hills Rd. Continue on Hide-Away-Hills Road approximately 4.1 miles to intersection with SR 664. Turn right on SR 664 and travel approximately 0.4 mile. Turn left onto Beach Camp Road and travel approximately 1 mile and turn right into the driveway at Boch Hollow SNP.

What to bring: Lunch, water, waterproof or rubber boots, gloves.

RSVP: To sign up, click HERE.

Wednesday, March 23, 2016, no rain date
Garlic Mustard Pull at Boch Hollow State Nature Preserve

Thursday, March 7, 2019

Bush Honeysuckle Control at
Mentor Marsh State Nature Preserve

11:30am – 3:30pm
5185 Corduroy Road
(Lake County)

Mentor Marsh is a 646-acre preserve co-managed by the Division of Natural Areas & Preserves and the Cleveland Museum of Natural History. Designated as a National Natural Landmark in 1966, it occupies an ancient abandoned channel of the Grand River which became a marsh. A beech-sugar maple forest occupies the higher elevations bordering the marsh. At the eastern edge of the preserve, there is a mixed oak swamp forest, a forest type destroyed in most parts of the Lake Erie region. The most extensive plant community type is an emergent wetland which was dominated by giant reed-grass or Phragmites. The Cleveland Museum of Natural History has implemented a large-scale restoration project to control the Phragmites and restore native plant diversity. The preserve provides habitat for a diversity of wildlife and plant species.

For this project, we will be cutting and treating large bush honeysuckles to create access to an area of Phragmites which will be treated for control. We will use loppers and handsaws to cut the bush honeysuckle shrubs.
Directions: Meet at the parking lot at the north end of the Zimmerman trail off Headlands Road (south of Shipman Pond). Mentor Marsh can be reached by following State Route 44 North; the preserve is located west of SR 44 and south of Headlands Dune SNP. Turn left (west) on Headlands Road from SR 44 to access the parking lot where we will be meeting.

What to bring: Lunch, water, hiking boots, and gloves. ONAPA and CMNH will provide tools. Herbicide treatment will be done by DNAP or CMNH 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.

Tuesday, March 19, 2019 -
Hemlock Wooly Adelgid Surveys at
Crane Hollow State Nature Preserve

10:30am – 3:00pm
Gibisonville (Hocking County)

Crane Hollow is a privately-owned dedicated state nature preserve in the Hocking Hills. It is over 2,000 acres in size and access is by permit only. It is managed by Crane Hollow, Inc., a private non-profit corporation; ONAPA will be partnering with them for this survey. Hemlock wooly adelgid (HWA) was found in the preserve in 2018 on a few trees and today we will be conducting additional surveys for HWA to document the extent of the infestation. HWA is a small, destructive, non-native insect from Asia which sucks sap from hemlocks. Winter months are the best time to conduct these surveys; we will be closely inspecting low-hanging hemlock branches to look for evidence of HWA, most noticeable as white wooly masses on the underside of the branches.

Be prepared for extensive, rugged hiking.

Directions: Be sure to register for this project and directions to the preserve will be sent to you in advance.

What to bring: Bring lunch, water, hiking boots, trekking poles, gloves, hand lens (if you have one), and warm clothing.

RSVP: If you would like to attend or have questions, please contact The Ohio Natural Areas and Preserves Association HERE.

Thursday, April 11, 2019
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.

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.

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.

Little Darby Creek is designated a state and national scenic river.

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.

Tuesday, May 21, 2019
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.

Tuesday, May 7, 2019
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.

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.

Tuesday, May 12, 2020
Scouting for invasive plants at Fowler Woods State Nature Preserve

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.

Tuesday, March 8, 2022
Hemlock Wooly Adelgid Surveys at
Little Rocky Hollow State Nature Preserve

10:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.
Gibisonville (Hocking County)

One of several nature preserves in the Pine Creek watershed, Little Rocky Hollow is a 259-acre preserve in a hardwood-hemlock ravine system. Spectacular rock formations of Mississippian age Black Hand sandstone tower over the stream valley supporting an enormous collection of ferns, lichens, mosses and liverworts. The valley floor supports yellow and black birch, tulip, sycamore and eastern hemlock, while the uplands include various oaks, hickories and native Virginia pine. This preserve requires a permit for access.

We will be conducting surveys for hemlock wooly adelgid. HWA is a small, destructive, non-native insect from Asia which sucks sap from hemlocks. Winter months are the best time to conduct these surveys; we will be closely inspecting low-hanging hemlock branches to look for evidence of HWA, most noticeable as white wooly masses on the underside of the branches. Be prepared for extensive, rugged hiking.

Directions: We will be meeting at the small, gravel parking lot on Kreashbaum Road, which can be accessed from SR 678. Be sure to register for this project and more detailed directions to the preserve will be sent to you in advance.

What to bring: Bring lunch, water, hiking boots, trekking poles, hand lens (if you have one), gloves, and warm clothing.

RSVP: To attend, please REGISTER HERE. If you have questions, please contact the Ohio Natural Areas and Preserves Association HERE.

Thursday, February 17, 2022 - CANCELLED DUE TO WEATHER
Woody Species Control in the Forest at Lake Katharine State Nature Preserve

10:30 am – 3:30 pm
1703 Lake Katharine Road, Jackson
Jackson County

Lake Katharine is a magnificent forested nature preserve of over 2,000 acres in Jackson County. It has a beautiful lake and over 6 miles of hiking trails, surrounded by spring wildflowers and many rare plants, including the bigleaf magnolia. For this project, we will be working in the woods to remove and treat woody invasive plants such as Japanese barberry, bush honeysuckle, and privet.

Directions: Meet at the main parking lot near the maintenance building. The parking lot can be

reached by taking State Street west out of Jackson about 2 miles, then turning right on County Road 85 (Lake Katharine Road) and proceeding 2 miles to the main parking lot.

What to bring: Lunch, water, hiking boots, gloves.

RSVP: To attend, please REGISTER HERE. If you have questions, please contact the Ohio Natural Areas and Preserves Association HERE.

RESCHEDULED TO Wednesday, February 16, 2022
Woody Species Removal at Bonnett Pond Bog State Nature Preserve

staff and ONAPA volunteers will conduct the herbicide application. Note that poison sumac is present in this bog, so special care will be taken to avoid it.

Directions: In Washington Township, the preserve is located on State Route 179. From Loudonville, proceed northeast on SR 3. Turn right on SR 179. The preserve will be on the left before you reach Lakeville. Parking is very limited; a few cars can park at the edge of the field near the electric substation, while others may need to park at the intersection of SR 3 and SR 179 (and be shuttled to the preserve). The preserve is mostly wooded and you will see state nature preserve boundary signs from the road. Due to the lack of facilities and the sensitive species present in the small bog, access is usually by permit only from the Division of Natural Areas and Preserves.

What to bring: Lunch, water, muck/knee boots, and gloves.

RSVP: To attend, please REGISTER HERE. If you have questions, please contact the Ohio Natural Areas and Preserves Association HERE.

Tuesday, February 8, 2022 - CANCELLED
Woody Species Removal at Herrick Fen State Nature Preserve

UNPLOWED SNOW PREVENTS ACCESS - rescheduled date TBD
10:30 am – 3:30 pm
8260 Seasons Road, Streetsboro
Portage County

Herrick Fen is important for its tamarack and cinquefoil-sedge fen communities. The tamarack fen supports one of the few reproducing tamarack populations in Ohio, the only native conifer in Ohio which sheds its needles each year. The cinquefoil-sedge fen contains an extensive population of bayberry, a state-endangered plant found in only three locations in Ohio.

The site lies on a buried pre-glacial valley filled with silt and gravel that allows for the rise of cold, calcium and magnesium rich springs which promote the presence of the fen communities here. A beech-maple forest borders the wetland on the northeast side and mixed hardwood forest occurs on the southern edge. The preserve provides habitat for more than 20 state-listed plants including yellow sedge, crinkled hairgrass, water avens, bunchflower, autumn willow and green cotton-grass.

Directions: Travel State Route 43 south for 0.2 miles
from its intersection with State Route 14. Turn right

(southwest) on Seasons Road. Follow Seasons Road 2.2 miles to a gravel lane on the left (east) side just past a railroad crossing. Gravel parking lot on right

What to bring: Lunch, water, muck boots, gloves.

RSVP: To attend, please REGISTER HERE. If you have questions, please contact the Ohio Natural Areas and Preserves Association HERE.

Thursday, January 20, 2022
Woody Species Removal at Mallard Club Wildlife Area

10:30am – 3:30pm
Cedar Point Road, Oregon
Lucas County

The 402-acre Mallard Club Marsh Wildlife Area is bounded on the west by Maumee Bay State Park, the north by Maumee Bay, the north and east by Cedar Point National Wildlife Refuge, and the south by Cedar Point Road. The area is managed to provide optimum wetland vegetation for a variety of wetland wildlife species. Water levels throughout the marsh range from a few inches to three feet.

We will be working at one of the sites for Eastern prairie fringed orchid (PFO) which occurs at Mallard Club WA. We will be cutting woody species, primarily dogwood, cottonwood, and willow, hauling brush out of the sedge meadows, and treating the cut stems with herbicide. Herbicide treatment will be done by DOW staff or trained ONAPA volunteers. ONAPA will provide loppers and handsaws.

Directions: We will meet at the parking lot on Cedar Point Road closest to the entrance to Cedar Point NWR. Cedar Point Road can be accessed from SR 2 by driving north on Cousino or Decant Roads.

What to bring: Lunch, water, muck or rubber boots/hiking boots, and gloves. ONAPA will provide tools. Herbicide treatment will be done by DOW staff or trained ONAPA volunteers.

RSVP: To attend, please REGISTER HERE. If you have questions, please contact the Ohio Natural Areas and Preserves Association HERE.

Tuesday, January 11, 2022
Woody Species Removal 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 be working in the North Barrens, cutting and treating woody stems. Trained KWLT 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 (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.

RSVP: To attend, please REGISTER HERE. If you have questions, please contact the Ohio Natural Areas and Preserves Association HERE.

Tuesday, September 7, 2021
Woody Species Control at Cranberry Bog State Nature Preserve
10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Buckeye Lake, Licking County

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.

RSVP: Please REGISTER HERE. Online registration is important to our planning. Please contact The Ohio Natural Areas & Preserves Association HERE if you have questions.

RESCHEDULED Tuesday, November 16, 2021
Woody 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.

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: Please REGISTER HERE. Online registration is important for our planning. Please contact The Ohio Natural Areas & Preserves Association HERE if you have questions.

Saturday, September 18, 2021
Aurora Audubon Preserve: Invasive Species Control in Woodland and Wetland Sites
10:30 am - 3:30 pm
East Pioneer Trail, Aurora
Portage County

The Audubon Society of Greater Cleveland's Aurora Sanctuary is located north of Pioneer Trail, a few hundred yards east of Page Road in Portage County. It was

purchased in 1941 by The Cleveland Bird Club. It is thought to be the oldest bird sanctuary in Ohio. The former owner of the property, the Smythe family, intended to develop it in the 1920's, but the economic depression forced abandonment of the pla preserve is n. The Cleveland Bird Club subsequently bought the property from the Cleveland Trust Company. The bulk of the 165-acre in second growth beech-maple-oak-hickory forest. Two field areas are preserved from an earlier time when the property was mostly farm and pasture. Approximately half of the property has been left in a natural state, without trails or other man-made alterations. A trail system on the western portion of the property is about two miles in length and lends access to a large variety of habitat types. The sanctuary is a State Nautre Preserve dedicated in 1999.

Our group will be working with DNAP staff and Augubon members to remove woody invasive species in one of the wetland areas. We will be cutting, hauling, and treating cut stems with herbicide to prevent resprouting. The project will included a short hike in the preserve with Audubon members.

Directions: Aurora Sanctuary is located southeast of the town of Aurora, south of SR 82 and east of SR 43. Procedd east on East Pioneer Trail until you reach the parking lot on the north side of the road.

What to bring: Bring lunch, water, muck boots and gloves. ONAPA and DNAP will provide the tools. Herbicide application will be done by DNAP staff and trained ONAPA volunteers.

RSVP: Please REGISTER HERE. Online registration is important to our planning. If you have questions, please contact the Ohio Natural Areas and Preserves Association HERE.

Tuesday, July 26, 2022
Invasive Species Control at Clifton Gorge State Nature Preserve
10:30 a.m. – 3:30 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 also be scouting for Japanese stiltgrass.

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, please REGISTER. If you have questions, please contact The Ohio Natural Areas and Preserves Association HERE . Online registration is important for our planning.

Tuesday, August 23, 2022

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, the only host plant for the Federal threatened Karner blue butterfly, once known to be abundant in the Oak Openings, bloom.

For this stewardship project, we will be 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 (hand saws and loppers) if you wish. ONAPA will also provide tools. Herbicide application will be done by DOW staff and trained ONAPA volunteers.

RSVP: If you would like to attend, please REGISTER. If you have questions, please contact The Ohio Natural Areas and Preserves Association HERE . Online registration is important for our planning.

CANCELLED - TO BE RESCHEDULED
Removal of Vines and Woody Species at Crabill Fen
10:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Clark County
Directions will be sent to registrants

Crabill Fen is the smaller of two fen communities that are part of the C.J. Brown Reservoir on Buck Creek near Springfield. These rare alkaline wetlands are home to specialized plants and animals that thrive in harsh conditions, including the insectivorous sundew, rare spotted turtle, and massasauga rattlesnake.

Our project includes removing vines and woody species that are encroaching the fen meadows. Because access to this fen is by ODNR permit only, directions will be emailed to those who register for this project prior to June 15.

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, please REGISTER. If you have questions, please contact The Ohio Natural Areas and Preserves Association HERE . Online registration is important for our planning.

Thursday, August 26, 2021
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. We may also work in the savanna above the east fen to remove and treat woody stems.

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, please REGISTER. If you have questions, please contact The Ohio Natural Areas and Preserves Association HERE. Online registration is important for our planning.

Tuesday, August 3, 2021
Invasive Species Removal at Cooperrider-Kent Bog State Nature Preserve

10:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
1028 Meloy Road, Kent
Portage County

Kent Bog is a living relict from the Ice Age. In glacial times, the boreal forest, including tamarack, dominated the landscape far south of northern Ohio. Today, Kent Bog supports one of the largest, southernmost stands of tamarack in the continental United States. There are over 3,500 tamaracks in the population with many robust seedlings growing among the larger trees. Here, too, is a fine population of gray birch, also a tree of northern distribution. Gray Birch and tamarack are both potentially threatened species in Ohio.

We will be removing invasive glossy buckthorn and other invasive woody species in the bog using a combination of cutting and treating the cut stems with herbicide, as well as hand-pulling buckthorn seedlings (which are numerous). Trained DNAP staff and ONAPA volunteers will conduct the herbicide application.

Directions: From I-76 east, take the Kent exit (SR 43) north to Meloy Road, then head west (turn left) to the parking lot.

What to bring: Bring lunch, water, rubber/leather gloves and muck/knee boots. Tools will be provided.

RSVP: If you would like to attend, please REGISTER. If you have questions, please contact The Ohio Natural Areas and Preserves Association HERE. Online registration is important for our planning.

ONAPA is looking for two to three
2022 Stewardship Assistants

ONAPA is once again looking for individuals interested in helping with stewardship on natural areas in Ohio. We expect to offer 2-3 6-month, part-time contract positions to college graduates, graduate students, and college juniors with a strong background in biology, natural resources, botany, and land management. If you are interested or know someone who may be interested, visit our STEWARDSHIP ASSISTANT PAGE for the full position description. You may CONTACT US to apply through our website. Applications will be accepted through March 31, and interviews will be scheduled starting in late March.

Tuesday, January 19, 2021
Woody Species Removal at Springville Marsh State Nature Preserve

10:30 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 will be cutting invading woody species in the sedge meadows.

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: To attend, please REGISTER HERE. If you have questions, please contact the Ohio Natural Areas and Preserves Association HERE.

Thursday, January 28, 2021
Bush Honeysuckle Removal at Halls Creek Woods State Nature Preserve
10:30 am – 3:30 pm
3232 Mason-Morrow-Millgrove Rd
Warren County

The majority of this preserve is mature forest composed of hardwoods including maple, beech, oak and hickory with a large variety of spring wildflowers and ferns present. Old field habitat also contains a diversity of species. Halls Creek, a tributary of the Little Miami State and National Scenic River, passes through the preserve and forms a series of small, beautiful waterfalls as it passes over the Ordovician limestone bedrock.

We will be cutting Asian bush honeysuckle in areas of the woods to improve habitat for spring wildflowers. DNAP staff or trained ONAPA stewardship assistants will conduct herbicide application to the cut stems.

Directions: The preserve can be accessed from I-71 by taking Exit 32 to SR 123 South. Follow OH-123, then turn right onto South Waynesville Road, then right onto Halls

Creek Road. Finally turn left onto Mason-Morrow-Millgrove Rd in Salem Township. The preserve will be on the left side of the road.

What to bring: Lunch, water, hiking boots, and gloves.

RSVP: To attend, please REGISTER HERE. If you have questions, please contact the Ohio Natural Areas and Preserves Association HERE.

CANCELLED due to weather forecast
Zimmerman Prairie State Nature Preserve: Woody Species Removal
10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
Near 1321 Research Park Dr, Beavercreek
Greene County

Zimmerman Prairie is a remnant of an extensive prairie fen which occurred in the outwash-filled valleys of Beaver Creek in western Ohio. This small prairie boasts several species of rare and interesting prairie plants including queen-of-the-prairie, Riddell's goldenrod, prairie dock, big bluestem, Indian grass and Ohio goldenrod. Although small in size, Zimmerman Prairie is one of the southernmost fens known in Ohio.

We will be working with the Beaver Creek Wetlands Association for these two projects, removing woody species in the small prairie fen. DNAP staff, BCWA members, or trained ONAPA stewardship assistants will conduct herbicide application to the cut stems.

Directions: There are no trails or other improvements. Access to the preserve is from Creekside Bike Trail. Park in lot next to bike trail at 1321 Research Park Drive and walk up bike trail for about 1/4 mile. The preserve is located between the bike trail and U.S. 35.

What to bring: Lunch, water, hiking boots, and gloves.

RSVP: To attend, please REGISTER HERE. If you have questions, please contact the Ohio Natural Areas and Preserves Association HERE.

Wednesday, March 3, 2021
Hemlock Wooly Adelgid (HWA) Survey at Sheick Hollow State Nature Preserve

10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Buckeye Lake, Hocking County

RESCHEDULED from February 11

Sheick Hollow is a narrow canyon composed of Black Hand sandstone cliffs that create a boreal forest-like atmosphere supporting Canada yew, hemlock and birch on the cliff faces and steep slopes. Numerous waterfalls are common in the spring as water cascades from the various small tributaries of the main stream. We will be looking for signs of HWA infestation.

Directions: Access is by permit only - you will be emailed directions to this project after you register.

What to bring: Lunch, water, hiking boots, trekking poles, hand lens (if you have one), gloves.

RSVP: To attend, please REGISTER HERE. If you have questions, contact the Ohio Natural Areas and Preserves Association HERE.

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.

Little Darby Creek is designated a state and national scenic river.

RESCHEDULED: Tuesday, November 5, 2019
Woody Species Control at Cranberry Bog State Nature Preserve
10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Buckeye Lake, Licking County

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.

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.

Tuesday, May 21, 2019
Garlic Mustard Control at Lawrence Woods State Nature Preserve

2016 STEWARDSHIP PROJECT SCHEDULE

We have 20 stewardship projects planned for 2016, 13 of which are on weekdays this year. We will include a short field trip on each project to see some of the preserve we are working at. DNAP may provide a vehicle from their Columbus office for projects which are a longer drive from Columbus, more than 90 minutes. And finally, we plan to offer volunteer training this month, on February 20th, and a volunteer appreciation picnic in late summer or early fall.

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.

Wednesday, March 23, 2016, no rain date
Garlic Mustard Pull at Boch Hollow State Nature Preserve

Wednesday, April 6, 2016, rain date is Wednesday, April 13, 2016
Lesser Celandine Removal at Augusta-Anne Olsen State Nature Preserve

West River Road
Wakeman, Ohio
Huron County
10:30 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Olsen State Nature Preserve features ridge top oaks and maples towering above a mixed floodplain forest and the Vermilion River. The river, which runs in a huge bend around the preserve, has created many small plant communities with different exposures offering a great deal of diversity in a relatively small area. Both the River Loop Trail and the River Trail offer excellent wildflower viewing, as well as American chestnut trees. The Sassafras Trail features one of the largest sassafras trees in the state, as well as spectacular views high above the river on a ridge of serviceberry and witch-hazel.

Our project includes removing lesser celandine, an invasive, non-native species, from the floodplain forest along the Vermillion River Gorge. A native of Europe, lesser celandine has been lovingly referred to in literature by Wordsworth, Edward Thomas, C.S. Lewis, and Paul Morrel. Yet this small, low growing perennial in the buttercup family wreaks havoc on our North American native wildflowers. Control of lesser celandine at the preserve will include digging and pulling the plants, as well as some selective herbicide application in dense areas; lesser celandine is hard to control due to its glossy leaves and bulblets.

Directions: Located about 1 mile north of Wakeman on West River road. Driving directions HERE.

What to bring: Lunch, water, waterproof or rubber boots, gloves.

RSVP: To sign up, click HERE.

Saturday, April 23, 2016, rain date is Saturday, April 30, 2016
Garlic Mustard and Invasive Shrub Control at Lake Katharine State Nature Preserve

1703 Lake Katharine Road
Jackson, OH 45640
Jackson, County
10:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Lake Katharine is a magnificent forested nature preserve of over 2,000 acres in Jackson County. It has a beautiful lake and over 6 miles of hiking trails, surrounded by spring wildflowers and many rare plants including the big leaf magnolia. Garlic mustard is one of the invasive plants that needs to be controlled to preserve wildflower diversity, particularly in the bottomlands.

What our project entails: This project will include removal of invasive woody species, as well as garlic mustard removal.

Directions: Meet at the main parking lot near the maintenance building. The parking lot can be reached by taking State Street west out of Jackson about 2 miles, then turning right on County Road 85 (Lake Katharine Road) and proceeding 2 miles. Driving directions HERE.

What to bring: Lunch, water, waterproof or rubber boots, gloves.

RSVP: To sign up, click HERE.

Wednesday, April 27, 2016, rain date is Wednesday, May 25
Garlic Mustard Removal at Collier State Nature Preserve

1655 W Twp Rd 38
Tiffin, OH
Seneca County
10:30 a.m. - 3 p.m.
This natural area, located on the Sandusky State Scenic River, was originally acquired as a Scenic River area. The large wooded riverine corridor contains large oaks, sycamore, ash, tulip and cottonwoods, as well as a spectacular diversity of spring wildflowers including sharp-lobed hepatica, Dutchman's breeches, squirrel-corn, three trillium species, twinleaf, white and yellow trout-lily and marsh marigold. The display of marsh marigolds and skunk cabbage found in the floodplain is particularly striking in early May.

What our project entails: Collier has a wonderful spring wildflower display and we will be pulling garlic mustard.

Directions: Driving directions HERE. Located approximately 3 miles northeast of McCutchenville at the southwestern edge of Seneca County. From McCutchenville, proceed 3 miles east on County Rd 58, then .5 mile north on Township Rd 131, and .25 mile east on Township Rd 38.

What to bring: Lunch, water, waterproof or rubber boots, gloves and a shovel.

RSVP: To sign up, click HERE.

Saturday, July 23, 2016 (No Rain Date)
Invasive Woody Control at Johnson Woods State Nature Preserve

10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
13240 Fox Lake Road
Marshallville, OH 44645
Wayne County
Johnson Woods is one of Ohio's largest and best remaining old-growth forests. Many trees rise 40-50 feet before the first limbs occur and several are more than 400 years old. Some are 120 feet tall with a diameter of 4 to 5 feet. This woodland historically was known as Graber Woods and was studied by the renowned ecologist, Dr. E. Lucy Braun, who recognized its significance. The largest trees, then and now, are white oaks, red oaks and hickories.

We will be removing invasive woody species such as bush honeysuckle, Japanese barberry, multiflora rose, as well as Japanese knotweed with a combination of cutting and herbicide treatment, hand pulling, and foliar spraying for the knotweed. Herbicide treatment will be done by DNAP staff or trained ONAPA volunteers.

Directions: Located in Wayne County approximately 4 miles north of Orrville on State Route 57, then 1 mile east on Fox Lake Road.

What to bring: Bring lunch, water, loppers, rubber/leather gloves, and muck boots.

RSVP: To sign up, click HERE.

Wednesday, August 24, 2016 (Rain Date: August 31)
Bush Honeysuckle Removal at Gallagher Fen State Nature Preserve

10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
4709 Old Columbus Road
Springfield, OH 45502
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 focus on the secondary preserve management goals. We will be cutting and treating the stumps of bush honeysuckle (primarily Amur), as well as any other invasive shrubs in these communities. Herbicide treatment will be done by DNAP staff or trained ONAPA volunteers..

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, loppers, and gloves.

RSVP: To sign up, click HERE.

Wednesday, September 7, 2016 (Rain Date: September 14)
Invasive Species Control at Springville Marsh State Nature Preserve

10:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Township Road 24
Carey, Ohio
Seneca County
Springville Marsh is an unequaled nature preserve in northwestern Ohio as it is 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 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 also provide excellent opportunities to observe wildlife.

Our project includes hand-wicking (applying herbicide with gloves & old socks) narrow-leaved cattail and cutting woody species in the sedge meadows. This 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 the chances of accidentally spraying non-target species. Cut stems of woody species will also be treated with herbicide. Herbicide treatment will be done by DNAP staff or trained ONAPA volunteers.

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, loppers, waterproof or rubber boots, and gloves. Mosquito repellent may be needed.

RSVP: To sign up, click HERE.

Tuesday, September 20, 2016 (Rain Date: September 27)
Invasive Species Removal at Prairie Road Fen State Nature Preserve

10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
1976 Buck Creek Lane
Springfield, Oh 45502
Clark County
One of the largest and finest prairie fens remaining in Ohio, Prairie Road Fen is a 97-acre gem tucked away in northern Clark County. Access to this site is usually by permit only due to the fragile nature of this site. The ground water emerging here is cold, calcareous and oxygen-deficient which provides a harsh habitat that only a number of specially-adapted plants can tolerate. Intermingled with the fen plants are relics of a time when a prairie extension thrived in this part of Ohio. This prairie fen complex is another unique feature of this site.

The goal of this project is to remove woody vegetation in the fen meadow, which by means of succession, are invading the fen meadows. We will target all woody species, but glossy buckthorn will be the primary species of concern. We will also target a non-native invasive grass, reed canary grass, from a few areas where it is beginning to invade. To control woody vegetation, we will cut and treat the stems with herbicide. A few herbicide applicators will focus on the reed canary grass patches which will be sprayed with backpack sprayers. Herbicide treatment will be done by DNAP staff or trained ONAPA volunteers.

Directions: We will meet at the Buck Creek State Park office and carpool to the preserve. The office is located near the park entrance, north of the junction of Robert Eastman Road and Buck Creek Lane.

What to bring: Please bring lunch, water, loppers, waterproof boots, and gloves.

RSVP: To sign up, click HERE.

Tuesday, August 3, 2021
Woody Species Control at Cooperrider - Kent Bog State Nature Preserve

10:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
1028 Meloy Road, Kent
Portage County

Kent Bog is a living relict from the Ice Age. In glacial times, the boreal forest, including tamarack, dominated the landscape far south of northern Ohio. Today, Kent Bog supports one of the largest, southernmost stands of tamarack in the continental United States. There are over 3,500 tamaracks in the population with many robust seedlings growing among the larger trees. Here, too, is a fine population of gray birch, also a tree of northern distribution. Gray Birch and tamarack are both potentially threatened species in Ohio.

We will be removing invasive glossy buckthorn and other invasive woody species in the bog using a combination of cutting and treating the cut stems with herbicide, as well as hand-pulling buckthorn seedlings (which are numerous). Trained DNAP staff and ONAPA volunteers will conduct the herbicide application.

Directions: From I-76 east, take the Kent exit (SR 43) north to Meloy Road, then head west (turn left) to the parking lot.

What to bring: Bring lunch, water, rubber/leather gloves and muck/knee boots. 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, October 19, 2016 (Rain Date: October 26)
Woody Shrub Removal at Campbell State Nature Preserve

10:30 am – 3:30 pm
Crissey Road, Monclova
Lucas County
A microcosm of the botanically significant Oak Openings region in northwest Ohio, Campbell State Nature Preserve is home to more than 40 state-listed species. High-quality habitats include wet sedge meadows, swamp forest, sand dunes, sand barrens prairie, and oak openings. Rare wildflowers found here include wild lupine, grass-pink orchid, spathulate-leaved sundew, soapwort gentian, plains puccoon, and Missouri ironweed. The varieties of habitat provide a landscape for endangered wildlife, including the frosted elfin and harvester butterflies.

Our project includes removing invasive woody shrubs from the open meadows. Species that will be controlled include autumn-olive, glossy buckthorn, common buckthorn, bush honeysuckle, European black alder, and Oriental bittersweet. We will be using the cut stump treatment method. Each shrub will be cut with loppers and the stump will be treated with herbicide to prevent re-sprouting. Trained DNAP staff and ONAPA volunteers will conduct the herbicide application.

Directions: Located east of the Toledo Express Airport along Crissey Road, south of State Route 2. There is a small parking lot with a sign on Crissey Road.

What to bring: Lunch, water, work boots, gloves. Waterproof boots will only be needed if excessive rain occurs before trip. ONAPA and DNAP will provide tools.

RSVP: To sign up, click HERE.

Wednesday, November 1, 2016 (Rain Date: November 8)
Woody Species Removal at Bonnett Pond Bog

10:30 a.m. - 3 p.m.
State Route 179, Northeast of Loudonville
Holmes County
Bonnett Pond Bog State Nature Preserve is a small, 16-acre, high-quality sphagnum kettle-hole bog. A floating sphagnum mat with bog plants such as large cranberry, poison sumac, round-leaved sundew, swamp loosestrife, little prickly sedge, white beak-rush, highbush blueberry, and glaucous sedge surround the dark acidic waters of the bog lake. There are some large trees on the wooded slopes surrounding the kettle-hole bog.

Our project includes removing woody shrubs such as highbush blueberry from the bog meadow. We will be using the cut stump treatment method. Each shrub will be cut with loppers and the stump will be treated with herbicide to prevent re-sprouting. Trained DNAP staff and ONAPA volunteers will conduct the herbicide application. Note that poison sumac is present in this bog, so special care will be taken to avoid it.

Directions: In Washington Township, the preserve is located on State Route 179. From Loudonville, proceed northeast on SR 3. Turn right on SR 179. The preserve will be on the left before you reach Lakeville. Parking is very limited; a few cars can park at the edge of the field near the electric substation, while others may need to park at the intersection of SR 3 and SR 179 (and be shuttled to the preserve). The preserve is mostly wooded and you will see state nature preserve boundary signs from the road. Due to the lack of facilities and the sensitive species present in the small bog, access is usually by permit only from the Division of Natural Areas and Preserves.

What to bring: Lunch, water, muck/knee boots, and gloves. ONAPA and DNAP will provide tools.

RSVP: To sign up, click HERE.

Saturday, November 12, 2016 (Rain Date: November 19)
Autumn Olive Removal at Chaparral Prairie State Nature Preserve
10:30 am - 3:30 pm
209 Hawk Hill Rd.
West Union
Adams County

Chaparral Prairie State Nature Preserve features 120 acres of prairies, cedar barrens, 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 rattle-snake master in the state. Our newest addition, purchased by the Arc of Appalachia in 2015, features a new 1.2- mile trail extension. The new trail, Bald Hill and the Cedar Barrens trail, has a large population of dense blazing star and a beautiful view of the rolling Adams County countryside.

Our project will include cutting autumn-olive and other invading woody species on the new parcel. Cut stems will be treated by trained DNAP staff and ONAPA volunteers. Autumn olive is a non-native, invasive deciduous shrub that can grow up to 20 ft. Its cream to pale yellow flowers bloom in early spring and produce an abundance of pink to red berries dotted with scales. The leaves of the plant are elliptically shaped with a slightly wavy margin.

Directions: Located about 3 miles north of West Union, proceed on SR 247 to Chaparral Road, then to the preserve at 209 Hawk Hill Road. There is a parking lot located at the maintenance building. We will meet there, then proceed to the new parcel to begin work. Restrooms are present at the maintenance building.

What to Bring: Lunch, water, hat, hiking boots, insect repellent. DNAP and ONAPA will provide tools.

RSVP: To sign up, click HERE.

Wednesday, November 17, 2016 (Rain Date: November 22)
Woody Species Removal at the Medway Prairie Fringed Orchid Site

10:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
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 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, Water Department, is on the right. Parking will be along the roadside.

What to Bring: Lunch, water, hat, muck/knee boots, insect repellent. DNAP, USFWS, and ONAPA will provide tools.

RSVP: To sign up, click HERE.

Vertical Divider

Anytime, anywhere

We will bring some tools, but we encourage participants to bring some as well.
Registration will be available soon.

2016 STEWARDSHIP PROJECT SCHEDULE

Tuesday, August 3, 2021Woody Species Control at Cooperrider - Kent Bog State Nature Preserve

Wednesday, October 19, 2016 (Rain Date: October 26)​Woody Shrub Removal at Campbell State Nature Preserve

Wednesday, November 1, 2016 (Rain Date: November 8)​Woody Species Removal at Bonnett Pond Bog

Saturday, November 12, 2016 (Rain Date: November 19)​​Autumn Olive Removal at Chaparral Prairie State Nature Preserve10:30 am - 3:30 pm209 Hawk Hill Rd.West UnionAdams County

Wednesday, November 17, 2016 (Rain Date: November 22)​Woody Species Removal at the Medway Prairie Fringed Orchid Site

Tuesday, August 3, 2021
Woody Species Control at Cooperrider - Kent Bog State Nature Preserve

Wednesday, October 19, 2016 (Rain Date: October 26)
Woody Shrub Removal at Campbell State Nature Preserve

Wednesday, November 1, 2016 (Rain Date: November 8)
Woody Species Removal at Bonnett Pond Bog

Saturday, November 12, 2016 (Rain Date: November 19)
Autumn Olive Removal at Chaparral Prairie State Nature Preserve
10:30 am - 3:30 pm
209 Hawk Hill Rd.
West Union
Adams County

Wednesday, November 17, 2016 (Rain Date: November 22)
Woody Species Removal at the Medway Prairie Fringed Orchid Site