2021 WINTER STEWARDSHIP PROJECT SCHEDULE
We appreciate your cooperation with these important coronavirus guidelines and we look forward to seeing at stewardship projects on state nature preserves with the following restrictions until pandemic restrictions have been lifted:
- Group size will be limited to 10 people or less, including DNAP staff.
- We will be using social distancing, working in a scattered fashion at least 6' apart from each other.
- Volunteers should plan to travel separately, unless they are part of a family living together.
- Volunteers should plan to bring and wear face masks when working in the preserve.
- Registration on the website is critical so that we can monitor attendance; if more than 10 people register, all volunteers will be contacted to confirm attendance and the most recent registrants will be asked to attend another project.
We will include a short field trip on each project to see some of the preserve we are working at. When registering to volunteer, please allow at least 24 hours prior to the project as weather may impact conditions and we make every effort to inform our volunteers of changes.
Download the complete 2021 January-March Stewardship Project List HERE.
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.
Registration: Please let us know you are joining us, sign up HERE.
Volunteer Forms: If you are joining us for volunteer stewardship training or for one or more stewardship projects,
please complete our Volunteer forms found HERE.
Volunteer Hours: At the completion of a project, please enter your time (Including travel time to and from the site) HERE.
Thursday, January 7, 2021
Woody Species Removal at Erie Sand Barrens State Nature Preserve 10:30 am – 3:30 pm Taylor Rd, Sandusky Erie County Erie Sand Barrens is situated in the sandy beach ridges of glacial Lake Warren, a predecessor to modern Lake Erie. Because of past intensive agricultural activities, the flora of this preserve is not very diverse. Nevertheless, many state-listed species still remain. The sandy soil of the preserve is well-drained and plants which survive here are adapted to its dry conditions. On the highest, driest ridges and knolls, prairie plants including green milkweed, partridge-pea and sand panic grass thrive. Wet depressions between the rises hold wet sedge meadow communities where plants more commonly found along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts occur. These include lance-leaved violet, Virginia meadow-beauty, twisted yellow-eyed grass and least St. John's-wort. We will removing woody species in the barren areas of the preserve where rare plants occur such as the Virginia meadow-beauty, lance-leaved violet, and twisted yellow-eyed grass. DNAP staff or trained ONAPA stewardship assistants will conduct herbicide application to the cut stems. |
CONTACT USDirections: Located in Erie County, the preserve is easily accessed from SR 4. Proceed east on Mason Road, and take Taylor Road to the left. The preserve is located on the right side of the road with a small parking lot and sign.
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, January 13, 2021
Woody Species Removal at Zimmerman Prairie Nature Preserve
Woody Species Removal at Zimmerman Prairie Nature Preserve
10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Near 1321 Research Park Dr, Beavercreek Greene County FIRST of TWO 2021 Winter Stewardship Projects 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. |
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: To attend, please REGISTER HERE. If you have questions, please contact the Ohio Natural Areas and Preserves Association HERE.
The Grandview Heights section in the southcentral part of the park includes a meadow on the edge of the lake. The Headwaters section in the southeast part of the park includes meadows, marsh, and woods with a trail and boardwalk. For this stewardship project, we plan to work in the Headwaters section to cut and treat woody species to maintain the open fen habitat.
Directions: The Headwaters section of Kiser Lake State Nature Preserve is located at the eastern end of Kiser Lake (3975 Kiser Lake Road). We will meet in the small parking lot near the Kiser Lake State Nature Preserve sign. From St. Paris, proceed north on North Springfield Street. As you head out of town, this will become Kiser Lake Road; follow this road to the east side of the lake.
What to bring: Lunch, water, hat, muck/knee boots, insect repellent. DNAP and ONAPA will provide tools. DNAP staff and trained ONAPA volunteers will apply the herbicides.
RSVP: To attend, please REGISTER HERE. If you have questions, please contact the Ohio Natural Areas and Preserves Association HERE.
Tuesday, January 19, 2021
Woody Species Removal at Springville Marsh State Nature Preserve
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 includes hand-wicking (applying herbicide with gloves) narrow-leaved cattail and cutting invading woody species in the sedge meadows. This non-native cattail is very aggressive and will crowd out the native sedge meadow species. We will use the hand-wicking technique in the high-quality meadow areas as this reduces chances of accidentally treating non-target species.
Directions: Located in Seneca County 3 1/2 miles north of Carey on U.S. Route 23 / SR 199; then proceed 1 mile west on Township Road 24 (Muck Road) to the preserve parking lot.
What to bring: Bring lunch, water, waterproof or rubber boots, and gloves. Mosquito repellent may be needed. Herbicide treatment will be done by DNAP staff or trained ONAPA volunteers. Tools will be provided.
RSVP: To attend, please REGISTER HERE. If you have questions, please contact the Ohio Natural Areas and Preserves Association HERE.
Township Road 24, Carey
Seneca County
Springville Marsh is an unequaled nature preserve in northwestern Ohio as the largest inland wetland in this part of the state. Growing within the preserve are several Canadian and Atlantic coastal plain species, which became established here shortly after the Ice Age. Some of these plants are threatened and endangered species in Ohio. Fen orchids, bottle gentian, Kalm's lobelia and little yellow sedge can be seen along the boardwalk. One of Ohio's largest populations of twig-rush, a typical Atlantic coastal plain species, is located throughout the preserve in the remaining sedge meadows. There are also smaller areas of more northern plants, such as Ohio goldenrod, grass-of-parnassus and shrubby cinquefoil. The sedge meadows, shrubby thickets and vast areas of cattail marsh provide excellent opportunities to observe wildlife.
Our project includes hand-wicking (applying herbicide with gloves) narrow-leaved cattail and cutting invading woody species in the sedge meadows. This non-native cattail is very aggressive and will crowd out the native sedge meadow species. We will use the hand-wicking technique in the high-quality meadow areas as this reduces chances of accidentally treating non-target species.
Directions: Located in Seneca County 3 1/2 miles north of Carey on U.S. Route 23 / SR 199; then proceed 1 mile west on Township Road 24 (Muck Road) to the preserve parking lot.
What to bring: Bring lunch, water, waterproof or rubber boots, and gloves. Mosquito repellent may be needed. Herbicide treatment will be done by DNAP staff or trained ONAPA volunteers. Tools will be provided.
RSVP: To attend, please REGISTER HERE. If you have questions, please contact the Ohio Natural Areas and Preserves Association HERE.
Tuesday, January 26, 2021
Woody Species Control at Jackson Bog State Nature Preserve 10:30 am – 3:30 pm 7984 Fulton Drive NW, Massillon Stark County Jackson Bog is a 58-acre preserve located in northern Stark County and owned by the Jackson Township Local Board of Education and the Ohio Division of Natural Areas and Preserves. The area was dedicated in 1980 as an interpretive preserve.
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It is actually a fen, or alkaline wetland, which lies at the foot of a dry, sandy kame (a glacially deposited hill or ridge). The belts of kames in this area of Stark County provide an extensive aquifer. These highly permeable gravel deposits readily absorb surface water and then hold it in staggering quantities as groundwater. The alkalinity is a limiting factor which dictates the types of unique plants which grow there. While the preserve is surrounded by residential development, a large school system, and a township park, it contains an amazing amount of plant and animal diversity, particularly many rare plant species. Habitat management is critical in the fen meadows to maintain the biodiversity of this small preserve.
We will be removing invasive plant species such as narrow-leaved and hybrid cattail, glossy buckthorn, privet, and purple loosestrife which are encroaching in the fen meadows. We will be cutting and treating woody stems with herbicide, and removing the cut stems from the fen meadows. Flowering purple loosestrife will be cut or dug and removed from the preserve.
Directions: Located in Stark County, 2 miles north of Massillon on Fulton Drive and a 1/2 mile west of the intersection of State Route 687 and State Route 241. The preserve is adjacent to Jackson Township Park.
What to bring: Bring lunch, water, gloves, and muck boots. Herbicide treatment will be done by DNAP staff or trained ONAPA volunteers. Tools will be provided.
RSVP: To attend, please REGISTER HERE. If you have questions, please contact the Ohio Natural Areas and Preserves Association HERE.
We will be removing invasive plant species such as narrow-leaved and hybrid cattail, glossy buckthorn, privet, and purple loosestrife which are encroaching in the fen meadows. We will be cutting and treating woody stems with herbicide, and removing the cut stems from the fen meadows. Flowering purple loosestrife will be cut or dug and removed from the preserve.
Directions: Located in Stark County, 2 miles north of Massillon on Fulton Drive and a 1/2 mile west of the intersection of State Route 687 and State Route 241. The preserve is adjacent to Jackson Township Park.
What to bring: Bring lunch, water, gloves, and muck boots. Herbicide treatment will be done by DNAP staff or trained ONAPA volunteers. Tools will be provided.
RSVP: 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. |
Thursday, February 4, 2021
Hemlock Wooly Adelgid Surveys at Lake Katharine State Nature Preserve
Hemlock Wooly Adelgid Surveys 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. Hemlock wooly adelgid (HWA) was found in the preserve in 2013 and today we will be assisting preserve manager, Josh Deemer conduct additional surveys for HWA to document the extent of the 20+-acre 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: 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, trekking poles, hand lens (if you have one), gloves. RSVP: To attend, please REGISTER HERE. If you have questions, please contact the Ohio Natural Areas and Preserves Association HERE. |
Thursday, February 11, 2021
Hemlock Wooly Adelgid (HWA) Survey at Sheick Hollow State Nature Preserve 10:00 am – 3:00 pm Buckeye Lake, Hocking County 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. |
CONTACT USRSVP: To attend, please REGISTER HERE. If you have questions, please contact the Ohio Natural Areas and Preserves Association HERE.
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Tuesday, February 16, 2021
Woody Species Removal at Bonnett Pond Bog State Nature Preserve
10:00 am - 3:00 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: 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. |
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.
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.
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 southern opening, 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.
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.
Thursday, March 4, 2021
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 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.
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.
Thursday, March 11, 2021
Woody Species Removal at Medway Prairie Fringed Orchid Site 10:00 am – 3:00 pm Union Road, Medway Clark County This site is a small wetland, primarily an alkaline wet sedge meadow surrounded by farm fields, and is owned by the City of Dayton’s Water Department as a wellfield. The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and DNAP
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have been cooperating with the City of Dayton by verbal agreement since a significant population of the
Eastern prairie fringed orchid was reported at this site in 1993. Regular habitat management is necessary to maintain the open sedge meadow, which has been declining for several years due to woody species encroachment. ONAPA will be cooperating with USFWS and DNAP on this project to cut and treat woody species in the area where most of the orchids are located. Directions: From Columbus, proceed west on I-70. Take exit 26B to exit onto Spangler Road north towards Medway. After crossing the Mad River, turn right on to Union Road. The site, owned by the City of Dayton, is on the right. Parking will be along the roadside on the right, and near the gate. What to Bring: Lunch, water, hat, muck/knee boots, insect repellent. DNAP, USFWS and ONAPA will provide tools and conduct the herbicide application. RSVP: To attend, please REGISTER HERE. If you have questions, please contact the Ohio Natural Areas and Preserves Association HERE. |
Sheldon 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. From the middle of April into June, the woodland floor is covered with blooming wildflowers. Spring migration brings a variety of neotropical and shorebirds to Sheldon Marsh. Along the barrier sand beach, numerous shorebirds are frequently seen searching for food at the water's edge and a number of rare plants occur here.
We will be working on the barrier beach to remove invading woody species to improve habitat for rare plants such beach wormwood, Schweinitz’ umbrella sedge, and bushy cinquefoil. DNAP staff or trained ONAPA stewardship assistants will conduct herbicide application to the cut stems.
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: To attend, please REGISTER HERE. If you have questions, please contact the Ohio Natural Areas and Preserves Association HERE.
We will be working on the barrier beach to remove invading woody species to improve habitat for rare plants such beach wormwood, Schweinitz’ umbrella sedge, and bushy cinquefoil. DNAP staff or trained ONAPA stewardship assistants will conduct herbicide application to the cut stems.
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: To attend, please REGISTER HERE. If you have questions, please contact the Ohio Natural Areas and Preserves Association HERE.
Tuesday, March 23, 2021
Woody Species Control at Killbuck Marsh Wildlife Area
Woody Species Control at Killbuck Marsh Wildlife Area
10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Franklin Street (CR 320), Holmesville (Holmes County) This 5,671-acre wildlife area is situated in northeastern Ohio in portions of Wayne and Holmes counties. The area extends north from Holmesville to three miles south of Wooster, and lies between State Route 83 on the east and State Route 226 on the west. The area is in a shallow, U-shaped glacial outwash valley. Approximately half of the wildlife area consists of marsh and swamp that is flooded during some portion of the year. This wetland complex is Ohio’s largest remaining marshland outside of the Lake Erie region. We will be working at one of the sites for Eastern prairie fringed orchid (PFO) which occurs at Killbuck Marsh. |
We will be cutting woody species, primarily dogwood, alder, and willow, hauling brush out of the sedge meadow, andtreating the cut stems with herbicide. Herbicide treatment will be done by DOW staff or trained ONAPA volunteers. ONAPA will provide loppers and handsaws.
Directions: This PFO site is located just outside of Holmesville on CR 320. From Holmesville on SR 83, proceed west on CR 320 to the Conservation Club located on the left side of the road. We will park at the conservation club’s parking lot and work in the meadow across the road.
What to bring: Lunch, water, muck or rubber boots, gloves.
RSVP: To attend, please REGISTER HERE. If you have questions, please contact the Ohio Natural Areas and Preserves Association HERE.
Directions: This PFO site is located just outside of Holmesville on CR 320. From Holmesville on SR 83, proceed west on CR 320 to the Conservation Club located on the left side of the road. We will park at the conservation club’s parking lot and work in the meadow across the road.
What to bring: Lunch, water, muck or rubber boots, gloves.
RSVP: To attend, please REGISTER HERE. If you have questions, please contact the Ohio Natural Areas and Preserves Association HERE.