2025 SPRING STEWARDSHIP PROJECT SCHEDULE
We have several stewardship projects planned for the spring. We will include a short field trip on each project to see some of the preserve where we are working. When registering to volunteer, please allow 48 hours prior to the project as weather may impact conditions and we make every effort to inform our volunteers of changes. Thank you!
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Questions: Contact us HERE.
Registration: Please let us know you are joining us and sign up using the 2025 SPRING STEWARDSHIP PROJECT FORM. 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. |
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Tuesday, April 1, 2025 - RESCHEDULED from February 20, 2025 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.
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.
Wednesday, April 9, 2025
Garlic Mustard and Dame's Rocket Control in the Woods at Bonnett Pond Bog
10:00 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.
We will be looking for invasive garlic mustard and Dame's Rocket in the woods.
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, 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.
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.
We will be looking for invasive garlic mustard and Dame's Rocket in the woods.
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, 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.
Wednesday, April 16, 2025
Garlic Mustard Control at Rhododendron Cove State Nature Preserve
Garlic Mustard Control at Rhododendron Cove State Nature Preserve
10:30 am – 3:30 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, please REGISTER. If you have questions, please contact The Ohio Natural Areas and Preserves Association HERE. Online registration is important for our planning.
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 REGISTER. If you have questions, please contact The Ohio Natural Areas and Preserves Association HERE. Online registration is important for our planning.
Photo by Ian Adams
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Saturday, April 19, 2025
Garlic Mustard Control and Guided Hike at Collier State Nature Preserve 10:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. 1655 Township Road 38, Tiffin Seneca County This state nature preserve, located on the Sandusky State Scenic River, was originally acquired as a Scenic River area. In addition to the large wooded riverine corridor, with an excellent floodplain community containing large oaks, sycamore, ash, tulip and cottonwoods, the area also has an impressive amount of relief.
The trail follows the ridgetop and then drops dramatically |
over the hillside to the floodplain of the Sandusky River. This woods contain numerous large beech trees 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. We will be pulling garlic mustard and other invasives such as Dame's rocket and butterweed in several areas where spring wildflowers have the best displays. Garlic mustard will be bagged and carried out of the preserve. We will have a guided hike to look at spring wildflowers after lunch in honor of the upcoming Earth Day.
Directions: Howard Collier SNP is about 15 minutes south of Tiffin, on Township Road 28, off S. R. 231. The parking lot is about one-half mile from the turnoff from the township road.
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.
Directions: Howard Collier SNP is about 15 minutes south of Tiffin, on Township Road 28, off S. R. 231. The parking lot is about one-half mile from the turnoff from the township road.
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.
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Wednesday, April 23, 2025
Invasive Plants 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. This stewardship project will focus on invasive species removal: garlic mustard, Dame's rocket and scouting for Japanese stiltgrass. We will be working on the south side of the river which is the Scientific side and usually requires an access permit to visit. 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. |
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Wednesday, April 30, 2025
Garlic mustard scouting and removal at Lake Katharine SNP 10:30 am – 3:30 pm
1703 Lake Katharine Road, Jackson (Jackson County) |
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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, 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.
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, 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.
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Tuesday, May 6, 2025
Garlic mustard 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.
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We will be removing garlic mustard in cooperation with the Toledo Wild Ones.
Directions: Meet at the parking lot located on Bancroft Road, about five miles north of the Toledo airport.
What to bring: Bring lunch, work gloves, long-sleeved shirt and pants, hiking boots, tick spray or repellent.
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.
Directions: Meet at the parking lot located on Bancroft Road, about five miles north of the Toledo airport.
What to bring: Bring lunch, work gloves, long-sleeved shirt and pants, hiking boots, tick spray or repellent.
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.
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Thursday, May 8, 2025
Invasive Plant Control at Milford Center Prairie 10:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. 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.
We will be controlling herbaceous plants: giant ragweed, teasel, Canada thistle and sweet-clover. 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, hat, boots, tick spray or repellents, gloves, and a digging tool. |
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