2026 APRIL-MAY STEWARDSHIP PROJECT SCHEDULE
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.
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.
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Thursday, April 2, 2026
Garlic mustard control at Shallenberger SNP 10:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. 2468 Becks Knob Road SW, Lancaster Fairfield County Located in Fairfield County, just south of Lancaster on Becks Knob Road, Shallenberger Preserve features two prominent sandstone hills, Allen Knob and Ruble Knob. Both were formed by ancient marine environments and shaped by the last glacial
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period, which left glacial deposit at their bases. The preserve, dedicated in 1973, has over two miles of hiking trails that traverse these knobs. The preserve is mostly wooded with sandstone outcroppings and promontories, including diverse flora of chestnut oak, mountain laurel, and a variety of wildflowers and ferns.
This project will focus on the removal of garlic mustard and other herbaceous invasives. Hiking boots and gloves are needed.
Directions: We will meet in the parking lot. Be sure to bring lunch and water.
What to Bring: Lunch, water, hat, boots, tick spray or repellents, 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.
This project will focus on the removal of garlic mustard and other herbaceous invasives. Hiking boots and gloves are needed.
Directions: We will meet in the parking lot. Be sure to bring lunch and water.
What to Bring: Lunch, water, hat, boots, tick spray or repellents, 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, April 7, 2026 - CANCELLED
Invasive woody species control at Salem Prairie 10:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Lower Leesville Road (near Salem Cemetery & Parcher Road) Bucyrus, Crawford County This small, 3-acre remnant native prairie is located east of Bucyrus along a railroad and near Salem Cemetery on Lower Leesville Road. It has been managed by Crawford County Park District for years and ONAPA will be assisting with management this year, both controlling woody species and conducting a prescribed burn. We will be working on invading woody species including autumn-olive, willows, and others on this date. Parking will be at Salem Cemetery along Lower Leesville Road. |
Sullivant's milkweed
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Directions: Parking will be at Salem Cemetery along Lower Leesville Road.
What to bring: Bring lunch, water, gloves, insect repellant and 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.
What to bring: Bring lunch, water, gloves, insect repellant and 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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Wednessday, April 8, 2026
Garlic mustard control at Shallenberger SNP 10:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. 2468 Becks Knob Road SW, Lancaster Fairfield County Located in Fairfield County, just south of Lancaster on Becks Knob Road, Shallenberger Preserve features two prominent sandstone hills, Allen Knob and Ruble Knob. Both were formed by ancient marine environments and shaped by the last glacial
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period, which left glacial deposit at their bases. The preserve, dedicated in 1973, has over two miles of hiking trails that traverse these knobs. The preserve is mostly wooded with sandstone outcroppings and promontories, including diverse flora of chestnut oak, mountain laurel, and a variety of wildflowers and ferns.
This project will focus on the removal of garlic mustard and other herbaceous invasives. Hiking boots and gloves are needed.
Directions: We will meet in the parking lot. Be sure to bring lunch and water.
What to Bring: Lunch, water, hat, boots, tick spray or repellents, 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.
This project will focus on the removal of garlic mustard and other herbaceous invasives. Hiking boots and gloves are needed.
Directions: We will meet in the parking lot. Be sure to bring lunch and water.
What to Bring: Lunch, water, hat, boots, tick spray or repellents, 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, April 14, 2026
Control of Garlic Mustard at Brinkhaven Oak Barrens 10:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. 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 six state-listed plants, including the threatened thyme-leaved pinweed. ONAPA has been assisting the KWLT with habitat management to restore the two oak openings which are accessible by permit only. We will be working in the south barrens. 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 insect 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. |
Thursday, April 16, 2026
Garlic Mustard Control at Christmas Rocks State Nature Preserve
Garlic Mustard Control at Christmas Rocks State Nature Preserve
10:30 am – 3:30 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, please REGISTER. If you have questions, please contact The Ohio Natural Areas and Preserves Association HERE. Online registration is important for our planning.
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, 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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Tuesday, April 21, 2026
Garlic mustard control at Howard Collier State Nature Preserve 10:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. 1655 W. Township Road 38, Tiffin Seneca County 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 yelllow trout-lily and
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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 butterweed.
Directions: 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, 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: 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, 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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Thursday, April 23, 2026
Garlic mustard and Dame's Rocket control at Augusta-Anne Olsen SNP 10:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. 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. |
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Tuesday, April 28, 2026
Garlic Mustard and Invasive Shrub Control at Lake Katharine State Nature Preserve 10:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. 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 six 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. We will be removing garlic mustard.
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.
What to bring: Lunch, water, gloves, hiking boots and insect 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 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.
What to bring: Lunch, water, gloves, hiking boots and insect 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 7, 2026
Garlic mustard control at Irwin Prairie 10:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. 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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Tuesday, May 19, 2026
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 garlic mustard and Dame's Rocket. 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. |
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Wednesday, May 20, 2026
Monitoring planted plots at Lakeside Daisy State Nature Preserve 10:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Alexander Rd, Marblehead Ottawa County Lakeside Daisy State Nature Preserve is home to Lakeside daisy and at least 11 other state-listed rare plant species. Lakeside daisy is listed as Threatened by the US Fish & Wildlife Service (1988) and Endangered by the Division of Natural Areas & Preserves (1980). It is only known to occur naturally in Ohio on the Marblehead Peninsula and two locations in Ontario. It has been reintroduced to Illinois and one small population of questionable origin occurs in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. DNAP and USFWS have introduced the daisy to Kelleys Island and Castalia Quarry Metro Park in appropriate limestone habitat. The Lakeside Daisy SNP was first acquired at 19 acres of abandoned quarry land in 1988, but fortunately DNAP was able to purchase another 118 acres from Lafarge-Holcim for daisy protection and restoration. Our project involves monitoring plots where Lakeside daisies have been planted. |
Photo by Ian Adams
Directions: We will meet at the Lakeside Daisy SNP on Alexander Pike where the preserve sign is located (north end).
What to 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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Thursday, May 21, 2026
Pulling Invasive Plants at Fowler Woods State Nature Preserve 10:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. 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. Online registration is important for our planning. |