2018 STEWARDSHIP PROJECT SCHEDULE
We have several stewardship projects planned for 2018, some of which are on weekdays again 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.
Download the 2018 Stewardship Project List HERE.
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Questions: Contact us HERE.
Registration: Please let us know you are joining us, sign up HERE. Volunteer Forms: If you are joining us for volunteer stewardship training or for one or more stewardship projects, please complete our Volunteer forms found HERE. Volunteer Hours: At the completion of a project, please enter your time (Including travel time to and from the site) HERE. |
Tuesday, February 6, 2018
Woody Species Control at Medway Prairie Fringed Orchid Site
Woody Species Control at Medway Prairie Fringed Orchid Site
Eastern prairie fringed orchid
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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 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: 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
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.
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.
POSTPONED, NEW DATE: Wednesday, March 14
Bush Honeysuckle Control at Mentor Marsh State Nature Preserve
11:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
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 please RSVP HERE or if you have questions, please contact us HERE.
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 please RSVP HERE or if you have questions, please contact us HERE.
RESCHEDULED: Thursday, April 5
Garlic Mustard Control at Rhododendron Cove State Nature Preserve
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.
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.
NEW DATE: Wednesday, April 25
Garlic Mustard Control at Lake Katharine State Nature Preserve
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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.
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, May 8 (Rain Date: May 9)
Garlic Mustard Control at Lawrence Woods State Nature Preserve
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.
Wednesday, May 23 (Rain Date: May 24)
Garlic Mustard Control at Sheldon Marsh State Nature Preserve
10:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
2715 Cleveland Road W, Huron
Erie County
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. Dutchman's breeches, cut-leaved toothwort and spring beauties are followed by trout lilies, trilliums, wild ginger and wild geraniums. 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.
We will be pulling and hauling garlic mustard in several areas where spring wildflowers have the best displays.
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 RSVP HERE or if you have questions, please contact us HERE.
2715 Cleveland Road W, Huron
Erie County
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. Dutchman's breeches, cut-leaved toothwort and spring beauties are followed by trout lilies, trilliums, wild ginger and wild geraniums. 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.
We will be pulling and hauling garlic mustard in several areas where spring wildflowers have the best displays.
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 RSVP HERE or if you have questions, please contact us HERE.
Tuesday, June 5 (Rain Date: June 6)
Bush Honeysuckle Removal at Clifton Gorge State Nature Preserve
Bush Honeysuckle Removal at Clifton Gorge State Nature Preserve
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10:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
2381 State Route 343, Yellow Springs
Greene County
Clifton 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 Little Miami River, which is a state and national scenic river, is another feature worthy of noting at this site. Clifton Gorge was designated a National Natural Landmark by the U.S. Department of the Interior in 1968.
The limestone bedrock here provides an ideal habitat for bush honeysuckle, and other invasive shrubs. This stewardship project will focus on removal of these shrubs in sensitive areas. We will be working on the south side of the river which is the Scientific side and usually requires an access permit to visit. We will be cutting shrubs and treating stumps with herbicide to prevent re-sprouting. Smaller shrubs may be pulled and removed from the site. Hiking on the Scientific side of the preserve may be difficult as there are no trails; this may be particularly strenuous in hot weather.
Directions: Park at the main Clifton Gorge parking lot, just west of Clifton on State Route 343.
What to Bring: Bring lunch, water, hiking boots, 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 RSVP HERE or if you have questions, please contact us HERE.
2381 State Route 343, Yellow Springs
Greene County
Clifton 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 Little Miami River, which is a state and national scenic river, is another feature worthy of noting at this site. Clifton Gorge was designated a National Natural Landmark by the U.S. Department of the Interior in 1968.
The limestone bedrock here provides an ideal habitat for bush honeysuckle, and other invasive shrubs. This stewardship project will focus on removal of these shrubs in sensitive areas. We will be working on the south side of the river which is the Scientific side and usually requires an access permit to visit. We will be cutting shrubs and treating stumps with herbicide to prevent re-sprouting. Smaller shrubs may be pulled and removed from the site. Hiking on the Scientific side of the preserve may be difficult as there are no trails; this may be particularly strenuous in hot weather.
Directions: Park at the main Clifton Gorge parking lot, just west of Clifton on State Route 343.
What to Bring: Bring lunch, water, hiking boots, 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 RSVP HERE or if you have questions, please contact us HERE.
Saturday, June 23 (Rain Date: June 30)
Teasel Control at Daughmer Savanna State Nature Preserve
10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
786 Marion-Melmore Road, Bucyrus
Crawford County
Daughmer Prairie Savannah is one of the finest prairie savannas in the country. It is a state nature preserve managed by Crawford Park District. The prairie has been grazed, but never farmed. Ever since ODNR purchased the site in 2011 and the sheep were removed, a number of invasive species have appeared, the most troublesome being common teasel. Work projects here over the last several years have greatly reduced common teasel numbers, but as yet, it has not been totally eradicated from the preserve.
We will be cutting the flower heads off any plants getting ready to flower, then using a shovel to cut down on an angle about 4-5 inches below the base of the plant to sever the tap root, and then pulling the mature plant or rosette out of the ground. We will also control other invasive plants as encountered in the savanna.
Directions: Meet at the parking lot located at 786 Marion-Melmore Road, one mile north of State Route 294, in Crawford County about 9 miles southwest of Bucyrus.
What to bring: Bring lunch, work gloves, long-sleeved shirt and pants, hiking boots, a long-handled shovel, tick spray or repellent, and hand pruners or scissors. Soft drinks and water will be provided.
RSVP: If you would like to attend please RSVP HERE or if you have questions, please contact us HERE.
786 Marion-Melmore Road, Bucyrus
Crawford County
Daughmer Prairie Savannah is one of the finest prairie savannas in the country. It is a state nature preserve managed by Crawford Park District. The prairie has been grazed, but never farmed. Ever since ODNR purchased the site in 2011 and the sheep were removed, a number of invasive species have appeared, the most troublesome being common teasel. Work projects here over the last several years have greatly reduced common teasel numbers, but as yet, it has not been totally eradicated from the preserve.
We will be cutting the flower heads off any plants getting ready to flower, then using a shovel to cut down on an angle about 4-5 inches below the base of the plant to sever the tap root, and then pulling the mature plant or rosette out of the ground. We will also control other invasive plants as encountered in the savanna.
Directions: Meet at the parking lot located at 786 Marion-Melmore Road, one mile north of State Route 294, in Crawford County about 9 miles southwest of Bucyrus.
What to bring: Bring lunch, work gloves, long-sleeved shirt and pants, hiking boots, a long-handled shovel, tick spray or repellent, and hand pruners or scissors. Soft drinks and water will be provided.
RSVP: If you would like to attend please RSVP HERE or if you have questions, please contact us HERE.
Saturday, July 7 (Rain Date: July 10)
Invasive Species Control at Jackson Bog State Nature Preserve
Invasive Species Control at Jackson Bog State Nature Preserve
10:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
7984 Fulton Drive NW, Massillon
Stark County
Jackson Bog, which is actually a fen, or alkaline wetland, 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 will grow there.
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, treating stems with herbicide, and removing the cut stems from the fen meadows.
Directions: Located in Stark County, 2 miles north of Massillon on Fulton Drive and a 1/2 mile west of the intersection of State Route 687 and State Route 241. The preserve is adjacent to Jackson Township Park.
What to bring: Bring lunch, water, gloves, and muck boots. Herbicide treatment will be done by DNAP staff or trained ONAPA volunteers. Tools will be provided.
RSVP: If you would like to attend please RSVP HERE or if you have questions, please contact us HERE.
7984 Fulton Drive NW, Massillon
Stark County
Jackson Bog, which is actually a fen, or alkaline wetland, 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 will grow there.
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, treating stems with herbicide, and removing the cut stems from the fen meadows.
Directions: Located in Stark County, 2 miles north of Massillon on Fulton Drive and a 1/2 mile west of the intersection of State Route 687 and State Route 241. The preserve is adjacent to Jackson Township Park.
What to bring: Bring lunch, water, gloves, and muck boots. Herbicide treatment will be done by DNAP staff or trained ONAPA volunteers. Tools will be provided.
RSVP: If you would like to attend please RSVP HERE or if you have questions, please contact us HERE.
Tuesday, July 24 (Rain Date: July 25)
Invasive Species Control at Springville Marsh State Nature Preserve
10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
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 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 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: If you would like to attend please RSVP HERE or if you have questions, please contact us 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 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 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: If you would like to attend please RSVP HERE or if you have questions, please contact us HERE.
Tuesday, August 21 (Rain Date: August 22)
Invasive Species Control at Myersville Fen State Nature Preserve
10:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
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, Myersville Fen is truly an island of unique plants under constant threat and in need of persistent stewardship.
We will be removing invasive plant species such as narrow-leaved and hybrid cattail, glossy buckthorn, and other invading woody species which are encroaching upon the fen meadows. We will cutting the stems and treating them with herbicide.
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 at the corner of Turtle Bay Circle and Myersville Road.
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 RSVP HERE or if you have questions, please contact us HERE.
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, Myersville Fen is truly an island of unique plants under constant threat and in need of persistent stewardship.
We will be removing invasive plant species such as narrow-leaved and hybrid cattail, glossy buckthorn, and other invading woody species which are encroaching upon the fen meadows. We will cutting the stems and treating them with herbicide.
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 at the corner of Turtle Bay Circle and Myersville Road.
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 RSVP HERE or if you have questions, please contact us HERE.
Saturday, September 8 (Rain Date: September 11)
Woody Species Removal at Gallagher Fen State Nature Preserve
10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
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 RSVP HERE or if you have questions, please contact us HERE.
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 RSVP HERE or if you have questions, please contact us HERE.
Wednesday, September 19 (Rain Date: September 20)
Glossy Buckthorn 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 RSVP HERE or if you have questions, please contact us HERE.
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 RSVP HERE or if you have questions, please contact us HERE.
Wednesday, October 10 (Rain Date: October 11)
Invasive Species Control at Gott Fen State Nature Preserve
10:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Portage County
Gott Fen is a boreal fen located within the Tinker’s Creek watershed of northern Portage County. The entire region contains multiple wetland complexes which border Tinker’s Creek as it follows its northern march to the Cuyahoga River. Gott Fen contains one of the best populations of showy lady’s-slipper orchids and is home to a number of other fen species, such as northern bayberry and grass-of- parnassus. The goal of this project is to control woody species, including glossy buckthorn, common buckthorn, and gray dogwood in the northern and southern fen meadows.
Directions: Gott Fen is located 1.5 miles west of the City of Streetsboro on the south side of State Route 303. Parking is located south of State Route 303 on the gravel near the railroad bed.
What to bring: Bring lunch, water, hand pruners/saws, long-sleeved shirts, pants, 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 RSVP HERE or if you have questions, please contact us HERE.
Portage County
Gott Fen is a boreal fen located within the Tinker’s Creek watershed of northern Portage County. The entire region contains multiple wetland complexes which border Tinker’s Creek as it follows its northern march to the Cuyahoga River. Gott Fen contains one of the best populations of showy lady’s-slipper orchids and is home to a number of other fen species, such as northern bayberry and grass-of- parnassus. The goal of this project is to control woody species, including glossy buckthorn, common buckthorn, and gray dogwood in the northern and southern fen meadows.
Directions: Gott Fen is located 1.5 miles west of the City of Streetsboro on the south side of State Route 303. Parking is located south of State Route 303 on the gravel near the railroad bed.
What to bring: Bring lunch, water, hand pruners/saws, long-sleeved shirts, pants, 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 RSVP HERE or if you have questions, please contact us HERE.
Saturday, October 20 (Rain Date: October 27)
Woody Species Control at Brinkhaven Oak Barrens
10:00 a.m. – 3:00 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 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 (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: If you would like to attend please RSVP HERE or if you have questions, please contact us HERE.
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 (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: If you would like to attend please RSVP HERE or if you have questions, please contact us HERE.
Thursday, November 8 (Rain Date: November 9)
Woody Species Control at Medway Prairie Fringed Orchid Site
10:00 a.m. – 3:00 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 and conduct herbicide application.
RSVP: If you would like to attend please RSVP HERE or if you have questions, please contact us HERE.
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 and conduct herbicide application.
RSVP: If you would like to attend please RSVP HERE or if you have questions, please contact us HERE.
Wednesday, November 14 (Rain Date: November 15)
Invasive Species Control at Karlo Fen State Nature Preserve
10:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
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 woody species such as glossy buckthorn, autumn olive and gray dogwood as well as herbaceous invasive cattails and purple loosestrife.
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 RSVP HERE or if you have questions, please contact us HERE.
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 woody species such as glossy buckthorn, autumn olive and gray dogwood as well as herbaceous invasive cattails and purple loosestrife.
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 RSVP HERE or if you have questions, please contact us HERE.