Guided Tour: Wahkeena Nature Preserve
Wahkeena Nature Preserve, 2200 Pump Station Road, Sugar Grove, OH, 43130 Map
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION:
Wahkeena Nature Preserve, near Lancaster, is a 150-acre natural area managed by the Fairfield County Historical Parks. This popular outdoor classroom and quiet retreat for nature lovers is located on the southeastern boundary of glaciation in Ohio. The preserve hosts an abundance of plants and animals typical of the unglaciated Allegheny Plateau.
Ten of Ohio?s native orchids such as showy orchis and pink lady?s slipper and approximately 30 different kinds of ferns have been identified at the preserve. Wahkeena is also home to rhododendron and flame azalea, state threatened and state-endangered species respectively. Wahkeena is also home to more than 100 species of birds and 25 species of mammals, including the pileated woodpecker, numerous warblers and beaver. Wetland areas host a variety of amphibian and reptile species and provide excellent viewing for dragonflies and damselflies. Throughout the year, numerous wildflowers attract a rich assortment of butterflies and moths.
Wahkeena has a first-class nature center with displays on wildlife, geology, plant life and the area?s history. The nature center includes a gift shop with books on a wide range of natural history topics.
Tour Guide:
Our tour will be led by assistant naturalist, Tom Shisler.
Driving Directions:
From the corner of Main and Broad Streets in Lancaster, Ohio, head west on Main Street for approximately 2 blocks, then turn left onto Memorial Drive. Continue on Memorial Drive for 1? miles until it turns into Logan-Lancaster Road. Remain on Logan-Lancaster Road for about 3 miles, then turn right onto Tarkiln Road. Take the first left onto Old Logan Road and continue on this road for about 2? miles. Turn right onto Pump Station Road, continuing on for about one-half mile. Wahkeena Nature Preserve will be on the right.
For carpool information contact: Barbara Altenburg [email protected] 614-638-0442