Botany 2012 Field Trip Descriptions

FT1—Fri 8am, 7/6-Sat 7pm, 7/7 (2 days)

Edge of Appalachia's communities and flora--Edge of Appalachia preserves and Shawnee State Park/Forest (Adams and Scioto Counties)

This area is unique for numerous reasons. The Shawnee/Edge of Appalachia territory has the most geologic regions than any other spot in the state. Shawnee is the largest unbroken forest in the state at 63,000 acres of mostly sandstone soils with local rarities like azalea and hemlock. Coupled with the rich diversity of trees are a number of regionally unusual Appalachian herbs and shrubs, some of which reach the northernmost extent of their range including great rhododendron, flame azalea, and Canby’s mountain-lover. The huge semi-contiguous landscape represented by the protected areas harbors numerous state-listed plants and animals and surrounds a diversity of aquatic habitats with rare fish and aquatic invertebrate species. The landscape is has been called “The Little Smokies of Ohio”, comprising much of the Western Allegheny Plateau ecoregion and boasting some of the highest quality forest and aquatic communities in Appalachian Ohio.

Visiting the Edge preserves, you can sample a mix of white cedar bluff woodlands, dolomitic rock promontories and xeric limestone prairies which catapulted the creation of this 15,000 acre nature preserve co-owned by the Cincinnati Museum Center and the Nature Conservancy. In July, one might find tallgrass prairie plants like big and little blue stem, prairie dock, western sunflower, whorled rosinweed and possibly the rare tall larkspur. Plains muhly grass grows on top the national natural landmark Buzzardsroost Rock, as well as texas sandwort and other prairie species unexpected in these forest ridge tops.

Wide range of easy to difficult hiking in rugged terrain, with hot sun in the prairies and hot humidity in the forests. Wear sturdy boots or shoes, broad-brimmed hats and long pants, and bring extra water.

Websites:

http://www.cincymuseum.org/nature

http://www.flora-quest.com/shawnee.html

Trip leaders: For Edge of Appalachia region—Chris Bedel, Edge of Appalachia Preserve (TNC); Rich McCarty and Pete Whan, Cincinnati Museum Center, For Shawnee region—Cheryl Harner, Flora Quest; John Howard

Food included: 2 box lunches, beverages, water (other meals on your own)

Destinations (region around Lynx, Ohio [group will travel to different access points and habitats in region over the two day period]) will include: Lynx Prairie Preserve, Buzzardroost Rock Preserve, Wilderness Trail, Abner Hollow Preserve, Shawnee State Park and surrounding Shawnee State Forest

Transportation: bus
Overnight lodging: To be determined.

FT2—Sat 8am-5pm, 7/7 (one day)
Sedges and rushes

We’ll take a close look at members of the families Cyperaceae and Juncaceae at a few sites in west-central Ohio. First stop will be at Pearl King Oak Savanna Metro Park, an oak savanna remnant in the Darby Plains. We’ll see Carex bicknellii, C. festucacea, C. retroflexa, Eleocharis compressa, Juncus interior, and more. Cedar Bog State Nature Preserve is the only Thuja occidentalis fen remaining in the state and has an incredible diversity of plants. There at our second stop we’ll see Carex flava, Carex sterilis, Cladium mariscoides, Eleocharis quinqueflora, Eleocharis rostellata, Eriophorum viridicarinatum, Juncus articus var. balticus, Juncus brachycephalus, Rhynchospora capillacea, and much, much more.Easy to moderate difficulty. We recommend knee-high boots for wetlands and long pants. Beware: Poison sumac is at Cedar Bog!

Websites:
http://ohsweb.ohiohistory.org/places/nw02/index.shtml

http://www.cedarbognp.org/

http://www.cedarbognp.org/threatened%20species_plants.htm

Trip leaders: Rick Gardner, Ohio Division of Wildlife; Dan Boone, Cincinnati

Food included: Box lunch, beverages, water

Destinations: Pearl King Oak Savanna Metropark - Madison County, OH and Cedar Bog State Nature Preserve--Urbana, OH

FT3—Sat 8am-5pm, 7/7 (one day)

Bryophytes of the Hocking Hills

The Hocking Hills, including the field trip destination, contain the most diverse bryophyte communities in Ohio. They are noted for deep, moist hemlock-tulip tree ravines, waterfalls, sandstone outcrops, and rock houses. The surrounding uplands are dominated by Appalachian oaks and sunny rock exposures. Notable bryophytes of the area include Asterella tenella, Brothera leana, Bryoxiphium norvegicum, Cyrto-hypnum pygmaeum, and Hookeria acutifolia

Moderate to difficult walking and off-trail collecting.  Sturdy hiking boots are necessary. 
Food included: Box lunch, beverages, water
Destination: Privately owned preserve in Hocking Hills region, Hocking County, OH

Trip leaders: Barbara K. Andreas and Cynthia L. Dassler, The Ohio State University Herbarium

Transportation: bus

Number of participants: 15-25

FT4—Sat 8am-5pm, 7/7 (one day)

Pteridophytes of the Hocking Hills

Ohio hosts nearly 80 species of ferns and lycophytes, and the fern field trip will head to the species-rich Hocking Hills region of central southeastern Ohio, an area of rich second-growth forests with abundant wildflower, fern, and lycophyte communities that is about 1.5 hours from downtown Columbus. We will see many species typical of the eastern deciduous forest, including the shield, wood, lady, hay-scented, bladder, Christmas, sensitive, royal, cinnamon, maidenhair, glade, broad beech, and ostrich ferns as well as the spleenworts. More unusual species will include the blunt-lobed grapefern, the triangle moonwort, and the Appalachian filmy fern.

Moderate to occasionally strenuous. Participants should be prepared to hike up and down fairly steep trails for distances up to a mile. Be sure to bring a water bottle, insect repellent, and wear long pants (we will hike through areas where poison ivy is frequent).

Trip leaders: Warren Hauk, Denison University; John Knouse, Athens, Ohio

Food included: Box lunch, beverages, water

Destination: Hocking Hills State Park including the sandstone cliffs, waterfalls, and valley floors of Cantwell Cliffs and Conkle’s Hollow. Other quick stops along the way will supplement the fern diversity present at our two main sites.

FT5—Sat 8am-5pm, 7/7 (one day)

Prairies of central Ohio--Smith Cemetery, Bigelow Cemetery, Pearl King Savanna

This trip highlights some of the finest remnants of prairies and savannas left in Ohio. The Darby Plains consisted of extensive wet prairie, especially in the areas lying between Big and Little Darby creeks. This area supported a vast tallgrass prairie interrupted only by numerous scattered groves of burr oak savanna. Due to the inhospitable nature of the landscape, these extensive prairie areas were some of the last to be settled in Ohio. The fertile soils of the Darby Plains eventually gave way to the plow and agriculture consumed all but a fraction of the original prairie ecosystem. Smith and Bigelow cemeteries, both founded in the early 1800’s, consist of original prairie sod and support an abundance of prairie wildflowers. These areas have never been plowed or grazed and give a small glimpse of what the vast Darby Plains region must have looked like over 200 years ago. For many years, Bigelow Cemetery State Nature Preserve was the only known site in Ohio for Royal Catchfly (Silene regia) and although other sites are now known, it still boasts an impressive population! We will also visit the18-acre Pearl King Savanna, which is an excellent example of one of the few remaining natural oak savannahs in Darby Plains region of Ohio. Some of the more interesting plants we will encounter include: Big Bluestem (Andropogon gerardii), Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea), Gray-headed Coneflower (Ratibida pinnata), Royal Catchfly (Silene regia), and Prairie Dock (Silphium terebinthinaceum).

Easy walking along established trails, some moderate hiking through thick grassland habitat, with hot sun in the prairies. Wear sturdy boots or shoes, broad-brimmed hats and long pants, and bring extra water.

Websites:
http://www.ohiodnr.com/location/smith_cemetery/tabid/964/Default.aspx

http://www.ohiodnr.com/location/dnap/bigelow_prairie/tabid/921/Default.aspx

Trip leaders: Jason Larson, Ohio University; Andrew Gibson, Hocking College

Food included: Box lunch, beverages, water

Destinations: Smith Cemetery--Located in Madison County, 2 miles west of Plain City on SR 161; proceed 1 mile south on Kramer Road, (Union County Road 42) this road becomes Converse Chapel Road (Madison County Road 41) then 0.25 mile west on Boyd Road to the prairie cemetery located on the north side. A trail is present. Bigelow Cemetery--600 Rosedale Rd, Irwin, OH 43029; Pearl King Oak Savanna Metropark--Madison County, OH


FT6— Sat 8am-12pm, 7/7 (half day)

Reconstructed prairie walk

This is an approximately 22 acre tallgrass prairie located in western Knox County.  Although not native prairie, it is situated within the Prairie Peninsula as described by Edgar Nelson Transeau in the journal Ecology in 1935.  Seeds from small widely scattered native Ohio prairie remnants were used in the establishment of this planting which represents a typical relatively small tallgrass Ohio prairie as it would have occurred, except for the impact of Bison and Elk, at the time of first settlement.  It includes virtually all prairie species native to Ohio, from Big Bluestem (Andropogon gerardii), Prairie Cord Grass (Spartina pectinata), and Indian Grass (Sorghastrum nutans), to Compass Plant (Silphium laciniatum), Royal Catchfly (Silene regia), and Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea).  Denny’s Prairie is about 22 miles east of the Sandusky Plains, a once vast native  tallgrass prairie that covered approximately 300 square miles at the time of earliest settlement.  The Sandusky Plains encompassed parts of Marion, Wyandot, and Crawford counties in north central Ohio.  Now only small remnants remain in this predominantly agricultural landscape.  Denny’s Tallgrass Prairie was established incrementally over an 18 year period beginning in 1992.  Participants will  be shown how to recognize various species of prairie plants, learn interesting information about them, as well as discuss techniques for establishing and managing prairie plantings. 

Leisurely, easy walking on level ground.

Websites:
http://www.mountvernonnews.com/local/08/04/09/prairie_burn.php4
http://cherylharner.blogspot.com/2010/07/house-on-prairie.html

Trip leader: Guy Denny

Food included: none

Destination: Guy Denny’s home, Lucerne, Knox County, OH


FT7— Sat 1pm-5pm, 7/7 (half day)
Columbus microbreweries tour

This is a brewery tour of Barley’s Brewing Co., Gordon Biersch Brewery Restaurant and Elevator Brewing Co., led by one of Ohio’s best-known aficionados and published experts. The three breweries are different. Barley’s is a brewpub that specializes in English-style ales. Gordon Biersch – part of a national chain – is a brewpub that specializes in German lagers. And Elevator Brewing is both a brewpub and a production brewery. The Elevator brewpub is the most gorgeous brewpub in the state. It’s a former turn-of-the-century gentleman’s club (pool hall and bar, not strip club) with stained glass windows, mosaic tile floor and giant mahogany barback. All three breweries are located about a half-mile apart and Barley’s is right across the street from the Columbus Convention Center, all within easy walking distance.

Modest in-town walking (about a mile for the entire tour).

Website:
http://beer.ohio.com/author/rick/

Trip leader: Rick Armon, Akron Beacon Journal, author of “Ohio Breweries”


FT8— Sun 8am-5pm, 7/8 (one day)
Woodlands and Cliffs—Crane Hollow and Cantwell Cliffs

This trip highlights outstanding sites representing central Ohio’s mesophytic and floodplain woodlands and sandstone cliffs. High quality examples of several communities exist at Crane Hollow, a private preserve near the Hocking Hills, including Allegheny-Cumberland Dry Oak Forest and Woodland, Appalachian (Hemlock)-Northern Hardwood Forest, South-Central Interior Mesophytic Forest, and Central Appalachian Stream and Riparian, and Cumberland Acidic Cliff and Rockhouse. Additionally anthropogenically created communities are represented by fields and pine plantations. The greatest botanical diversity exists in the mesic forests and floodplain forests. However, some of the most interesting and rare species thrive only in the abundant cliff and rockhouse environments. Some state-listed plants at Crane Hollow include Aconitum columbianum subsp. columbianum (formerly considered New York Monk’s Hood), Silene rotundifolia, Trichomanes boschianum, Panicum verrucosum, Poa paludigena, Cystopteris tennesseensis and Platanthera flava. Additionally, Eupatorium godfreyanum was recently discovered on a cliff within the preserve.
Cantwell Cliffs is the most scenic spot in Hocking County, a region known for its natural wonders. Those who do make the effort to visit Cantwell Cliffs will see a reddish-brown sandstone cliff shaped like a giant horseshoe that towers 150 feet over the gorge below. A one-mile trail leads hikers to Lookout Point on the east rim, where they're rewarded with a striking view of the cliff and a rock shelter. Along the way, visitors to Cantwell Cliffs will come across inclines and descents, slump rocks (large boulders) on the valley floor, a recess cave and an especially narrow passage nicknamed "Fat Woman's Squeeze." Although it's relatively short, the Cantwell Cliffs hiking trail can be a challenging way to spend an hour and a half.

Moderately rugged to occasionally strenuous. The trip involves substantial hiking over varied terrain, including steep ascents and descents to access some sandstone areas. Few trails exist within Crane Hollow as it is generally closed to the public, although Cantwell Cliffs has well developed trails. Minor bushwacking through Smilax and Rubus necessitates wearing long pants, shirts with long sleeves, and sturdy hiking boots.

Website:
http://www.thehockinghills.org/cantwell_cliffs.htm

Trip leaders: Heather Stehle, Crane Hollow, Inc.; Joe Moosbrugger, Ohio University

Food included: Box lunch, beverages, water

Destinations: Crane Hollow—16820 State Route 678, Rockbridge, OH 43149, Cantwell Cliffs—the parking lot of Cantwell Cliffs is located off of S.R. 374, near the community of Rockbridge

FT13— Sun 8am-5pm, 7/8 (one day)
Photography of woodland and cliff plants—Hocking Hills

See and photograph the botanical sights of Ohio's magnificent Hocking Hills region. Located on the edge of Ohio's unglaciated Western Allegheny Plateau, the area is famous for its numerous cool hemlock ravines, blackhand sandstone ledges and recess caves. Explore the scenic beauty and botanical diversity of the area by visiting several locations, including those off the beaten path. Former Ohio Department of Natural Resources botanist and nature photographer Tom Arbour will be your guide.

Moderate to difficult with possibilities for off-trail hiking.

Trip leader: Tom Arbour

Food included: Box lunch, beverages, water

Destination: Hocking Hills State Park [group will travel to different access points around the park to visit different habitats] 

FT9— Sun 9am-12noon, 7/8 (half day)
Ohio State University Herbarium, Ornamental Plant Germplasm Center, Chadwick Arboretum

This half-day trip will highlight three very different botanical treasures within a mile of each other, nestled in central Columbus in and around the Ohio State University (OSU). The Ohio State University Herbarium (OS) is a major collection of plant and fungal specimens and is a unit of the Department of Evolution, Ecology and Organismal Biology in the College of Biological Sciences. We are part of OSU's Museum of Biological Diversity. Since its founding in 1891, the collection has grown to approximately half a million specimens and has worldwide coverage, with strengths in flora of the northeastern United States (especially Ohio) and in temperate South America. The herbarium supports research and teaching at OSU and receives frequent use by researchers from other academic institutions, as well as by staff from governmental agencies such as the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. The collections continue to grow through contribution of specimens by faculty, students, and associated researchers, as well as by exchange with other herbaria. As they grow they increase in value as documentation of plant existence in space and time, as a sample of natural variation, which facilitates our understanding of species boundaries, and as a source of phylogenetic data, both morphological and molecular.
The Ornamental Plant Germplasm Center (OPGC) is part of the US Department of Agriculture’s National Plant Germplasm System whose function is to preserve the genetic diversity of crop plants and wild relatives.  Located within the Columbus campus of OSU, the OPGC is part of the Department of Horticulture and Crop Science; it focuses on the preservation of seeds and clones of herbaceous ornamental crop plants, especially of native North American genera (e.g. Coreopsis, Lilium, Rudbeckia, Phlox, Penstemon, etc). Since its founding in 2001, the OPGC has sought to conserve and develop germplasm of value to the Floriculture and Nursery industry through collection of native species, seed biology studies, characterization/evaluation of accessions and interspecific hybridization studies.
The Chadwick Arboretum and Learning Gardens, integrated within OSU’s College of Food, Environmental and Agricultural Sciences campus landscape, is a classically arranged and exquisitely laid out planting of woody and herbaceous ornamental plants. The arboretum and gardens serve the campus as a showcase of numerous species and cultivars for plant systematics and horticulture courses as well as providing an essential respite for everybody in the region.

Easy walking, indoors and outside.

Websites:
http://herbarium.biosci.ohio-state.edu/

http://opgc.osu.edu/

http://chadwickarboretum.osu.edu/visiting-chadwick

Trip leaders: John Freudenstein, Ohio State University Herbarium, Pablo Jourdan, Ornamental Plant Germplasm Center, Mary Maloney, Chadwick Arboretum and Learning Gardens

Food included: Box lunch, beverages, water (other meals on your own)

Destinations (all in central Columbus): Ohio State University, Museum of Biodiversity, 1315 Kinnear Road, Ornamental Plant Germplasm Center, 670 Vernon L. Tharp St., Chadwick Arboretum, adjacent to Howlettt Hall, 2001 Fyffe Court

Transportation: bus

FT10— Sun 10 am-1:00 , 7/8 (half day)
Franklin Conservatory and Gardens, Columbus

Built in 1895, Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens is a botanical landmark two miles east of downtown Columbus. It is a premier horticultural and educational institution showcasing exotic plant collections, special exhibitions, and a signature collection of work by glass artist Dale Chihuly. Set within the 88 acres of Franklin Park, the Conservatory houses 400 species of plants from a variety of global climate zones and features a Victorian Palm House with more than 40 species of palms. It is surrounded by botanical gardens and floral displays. Annual exhibitions include The Orchid Forest, Blooms and Butterflies, and Holidays at the Conservatory. The Conservatory has developed a program of world-class exhibitions by national and international artists. In addition to a wide range of educational classes and workshops for school groups, families, and individuals, Franklin Park Conservatory also provides a valuable resource through its Growing to Green program for community gardeners. With its natural surroundings, both indoors and out, the Conservatory serves as a premier venue for special events and corporate gatherings. A dynamic and multi-faceted institution, Franklin Park Conservatory is a unique and popular destination for visitors of all ages.

Easy walking, indoors and outside

Destination: Franklin Park Conservatory and Gardens, 1777 E. Broad Street, Columbus,
Website:
http://www.fpconservatory.org/

Transportation: bus

FT11— Thu 8am-5pm, 7/12 (one day)
Fens of central Ohio-- Cedar Bog Preserve

Cedar Bog Nature Preserve is the largest and one of the best preserved examples of a boreal and prairie fen complex in Ohio. One of the most characteristic plants found at the preserve is Northern White-cedar or Arbor Vitae. Significant boreal, as well as prairie and coastal plain species, occur here. The preserve protects many state-listed plants (nearly 40) and animals and boasts excellent orchid, prairie, and woodland wildflower displays. Some of the more unusual plants that might be seen during the conference visit include: Swamp Birch (Betula pumila), Grass Pink (Calopogon tuberosus var. tuberosus), Yellow Sedge (Carex flava), Little Yellow Sedge (Carex cryptolepis), Showy Lady's-slipper Orchid (Cypripedium reginae), Queen-of-the-prairie (Filipendula rubra), Starry Flase Solomon’s-seal (Maianthemum stellatum) and Northern White-cedar (Thuja occidentalis). This location is one of only two sites in the state of Ohio for Showy Lady’s-slipper Orchid (Cypripedium reginae)! This plant alone is worth making the trip!

Websites:
http://ohsweb.ohiohistory.org/places/nw02/index.shtml
http://www.cedarbognp.org/
http://www.cedarbognp.org/threatened%20species_plants.htm

Easy walking along established boardwalk trails. Bring along insect repellant, sun screen and a hat. Restrooms will be available at the Cedar Bob visitors center.

Trip leaders: Jim McCormack, Ohio Division of Wildlife; Jason Larson, Ohio University; Andrew Gibson, Hocking College

Food included: Box lunch, beverages, water

Destination: Cedar Bog State Nature Preserve, Urbana, OH

FT12—Thu 8am-5pm, 7/12 (one day)
Lichens of the Hocking Hills

The Hocking Hills is one of the most geologically and botanically interesting regions of Ohio.  Sandstone cliffs, dry woods and deep hemlock gorges abound.  This diversity of habitat results in a rich lichen flora.  We will visit two areas with dry sandstone exposure, dry soil and sunny trees.  We might expect a few rarities (at least for Ohio) including Ramalina petrina, Canoparmelia texana and Dibaeis absolutus

Some of the area visited is fairly steep and walking up a trail with numerous steps is required.  Please wear sturdy but comfortable shoes.  July can be very hot in Ohio so dress appropriately (we won’t be ‘bushwacking’, shorts are fine).  Bring plenty of water or sports drink.  Insects are not usually a problem in this area.  Collecting of lichens will be allowed so bring any gear that you might need.

Trip leaders: Ray Showman, Janet Traub

Food included: Box lunch, beverages, water

Destination: Hocking Hills State Park [group will travel to different access points around the park to visit different habitats] 

FT14— Thu 9am 7/12-Fri 5pm 7/13 (2 days)
Lake Erie coastal and island flora--Oak Openings region, Lakeside Daisy Preserve (mainland); North Pond Preserve, Glacial Grooves Memorial, Scheele Preserve (Kelleys Island)

This two-day trip highlights the remarkable diversity of natural communities and numerous unusual and state-listed plant species found in the vicinity of the southwestern Lake Erie shoreline and lakeplain, from the oak-dominated and sand barrens-studded Oak Openings landscape west of Toledo to the globally imperiled coastal wet prairies and limestone alvar adjacent to Lake Erie. The Oak Openings region of Northwestern Ohio is the remnants of a 12,000 year old glacial lake.  What remains of these ancient beaches and sand bars are the low dunes, sand prairies and groundwater-driven wet prairies.  Roughly one third of Ohio’s rare plant species are harbored within this area that comprises < 0.5% of Ohio’s total land area.  Several communities that will be visited are the wire-grass (Carex lasiocarpa)-twig-rush (Cladium mariscoides) wet prairie, black oak (Quercus velutina)-lupine (Lupinus perennis) barren and midwest sand barren and prairie.  We would expect to see a variety of sedges including Rhynchospora recognita, Lipocarpha micrantha, and Carex cryptolepis along with Xyris torta, Drosera intermedia, Opuntia humifusa, Koeleria macrantha, Euthamia remota, Sisyrinchium atlanticum, Polygala cruciata, and possibly Calopogon tuberosus.
The Lakeside daisy (Hymenoxys herbacea) is the rarest of the plants currently listed as endangered in Ohio. This distinction is due to its limited distribution both in Ohio and throughout its geographic range. The only natural population of Lakeside daisy in the United States grows on the Marblehead Peninsula in Ottawa County. In 1988 the Lakeside daisy was listed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as a federally threatened species. The species has been listed as endangered in Ohio since 1980. Lakeside Daisy State Nature Preserve encompasses 19 acres of old limestone quarried land on the Marblehead Peninsula of Lake Erie in Ottawa County. This preserve was established to protect the only natural United States population of the Lakeside daisy. It also protects several other state-listed calciphilic plant species.

Kelleys Island is the largest island of the southern shore of Lake Erie.  It has great plant diversity with alvar, hackberry-sugar maple woodlands, marshes, beaches, and calcareous wetlands.  We’ll visit several state nature preserves and parks and Cleveland Museum of Natural History nature preserves.  Some species to expect to see include Lakeside daisy (Tetraneuris  herbacea), rock elm (Ulmus thomasii), northern bog violet (Viola nephrophylla), Carex garberi, and balsam squaw-weed (Packera paupercula). Intermittent walking over more or less flat terrain, but rock substrate and shallow marshlands may provide occasional uncertain footing; wear good boots. Open habitats in full sun warrant a broad-brimmed hat.

Websites:
http://www.oakopen.org/
http://ohiodnr.com/location/dnap/kittytodd/tabid/949/Default.aspx
http://www.ohiodnr.com/location/lakeside_daisy/tabid/903/Default.aspx
http://www.cmnh.org/site/Conservation/NaturalAreas/Map/KelleysIsland.aspx

Trip leaders: Tim Walters for Oak Openings, Jim Bissell for Lakeside Daisy and Kelleys Island sites, John Jaeger for the entire trip

Food included: 2 box lunches, beverages, water (other meals on your own)

Destinations: Oak Openings region west of Toledo and northwest Erie coast (including Kelleys island). Oak Openings area (a number of sites, including Kitty Todd State Nature Preserve)--Located in western Lucas County north of Old State Line Road. Managed by The Nature Conservancy, Kitty Todd Preserve is open weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and the first full weekend of the month from May through October only. For information on guided walks and preserve volunteer projects, contact the Oak Openings Project Office at 419-867-1521, Lakeside Daisy State Nature Preserve--Located in Ottawa County south of Marblehead on the Marblehead Peninsula on the east side of Alexander Pike (Township Road 142), .5 mile south of SR 163. Parking present., North Pond State Nature Preserve, Glacial Grooves Memorial, Scheele Preserve, all on Kelleys Island—ferry departs from Marblehead; website: http://www.kelleysislandferry.com/

Transportation: bus, ferry to Kelleys Island (no motor

Potential overnight lodging:  To be determned