2200 Pump Station Rd SE
Sugar Grove, OH  43155 | MAP

WINTER HOURS

Mid-November 2024 through mid-March 2025
WEATHER PERMITTING
8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Wednesday-Friday
Closed Saturday-Tuesday

Mid-March 2025 through mid-November 2025
8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Wednesday-Sunday
Closed, Monday-Tuesday

Admission is FREE.  All group visits are by reservation only; call 800 297-1883 to make arrangements.

Beaver Lodge

150 acres in Berne Township in the southeast part of the county.

Wahkeena Nature Preserve was bequeathed to Ohio History Connection in 1957.  It is managed locally by Fairfield County Park District.

Some of the activities you can enjoy at this preserve are visiting the Nature Center, viewing aquatic creatures from the boardwalk over the wetlands and Lake Odonata, walking, and photography.  It provides exceptional opportunities for birding and observation of wildlife.  Guided nature walks and other programs are offered throughout the season.

A nature preserve is a living museum.  Wahkeena is a fine example of such living history.  This popular outdoor classroom and quiet retreat for nature lovers is located on the southeastern boundary of glaciation in Ohio.  The preserve is home to an abundance of plants and animals typical of the unglaciated Allegheny Plateau.

Twelve of Ohio’s native orchids such as Showy Orchis and Pink Lady’s Slipper and approximately 30 kinds of ferns have been identified.  Wahkeena has Great rhododendron and flame azalea, state-threatened and state-endangered species respectively.  There are more than 100 species of birds and 35 species of mammals including the pileated woodpecker, numerous warblers, and beaver.  Wetland areas host more than 30 species of amphibians and reptiles and provide excellent viewing for dragonflies and damselflies.  Throughout the year, numerous wildflowers attract a rich assortment of butterflies and moths.

Bloom List

Wahkeena maintains a Wildflower Bloom List and more about the flora and fauna one might expect to find, footage from their Trail Camera, an interesting Blog, more.

Visitors enjoy the first-class nature center with displays of wildlife, plant life, and the area’s geology and history.  The nature center includes a gift shop; in it are books on a wide range of natural history topics.

There are two permanently-injured raptors – a Barred Owl and a Red-shouldered Hawk – living onsite.  Their injuries do not allow them to hunt for themselves.  Wahkeena has obtained permits so they may be sheltered and used for educational programs.

Visitors can obtain a seasonal, self-guided trail map of key features along two of the trails.

A floating boardwalk that loops through the wetlands.

The Casa Burro Trail, an interpretive trail, is approximately one mile long and includes part of Shelter Trail.

The Shelter Trail is a one-half mile loop interpretive trail.

There is no picnic shelter at this location. Unlike other Fairfield County Parks locations, because this is a State of Ohio nature preserve, no pets or picnicking is permitted – see Nature Preserve Rules below.

There are no picnic tables at this location.

Use of a nature preserve is for passive recreation, nature observation, research, and education.  Certain activities are prohibited for the safety and preservation of the plants and wildlife.  Below are a few points to remember:

• Visitors are required to stay on trails.
• No pets (except assistance animals)
• No collection of any plant, animal, or other substance
• No hunting and fishing on nature preserve and natural areas

To see a full list of rules regarding the use of nature preserves, visit the ODNR (Ohio Department of Natural Resources) website, specifically Natural Areas & Preserves – Rules and Regulations.