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Fairborn Marsh
In 2000 the Beaver Creek Wetlands Association, with help from the Nature Conservancy and a partial donation, acquired the eastern 52 acres.
This location has the largest natural open water marsh in the wetland corridor. The open water is particularly attractive to migrating waterfowl and
shore birds. At the edges of the marsh, the higher ground is a quaking fen with a very high diversity of plant species. The forest is in early stages of
succession from former agricultural land, and in the upland a restored prairie-savanna is in development. BCWA volunteers have worked to remove
invasive honeysuckle, and to plant native oaks, hazelnut, spicebush and dogwoods. Boy Scouts have helped develop trails and construct the
observation deck and many volunteers maintain the grounds.
The western part of Fairborn Marsh has no trails and is used mainly as a wildlife reserve. It was purchased via a grant from the North American
Wetlands Conservation Act to Wright State University and Beaver Creek Wetlands Association in partnership with Ohio Department of Natural
Resources and the Nature Conservancy in the mid 1990s.
Location: Access entrance on Deercreek Dr. via the Fawn Ridge neighborhood.
Lat/Long Coordinates: 39.773463,-84.003654
Trail length: 1 mile loop & observation deck in eastern part
Trail difficulty: Gently rolling earthen trails, easy walking, wet after rain in low areas
What to see: Enjoy a variety of ducks and shore birds in the marsh. Sandhill Cranes, warblers and other neotropicals
are seen here, especially during migration. See Swamp Sparrow, Green Heron, Great Blue Heron, Eastern Towhee, wrens, and
Cedar Waxwings. Plants include Skunk Cabbage, Puffball Fungi, Shrubby Cinquefoil, Swamp Roses, many sedges, Great Angelica,
Marsh Marigolds, cattails, Burreed, Black Cherry, Bur Oaks, Indian Grass, Big Bluestem.
Amenities: 52 acres accessible on east side with parking, hiking trail, observation deck, no restrooms
Wetland fact: Rainwater that falls on the prairie uplands infiltrate into the gravelly glacierderived soil and then re-emerges
in the fens at the wetland edges. Groundwater that feeds fens also provides us with clean-safe drinking water.
Ownership:
West
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East
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Partners:
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