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Containing 5 restored wetland areas, many different types of wetland ecosystems can be observed at the Beaver Creek Wildlife Area. The area has been studied by scientists for restoration methods of wetlands. Visit to explore swamps, marshes, fens and more!
Trail Length:
0.75 Miles
Mostly flat to gently sloped grass, easy walking, some parts wet, most dry
This site was acquired with help from The Nature Conservancy in the late 1980s and is today owned and managed by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Wildlife. A hunting area for deer, waterfowl and fur-bearers, visitors should wear bright clothing in hunting season. Prime hunting season runs from about September 1st through January.
In the 1990s Wright State University biologists built three experimental fens to study wetland restoration methods. A fourth wetland restored by the Division of Wildlife and the Beaver Creek Wetlands Association is now a beautiful forested wetland, with standing water 3-4 months of the year. A fifth restored wetland containing a shallow pond and a hillside fen was built to replace wetlands lost due to local development.
Parking area located on south side of New Germany-Trebein Rd, east of Beaver Valley Rd.
Here nature lovers will find a large variety of natural features including swamp, marsh, fen, wet prairie, forest and upland prairie. Simple grassy trails take you to the edges of the marshes and fens. Sedge meadows, reedy meadows, tall-grass prairie, waterfowl, experimental wetlands, marsh with open water, ducks, geese, coots, herons, egrets, frogs, dragonflies and butterflies.
Hunting and trapping in season
Hunting and trapping in season
To offset wetlands lost to construction, wetlands are restored in mitigation projects to help maintain our community’s wetland functions such as flood and erosion control, recharge of groundwater and to filter water, making it safe for drinking.
Pearl's Fen is a peat wetland containing a rich diversity of plant and animal life that is maintained by springs that emerge from nearby glacial deposits. Visitors can view the diverse wetland area from a boardwalk and access nearby Oakes Quarry via a connector trail.
Oakes Quarry is in the northern-most part of the Beaver Creek Wetlands watershed and drains to the Little Miami River. This site was originally surfaced mined for limestone before being sold to the Oakes family in the 1990's. The park includes trails that cross ancient limestone fossils exposed by the mining activity that formed the quarry.
Cemex Reserve, located at the northern end of the Beaver Creek Wetlands, is a recently restored conservation site. After mining efforts ended, original drain patterns were restored and the marsh and prairies now flourish for local birds, amphibians, and many more local wildlife.
Fairborn’s Community Park has much to offer with two restored prairies, over 40 acres of forest, several wetland areas and vernal pools, a five acre pond, as well as fitness trails and sports courts. Get outside and active while surrounded by these beautiful natural areas!
The park is comprised of over 27 acres along the Beaver Creek waterway, with a 1/4 mile paved looped pathway.
Containing the largest open water marsh in the Beaver Creek wetland corridor, Amon Reserve is a haven for migrating birds. A trail loops through the eastern side of the reserve, but the western side is a wildlife reserve, without access. Hike the 1 mile loop and visit the observation deck for amazing views of the marsh.
Koogler Preserve features the only large swamp in the Beaver Creek Wetland corridor, visit and explore the boardwalk and observation deck to see the diverse swamp ecosystem.
Containing 5 restored wetland areas, many different types of wetland ecosystems can be observed at the Beaver Creek Wildlife Area. The area has been studied by scientists for restoration methods of wetlands. Visit to explore swamps, marshes, fens and more!
Siebenthaler Fen offers an accessible 1 mile trail with many opportunities for wildlife viewing. The unique boardwalk is made from recycled plastic and fiberglass, and includes an observation tower for a birds-eye view of the wetlands.
The upland prairie here was purchased and planted with native plants in 2011. You can enjoy this prairie in peak bloom during mid- to late-summer. The observation deck provides elevated views and educational panels.
Used as both a research location and hiking spot, Phillips and Rotary Parks offer picnic spots and a catch and release fishing pond, as well as hiking trails throughout both areas.
This large city park includes a trailhead to the Spotted Turtle Trail and a newly restored native prairie (coming soon).
At Creekside reserve, native species are beginning to return to the Little Beaver Creek, thanks to many volunteers and organizations working in this wetland that borders US Route 35. Visit on foot or bike the dedicated bikeway!
The Monarch Waystation is situated along the bike path, with easy access from the parking lot at Beavercreek Station. Visitors can see many blooms and insects in the summer months.
Zimmerman Prairie is a remnant of an extensive prairie fen which occurred in the outwash-filled valleys of Beaver Creek in western Ohio.
(no public access; no hiking trails)
Beaver Creek Wetlands Association is a member-supported 501(c)3 land trust, working to protect and restore wetlands and other natural areas in the Beaver Creek watershed in Greene County, Ohio.
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