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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.
Trail Length:
2 Miles
Easy to moderate, mostly hard surface and mulch
This site was originally surface-mined in 1929 for limestone to make cement by Southwestern Portland Cement Company and Southdown Inc., before being sold to the Oakes family in the 1990’s. The family donated the land to the City of Fairborn in 2003. Oakes Quarry Park is the second-largest park in Fairborn. The park includes foot trails and horseback trails that cross ancient limestone fossils exposed by the mining activity that formed the quarry. Conservation work here is developing prairies and wetlands once common in the area and the northern edge is nice woodland. Clean Ohio Conservation Fund assisted with the development of the park including invasive species removal and reforestation of 8,000 trees.
Trail length: 2 mile perimeter trail, 1 mile horse trail
Trail Difficulty: Easy to moderate, mostly hard surface and mulch
What to See: The hiking trails take you back in time 440 million years when all of this was a coral reef in a shallow sea. Researchers from The Ohio State University say these Silurian Age fossils are the best in the U.S. and represent an exceptional site worldwide. More recently, glaciers left grooves, slides and polishings in the rock before the last ice age ended 14,000 years ago. Look for woodland and grassland birds along with white-tailed deer, cottontail rabbits, red fox, coyotes, raccoons and red-tailed hawks.
Amenities: 190 acres with parking, hiking and horseback trails, fishing and portable restroom. Fishing is allowed without a license.
Ownership: City of Fairborn
Entrance and parking located on State Route 235 just east of I-675
The hiking trail takes you back in time 440 million years, when all of this was a coral reef in a shallow sea. Researchers from the Ohio State University say these Silurian Age crinoid fossils are the best in the U.S. and represent an exceptional site worldwide. More recently, glaciers left grooves, slides and polishings in the rock before the last ice age ended 14,000 years ago. Look for woodland and grassland birds along with white-tailed deer, cottontail, red fox, coyote, raccoon and red-tailed hawk.
190 acres with parking, hiking & horseback trails, portable restrooms.
190 acres with parking, hiking & horseback trails, portable restrooms.
Oakes Quarry Park is in the northernmost part of the Beaver Creek Wetlands watershed and drains to the Little Miami River. The nearby Wenrick Wetlands to the north in Medway, Clark County drain to the Mad River. Wetlands like Oakes Quarry create green space that improves property values while being part of a long corridor of wildlife habitat.
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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