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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.
Trail Length:
1 Mile
Flat boardwalk is wheelchair friendly with turnouts. Stairs to overlook.
In 1995 the Siebenthaler Company sold this property to The Nature Conservancy, who then turned it over to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Wildlife. BCWA volunteers built the recycled plastic and fiberglass boardwalk, the tower and kiosk, and the Division of Wildlife completed the wooden boardwalk. Bob Siebenthaler donated funds for Nan’s Tower in memory of his sister.
Siebenthaler Fen is the crown jewel of the wetland corridor and enjoys year-round use by school groups, birdwatchers and wildflower enthusiasts. A boardwalk takes you past wet woods, the fen, Beaver Creek, the information kiosk and observation tower.
The trail is accessible by wheelchair with broad areas to turn around. Siebenthaler Fen is a hunting area September through January. Visitors should wear bright colors during hunting season.
Parking area located on Fairground Rd just east of Beaver Valley Rd.
Plant diversity is high along the boardwalk, and flowering peaks from July through September. Look for Marsh Marigolds and Skunk Cabbage in late winter/early spring, dogwoods and iris in May, Queen of the Prairie in July, Asters in August, Bottle Gentians in September. Fen-sedge meadows dominate the loop portion and wet woods line the boardwalk leading to the loop. Butterflies abound all spring and summer. Birds include Yellow Warbler, Common Yellow Throat, Willow Flycatcher, Sora Rail, Eastern Towhee, House and Carolina Wren, Cedar Waxwing, Redwing Blackbird, Yellow Shafted Flicker, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Yellow-breasted Chat, Song and Swamp Sparrows, and many more.
Fens are peatlands fed by mineral-rich springs oozing up from groundwater. Water does not usually cover the surface but runs quickly to Beaver Creek. The pH is a little over 7 (7 is neutral). The peat, derived from sedges, is about 8 feet deep. Since 1988 biologists have identified over 470 wetland species here. Such biodiversity provides a genetic bank potentially useful in crop improvement and medicine development.
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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