The Ohio Department of Natural Resources is inviting Ohioans to celebrate the 50th anniversary of ODNR’s Division of Natural Areas and Preserves.

Regional events will be held on Tuesday, June 2, highlighting Ohio’s state nature preserves and scenic river systems. The family friendly events will showcase the natural habitats, plants, wildlife, and river systems that have been protected across the state for the past five decades.

ODNR Division of Natural Areas and Preserves Chief Jeff Johnson said Ohio’s lands and rivers are home to diverse ecosystems, including rare plants and animals, that have been protected through the state’s nature preserve and scenic river systems for 50 years.

Johnson said the anniversary events are designed to give Ohioans a chance to discover the ecological diversity found throughout the state.

The Division of Natural Areas and Preserves is offering guided hikes and paddles as part of the celebration. Event details and participating locations are listed below.

Central Ohio
Gallagher Fen State Nature Preserve
4709 Old Columbus Rd., Springfield, OH 45502
10 a.m. - noon
Discover the beauty of Gallagher Fen on an easy 1.5-mile guided hike through this prairie fen. This unique place protects a variety of uncommon plants and animals. No registration required.
 
Stage’s Pond State Nature Preserve
4792 Hagerty Rd., Ashville, OH 43103
10 a.m. - noon
Enjoy the accessible paved and boardwalk trail at Stage’s Pond by taking an easy, naturalist-led 2-mile hike through a variety of habitats, each featuring an amazing array of Ohio native plants and wildlife. No registration required.
 
Northeastern Ohio
Headlands Dunes State Nature Preserve
9601 Headlands Rd., Mentor, OH 44060
10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Protecting a significant remnant of the Lake Erie dunes community, Headlands Dunes is also celebrating its 50^th year as a state nature preserve. Discover the unusual plants protected here by joining a naturalist-led 1-mile hike (a portion will be on an accessible boardwalk trail). No registration required.
 
Upper Cuyahoga State Scenic River
Register to receive event location information
4:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
The Upper Cuyahoga is a paddler’s paradise. Register for this 50^th Anniversary kayak float and experience a section of stream nearly untouched by humans. Participants must be at least 12 years old and register in advance as spots are limited. To register or request additional information, email Cecelia.Phillips@dnr.ohio.gov.
 
Northwestern Ohio
Irwin Prairie State Nature Preserve
9987 W. Bancroft St., Holland, OH 43528
7 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Fun for the whole family, staff will be offering hands-on activities and a guided 1-mile evening hike along an accessible boardwalk trail for this registration-only event. Surround yourself with the sounds of nature at night and learn why Irwin Prairie is one of Ohio’s most popular natural areas. To register or request additional information, email Lauren.Broddrick@dnr.ohio.gov by June 1.
 
Southwestern Ohio
Little Miami State and National Scenic River
Register to receive event location information
4:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Ohio’s first state and national scenic river, the Little Miami, is a beautiful river. Discover one of its remote sections with streamside wetlands and diverse aquatic plants and animals. Participants must be older than 12 and register in advance as spots are limited. To register or request additional information, email Cecelia.Phillips@dnr.ohio.gov.
 
Southeastern Ohio
Lake Katharine State Nature Preserve
1703 Lake Katherine Rd., Jackson, OH 45640
10 a.m. - noon
Learn about Lake Katharine’s fascinating geology and enjoy the scenery of Ohio’s Appalachian region in this naturally diverse site on a naturalist-led, moderate ½-mile hike. Registration required by emailing Kaycee.King@dnr.ohio.gov or calling (937) 708-1608.