Calamus Swamp Preserve - Summer Visit
- Sep 11, 2020
- 3 min read
Updated: May 25, 2024
A Columbus Audubon Preserve
“Nature will bear the closest inspection. She invites us to lay our eye level with her smallest leaf, and take an insect view of its plain” ― Henry David Thoreau
Calamus Swamp Preserve
04/29/29 Update: The boardwalk at Calamus Swamp has seen better days. Storms and extreme weather conditions have caused extensive damage very quickly. This is the sign posted at the entrance to Calamus Swamp.
A quick update on Calamus Swamp Preserve.
To see the first post on Calamus Swamp click HERE
We really enjoyed Calamus Swamp Preserve on our first trip but it was flooded, and we were unable to explore everything. We decided to go back at the end of August to see the Swamp in its full glory.
Parking Lot
The parking lot is gravel and well-kept. There is enough room for about 10-15 cars. The parking spots are not marked.
The lot can be hard to see if you are coming South down 104. It sits directly after a small woodland area. There is a sign, but the entrance is before the sign.
The prairie at the trailhead was grown up and buzzing with insect and bird activity.
The Boardwalk
The boardwalk was not flooded during this visit. The large duck blind was almost hidden from all the growth. The water was visible alongside the boardwalk.
We were able to walk the parts of the boardwalk that were completely submerged during our last visit. The swamp in this area was full of frogs. They were everywhere.
The Trail
Once the boardwalk ends you are on a natural dirt path that leads to a set of stairs. The path was nice and dry during this visit. A short distance down the trail is a set of stairs that lead to the Pickaway Trail. The Pickaway Trail is now paved. This will make the trail much easier to walk. A short distance down the paved trail is the second set of steps that leads back to Calamus Swamp Preserve.
Wildlife, Plants and Fungi
Calamus Swamp Preserve is known for having distinct plant communities that support several species of wildlife. plants and fungi.
Flowers and Plants
Amphibians
Insects
Fungi
Checklists
Calamus Swamp Preserve is unique and is home to several different plant communities. These communities support a wide variety of plants and animals.
The Columbus Audubon provides 6 different checklists:
· Birds
· Mammals
· Plants
What You Can Expect at Calamus Swamp Preserve
Please note that park rules and regulations can change at any time. The following information was in effect for Calamus Swamp Preserve as of January 2020.
There are no bathrooms.
Great place for birding.
There are no bridges.
Concealed carry is permitted.
No person who is the owner of, or person in control of dogs, horses or other pets shall permit such animals to run at large on lands referenced above.
The swamp area has very little elevation changes. The 2 staircases are the only major elevation changes.
Parking lot is limestone. There is enough parking for 10-15 cars. There are no specified ADA spaces.
No picnic tables.
No playground.
One bench is located on the Pickaway Trail.
There is a lot of shade.
No shelter house.
In most areas the trail is obvious.
The boardwalk's materials vary. The trail is natural.
There are no trash cans.
The swamp.
There are no ADA parking spaces available. This Ohio preserve is not wheelchair accessible.
No boating.
No fishing or hunting.
Special Features - The boardwalk.
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