Kinnikinnick Fen Nature Preserve
- wilfredadesigns
- Apr 25, 2020
- 6 min read
Updated: May 14
Kinnikinnick Fen Nature Preserve / Ross County Park District
“The continued existence of wildlife and wilderness is important to the quality of life of humans.” ― Jim Fowler
Kinnikinnick Fen Nature Preserve
We just happened to come across Kinnikinnick Fen Nature preserve by accident. Driving by, we spotted the sign and turned around. It was getting later in the day, but we decided to check it out anyway.
Kinnikinnick Fen Nature preserve sits back off Crouse Chapel Road. There is a small gravel parking lot that can accommodate approximately 15-20 cars. There are two benches and a recycling trash station.
About Kinnikinnick Fen Nature Preserve
The Southeast Ohio nature preserve is maintained by the Ross County Park District. It consists of 154 acres and sits along Kinnikinnick Creek. There are 1.8 miles of walking path that runs through the woods, an open wildflower field, grass field, Kinnikinnick Wetlands and Oxbow Wetland.
Importance of Wetland Habitats
Wetland habitats are crucial for the environment. They act like sponges, absorbing excess water and reducing floods. Wetlands also filter impurities, keeping our water clean.
Wetland habitats provide a home for many plants and animals, some found nowhere else. Birds use wetlands as resting spots during migration. Wetlands store carbon, helping to fight climate change. They support biodiversity and help maintain balanced ecosystems. Protecting wetlands is essential for a healthy planet.
Ecological Significance of Wetland Habitats
Wetland habitats are incredibly important for maintaining ecological balance and supporting biodiversity. They act as natural water filters, trapping pollutants and sediments, which helps improve water quality in surrounding areas.
Wetlands are also vital carbon sinks, absorbing carbon dioxide and thus playing a role in climate regulation. They provide essential breeding and feeding grounds for a wide variety of wildlife, including birds, fish, and amphibians, making them crucial for biodiversity.
Additionally, wetlands help mitigate flood risks by absorbing excess rainwater and releasing it slowly, protecting nearby communities. Overall, the preservation of wetland habitats is key to sustaining healthy ecosystems.
What is a Fen? (Information is taken directly off their sign)
A Fen is one of the main types of wetlands, the others being grassy marshes, forested swamps, and peaty bogs. Fens are minerotrophic peatlands, usually fed by mineral-rich surface water or groundwater. They are characterized by their distinct water chemistry, which is pH neutral or alkaline, with relatively high dissolved mineral levels but few other plant nutrients. They are usually dominated by grasses and sedges, and typically have brown mosses. As a result of the unusual alkaline water chemistry, several threatened plant species are found here, along with a couple of Ohio threatened animals, the Kirkland’s snake and the spotted turtle.
Without understanding their great biodiversity, fens have been damaged in the past by land drainage, and peat harvesting. Some are now being carefully restored with modern management methods. The principal challenges are to restore natural water flow regimes, to maintain the quality of water, and to prevent invasion by wood plants. One mission of the Ross County Park District is just that. We prioritize the maintenance of the delicate geological feature and the awareness of the rare and sensitive ecosystems it hosts.
Biodiversity and Plant Life
Wetland habitats are incredibly rich in biodiversity, providing a unique environment that supports a wide variety of plant and animal species. These areas, which include marshes, swamps, and bogs, are characterized by their saturated soils and varying water levels.
The plant life in wetlands is diverse, with water-loving species such as cattails, reeds, and water lilies thriving alongside shrubs and trees like willows and cypress. The dense vegetation not only serves as a vital food source but also offers shelter for numerous wildlife species, including birds, amphibians, and insects.
Wetlands are essential for maintaining ecological balance, acting as natural water filters and offering critical habitats that support a wealth of biodiversity.
Conservation Efforts
Wetland conservation efforts are crucial for maintaining the rich biodiversity and ecological balance in these vital habitats. These efforts typically involve protecting existing wetlands, restoring degraded ones, and implementing sustainable management practices.
Conservationists work to enhance water quality, regulate water levels, and remove invasive species that threaten native flora and fauna. Public awareness campaigns and community involvement are also key components, encouraging practices that protect wetland ecosystems.
By preserving these natural environments, conservationists not only support a wide array of wildlife but also help mitigate flooding, improve water quality, and provide recreational opportunities for people.
The Trail and Overlooks
The hiking trails at the beginning of the nature preserve were well-kept and were padded with wood chips. They were easy to walk and had little to no elevation changes. Once it opened to the prairie area, the path was grass.
The first trail heads off to the right of the parking area. It is very short and ends at a wooden dock that overlooks Oxbow Wetland.
The main trailhead is located to the left of the parking lot. It gently winds back and forth through the woods. Not far up the path, there is an overlook that overlooks the Oxbow Wetlands. It was very nice and well-constructed. It had one bench.
Continuing down the path there was another overlook. It has a connector trail that leads to it. The path veers off to the right. This overlook is just as nice as the first one, has one bench and overlooks Kinnikinnick Creek.
Heading back down the main path it opens into a field. To the right, there is a small trail that leads to Kinnikinnick Creek.
The path continues through the open wildflower field. This is where we had to stop. Before we were able to get to the loop, the path was completely flooded. If you are planning on visiting this area, you may want to choose to come during the warmer months when there is less rain.
Even though the map states that there are 1.8 miles of hiking trails, we still managed to walk 2.23 miles without walking the loop.
Birding
Kinnikinnich Fen Nature Preserve is a great place for birding in Ohio. With the woods, open field, wildflowers, Kinnikinnick Creek and the wetlands, this area is a birding hotspot. According to eBird’s checklist, there have been 101 species spotted since September 2017.
During our short trip we spotted:
Nearby Trails and Preserves
Nestled amidst breathtaking scenery, our area offers a variety of trails and preserves perfect for those seeking outdoor adventures or a peaceful retreat into nature. Whether you're an avid hiker, a casual walker, or simply looking to escape the bustle of everyday life, you'll find a trail that suits your pace and passion.
Nearby Trails and Preserves within a 25-Mile Radius:
Here is a bullet list of trails and nature preserves located within roughly a 25-mile radius of Kinnikinnick Fen in Chillicothe, Ohio:
Kinnikinnick Wildlife Area
The Kinnikinnick Wildlife Area offers scenic landscapes and diverse habitats, making it ideal for wildlife observation.
Peasant Valley Wildlife Area
The Valley Wildlife Area offers a scenic experience with several foot trails, making it an exceptional spot for birdwatching enthusiasts.
Buzzards Roost Nature Preserve
Offers scenic views, woodlands, and hiking trails.
Great Seal State Park
Includes multiple trails with varying difficulty levels and beautiful vistas.
Scioto Trail State Park
Provides trails for hiking and biking through lush forests.
Hopewell Culture National Historical Park
Trails through ancient earthworks and historical sites.
Tar Hollow State Park
Features rugged terrain and trails through dense forests.
Ensure to check each location's specific guidelines and trail conditions before visiting.
Each location promises a unique experience, making them integral parts of the natural allure of our community. Whether for adventure or serenity, you'll find a perfect trail waiting for you nearby.
Our Thoughts on Kinnikinnick Fen
Kinnikinnick Fen Nature Preserve in Ohio is an interesting place. It was very easy to walk, and the beautiful views from the overlooks were a great addition. They will allow you to get a glimpse of plants and wildlife that you would not otherwise see.
Most places we visit there are tick warning signs. We see the occasional tick from time to time. However, when we left Kinnikinnick Fen Nature Preserve, we spotted one tick. The next morning, we found 3 more. We would suggest that you use a tick repellant and check for ticks when you leave any Ohio trail or wildlife area.
What You Can Expect at Kinnikinnick Fen Nature Preserve
Please note that park rules and regulations can change at any time. The following information was in effect for Kinnikinnick Fen Nature Preserve as of April 2020.
We were unable to locate any rules or regulations for the nature preserve from the Ross County Park District.
There were no bathrooms.
Great for birding.
Had a small footbridge.
Little to no elevation changes.
Gravel parking lot.
No picnic tables.
No playground.
2 benches were available near the parking lot. There was also a bench on each overlook dock.
There is shade and open spaces.
No shelter house.
Trails were not marked. For the most part they were visible and easy to follow. However, once the trail got close to the loop it completely disappeared.
Trails are natural and in some places covered in wood chips.
There was a trash recycling center.
Trail runs next to Kinnikinnick Creek, Kinnikinnick Wetlands and Oxbow Wetland.
There were two blue parking blocks. There were no signs designating them as ADA spaces.
Special Features - Overlooks.
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