Ecotourism Stops a Sightseers Paradise

02-27-2008

 

 

Dayton, Ohio – February 26, 2008 – Ohio’s Historic West is blessed with gorgeous rolling hills, fertile farmland, lovely nature preserves, mysterious caverns and scenic lakes.  Is it any wonder it’s called the “Heartland?” Four Ohio State Scenic Byways crisscross the region to give travelers something special to see along the journey.

 

Grand Lake St. Mary’s, located in Mercer County, is approximately 9 miles long  and 3 miles wide with three lighthouses gracing it’s shores.  Grand Lake St. Mary's was originally constructed as a feeder reservoir for the Miami-Erie Canal and was recognized as the largest man-made reservoir in the world for many years.  This large lake is the gateway to swimming, boating, camping and fishing in one of Ohio's oldest state parks. Information is available from the Auglaize/Mercer CVB at 800-860-4726, www.Seemore.org.

 

Ohio Caverns is the largest and most beautiful of any cave in a multi-state region.  The diversity of the crystal-white stalactite and stalagmite formations and unexcelled coloring are unique because they are still developing.  In addition to the education and fun found in the Ohio Caverns, visitors will also find a 35-acre park with shelter house and picnic tables; a souvenir/gift shop and a friendly staff in the pleasant surroundings. Information is available at www.ohiocaverns.com or from the                     

Logan County Convention & Tourist’s Bureau, 888-564-2626 or www.logancountyohio.com. 

 

Bordering the scenic Stillwater River and fen wetland, Brukner Nature Center is situated on 165 acres of rolling hills, deep ravines and thick forests.  The center has been educating the community on animal rehabilitation and nature for the more than 27 years and contains a complete rehabilitation center, treating more than 1,600 wild animals each year.  With a restored 1804 log house, herb gardens, animal and wildlife displays, hiking trails and a bird vista situated three stories above the ground and in the trees, visitors to Brukner have endless options for learning about nature and enjoying its many gifts. Information is available at www.bruknernaturecenter.com or from the Miami County Visitors Bureau 800-348-8993, www.visitmiamicounty.org.

 

Cedar Bog is the First Nature Preserve in Ohio, established by the state more than 60 years ago. Every season features a different type of natural beauty.  There is a carpet of wildflowers in spring, April to mid May.  Late May, early June brings the largest orchid in the state into bloom right beside the trail. July has the prairie flowers, with the heat and mosquitoes. August-September brings more asters into bloom than the wildflowers of spring.  Information is available at www.cedarbog.org or from the Champaign County Visitors Bureau 877-873-5764, www.champaignohio.com.

 

Miami-Erie Canal Corridor and was recognized as the largest man-made  reservoir in the world for many years.  In 1825, the Ohio Legislature approved funding to construct an Ohio Canal system.  Completed in 1845, the Miami-Erie Canal utilized 105 locks to raise and lower the canal boars along the 250-mile waterway. Today, there are three state parks, numerous local parks, state historical markers and community trails along the Miami-Eire Canal Portions of the Miami-Erie Canal towpath are currently part of the Buckeye Trail and North Country Trail. Information is available at from the Auglaize/Mercer CVB at 800-860-4726, www.Seemore.org

 

Shawnee Prairie Preserve was once known as Prophetstown, the village founded by The Prophet (Tecumseh's brother), formed to rally thirteen woodland Indian Nations to gather and demonstrate their living and hunting rights under the 1795 Treaty of Greene Ville. Not only rich in historical diversity, this 120-acre area is also rich in natural diversity. Shawnee features wetlands, restored prairies, streams, wet woods, swamp forest, a succession area and 2 1/2 miles of trails with benches and observation towers. Information is available at www.darkecountyparks.org or from the Darke County Visitors Bureau 800-504-2995, www.discoverourlegends.com.

 

Linear Park is more than 11 miles of paved pathway through the city of Piqua. The paved asphalt trail runs east/west on an abandoned railroad bed bisecting the city.  Significant features of the trail include a tunnel under Sunset Avenue, a bike bridge spanning College Street, and updates to the steel girder train bridge across the Great Miami River. The trail runs along the Great Miami River and also follows the former Miami-Erie Canal in some places. The entire trail is open to walkers, joggers, bikers, and rollerbladers.  Information is available at www.piquaoh.org or from the Miami County Visitors Bureau 800-348-8993, www.visitmiamicounty.org.

 

Ever wonder what it’s like from a turtle’s point of view, or just how busy a bee really is?  A visit to the Camp Clay Rotary Nature Center offers numerous opportunities to learn about wildlife and the environment around us with a bird feeding garden with microphones so you can hear outside, inside; a live observation honey bee hive; a collection of various mammal and bird mounts; life reptile, fish, and amphibian exhibits; and a self-guided tree tour.  Around the nature center is a 5-acre lake in the shape of Ohio where fishing, swimming, canoeing, kayaking, and paddleboats are available.  Once a part of the Great Black Swamp, the 4-acre woods offer a variety of education and leisure activities.  You can walk the ¾ mile Black Swamp Trail in search of the many native plant and animal species the wetlands has to offer.  Information is available from the Van Wert Convention & Visitors Bureau 877-989-2282, www.visitvanwert.org.

 

Further information on these and other places of historic significance can be found at the Ohio’s Historic West website at www.ohioshistoricwest.com. 

 

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