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Doubleheader – AOA Preserve Restoration and Wildflower Visits this Sunday Along the Scioto River Scioto River Flyway Corridor, Pickaway County
April 13 @ 10:00 am - 1:00 pm
Enjoy short hikes on two of AOA’s Scioto River Preserves. We will start out at AOA’s Scioto Bend Preserve where we will tour the recently completed phase 1 site restoration enhancements. Recently flooded for only the second time in over 100 years we will view the western levee breach, beaver dam analogs and other wetland and habitat enhancements completed as part of the reconnection of the Scioto River to its floodplain and enhanced stormwater retention. The 310-acres Scioto Bend Preserve is located across Highway 23 from downtown Circleville.
Following our hike around Scioto Bend we will caravan north to the nearby Genevieve Jones Preserve just south of South Bloomfield. Here we will hike up a remnant of the Circleville Esker to view the beautiful spring wildflower beds. The wildflowers on this site have benefited from several years of invasive control and removal activities which particularly targeted the bush honeysuckle smothering the understory flowers. We should see a good selection of wildflowers in bloom including Trout Lilies, Bluebells, Hyacinths, et al. The ~337-acre Genevieve Jones Preserve is situated at the confluence of the Scioto River and Walnut Creek, protecting over 1.6 miles of riparian corridor. If we are lucky we may see a few of the Bald Eagles from the two local nests and view some of the many herons from the several rookeries.
Both preserves are key components of AOA’s Scioto River Flyway Conservation Corridor Initiative which seeks to protect water quality and wildlife habitat along the Scioto River.
This hike as well as other AOA events are free and open to the public. We will meet rain or shine – so please come prepared and dress appropriately for the weather.
Time: Meet at 10:00 a.m. The combined trip will last approximately two to three hours. Participants can leave early or stay as long as you like.
What to Bring: Binoculars to view the many birds and wildlife. Pack drinks and/or snacks of your choice. Feel free to bring a lunch and eat along the trail. Bug repellant is recommended. We may encounter some remnant mud from the recent river flooding.
Locations: Scioto Bend is accessed via a dirt drive directly off the west side (southbound lane) of Highway 23. The drive is just south of the Highway 22 exit on the right side heading south. Look for AOA cones and signs. Staff will help direct you onto the property. Please pull off the highway and down the dirt driveway quickly to prevent others from having to stack behind you on the highway.
Following, we will caravan north to the Genevieve Jones Preserve which is located on the west side of Highway 23 just south of the State Police Station and the Village of South Bloomfield. The Google address for the Genevieve Jones Preserve is 16405 US-23, South Bloomfield. Look for AOA signs / cones at the entry drive. Park in the Pickaway County Park District parking lot in front of the old clubhouse building.
Google Map Links: