Ephemeral Wildflower and Geology Hike at Menchhofer Preserve

Join us for an early spring wildflower hike and preview of AOA’s soon to be added Menchhofer Preserve in the heart of the Hocking Hills.  AOA is purchasing this 86-acre site from Vera Nixon, who seeks to honor her late husband, Larry Menchhofer, a former Hocking Hills realtor, AOA conservation supporter and board member.  Larry and Vera previously donated a conservation easement on their neighboring home site.

Located just west of Ash Cave, the Menchoffer Preserve contains spectacular Hocking Hills geology, including a deep gorge, four waterfalls, high sandstone bluffs, a large cave, hemlock forests, and a high-quality stream tributary of Queer Creek.  The preserve is part of AOA’s Hocking Hills Conservation Initiative which seeks for conserve natural features, landscapes, habitats, heritage areas and water quality in this special Ohio region.

Former AOA board member and naturalist Paul Knoop will lead this hike and share his extensive knowledge of the exemplary natural features on the property.  We will hike around the property exploring the early ephemeral wildflower show while learning about Hocking Hills geology and enjoying the scenic views.

Afterwards, participants are invited to stay and roam the site with AOA volunteers to help remove invasives. Feel free to join us with site stewardship or just enjoy the wildflowers, hiking, or being outside in a beautiful natural area.  Either way it is a great way to spend some time.

The Menchoffer Preserve Wildflower Hike and other AOA events are free and open to the public.  This activity will be held rain or shine – so please come prepared and dress appropriately for the weather and hiking on slopes.  Most of the site can be navigated on relatively flat ground but we will be required to negotiate some steep slopes.

Location:  AOA’s Menchhofer Preserve is located on the north side of Highway 56 west of Ash Cave.  There is very limited space for parking on the property.  Participants will need to park in the vacant lot behind (east side of) the gas station in South Bloomingville – look for AOA signs.  AOA volunteers will transport people to the site which is approximately 1.4 miles away.

Start Time:  Participants should arrive at the parking area prior to 10:00 a.m. to be transported to the site.  Please plan ahead to arrive in time to be transported.  The hike will last approximately two to three hours but stay as long as you like

What to Bring:  Snacks and/or drinks of your choice.  Feel free to bring a lunch and enjoy the peace and serenity of the deep forest environs.  Insect repellant of choice is recommended as ticks are on the increase.

Please consider joining AOA and/or making a donation to support our continued conservation efforts.

Google Map Link to the Parking Area:

https://www.google.com/maps/place/23540+OH-56,+South+Bloomingville,+OH+43152/@39.4172409,-82.5997634,194m/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x8847957df1b64e0d:0x170b8cf1565d037e!8m2!3d39.4172399!4d-82.5992162