Wildflower and Geology Hike at AOA’s Bison Hollow State Nature Preserve, Hocking Hills Conservation Initiative
April 27 @ 10:00 am - 1:00 pm
Spring is in the air and the wildflowers are busting out at AOA’s Bison Hollow State Nature Preserve. Enjoy a springtime ramble through the gorge and admire the many native wildflowers that carpet the floor of the mature hardwood forests. Wildflowers we will see are typical of the Hocking Hills region and should include a mix of early ephemerals and later spring bloomers such as Columbine, Bloodroot, Trillium, Dutchman’s Breeches, Virginia Bluebells, Cut-Leaved Toothwort, Trout Lily, Foam Flower, Jack in the Pulpit, Dwarf Crested Iris, Phlox, Canada Violet, Solomon’s Seal and False Solomon’s Seal, among many others.
We will be joined by several current and former ODNR geologists who will share information regarding the Blackhand Sandstone formations and bluffs that form the Bison Hollow gorge as well as the geologic history of the southern Hocking Hills region.
AOA’s Bison Hollow Preserve SNP consists of 24 parcels comprising a largely contiguous, unfragmented preserve of over 1,140 acres along the South Branch of the East Fork of Queer Creek. It is in the southern extent of the picturesque Hocking Hills, south of Ash Cave, straddling the Hocking – Vinton County line.
Bison Hollow is part of AOA’s Hocking Hills Conservation Initiative that has permanently conserved over 94 properties and 5,500 acres to help carry out our watershed and water quality protection mission. Take this opportunity to view the soon to be preserved Scheer property with it’s spectacular bluffs that form the northern gateway into the gorge.
The Preserve features outstanding scenery that showcases typical Hocking Hills landscapes including high rock walls that delineate the main gorge, sandstone outcrops and features, and numerous wonderful waterfalls. The property includes extensive bottomland riparian forests with mature to older growth trees and large groves of the iconic hemlocks.
Pack a sack lunch as we will break to eat and enjoy the peace and serenity of the deep forest environs and the many waterfalls that line the gorge.
The Bison Hollow SNP hike and other AOA events are free and open to the public.
Time: Meet at 10:00 a.m. Plan for a trip that will last approximately three hours. Participants can leave early or stay as long as you like.
What to Wear: This activity will be held rain or shine – so please come prepared and dress appropriately for the weather. We will mainly traverse relatively level terrain but be prepared for a slope or two. The path through the gorge requires walking alongside and crossing the South Branch of the East Fork of Queer Creek. Water levels in the creek vary widely depending on recent rainfall but can usually be navigated with high-top (at least 6 to 8-inches) hiking shoes or boots. Please wear appropriate footwear and/or be prepared to get wet feet.
What to Bring: Lunch, snacks and/or drinks of your choice. Insect repellant is recommended during tick season.
Location: We will be using the north, non-public entrance to the Preserve that crosses private property. This entry is located at the southern end of Amerine Road just south of Ash Cave, at the gate to a privately owned site – see Google Map link below. Drive to the end of the road where AOA staff and volunteers will direct parking alongside the roadway.