Wildflower and Geology Hike at AOA’s New Poston Preserve

Take this first opportunity to visit AOA’s impressive new Poston Preserve.  Located along Alum Creek and the West Branch of Alum Creek, this spectacular property contains extensive riparian bottomland corridors and steep shale bluffs that line the creeks.

AOA has purchased several parcels totaling ~225 acres of the over 400-acre farm site from the Poston family, who want the property to be permanently conserved as a natural area.  AOA will purchase another 178 acres in the near future, creating a Preserve of over 400 contiguous acres.

Located on the Delaware / Morrow County line, this is the first site conserved by AOA in the beautiful upper Alum Creek corridor as part of our watershed and water quality protection mission.

We will enjoy the peak of the wildflower season and the older growth forests that cover the Preserve site.  We will be joined by several geologists including former ODRN geologist Mark Baranoski, who will share information regarding the high shale bluffs and the geologic history of the Upper Alum Creek area.

This event is free and open to the public. We will plan to meet rain or shine – so please come prepared and dress appropriately for the weather and hiking on some slopes.    

Time:  Meet at 10:00 a.m.

What to Bring:  Lunch, snacks and/or drinks of your choice.  Insect repellant is recommended during tick season.

Location:  Poston Preserve is located along Alum Creek north of Alum Creek Lake and Kilbourne, on the Morrow – Delaware County line.  We will rendezvous at the old farmstead on Morrow County Road 24. The Google Map address is 151 Worthington-New Haven Road, Ashley.  We will park in the grassed area around the home.

Google Map Link:

https://www.google.com/maps/place/151+Worthington-New+Haven+Rd,+Ashley,+OH+43003/@40.3641132,-82.9224262,17.31z/data=!4m6!3m5!1s0x8838ff6ee2e08f05:0xe2d418e382da6ddf!8m2!3d40.3641209!4d-82.9207208!16s%2Fg%2F11jzycqj91