Warbler Capital of the World!
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SHORESandISLANDS.com Welcome to the Warbler Capital of the World! Lake Erie Shores & Islands-East Lake Erie Shores & Islands-West Sandusky, Ohio Port Clinton, Ohio 419.625.2984, 800.255.3743 419.734.4386, 800.441.1271 East Shores BERLIN HEIGHTS 1. Edison Woods MetroPark 10186 SR 61 (Ceylon Rd.) 419.625.7783, eriemetroparks.org This 1,300-acre, densely-wooded parkland with 550 acres of wetland habitat, 300 acres of restored native grassland, and ½ mile boardwalk is an excellent place to view the spring neotropical migration. Nesting species include blue-winged and yellow warblers, ovenbirds, scarlet tanagers, and rose-breasted grosbeaks. Seasonal, portable restrooms, seven miles of woodland trails and six miles of meadow pathways for hiking, plus bridle trails (bring your own horse). Year-round, daily 8 am-dusk. 2. Hoffman Forest MetroPark 5313 Huff Rd. 419.625.7783, eriemetroparks.org Home to many species of birds, wildlife, plants, and trees. The grassy trails of this 40-acre park wind through meadow, mature forest, and creek habitats. There is seasonal fishing located in Old Woman Creek with a valid fishing license and permit obtained from Erie MetroParks. Year-round, daily 8 am-dusk. BIRMINGHAM 3. Schoepfle Garden Central Shores 11106 Market St. (off SR 113 E) 440.965.7237, 800.526.7275, metroparks.cc/schoepfle_garden.php CASTALIA A 70-acre arboretum and garden containing 20 acres of topiaries, rose gardens, and 8. Castalia Duck Pond perennial and annual flowers. A 50-acre forest with trails and the Vermilion River SR 269, lakeeriebirding.ohiodnr.gov adjacent to arboretum. Garden paths open Apr to Oct, 8 am-8 pm; Nov to early-Apr, This 12-acre pond is at its best from late-fall to early-spring when waterfowl species head 8 am-4:30 pm. to open waters. Ample parking at both sides of pond. MILAN 9. Castalia Quarry MetroPark 4. The Coupling MetroPark 8404 Sandusky Clyde Rd. (SR 101) 11618 Mudbrook Rd. (SR 13) 419.625.7783, eriemetroparks.org 419.625.7783, eriemetroparks.org A 152-acre, abandoned limestone quarry surrounded by forest and fields. The Quarry Rim The Huron River and its floodplain are the highlights of this park area. It is an excellent Trail offers excellent views of migrating raptors, plus habitats for smaller birds. Trails on place to view spring and fall migrations, as well as waterfowl. Portable restroom in the north side of SR 101, just off the parking lot, are great places to see migrating wetland season, reservable overnight accommodations, and nature trails. Canoes available by species. An observation tower with ramp allows broad landscape views of raptors and advance reservation for use on Huron River. Year-round, daily; May-Oct, daily 8 am-dusk. other passing birds. Two miles of natural and gravel trails. Restrooms open seasonally. Located two miles west of Castalia. Year-round, daily 8 am-dusk. 5. Milan Towpath MetroPark 99 N. Main St. 10. Castalia State Fish Hatchery 419.625.7783, eriemetroparks.org 7018 Homegardner Rd. This .9-mile path is a linear park that follows the path of an early canal and railway. 419.684.7499, wildlife.ohiodnr.gov/species-and-habitats/fisheries-management Walking trails, birding, snowshoeing, cross country skiing, and pet-friendly. Year-round, As part of the Castalia Blue Hole system of underground springs, the area provides a daily 8 am-dusk. unique birding experience on 90 acres. See herons, waterfowl, egrets, eagles, and more. Mon-Fri 8 am-3 pm; closed weekends and holidays. VERMILION 6. Vermilion Valley Reservation 11. Resthaven Wildlife Area 51211 N. Ridge Rd. (N. Ridge and Vermilion rds.) 412 Cement Ave. 440.458.5121, 800.LCM.PARK, metroparks.cc 419.424.5000, wildlife.ohiodnr.gov/resthaven Shale cliffs frame the beauty of this nature park. Birders find an amazing variety of The unique feature here is a large remnant prairie. Many foot trails allow the visitor to species all seasons. Many of the trails are handicapped accessible. Year-round, daily explore diverse habitats of this wildlife area, totaling more than 2,000 acres. Indigo 8 am-dusk. buntings, woodcocks, and ring-necked pheasants favor this area. Handicapped accessible fishing pier available. Year-round, daily dawn-dusk. 7. Sherod Park US 6 at Coen Rd. (2 miles west of town) HURON 440.204.2490, vermilionoh.us 12. DuPont Marsh State Nature Preserve & Huron River Path MetroPark Sherod Park offers commanding view of the lake. The majority of the 21-acre park is ball 1805 River Rd. (off US 6), near water tower fields and lawns, thus the primary allure as a site is to look for migrant waterfowl and 419.625.7783, eriemetroparks.org shorebirds moving along Lake Erie. The birding here is seasonal and by far the best from One of the few remaining river marshes in Ohio, Dupont Marsh has excellent views of Oct through early-winter. marshland along the Huron River. A variety of birds and woodland species can be found along the Huron River and in the woods adjacent to the marsh. Seasonal, portable restrooms and nature trails. Year-round, daily 8 am-dusk. 13. Huron Harbor & Lighthouse Pier N. Main St. 419.433.8487, cityofhuron.org This pier attracts large concentrations of gulls, caspian and common terns, and ducks. 14. James H. McBride Arboretum at BGSU Firelands College, 1 University Dr. 419.625.7783, eriemetroparks.org In addition to a 50-acre arboretum, this site contains a wooded lot that is an excellent place to see warblers and other neotropical birds in migration. Bluebird and other nest boxes can be found in the large meadows and other grassy areas. Walking, hiking, photography, birding, and botanizing opportunities available. Year-round, daily 8 am-dusk. 15. Old Woman Creek State Nature Preserve & National Estuarine Research Reserve 2514 Cleveland Rd. E (US 6) 419.433.4601, wildlife.ohiodnr.gov/oldwomancreek As one of the Great Lakes’ best remaining natural estuaries, this 573-acre reserve attracts waterfowl, wading birds, raptors, and neotropical migrants. Strategically placed trails and observation areas offer excellent views of the estuary, surrounding uplands, and the shore of Lake Erie. A visitors center, with drinking fountain, restrooms, indoor viewing areas and more, is also home to several exhibits and educational displays. Paved, natural, and boardwalk trails. Hiking trails open year-round from dawn-dusk; visitors center open Apr-Nov, Tues-Fri 9 am-4 pm, Sat and Sun 1-5 pm. 16. Osborn MetroPark 3910 Perkins Ave. 419.625.7783, eriemetroparks.org This 163-acre property offers hiking, cross-country skiing, snow shoeing, walking trail, wooded nature trails, a small pond, drinking fountains, visitor center, and restrooms. Habitats include extensive meadows and two woodlots that harbor a variety of interesting 20. Firelands Audubon Society species. Paved, grass, and woodchip trails. Year-round, daily 8 am-dusk. P.O. Box 967, Sandusky OH 44871-0967, firelandsaudubonsociety.org In 1971, the Firelands Audubon Society (FAS), a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, was 17. Sheldon Marsh State Nature Preserve formed to protect, preserve, and appreciate natural habitat for birds and wildlife. 2715 Cleveland Rd. W (US 6) 866.644.6727, naturepreserves.ohiodnr.gov/sheldonmarsh 21. Pelton Park This waterfront preserve is known to attract nearly 300 bird species and provides habitat 800 Penton Park Dr. for many kinds of wildflowers. Spring migration brings a variety of neotropical and 419.625.7783, eriemetroparks.org shorebirds to Sheldon Marsh. Before crossing Lake Erie, the birds stop briefly to rest and This 20-acre park includes picnic tables, grills, birding opportunities, and walking trails. feed among the lush vegetation of the forest. Numerous shorebirds are frequently seen Pets permitted. Year-round, daily 8 am-dusk. along the barrier sand beach searching for food at the water’s edge. Summer residents include great blue herons, red-tailed hawks, black-crowned night-herons, wood ducks, 22. Pipe Creek Wildlife Area common terns, woodcocks, great horned owls, and numerous songbirds. Walking trails, River Rd. (off Cedar Point Dr.) restrooms, paved trails, and birding checklist available. Handicapped accessible. Year- 419.424.5000, wildlife.ohiodnr.gov/pipecreek round, daily dawn-dusk. This area is managed principally for wetland wildlife. Wildlife found in the area include puddle ducks, common snipe, sora, virginia rail, and canada geese. Other species that SANDUSKY can be seasonally observed are bald eagles, common terns, caspian terns, godwits, 18. East Sandusky Bay MetroPark sandpipers, and various other wetland-dependent species. During the 2018 waterfowl 3819 Cleveland Rd. (US 6) hunting season, Pipe Creek will be accessible by permit only. Other times, year-round, 419.625.7783, eriemetroparks.org daily dawn-dusk. Includes the Community Foundation Preserve at Eagle Point, Putnam Marsh Nature Preserve, Joseph Steinen Wildlife Area, Wyandot Wetland Meadows Preserve, and 23. Sandusky Harbor Stockdale Arboretum. Trails at Eagle Point lead through the wooded areas out to East Jackson Street Pier Sandusky Bay, one of the largest remaining naturally functioning freshwater coastal 419.625.3864, 419.627.5886, ci.sandusky.oh.us marshes in Ohio. Home to bald eagles, public access during certain times is limited. Picnic A large herring gull breeding colony in and around Sandusky makes this species readily tables, shelters, small boat launch, hiking trails, pets permitted, cross-country skiing, and visible, as are large rafts of waterfowl, egrets, and night herons. Handicapped accessible; restrooms available seasonally. Access to the East Sandusky Bay Water Trail available. parking at pier and dock area. Year-round, daily 8 am-dusk. 24. Willow Point Wildlife Area 19. Erie Sand Barrens State Nature Preserve Wahl Rd. Scheid Rd. (off Taylor Rd. in Oxford Twp.) 419.424.5000, wildlife.ohiodnr.gov/willowpoint 866.644.6727, naturepreserves.ohiodnr.gov/eriesandbarrens This area features a 645-acre public hunting, fishing, and wildlife area on the southern This 32-acre preserve features a sand beach ridge plant community with many rare prairie shore of Sandusky Bay.