05-09-2008, 11:10 AM
COLUMBUS, OH - The Natural Areas Discovery series event at Lou Campbell State Nature Preserve on Sunday, May 18 will give visitors a rare glimpse of an endangered landscape at a preserve that is generally open to the public only by permit. The public open house from noon to 4 p.m. is in conjunction with other Oak Openings activities at local parks and natural areas across Lucas County.
A microcosm of the biologically significant Oak Openings region, Lou Campbell State Nature Preserve harbors more than 30 state-listed plant species, including grass-pink orchid, soapwort gentian, dwarf dandelion, cow-wheat and Missouri ironweed. Two endangered species-- the lavender blossoms of wild lupine and the yellow flowered plains puccoon flowers-- will be in full bloom at the open house.
<br>The 170-acre preserve features a variety of habitats including wet sedge meadows, swamp forest, sand barrens prairie and oak openings. The preserve is located east of the Toledo Express Airport along Weckerly Road south of Route 2. For more information, call 419-445-1775.<br>
<br>Sponsored by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Natural Areas and Preserves, the Natural Areas Discovery Series features scheduled hikes, interpretive activities and an opportunity for visitors to meet preserve and scenic river staff. Programs are held from April to October. The next event is "Spring Comes to Eagle Creek" from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, May 24 in Portage County.
A microcosm of the biologically significant Oak Openings region, Lou Campbell State Nature Preserve harbors more than 30 state-listed plant species, including grass-pink orchid, soapwort gentian, dwarf dandelion, cow-wheat and Missouri ironweed. Two endangered species-- the lavender blossoms of wild lupine and the yellow flowered plains puccoon flowers-- will be in full bloom at the open house.
<br>The 170-acre preserve features a variety of habitats including wet sedge meadows, swamp forest, sand barrens prairie and oak openings. The preserve is located east of the Toledo Express Airport along Weckerly Road south of Route 2. For more information, call 419-445-1775.<br>
<br>Sponsored by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Natural Areas and Preserves, the Natural Areas Discovery Series features scheduled hikes, interpretive activities and an opportunity for visitors to meet preserve and scenic river staff. Programs are held from April to October. The next event is "Spring Comes to Eagle Creek" from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, May 24 in Portage County.