|
SPRING MIGRATION COMES TO SHELDON MARSH STATE NATURE PRESERVE Open house is part of Natural Areas Discovery Series COLUMBUS, OH - The songs of migrating birds will greet visitors to Sheldon Marsh State Nature Preserve in Erie County during an open house from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday, April 30. The event, which features two guided hikes, is part of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Natural Areas Discovery Series. Novice and expert birdwatchers alike are sure to enjoy the guided hikes, which depart at 8 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Visitors are encouraged to bring field guides and binoculars to help identify colorful warblers, shorebirds and waterfowl. Sheldon Marsh State Nature Preserve is located west of Huron along Lake Erie’s southern shore. The waters, shores and surrounding uplands of this 463-acre site provide unique habitat for nearly 300 species of birds. Sightings of the migrating birds are greatest in the spring and fall when the birds stop to rest before or after crossing Lake Erie. Spring migrants seen here include: yellow, yellow-rumped, yellow-throated and palm warblers; as well as blue-gray gnatcatchers, black-throated blues and American redstarts. The preserve protects one of the last remaining barrier beaches in the Lake Erie region. The beach separates Lake Erie from the East Sandusky Bay. Notable plant species growing along the beach include silverweed, inland sea rocket, seaside spurge and bushy cinquefoil. For more information on the open house, call 419-433-4919. Sponsored by the ODNR 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 rivers staff. Programs are held from April to October. The next event will be held Saturday, May 7 at Howard Collier State Nature Preserve in Seneca County.
Source: ODNR |