OHIO’S NATURAL BEAUTY ON DISPLAY AT MILLER NATURE SANCTUARY OPEN HOUSE April 23 event is second in Natural Areas Discovery Series COLUMBUS, OH - View the glories of springtime and learn the fascinating geologic story behind the landscape of Miller Nature Sanctuary in Highland County at the next Natural Areas Discovery event. A component of Rocky Fork Gorge State Nature Preserve, Miller Nature Sanctuary will host an open house from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, April 23. The open house will feature guided hikes from 10 a.m. to noon. The hikes will touch on several topics, including spring wildflowers, birds and the local geology of Rocky Fork Gorge. The preserve is normally only accessible with a permit and the afternoon of the open house will be devoted to self-guided hikes for visitors who wish to explore the site’s three trails on their own. Located along the northwest bank of Rocky Fork Creek, Miller Nature Sanctuary exhibits unusual geology because of its location along the borders of four physiographic (landform) regions. A variety of habitats can be found there, including calcareous cliff communities, hardwood forests and old field habitats, as well as natural arches and waterfalls. The 86-acre preserve offers some of the best spring wildflower areas in southern Ohio. Visitors are encouraged to bring field guides and binoculars. Of the many colorful blooms seen from the preserve’s three trails, Virginia bluebells and Ohio’s state wildflower, the large-flowered trillium, are most abundant in late April. 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 Discovery Series event will be held Saturday, April 30 at Sheldon Marsh State Nature Preserve in Erie County.
Source: ODNR |