Land Management -- Wetlands

Wetlands
Wetlands are the most productive ecosystem in North America. They provide vital nesting and foraging areas for birds, small mammals and invertebrates, spawning areas for many important fish and shellfish, and habitat for unique vegetation. They also serve as storage areas for floodwater, buffers to storms, protection from erosion and filters for sedimentation and other forms of environmental contamination. In fact, wetlands are sometimes referred to as the “kidneys of our landscape”.

Since pioneer times, 95 % of Ohio’s wetlands have been lost, making them one of our most endangered ecosystems. As a result, wildlife dependent on wetlands have suffered as well. Approximately 33% of Ohio’s endangered and threatened plants and animals live in wetland habitat. In response to the loss of wetlands, the Hamilton County Park District began an ambitious wetland restoration project in 1991. More than 120 acres of former wetland habitat has been restored in Miami Whitewater Forest. These areas had been drained during the past century for agricultural purposes.

The newly restored Shaker Trace Wetlands are located west of Oxford Road and both north and south of Baughman Road. Much of the wetlands can be seen from the outer loop of the Shaker Trace Multi-Purpose Trail that also meanders through farmland, restored prairies and wooded stream corridors. The best place to view the wetlands is from the 2-mile mark.