Summer/Fall Walk in Hardin County

Lawrence Woods State Nature Preserve

Lawrence Woods State Nature Preserve is the largest known mature forest in west-central Ohio.  Located in Hardin County, this area was used for timber harvesting until being officially protected by the Ohio Depart of Natural Resources in 1997.  This 1,035 acre site contains over 100 native species of spring, wildflowers, along with amazing upland forest communities such as oak-hickory, and swamp communities like beech-maple, beech-oak-red-maple, and maple-ash-oak.

State Nature Preserves are not parks, but instead they are intended as a sanctuary for threatened species and diverse landscapes.  They are intended for low-impact activities such as hiking, birdwatching, photography and nature study.  KEEP TO THE BOARDWALK AT ALL TIMES, DO NOT TAKE plant specimens and DO NOT LEAVE ANYTHING behind during your visit.  THANK YOU!

Lawrence Woods State Nature Preserve is located at 13278 Co Rd 190 Ridgeway, Ohio.

      White flowers on woods floor                               Frozen Marsh Pond at Lawrence Woods                                                  A nice place to Relax

        Looking up amongst the trees                              Rhino Tree                                                                                             Boardwalk entrance to Lawrence Woods

Andreoff Wildlife Area

The Andreoff Wildlife Area sits along the Hardin and Wyandot county line and is just 10 miles northeast of Kenton. This 861-acre wildlife haven consists of wetlands, tall-grass prairies and woodlots. Over 86 species of birds are known to breed on the area, and nearly 175 bird species have been sighted, including several rare waterbirds. 

The wetlands provide wildlife watchers with the chance to view sandhill cranes, trumpeter swans, American bittern, green-winged teal, and king and sora rails. Hard to find species such as the northern harrier, bobolink, and dickcissel also frequent the prairies, along with countless pollinator species. The area is open to wildlife viewing on the 1st and 3rd Sunday of each month.

Hunting on the west side of CR 215 is by permit only to allow for high quality hunts. Hunts on the area are drawn through the state’s lottery system each July. Controlled trapping opportunities are also available.  

Drone view of Andreoff Wildlife Area (Forest, Ohio)

Entrance view of Andreoff Wildlife Area (Forest, Ohio)

Geese flying over Adreoff Wildlife Area (Forest, Ohio)

Andreoff Wildlife Area (Forest, Ohio)

Green Monster

The jogging path, known as the Green Monster came about as part of the acquisition of an additional 120 acres of land to the southwest of West Campus.  The former Sleesman Farm was purchased in 1989, and by 1992 the paved path was available.

As Tony Wolke, Assistant Director of Physical Plant-Grounds, explained, the facility was initially given the lackluster title "jogging path". Wolke explained that the nickname, Green Monster, originated when tired physical education students dubbed the 2.5 mile path "a Monster of a walk." As for the unusual green color, Wolke said that then-president Dr. DeBow Freed thought green looked much better than plain blacktop.

Over the years, outdoor lighting and benches have been added.

Student & support dog at Green Monster

Runner on Green Monster Walking path at Ohio Northern University in Ada, Ohio

Green Monster ONU Ada, Ohio

Memorial Park Boy Scout Lake

This park is 26 acres of fun for everyone!!  Fishing, Family Fun & Fun for the Dog!!  Walking paths, Scenic view of Boy Scout Lake, Shelter Houses, children's playground and 2 full basketball courts and Memorial Park Golf Club is just to it's west.

View of gazebo and Boy Scout Lake.  Walking path goes around the lake.

Boy Scout Lake Dog Park

There is a wonderful play area for children and shelter house right next to it.

View from another angle of the lake.