New Nature Preserve Along the Maumee River - Rotary Riverside Tree Preserve
Black Swamp Conservancy and Rotary District 6600 have announced the establishment of the Rotary Riverside Preserve along the Maumee River in Henry County. The Conservancy purchased the 61-acres of flood-prone farmland in 2021 to return it to natural habitat. That work was started in early July. Converting this property’s frequently flooded fields will help address erosion concerns and reduce nutrients reaching the Maumee River and Lake Erie where they contribute to the growth of harmful algal blooms. This restoration design will capture runoff from nearby agricultural fields and hold that nutrient-rich water, filtering it through the soil where it will be taken up by trees and shrubs rather than flowing into the river. The project will also enhance wildlife habitat in the region, adding to existing nearby preserves including Ohio Department of Natural Resource’s North Turkey Creek Wildlife Area. This restoration includes planting 6,600 trees for the establishment of wet woods that will be home to a wide range of songbirds, raptors, and breeding territory for salamanders and other amphibians.Rotary District 6600 contributed funding to support the property’s long-term ecological management.
Purchase and restoration of the property was made possible by a grant from ODNR utilizing the H2Ohio program, a comprehensive water quality initiative that is working to strategically address serious water issues that have been building in Ohio for decades.
Press Release Contact Name: Diana Savage, District Governor, Rotary District 6600
Press Release Contact Email: [email protected]
Press Release Contact Phone: 419-553-7397
Organization Name: Rotary District 6600
Website or Link: https://rotarydistrict6600.org/district-events
Organization Address / City / State: Northwest and North Central Ohio