The Black Swamp Conservancy was founded in 1993 by a group of people alarmed by the rapidly accelerating rate of development in rural northwest Ohio. These concerned citizens recognized the need to protect and enhance the best remaining natural and agricultural areas in this region and to promote responsible stewardship of the land.

Black Swamp Conservancy

The Rotary Riverside Preserve property was purchased by Black Swamp Conservancy in 2021. This former farm field along the Maumee River is being restored back to functioning floodplain and wetlands. We look forward to the Chronolog site showcasing the property’s transformation.

Rotary Riverside Preserve

Black Swamp Conservancy purchased River Cliff Golf Course in 2017 and donated it to our partners at Sandusky County Park District to be used as a public park. We maintain a conservation agreement on the land ensuring it is protected forever.

This Chronolog will showcase the State Scenic Sandusky River as it flows by the property. 

River Cliff Park

The Fox-Shank Preserve was purchased by Black Swamp Conservancy in 2021. This former farm field along Tontogany Creek is being restored back to natural habitats including functioning floodplain and wetlands, and being developed into an outdoor laboratory for the Otsego School District. We look forward to the Chronolog site showcasing the property’s transformation.

Fox-Shank Preserve

Wintergarden Woods

Black Swamp Conservancy purchased the core of Meadowbrook Marsh in 2013 and donated it to Danbury Township to be used as an expansion of its existing public park. We now hold a conservation agreement permanently protecting the entire 190-acre preserve.

This Chronolog documents the seasonal changes of the marsh and its resident species. 

Meadowbrook Marsh

The Lakefront Preserve is a 14.7-acre property owned and managed by the City of Port Clinton.

The site is a popular fishing and resting area for bald eagles.

Black Swamp Conservancy helped facilitate the purchase of the preserve and holds a land conservation agreement protecting the site in perpetuity.

This Chronolog overlooks Lake Erie.

Port Clinton Lakefront Preserve

Black Swamp Conservancy purchased the core of Meadowbrook Marsh in 2013 and donated it to Danbury Township to be used as an expansion of its existing public park. We now hold a conservation agreement permanently protecting the entire 190-acre preserve.

This Chronolog will showcase the property's pollinator meadow through the seasons. 

The Meadow at Meadowbrook Marsh

Black Swamp Conservancy purchased the Dr. Robert L. Nehls Memorial Nature Preserve in 2019 and has partnered with Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge to restore natural habitats on the property and open it to public access.

This Chronolog overlooks West Harbor, documenting seasonal changes and spectacular sunrises.

Nehls Memorial Preserve

At 393 acres, Forrest Woods Nature Preserve is Black Swamp Conservancy’s largest owned nature preserve. One of the finest remnants of the historic Great Black Swamp, this site is home to 41 rare, threatened and endangered species of plants and animals.

Our team has completed several stream and wetland restoration projects at Forrest Woods since 2016, re-creating 145 acres of natural habitat and returning nearly a mile of agricultural ditches back to functioning streams.

Forder’s Bridge is also an official public access point for the Maumee River Water Trail. 

This Chronolog looks out on a wetland restoration that was completed in 2021, and will document its development. 

Forrest Woods / Forder Bridge Wetland Restoration

Pat and Clint Mauk’s Prairie is located next to Black Swamp Conservancy’s headquarters at 4825 Sugar Ridge Road, Pemberville.

The property features thirty acres of native prairie habitat and contains several prairie pothole wetlands.

A one-mile public trail runs through the prairie and is open to the public from dawn until dusk. Visitors can park in the lot behind our office.

We look forward to the Chronolog site showcasing the seasonal changes of this beautiful prairie.

Pat & Clint Mauk's Prairie

In 2000, Lyle and Sally Loomis donated their family farm to the Wood County Park District. At the same time, they granted a conservation agreement to Black Swamp Conservancy ensuring the property’s permanent protection.

The property has been developed into a depression-era living history site. Life and farming in the 1930s are recreated through interactive programming utilizing the original homestead and barns.

This Chronolog will track the development of a 20-acre restored wetland that we restored in 2019 -- which expands wildlife habitat on the property and enhances the Park District’s opportunities for interpretive programming.

Carter Historic Farm

This 12.9-acre property is located in Perrysburg’s historic district and owned by The 577 Foundation. The site and foundation were established by Virginia Secor Stranahan, founder of Black Swamp Conservancy.

The property hosts a Maumee River walk, community gardens and many other outdoor and art activities for the community. Black Swamp Conservancy holds a land conservation agreement on the site, protecting the property in perpetuity.

Black Swamp Conservancy

Ohio

12 chronologs managed by Black Swamp Conservancy