Oak Openings Preserve Metropark is a nature preserve located in Swanton Township, near Toledo, Ohio. It is owned and operated by Metroparks Toledo. Most of the park is an oak savanna ecosystem characterized by alternating wetland and vegetated dunes. The park hosts the Buehner Center, an interactive nature center. There are over fifty miles of trails in Oak Openings Preserve. The park gets its name from the region in which it is located. Oak Openings Preserve lies within the larger Oak Openings Region. The region hosts over 180 rare species of plants and animals. This is over one-third of all rare species found in Ohio.
Horse Trail
A convenient Horse Riders’ Center is located on 5840 Jeffers Road, with ample parking for trailers. Restrooms, water, hitching posts, and a picnic shelter with grills are also provided at this site. The north side of Evergreen Lake provides additional restrooms. Overnight camping for horse riders is now available through reservations in the Springbrook camping area. Additional trailer access is located off of Monclova Road. Diegel Bed Bug Exterminator Toledo
All-Purpose Bike Trail
The Oak Openings All Purpose Trail is a famous point in Toledo, OH this trail is the longest all-purpose trail in the Metroparks. This trail connects the Mallard and Evergreen Lake Areas while the 3-mile loop passes dunes. The Wabash-Cannonball Trail (north leg) also passes through the preserve. Experiencing a variety of habitats here is a great trail benefit. Users enjoy this trail travel through oak woodlands, prairies, and swamp forest, often witnessing flocks of wild turkeys, an abundance of butterflies, fox sightings, and various bird species.
Evergreen Trail
The Evergreen Trail in Toledo begins at Oak Openings Lodge and passes through stands of non-native evergreen trees and open areas, dunes, and native prairie. Ground nesting birds such as field sparrows and the state-endangered lark sparrow nest in the openings. Special care needs to be taken when walking this trail during May and June, as these birds often nest very close by.
Mallard Lake Loop
The Mallard Lake Loop around Mallard Lake is an accessible trail that allows many close-up wildlife experiences. Watch for geese or ducks visiting the lake, kingfishers diving for fish, as well as painted turtles and green frogs on logs. Dragonflies are also fun to view as they dart around and catch insects over the water. Both red and fox squirrels can be considered near the Buehner Center as they look for acorns and visit the Window on Wildlife.
Address: 4139 Girdham Rd, Swanton, OH
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