Click here for detailed descriptions of these county areas:
Brinton Timber
Clemons Creek Wildlife and Recreation Area
English River Wildlife Area
Hayes Timber
Kewash Nature Trail
Marr Park
Schmitter Heritage Area
Sockum Ridge
In the midst of a 1,000 acre timber tract along the Skunk River lies our largest preserve, Brinton Timber. Acquisition began in 1967, and the Timber now encompasses 320.5 acres northeast of Brighton. This acre wildlife refuge features many outstanding natural features and over six miles of hiking and horseback riding trails divided into 6 distinct loops. See map for details.
This “living monument” features a wide range of natural features as it transitions from upland to lowland timber. Several small streams cut through the park on their way to the Skunk. A few shallow ponds may be found where, in spring and summer, visitors are serenaded by frog songs. Near the creek, rock outcroppings await discovery. Follow the light blue half moon to find Bent Rock and Table Rock, both impressive rock formations.
In early spring, the abundance and variety of wildflowers in the Timber colors the landscape. The more common species includes bloodroot, buttercup, Dutchman’s breeches, dogtooth violet, May apple, rue anemone, spring beauty, trillium, and jack-in-the-pulpit, and more! When the oak leaves are about the size of a mouse’s ear, scrumptious morel mushrooms can be found here. Please remember to respect breeding wildlife and young plants as you search for this delicacy.
As the weather warms, the trees and shrubs become alive with bird song. Some species can be spotted as they use this wildlife refuge as a layover on their journey north; still others can be found gathering materials for their nest. Woodpeckers call up in the treetops and their drumming can be heard throughout the park. Be sure to keep an eye out for the grand pileated woodpecker, a crow-size bird with a red crest.
Be sure to return in the fall as the trees show off their colors. Oaks, maples, hickories and walnuts decorate the hills. Listen as dead leaves crunch underfoot and watch the squirrels gather nuts. Visit after the first snowfall and follow the abundant tracks made by wildlife, including deer, squirrel, rabbit, and mouse. Feel the hush winter makes in the depth of the woods. And enjoy the solitude of wildness.
A restroom, picnic table, and camping area is provided at the park entrance. No hunting or trapping, and please, take only memories and leave only footprints behind.
Horton TimberThe 12.5 acre Horton Timber lies hidden within the south central portion of Brinton Timber. Acquired in 1993, this white oak timber is dedicated to Bill V. Horton. As you hike the trails, watch for the memorial rock in this section. <back to Parks main page>
Clemons Creek Wildlife & Recreation Area
This Recreation Area began in 1986 with the purchase of 120 acres. With community support, it has since grown to provide multiple opportunities for hunter, wildlife enthusiasts, and hikers. See map for details.
With generous help from the Fish and Wildlife Service and Ducks Unlimited, a large marsh was built in the eastern portion of the property in 1992. Although several game fish may be found in the marsh, it is not a fishery and good-sized fish should not be expected to be found there. Mostly bullhead and carp inhabit the marsh. Another collaborative effort arrived in 1999 with the purchase of the property immediately to the west of the area. Funding from a Habitat Stamp Grant, with help from local chapters of the Izaak Walton League, Pheasants Forever, Wild Turkey Federation, and Ducks Unlimited, brought the total acreage to 290.
Clemons Creek Wildlife and Recreation Area hosts a wide variety of habitats: grasslands, prairie remnants, wet prairie, upland and lowland timber, and cropland. The high wildlife diversity is a reflection of this wide range of habitat types.
Hunting is permitted on this property. Huntable populations of deer, squirrel, pheasant, and waterfowl can be found here. The DNR released turkeys in 1999 and the population should be huntable by 2004.
Nongame species can also be enjoyed in this area. Listen for the warbling song of the wren or catch the flash of the deep blue of the indigo bunting. A frog serenade will soothe the ears as the sweet smell of spring flowers tantalizes the nose.
Habitat and timber improvements are an ongoing process for this wildlife and recreational area. Two small wetlands were added in 2000 and more are planned. Watch the progress of the oak seedlings as they grow over the years. Be sure to look for these new features as time passes on.
Shooting Range
This shooting range offers 25, 50, and 100 yard ranges and a clay target range. The site is perfect for sighting in your gun or practicing your aim. The range is open to anyone certified to use it.
Contact the Director or Park Ranger for information on receiving shooting range certification.
The shooting range is open from sunrise to sunset. All peace officers, certified range officers, hunter safety instructors, and persons certified by the WCCB may use the range.
Paper and cardboard are the only forms of targets allowed on the shooting range. Trash cans are not provided and range users are expected to remove all targets, shell casings, boxes, patches, and disc primers when finished. <back to Parks main page>
If you enjoy hunting, trapping, hiking, or horseback riding in areas which are rugged and undeveloped, then the English River Wildlife Area is for you. This 673 acre mini-wilderness features the junction of the North English and South English Rivers, several marshes, and a good interspersion of bottomland timber, crops, and grassland. See map for details.
Primarily managed for wildlife, the English River Wildlife Area attracts huntable populations of waterfowl, deer, and pheasant. It also contains small numbers of wild turkey, squirrel, and rabbits. Trapping and hunting for raccoon is especially popular there, with some fox, mink, muskrat, and coyote also being harvested.
Non-game enthusiasts will find large populations and diversity of a wide range of wildlife species. Bird species range from bluebirds to marsh wrens, plants from duck weed to oak trees, and animals from shrews to white-tailed deer.
Parking areas are located along the south and west ends of the area. Be sure to include your compass, waterproof boots, and insect repellant as you explore this area. <back to Parks main page>
Hayes Timber is a 33 acre woodland preserve. The timber is conveniently located within the city limits of Washington. The Kewash Nature Trail borders this timber to the north and the city’s 14 acre re-established prairie to the east.
A parking area is located just east of the timber. One may also reach this wildlife refuge from Sunset Park by traveling along the Kewash extension. After visiting Hayes Timber, feel free to explore further on the Kewash and visit the scenic Crooked Creek bridge three miles west.
One trail loop travels through the timber and is bisected by a “shortcut.” A northbound branch intersects the Kewash Trail. The trail is roughly level, but is cut by seasonal streams, particularly on the south end. See map for details.
This 14 mile former railroad right-of-way was purchased and developed by the Kewash Nature Trail Association between 1989-1991. The Washington County Conservation Board now owns and operates this linear park which connects the towns of Washington and Keota. See map for details.
The Kewash Nature Trail traverses through a variety of landscapes from rich woodland areas to brilliant native prairie openings which offer a scenic view of the surrounding rolling countryside. Wildlife and wildflowers are abundant along this natural corridor.
The trail has a crushed limestone surface and is open to hikers, bicyclists, and cross-country skiers from 4:30 AM to 10:30 PM. Parking, restrooms, water, and playground facilities are available in Sunset Park in Washington which is connected to the Kewash by Sesquicentennial Park. Parking, restrooms, and water are also available midway along the trail in the town of West Chester and at the trail's west end in Keota.
Hunting, trapping, horses, and unauthorized vehicles are forbidden on the Kewash Nature Trail. Daily ($1 per day) and annual ($5 per year) user fees have been established to help defray the cost of trail operation. Click here for a Kewash Pass Order Form. <back to Parks main page>
Donated to Washington County in 1957 through the will of Mary S. Marr, 120 acres to be known as the Thomas and Sarah Marr Home Haven Farm now offers more than she could have imagined. It offers brief relaxation for hurried travelers as well as playgrounds and outdoor classrooms for children and a haven for plants and animals.
After traveling just two miles west from Ainsworth (or seven miles east from Washington) on Highway 92, the kids can unwind on one of the three playgrounds or frolic on the hiking trails which wander along Marr Park's western border and through the twenty acre prairie. Facilities are present for family activities, with fishing being especially popular in the 1.2 acre Marr Park Pond and the 5 acre mini-lake.
When meal time rolls around, the family may choose one of the six shelters spaciously arranged. Each of the shelters may be reserved in advance during the calendar year of the intended usage.
As night approaches, you may choose to "rough it" in a tent or make use of the trailer camping area which features 28 sites complete with water and electrical hookups. Showers and flush toilets are a recent addition to the campers' comfort. Whichever sleeping method is chosen, Marr Park's closing time of 10:30 PM and resident park officer will help insure a good night's sleep.
Whether you are just passing through Washington County or have lived here your entire life, Marr Park is a place you will want to visit. See map for details.
New Conservation Education Center
In summer of 2003, the new Conservation Education Center, located at Marr Park, opened. This facility has scheduled hours open to the public and is available for renting. The Center features a main display area in the lobby with several interactive activities for visitors, a library, and a lab. For more information, click here.
The 80 acres of the Schmitter Hertiage Area was donated to the Washington County Conservation Board in 1997. This land was a gift in conjunction with the purchase of the Rubio Wildlife Area. It is being developed as a public hunting area. Property features include several deep draws, some brushy areas, and mixed grasslands. Game species include deer and wild turkeys (especially due to the proximity of Brinton Timber, a 320 acre wildlife refuge), pheasants, and other small upland game. See map for details.
This property is being maintained and developed for wildlife and public recreation. The majority of the land at Schmitter is grasses. A few small woodlands dot the area. Much of the grasslands is being managed for prairie restoration.
A deep draw runs north-south through Shmitter and is intersected by lesser draws. Anyone wishing to hike through this area should be prepared for steep terrain and rough travel. Two ponds of approximately 3 acres each have been built on the property. Bass, bluegill and channel catfish have been stocked in the ponds. Two new marshes in the northeast corner provide habitat for waterfowl. A naturally flowing spring, located near the property’s northeast corner, feeds the nearby marsh.
This multi-use area offers much for the nature lover and outdoor recreationist. Hikers, bikers, and horseback riders all frequent the Ridge. During the appropriate seasons, hunters can try their luck for deer, squirrel, or turkey. With adequate snowfall, cross-country skiers can enjoy the winter wonders of this woodlands.
Sockum Ridge is an upland timber. The canopy is dominated by red and white oak. Other tree species includes hickory, walnut, ash, cedar, sugar maple, sycamore, elm, and catalpa.
A parade of color meets the eye in early spring as the wildflowers bloom. Spring beauty, bluebells, buttercup, and Dutchman’s breeches race to flower before the tree canopy blocks essential sunlight.
The timber is home to a wide variety of wildlife. Popular game species here are turkey, deer, and squirrel. Woodpecker excavations appear in many of the dead trees and insects buzz in the tree tops.
Thickets in the undergrowth provide shelter and food for many resident animals. The berries there may tempt the woodland user, but the break from hiking or biking is certainly worth it.
Sockum Ridge and its communities appeals much to the woodland lover. Don’t miss it.