ODNR Dedicates Girdham Road Dunes as Ohio’s 151st State Nature Preserve
19-acre site harbors rare habitats and endangered species
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WHITEHOUSE, Ohio— The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) and Metroparks Toledo dedicated Girdham Road Dunes as Ohio’s 151st state nature preserve today. Owned and managed by Metroparks Toledo, the new preserve is part of Oak Openings Preserve Metropark in Lucas County and harbors several rare habitats and species.
“We’re proud that our newest state nature preserve is protecting part of the Oak Openings Region and will ensure rare plant habitats will continue to thrive,” said ODNR Director Mary Mertz. “Metroparks Toledo is a strong partner in conservation and we’re proud to support their efforts in both land preservation and outdoor recreation.”
Girdham Road Dunes is a unique remnant of the Oak Openings Region and protects open sand dunes and oak barren habitats. The Oak Openings Region is an area that covers a sandy, five-mile-wide swath, stretching from southwest Michigan over 80 miles through Lucas, Henry, Fulton, and Wood counties in Ohio.
At a signing ceremony held this afternoon at the Buehner Center, ODNR Division of Natural Areas and Preserves Chief Jeff Johnson joined Metroparks Toledo Director Dave Zenk as he signed the articles of dedication for the new preserve. After the ceremony, guests travelled to Girdham Road Dunes for a ribbon cutting and guided hike.
“For nearly 100 years, our agency has had the honor of preserving and managing some of Ohio’s most significant natural areas, and none are more significant than the Oak Openings,” Zenk said. “Together with ODNR and regional partners that make up the Green Ribbon Initiative, we are protecting this distinct eco-region that The Nature Conservancy named ‘One of the 200 Last Great Places on Earth.’ Being designated a state nature preserve adds an additional layer of protection and prominence to one of Ohio’s natural jewels.”
The new preserve also harbors the only drifting sand dunes in the Oak Openings region. More than two dozen rare species, including the state endangered lark sparrow and Missouri rock cress, can be found amidst its 19 acres.
“Providing additional protection for the globally rare Oak Openings region could not be accomplished without partnering with organizations like Metroparks Toledo,” said ODNR Division of Natural Areas and Preserves Chief Jeff Johnson. “Their work ensures that the rare habitats and species found in northwest Ohio remain protected.”
