This property was opened to the public on October 1, 2009 at 2 p.m. The park is open from 8 a.m. to sunset every day of the year. Sunset times can be found on the Park Hours page.
Park Features
- The property contains over 110 acres of existing and restored native habitat spanning from Monroe-Concord Road north to the Shenandoah Sub Division.
- The land is diverse, offering nearly 80 acres of open grassland, 15 acres of wooded area and 6 acres of established wetland.
- A seasonal creek flows through the interior of the forested corridor from east to west.
- The trail system contains over 1.6 miles of groomed paths that provide a passive opportunity for hiking, running and wildlife viewing.
- A stout footbridge leads you to the northern section of the reserve where the trail continues eastward along the wetland levee to a scenic overlook.
- The wetland provides a biologically diverse ecosystem that supports specialized plant species, reptiles and amphibians, waterfowl such as Common Rails and Wood Ducks and countless other wildlife.
- The forested section of the Reserve is comprised of a mix of maple, locust, elm, beech, hickory, basswood and hackberry.
- The riparian corridor also contains unique wooded wetland areas known as vernal pools. Overall, the forest community is a key feature for a broad array of wildlife, including amphibians, woodland birds and furbearing animals.
Park History
This 110 acre park was originally owned and used as cropland by Mr. Emerson Wagner and Mr. Thomas Given. They generously gifted the Miami County Park District a Conservation Easement in December of 1999. Years later, when the property went up for sale, the Park District purchased the land through a Clean Ohio Conservation Grant, private contributions and minimal levy funds.
The park is bordered by farmland on the west and east. To the north is a subdivision. A modified headwater stream locally known as Haines Creek flows through the middle of the property running from west to east. It joins with other streams to become Boone Creek. Boone Creek is named after the family of Daniel Boone who built a cabin along its banks.
With the creation of this beautiful park, the surrounding residential communities have been provided with green space and a place for passive leisure activities. The reclaiming of this agricultural land has served as a perfect habitat for wildlife amidst the surrounding farmland and residential developments. It has also had a positive impact on area water quality by reducing storm water run off which decreases pollution.
The park is named after John A. Wannemacher, in honor of his dedication and service to the Park District as both an advocate and Miami County Park District Board member for over 35 years, most of those years as president.
Gallery (click to expand)
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Directions to John A. Wannemacher Nature Preserve:
Take Peters Road south of Troy to Monroe-Concord Road, turn right (west). The property is on the north side of the road, south of the Shenandoah subdivision. |
