Coastal wetlands are critically important to a healthy Lake Erie, and they are imperiled. One of the most ambitious projects in Metroparks history is to restore part of a 1,000-acre wetland near the lakeshore in Jerusalem Township.

Howard Marsh, on OH-2 at Howard Road, showcases six miles of water trail for canoeing and kayaking and five miles of dike-top trails for hiking.

The Metropark, which was previously a working farm, is adjacent to the Metzger Marsh State Wildlife Area in a region that also includes Maumee Bay State Park, Magee Marsh State Wildlife Area, and the Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge. Together, these local, state and federal public lands are known for their concentration of songbirds, or warblers, especially during spring migration.

• Six miles of trail for hiking, including
• A 1,300-foot—about a quarter mile—boardwalk. (Bicycles are not currently permitted.)
• More than six miles of permanent, deep-water channel for kayaking on the three marsh units
• Two roll-off docks for launching kayaks
• Portages for crossing from one unit to another
• Two overlooks for fishing and observation
• Fishing permitted. State licensing requirements apply.
• Dogs are permitted, on leashes.
• Waterfowl hunting will be permitted on the large marsh unit. (Details will be announced at a later date.)

Howard Marsh Metropark Trails
Six miles of trail for hiking.

Egret Trail – 3.8 miles roundtrip
Sandpiper Trail – 0.9 mile
Mallard Trail – 1.1 miles
Madewell Trail – 0.8 miles
Sora Trail - 2.3 miles roundtrip