Often see Green Herons, Mockingbirds, Cedar Waxwings, rare Long-eared Owls (nesting area closed off in season).

Waterproof boots are useful in the spring.

Dawes contains 1149 acres, 4.5 miles of a paved auto tour and 8.0 miles of mulch/gravel hiking trails on the west or main grounds.

A bird list is available on the website. Click on ‘reports’. Due to recent changes in the woodland habitat, the species variety is limited on the west or main grounds. Many of the birds listed are ‘historic sightings’ seen only once. A permit to access the trails on the east side is available at the Visitor Center during hours of operation. This area is less disturbed and may offer more birding possibilities. Trail maps are also available at the Visitor Center.

The Dawes Arboretum is located 35 miles east of Columbus on OH-13, 3 miles north of I-70 (Exit 132) or 5 miles south of Newark.

The grounds are open dawn to dusk everyday except New Year’s Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas. The Visitor Center is open Monday – Saturday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; Sundays and holidays, 1:00 to 5:00 p.m.

Parking is available at the Visitor Center and throughout the auto tour.

The Dawes Arboretum has two auto tours with audio narration available. See the description of the Audio Tour on their website.

This mitigation wetland area is located on White Chapel Road, west from OH-13. There is a gravel parking area just off of White Chapel Road near the intersection with Licking Trails Road. Trails are not paved but offer excellent birding opportunities for wetland and grassland species. At the edge of the wetlands is the Dutch Fork, offering riparian habitat.

The Red Barn Area is a natural outdoor classroom for all ages incorporating meadows, a pond, a wetland with a boardwalk, wooded areas, and a rustic barn.

Total Trail Length: 1.5 miles

The Dawes Arboretum is dedicated to increasing the love and knowledge of trees, history, and the natural world. Founded in 1929 by Beman and Bertie Dawes, The Arboretum was inspired by the couple’s love of trees and nature. The arboretum provides exceptional educational programs and events as well as maintains incredible horticulture collections on over 1,800 acres of beautiful grounds.