From I-70, take Exit 44 and merge onto I-675 north. Continue north on Spangler Road for .7 mile. Turn right onto Union Road and go .5 mile. Arrive at Estel Wenrick Wetlands.

The Estel Wenrick Wetlands Nature Preserve provides a casual opportunity for hikers and nature lovers to see a thriving wetland area. Located in Bethel Township, the 255-acre wetlands is part of the Clark County Park District.

Spend a morning or afternoon roaming 255 rich acres of high-quality wetlands and woodlands. Estel Wenrick Wetlands trails provide paths through the preserve so that hikers, bird watchers, and nature lovers can enjoy and explore this undisturbed natural environment. The Wetlands is a refuge for wildlife and features many thriving species of indigenous Ohio waterfowl like the blue heron. It is flourishing with over 255 identified plant species, including the endangered Eastern Prairie Fringe Orchid, which blooms proudly among the vibrant flora.

In early spring, a large heron rookery at the Wenrick Wetlands is visible from Spangler Road. Sixty blue heron nests and a Cooper’s Hawk nest rest in the branches of two large trees.

From Estel Wenrick Wetlands, return to Union Road and turn right. Turn right when you reach Lower Valley Pike. Continue on Lower Valley Pike to Tecumseh Road. Cross Tecumseh Road and the entrance to George Rogers Clark Park is on the left.

Nearly 150 bird species have been reported in this park. It attracts neo-tropic migrants during both the spring and fall migration.

George Rogers Clark Park is a historic park which explores the origins of Clark County at the nearby Peckuwe Village battle site. The Peckuwe Village was once a large settlement of Shawnee Indians and their British allies, located at the current George Rogers Clark Park. In 1780, the American Colonel Clark attacked the British stockade and drove the Shawnee out of Clark County. The battle was the largest of the American Revolution west of the Allegheny Mountains. Visit the multiple memorials located throughout the park that honor those who impacted our region’s history, including Tecumseh and George Rogers Clark.

From George Rogers Clark Park, cross OH-4 on Lower Valley Pike and then get on OH-4 heading east and merge with US-40. Exit to US-68 north. Exit at Troy Road (OH-41) and go east on Troy Road. Troy Road becomes West 1st Street. Turn right on Saint Paris Pike and then right again into Ferncliff Cemetery.

Over 100 bird species have been reported in the Ferncliff Cemetery arboretum. The arboretum attracts many warbler species during the spring migration.

Ferncliff’s arboretum consists of over 50 common and unique tree species for visitors to view, identify, and appreciate. Throughout the course of the year, a spectacular show is performed as the seasons repeatedly dress the various branches and leaves with vivid colors and sublime costumes that cast the Ferncliff grounds with the lights of both peace and renewal. Combined with fern-covered cliffs, gentle slopes, and winding walkways, a comforting and reflective environment is formed—perfect for walking or inspired exploration.

From Ferncliff Cemetery, turn right onto West McCreight Avenue. Continue straight to stay on West McCreight Avenue. Continue onto Mitchell Boulevard. Continue onto Lagonda Avenue. Continue onto Mechanicsburg Road. Turn right onto Croft Road and arrive at Old Reid Park.

Nearly 150 bird species have been reported at Old Reid Park with a good mix throughout the year. There is a large area of wetlands in this park.

Adjacent to Buck Creek State Park and C. J. Brown Reservoir, this 60-acre park offers bird watching, picnicking, 9 lighted tennis courts, shuffleboard courts, and fishing.

From Old Reid Park, follow Overlook Drive to the dam and overlook. Robert Eastman Drive leads to the main entrance to Buck Creek State Park.

Over 280 bird species have been reported at Buck Creek State Park, a number surpassed by only two locations in Ohio. Be sure to visit both the C.J. Brown Reservoir Overlook and the Beach as well as exploring trails throughout the park.

The natural features of Buck Creek State Park can be attributed to the effects of glaciers which receded from Ohio over 12,000 years ago. Low hills called moraines can be seen in the area where glaciers halted for extended periods of time and left deposits of gravel and sand. Old river valleys were filled by these deposits where numerous springs now well up through the sand and gravel. The nearby city of Springfield is named for the many springs seeping up from the broad meadows. The springs account for the many bogs and fens in Clark and Champaign counties of which Cedar Bog is probably the best known.

These wet areas harbor an assortment of rare and unusual plants including round-leaved sundew and horned bladderwort. The spotted turtle, a state endangered animal, is found in the area. The northernmost region of the park is an excellent area to observe waterfowl. The shallow waters provide a stopover for thousands of migrating ducks. Relatively rare songbirds of open meadows are also present including Dickcissels, Bobolinks, and Henslow Sparrows.