Tied for the Top
It is with great joy and excitement that the Old-Growth Forest Network gets to highlight its top two states with the most dedicated Network Forests: Ohio and Pennsylvania! Coming in at an astounding total of 18 dedicated forests per state, the Fall Brook Natural Area in Salt Springs State Park brought Pennsylvania up to par with Ohio. Fall Brook Natural Area was dedicated on June 13, 2021, in addition to World’s End State Park the previous day, Jakey Hollow in Weiser State Forest on June 11, and Henry’s Woods in Jacobsburg State Park on June 10. After a whirlwind back-to-back-to-back-to-back group of dedications, these Pennsylvania forests came into the Network as #132, #133, #134, and #135, respectively.
Pennsylvania Forest Spotlight: Salt Springs State Park
According to signage at the State Park, the entire Salt Springs area was formed by glaciers over 18,000 years ago and formed the basis for the many splendid waterfalls in the Fall Brook Natural Area. The 405-acre Natural Area is primarily home to mature hemlock, some estimated to be more than 300-years old.
But let’s not leave out Ohio!
Earlier this spring, we were fortunate enough to dedicate not four, but five new Ohio forests into the Network, meaning they will be protected from logging and heavy development for many generations to come. During a very busy week in April, OGFN dedicated the following forests in Ohio:
• Baker Woods State Natural Area
• Gross Memorial Woods State Natural Area
• Davey Woods State Natural Area
• Hueston Woods State Natural Area
Ohio Forest Spotlight: Baker Woods State Nature Preserve
This 47-acre section of the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) was donated to the state in 1992 by the generous Lela Mae Baker. Containing some of the only remaining old growth in northwest Ohio, Baker Woods is a sublime oasis for forest lovers. The preserve contains stunning examples of shagbark and shellbark hickory, as well as a wide variety of oak, including white, bur, swamp white, and chinquapin. The mature trees provide ideal habitat for a wide variety of birds and other wildlife, as well as beautiful wildflowers in the springtime. Located just 2.5 miles away from the small community of Coldwater, OH, Baker Woods has an easy loop hiking trail. Whether you live in the area or are passing through, be sure to stop by and appreciate the splendor of this small but mighty old-growth forest!
Do you have a forest in mind that you think should be included in our Network of protected forests? Be sure to nominate it! Follow the simple steps on our Nominate a Forest page, and we’ll take it from there. And who knows, maybe we’ll have a front-runner for most dedicated Network forests in 2022- stick around and find out!
Additional Resources
https://ohiodnr.gov/wps/portal/gov/odnr/go-and-do/plan-a-visit/find-a-property/baker-woods-state-nature-preserve
