California Woods Nature Preserve- A Cincinnati Parks Forest

On December 7th, 2022, the Old-Growth Forest Network recognized California Woods Nature Preserve in Cincinnati, Ohio. Located in the eastern section of the city and within a stone’s throw of the Ohio River, California Woods offers Cincinnatians with the chance to escape busy urban life and enjoy the peace that comes from being in nature. Sitting at an impressive 113 acres in total, the preserve offers educational programming year-round for people of all ages. In the summer, visitors can enjoy a beautiful hummingbird and butterfly garden conveniently located right in front of the educational center. California Woods is Ohio’s 23rd forest to be included in the Old-Growth Forest Network and the first Network forest for Hamilton County, making it the 185th forest in total to be recognized.

Keep scrolling for more photos from the wonderful indication ceremony we held at the beginning of December.

The Trillium Valley Trail contains some significant stands of old-growth trees.

The height of several burr oak (Quercus macrocarpa), yellow buckeye (Aesculus flava), basswood (Tilia americana) and honey locust are the tallest recorded in the region, and so far in the United States.

Cincinnati Parks staff explains that the deep rich soils here, due to deposits from a receding glacier, as well as the valley location of California Woods, may explain the exceptional heights for the tree species located within the region.

Big thanks to the Cincinnati Parks team, including Director Jason Barron, Jonathan Duerbeck, and Gia Giammarinaro, as well as Mid-Atlantic Regional Manager, Brian Kane, and everyone else who made the induction ceremony possible.

For the Forests!

Help Us Make 2023 a Year to Remember!

As 2022 is wrapping up, we humbly ask for your continued support with growing the nation's only network of protected old-growth forests. The Old-Growth Forest Network is a network not only of forests, but of people committed to protecting them- now and into the future. Please consider making a tax-deductible donation to the Old-Growth Forest Network today!