Explore Tom S. Cooperrider Kent Bog State Nature Preserve with ODNR staff Chuck Fletcher. Kent Bog is a living relict from the Ice Age, which supports the largest, southernmost stand of tamarack in the continental United States and populations of gray birch, which is also a tree of more northern distribution. Gray birch and tamarack are both potentially threatened species in Ohio.

Directions: 1028 Meloy Rd., Kent, Ohio 44240
From I-76 east take the Kent exit (SR 43) north to Meloy Road. Head west to the parking lot.

Afterwards, relocate around the corner to Portage Park District's recently acquired 215 acres adjacent to Kent Bog State Nature Preserve. Natural Areas Steward Bob Lange leads us off trail to see this property containing 50 acres of kettle hole bogs, 3/4 mile of Plum Creek a tributary of the Cuyahoga River, riparian wetlands, early successional and wetland seeps, plus forested upland habitat. Note: no facilities on either site. Pack snacks to eat on the hikes.

Registration is required for this program by emailing Judy at judysbarnhart@gmail.com.