Oak Openings Preserve- Toledo Metroparks

Oak Openings Preserve is a naturalist habitat and the largest of the nine Toledo Metroparks. It has over 30 miles of well-marked hiking trails, and 22 miles of bridle trails and there are designated trails for cross-country skiing. 

As I sit here at the window in the Buehner Nature Center, I watch the loud-voiced nuthatch as it creeps along this tree trunk, probing the crevices, with its pointed bill. Meanwhile, a little chipmunk scurries across the rock and takes a drink from the small pond. 

                                                    Mallard Lake

Back out along the trails, there is much to see. Sandy paths run along attractive ponds and creek beds, making the area a prime nesting place for bluebirds, indigo buntings, and whippoorwills. 

Wild lupines stand tall and orchids appear near the inland sand dunes. I  squat down to photograph cinnamon and royal ferns near a hollow log and hear many melodies. I have seen sparrows, thrashers, grosbeaks, orioles, warblers, hawks, and woodpeckers here too. 

Many years ago evergreens were planted for erosion control. The evergreens that surround me now in this photo are not as dense as when I first began hiking here some 30 years ago. 

Some of the evergreens have lived out their lives and have been felled and will not be replaced. But I will enjoy this view, while it's here.

Wishing you an enjoyable view!