18,000 Acres, 85% of land conserved as natural areas. Natural Resource Management Plan [pdf]
Wildlife
Comprehensive Master Plan
A variety of plants and animals can be found at Great Parks destinations across Hamilton County. While some populations are low in numbers and in need of special protection, such as the cave salamander or barn owl, others, such as the white-tailed deer and Canada goose, have done so well in recent years, that management is required to control their numbers. Managing for a balance that promotes diversity can be challenging where natural controls, such as large predators, are absent from the local environment.
Animals
Animal descriptions and images shown below are courtesy of the ODNR Division of Wildlife
Bald Eagle
Our national symbol, the bald eagle displays many outstanding characteristics - exceptional vision, a striking appearance and a commanding presence. Sadly, by the latter half of the 20th century, the bald eagle was classified as an endangered species. Through the diligent efforts of wildlife biologists and a concerned public, the bald eagle population is returning and no longer on the federal endangered species list but remains at a federal monitoring stage.
Spotted at: Campbell Lakes, Fernbank Park, Kroger Hills, Lake Isabella, Little Miami Scenic Corridor, Miami Whitewater Forest, Otto Armleder Memorial Park, Shawnee Lookout, Winton Woods, and Woodland Mound
Lark Sparrow
Lark sparrows are spring and summer residents in Ohio and are occasionally observed in the winter. The lark sparrow is an endangered species in Ohio.
Spotted at: Miami Whitewater Forest and Oak Glen Nature Preserve
Bobcat
The bobcat is native to Ohio and is one of seven wild cat species found in North America. Domestic cats belong to the same family, Felidae, as the bobcat. Bobcats are rarely seen in Ohio as they were eradicated from the state in 1850. Prior to settlement, bobcats were common throughout Ohio. They began to repopulate Ohio in the Mid-1900s, and sightings became more frequent in the early 2000s. A combination of monitoring and research has revealed that Ohio now supports an established bobcat population in the eastern and southern parts of the state, and the population is continuing to expand into other areas of suitable habitat.
Spotted at: Miami Whitewater Forest, Mitchell Memorial Forest, Richardson Forest Preserve, Shawnee Lookout, Withrow Nature Preserve, and Woodland Mound
Miami Whitewater Forest. Withrow Nature Preserve, Shawnee Lookout, Mitchell Memorial Forest, Woodland Mound and Richardson Forest Preserve
Great Blue Heron
One of the largest bird species in Ohio, populations of the great blue heron are widely distributed throughout the state. Native to Ohio, there was a time when heron numbers dwindled as these birds’ feathers were a favorite of the hat-making trade during the 1800s. The great blue heron is often observed motionless, as it pursues its prey while standing in a stream, river or wetland. Unlike numerous other predators that actively stalk on foot or wing, the great blue heron takes the complete opposite approach–it stands still, watching the water for a fish. Then in the blink of an eye, in a sharp and seamless movement will snare its prey.
Spotted at: Campbell Lakes, Farbach-Werner Nature Preserve, Fernbank Park, Glenwood Gardens, Kroger Hills, Lake Isabella, Little Miami Scenic Corridor, Miami Whitewater Forest, Mitchell Memorial Forest, Newberry Wildlife Sanctuary, Oak Glen Nature Preserve, Otto Armleder Memorial Park, Richardson Forest Preserve, Sharon Woods, Shawnee Lookout, Triple Creek, Winton Woods and Woodland Mound
Red Fox
The red fox is one of two fox species in Ohio and one of five in North America. The state’s other fox is the gray fox. The Arctic, swift and kit foxes are the other species found in North America. North American foxes inhabit a wide range of habitats, including deserts, forests and tundras. This isn’t surprising as foxes are members of the same family of adaptable animals, including the wolves, coyotes and domestic dogs – Canidae.
Spotted at: All Great Parks destinations
Beaver
The beaver is North America’s largest rodent, weighing up to 60 lbs and measuring 25-30 inches long. Beavers are well adapted to life in the water. Their webbed feet, waterproof fur, clear “third-eyelids” and flattened, rudder-like tail make them excellent swimmers. Their huge front teeth help beavers to cut through hardwoods like maple and oak. These teeth grow throughout the animal's lifetime and are necessary for survival.
Spotted at: Fernbank Park, Glenwood Gardens, Kroger Hills, Lake Isabella, Little Miami Scenic Corridor, Miami Whitewater Forest, Otto Armleder Memorial Park, Richardson Forest Preserve, Sharon Woods, Shawnee Lookout, Winton Woods, Withrow Nature Preserve and Woodland Mound