Utzinger Bog Walk
Join AOA for a visit to a unique habitat – the only preserved bog in Franklin County – AOA’s 91-acre Utzinger Bog Preserve. We will follow natural trails that traverse the site and explore the bog wetland habitats.
AOA is in the later stages of restoring the former Utzinger farm property including enhancing the hydrology and bog habitats, demolishing dilapidated farm structures, removing accumulated trash and debris, breaking field drainage tiles, eradicating non-native invasive plants, planting former agricultural fields with native prairies, and reforesting much of the site.
Learn about peat formation and a brief history of the peat mining operations on the farm. After hiking around the bog ponds, we will tour the old homestead site checking out the barns and machinery.
Expect to see a variety of wildlife which could include wood ducks or other migratory waterfowl, herons, killdeers, warblers, songbirds, deer, frogs, snakes and butterflies. Prepare for wet ground and some mud.
This hike as well as other AOA events are free and open to the public. We will meet rain or shine – so please come prepared and dress appropriately for the weather.
Time: Meet at 10:00 a.m. This event will last for approximately 2 hours.
What to Bring: Binoculars to view birds and wildlife and an interest in the conservation and restoration of wetlands. Bug repellant recommended. Pack drinks and/or snacks of your choice. Feel free to bring lunch and eat at the site. You can walk the fields and woodlands without boots, but boots or high-top water-resistant shoes will make it easier to traverse the wetter portions of the property.
Location: Utzinger Bog is located south of Columbus and south of Interstate 270 along Highway 104. Park in the parking area inside the AOA gate. Look for AOA signs and cones. The Google map address for the Preserve is 6268 Jackson Pike (Highway 104), Grove City, OH 43123.
Google Map Link: