Explore two of AOA’s conserved properties along the Scioto River in Pickaway County – Cossin and Kreisel Preserves. AOA restored 50 acres on the Cossin farm with native prairie species several years ago as part of our Scioto River Flyway Corridor Initiative. The prairie flowers are thriving with masses of coneflowers, bee balm and black-eyed Susan’s blooming this summer.
During our walk we will focus on prairie species, natural pollinators, honey bees and local history. Jim North of Circle Bee Apiaries will show and discuss his honeybee hives that are located on the property. Former property owners Rick Cossin and Ed Kreisel have been invited to accompany us and share some interesting stories of their farms, which date to the earliest settlement of the Scioto River valley and Ohio.
Our path will follow the old road that ran past one of the old Kreisel houses along Scippo Creek down to the Scioto River, where there was a ford across the river, a primary crossing point prior to the construction of river bridges. We can wade in Scippo Creek weather permitting.
This event will be held rain or shine – so please come prepared and dress appropriately for the warm summer weather and walking on mown prairie grasses. Bug repellant is advisable. Please bring your own drinks and/or snacks. Feel free to pack a lunch and picnic afterwards in the shady forests on site. AOA events are free and open to the public.
Time: Meet at 9:30 a.m. We expect the walk to last for approximately 2 hours.
Location: We will park on the front part of the Kreisel Preserve property located at 3150 Kreisel Road, Circleville, 43113 – see Google map link below. Park in the mowed grassed area alongside the driveway. Kreisel Road is located on the west side of Highway 23, on the south side of Circleville, about 3.8 miles south of the Love’s Truckstop. The drive entry is directly opposite of State Road 361 which passes the Logan Elm memorial. The drive is hard to see coming from the north – be sure and look for the AOA signs along the highway ROW and green cones at the entry. There is not turn lane and traffic is usually heavy along this stretch of highway, so be sure and use caution in slowing down and entering and exiting the driveway. If you miss the drive you can take a u-turn down the highway and circle back.