There is great freedom in travel, but sometimes, closer destinations spark inspiring new finds.
There is great freedom in travel, but sometimes, closer destinations spark inspiring new finds.
Troy Wetlands Park is the newest Geauga Park District park waiting to be discovered at 18725 Claridon-Troy Road in Troy Township.
The park is just over 60 acres and unique to Geauga County because its waters flow into the Mahoning River, which is part of the Ohio River watershed.
“Which, of course, eventually makes its way to the Mississippi River,” GPD Biologist Paul Pira said. “Most people associate Geauga County and Northeast Ohio with Lake Erie.”
Troy Wetlands provides patrons with a “spectacular view” of a marsh, said GPD Chief Naturalist John Kolar.
“There are endless natural discoveries waiting to be found along the beautiful boardwalk and trails,” he said.
The park offers two trails. Patrons can travel north through the marsh atop a lengthy boardwalk — built by a GPD construction crew — on the Treefrog Trail, which spans 0.25 miles and includes a fishing platform.
Or, they can walk south on the Marsh Overlook Trail, 0.10 miles, to find an elevated scenic overlook platform containing stairs that provide an opportunity for birding or taking in a panoramic view of the wetland.
“In my opinion, the view from the marsh overlook platform is one of the prettiest scenic views in Geauga County,” Kolar said.
The park officially opened on Thanksgiving Day.
“The goal was to show our appreciation to the residents of Geauga County on this special day,” GPD Executive Director John Oros said. “We are thankful for the support of our residents. We hope they enjoy their new park.”
GPD acquired the property Oct. 1, 2003, from George and Marianne Brede.
“It’s exciting to have a new park in this area of Geauga County,” Oros said. “The location off state Route 700 in Troy Township is unique. The location aligns with our goal to better serve our residents by providing a park within 15-minutes driving distance of their homes. Our residents will appreciate the expansive views of another unique park.”
This park has an expansive wetland with open water and a dynamic vegetative community, he said.
“Our talented planning and construction staff were able to take advantage of this unique habitat,” Oros said. “They did this by designing and building a system of boardwalks and overlooks that immerse visitors in nature. These amenities allow the park visitor to place themselves in the middle of this unique habitat.”
Most of the property, 65%, is considered wetlands with the remaining portion forested.
“The ecological importance of this acquisition rested in the large portion of wetlands which extended to form an important aquatic habitat in the upper reaches of the Mahoning Silver Creek watershed,” Oros said.
The park is home to a wide variety of plants and animals and its wetland is an important stopover habitat for migratory waterfowl.
“This property is comprised of predominantly marsh wetlands, which provides excellent habitat for numerous reptiles, amphibians, small mammals and many wetland birds,” Pira said. “Troy Wetlands protects ideal nesting habitat for wetland birds, such as Great Blue Herons, and offers important stopover resting habitat and plentiful important food resources for migratory songbirds.”
A scattering of towering bulky brown stick nests left by the majestic Great Blue Herons dot the serene landscape at the edge of the marshes.
The wintering plants also lay brown and dormant against the ice-covered marsh’s trail.
“Surrounding the beautiful open marshlands are scattered brushy transitional zones that grade into swamp forests along with a small amount of upland forest,” Pira said. “The property also has the remnants of an old fish farm (ponds), which will provide opportunities for anglers to try their luck.”
Park Planner Amanda Krakower did a great job developing a master plan for Troy Wetlands that allows visitors to experience the marshland and hardwood forest the park has to offer along the boardwalk and trail, said GPD Deputy Director Matt McCue said.
“Overall, I think it is great to be able to open this ecologically diverse property up for public access and allow folks to enjoy it,” McCue said.
Oros added, “It’s humbling to serve our residents in a business that I am passionate about.”
GPD’s staff is dedicated to providing some of the best parks and recreations services in the business, Oros said.
“We are committed to conserving the unique natural resources of our county. Our dedication to conservation accompanied by providing dynamic parks truly gives our residents a special place to enjoy nature,” he said. “With the opening of Troy Wetlands, it is another reminder of the special role Geauga Park District plays in serving our residents.”
The park plans to host a variety of programs such as bird walks, amphibian programs and general nature hikes.
“I, personally, am excited for all the new discoveries yet to be found at Troy Wetlands,” Kolar added.
