Oak Openings Corridor
The Oak Openings Corridor connects Secor and Oak Openings Preserve Metroparks
In between these well-known parks are additional properties of interest to outdoors enthusiasts. These properties are owned by Metroparks or other agencies working together as the Green Ribbon Initiative to preserve and restore natural areas in this globally significant natural region. Learn more at oakopenings.org.
Oak Openings Preserve Metropark
One of the most biologically diverse places in Ohio, Oak Openings is a naturalist’s paradise. More than 1,000 different plant species have been documented in this region of thick, sandy soil left by ancient glacial lakes. Now covered by a woodland of white and black oak trees, you can still find evidence of the land’s past as a beach, such as the impressive dunes on Girdham Road. Oak Openings has a campground and cottage for overnight stays. [More]
Secor Metropark
From towering trees to rolling, sandy areas; wet lowlands to open prairies, Secor Metropark offers a beautiful variety for the nature lover. Secor is home to the National Center for Nature Photography, the only center of its kind in the country. A Window On Wildlife and the Secor Room rental facility are located in the same building, where you will also find displays about the Oak Openings Region. Open every day, 7 a.m. to dark. [More]
Irwin Prairie State Nature Preserve
Known for its summer wildflowers, the core of this preserve is a wet sedge meadow dominated by several species of sedges, rushes and wetland grasses. It is the finest remaining sedge meadow in Ohio! The preserve is actually composed of a mosaic of distinctive plant communities based on variations in water table levels. [More]
Wiregrass Lake Metropark
Owned by Metroparks, the property was the first new area to open in the Corridor. Its dominate feature is the scenic lake, but look closer and discover the restored prairies. Dragonflies are numerous at this site, as well as birds and other wildlife. Open every day, 7 a.m. to dark. [More]
Kitty Todd Preserve
The Nature Conservancy’s 1,000-acre Kitty Todd Preserve is a centerpiece of the Oak Openings Region and is a model of land management practices for the region. Open to the public Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and the first weekend of the month from May through October. During open weekends, guided hikes are offered on Saturdays at 2. [More]
Westwinds Metropark
Opened in October 2015, Westwinds is an archery park with a public range and 3D course. It is also home to the Flying Tigers Remote Control Model Club. [More]
Louis W. Campbell Preserve
A microcosm of the botanically significant Oak Openings region in northwest Ohio, Lou Campbell State Nature Preserve is home to more than 30 state-listed species. High quality habitats include wet sedge meadows, swamp forest, sand dunes and sand barrens. [More]
Maumee State Forest
Northwest Ohio’s only State Forest is a sprawling 3,000 acres in parts of three counties. It has trails for hiking, horseback riding and all-purpose vehicles, as well as an arboretum. [More]