Pearson Metropark South Remnant Great Black Swamp Forest was inducted into the national Old-Growth Forest Network on April 24, 2026. Brian Kane, Mid-Atlantic Regional Manager with the Old-Growth Forest Network conveyed the distinction to Zurijanene Carter, chief natural resources officer for Metroparks Toledo. Attendees enjoyed a one-mile hike to observe the rare old-growth forest after the ceremony.

The forest is the 40th Ohio forest to be inducted into the Old-Growth Forest Network which has 328 forests  in its continuously expanding Network of protected publicly accessible old-growth forests.

The swamp at Pearson Metropark is defined by towering, wide-spreading old-growth trees, a dense understory of spicebush, and a spring groundcover alive with wildflowers including wild ginger and jack-in-the-pulpit. Pearson Metropark preserves one of the last remnants of the Great Black Swamp which was a vast, once-impenetrable forest that covered much of northwest Ohio. Although a network of ditches runs through the area, portions still hold significant water depths, providing habitat for waterfowl such as wood ducks and mallards.

The terrain is characteristically flat, and while the exact age of the oldest trees is unknown, aerial imagery from the 1940s shows a dense, intact canopy. This section of forest has remained unbroken since that time and has been continuously protected since Metroparks Toledo acquired the property in 1934.

Zuri Carter noted, “I can’t think of a better way to observe Arbor Day. Pearson is one of the gems of the Metroparks Toledo system and deserving of this distinction. It also honors the farsighted people who, during the Great Depression, campaigned to preserve this natural area for future generations.“  

The Old-Growth Forest Network (OGFN) connects people with nature by creating a national network of protected, mature, publicly accessible, native forests. OGFN intends to preserve at least one forest in every county in the U.S. that can sustain a forest. OGFN works to identify forests for the Network, ensure their protection from logging, and inform people of the forest locations.

Founded in 2012, the Network has grown to include 328 forests across 40 states today. OGFN also educates about the extraordinary ecological benefits of old-growth forests, and speaks out regarding immediate threats to specific ancient forests. Learn more at http://www.oldgrowthforest.net.

Kane said, “The importance of the preservation of these rare forests can not be overemphasized. As seen here at Pearson Black Swamp Forest  the forests perform critical environmental services such as storing carbon, providing wildlife habitat, and cleansing and retaining stormwater. OGFN is grateful that Toledo Metroparks and Lucas County leaders value this old-growth forest type and so will enable residents and visitors to the area to marvel at this rare and threatened landscape far into the future."