07 Jan What is Cedar Bog?
Did you know that Cedar Bog is a Dedicated State Nature Preserve? You might be wondering, “What is a state nature preserve?” In Ohio, these preserves protect remnants of pre-settlement landscapes, rare and endangered species, and important geologic features. Unlike parks and green spaces, state nature preserves are dedicated to safeguarding Ohio’s natural resources, educating the public about native plants and wildlife, and sharing these natural treasures with visitors. Preservation and conservation are the highest priorities for places like Cedar Bog.
Before Cedar Bog was officially dedicated, Ohio purchased its first 100 acres in 1942 solely for preservation, making it the state’s first protected natural area. This was the first time Ohio acquired land specifically for preservation instead of development. In 1975, the Division of Natural Areas and Preserves was established. Cedar Bog was officially dedicated as a State Nature Preserve in 1979 and had already been recognized as a National Natural Landmark by the Department of the Interior in 1967.
Parks, green spaces, and even some non-profits focus on recreation versus preservation and conservation, which is much needed in communities all over the world! Recreation spaces are wonderful places where people of all ages can explore, play, and learn about nature in a space specifically designed for such use. Playground equipment, lawns, picnic areas, shelters, and other amenities can be found in these areas to serve the purpose of recreation.
Cedar Bog is a 446-acre state nature preserve that encompasses Ohio’s greatest number of native plant species (14 of those being native orchids), several federally threatened and endangered species, and many of Ohio’s threatened and endangered species.
What is Cedar Bog not? A bog! Nor is it a recreational area, or a dumpsite for your trash. Visitors are allowed to walk on the boardwalk and marked paths, not to venture off-trail. Trash bins are located inside our nature center. Dumping wildlife, deceased or alive, is highly illegal. Please be responsible and pick up after yourself in places like Cedar Bog. Thanks to our wonderful neighbors and community, we were made aware of the illegal dumping of geese on our property. These geese were illegally hunted, shot with a bullet that was much too large, and dumped on our property, just for these people to keep the meat. Canada geese are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. It is a U.S. federal law from 1918 that protects nearly all native migratory birds, making it illegal to hunt, capture, kill, sell, or possess them, their parts, nests, or eggs without a permit. This is not the first time we’ve found dumped wildlife and pets, but we hope it will be the last. Cedar Bog is one of Ohio’s crown jewels; let’s try to keep it that way!
“Cherish the natural world, because you’re a part of it and you depend on it.” – David Attenborough