After lunch today we took a detour off the beaten path and went to California Woods Nature Preserve. We have driven past that sign many times, but never turned in. Today would be different. After entering the park, first of all, I really hoped there wasn't someone leaving, as the road was only wide enough for one car...
Yet, it wasn't long before we discovered that California Woods Nature Preserve is one of the hidden jewels of the City of Cincinnati Parks. The preserve plays host to over 200 species of wildflowers blooming in a wide variety of habitats, right in the middle of the city.
You can also find over 50 different species of trees at the preserve including beech, red oak, hickory, black walnut and yellow buckeye. Today, the beautiful old sycamore trees blocked the late August sunshine, and patches of leaves and sky sent sprays of light through the hiking trails.
We found a creek that gracefully runs through the nature preserve providing a suitable habitat for snapping turtles and small fish.
However, one thing to note, what you won't find here are any playgrounds. There aren't any tennis courts. No camping facilities or grills either. There are a few comfortable park benches beckoning, and bridge rails invite a lean or two, but the lure of this park is an appreciation of nature and a love for what is beautiful.
It is simply - a big patch of beautiful forest.
No comments:
Post a Comment