Woodman Fen

Natural Features

Located in the Dayton area, Woodman Fen is a 33-acre natural area featuring a groundwater-fed wetland known as a fen. What's a fen, you ask? Think of it as nature's sponge - thick with peat deposits and home to plants you won't find just anywhere. Back in the day, these ecosystems were all over southwestern Ohio, but urban sprawl has made them quite the rarity now.

What sets this place apart from your average wetland is its alkaline, calcium-rich soil - unlike the more acidic bogs you might be familiar with. This unique chemistry creates a welcoming environment for a wider range of plant species. The fen plays an important ecological role, filtering runoff and providing habitat for diverse wildlife.

Park History

Like many natural areas, Woodman Fen has weathered some tough times. It was once drained for farming (not its best look) and later abandoned to become an impromptu dump site (definitely not its best look).

The turning point came in 2003 when Five Rivers MetroParks stepped in and purchased the land. What followed was some serious environmental TLC - removing invasive plants, hauling away a staggering 20 tons of trash, and bringing back the water by removing drainage tiles and installing a sheet wall on the northern end. It's a remarkable comeback story for this little ecosystem.

Trails and Accessibility

Exploring Woodman Fen is straightforward thanks to a 0.6-mile loop nature trail that meanders through the wetland. Recent improvements include culverts that help keep the muddiness in check, but you'll still want waterproof footwear after a good rain.

Some sections of the trail are gravel-paved, making for easier walking during dry spells. Though the trail isn't long, it offers a peaceful escape from city life with plenty of opportunities to connect with nature and observe the fen's unique ecosystem up close.

Note that despite what some older resources might mention, there's currently no boardwalk or observation decks at the park.

Wildlife and Plant Life

Plant enthusiasts will appreciate the diversity here, including quirky specimens like skunk cabbage, the elegantly named queen of the prairie, and the cheerful jewelweed. Bird watchers, grab your binoculars - this park boasts one of the highest hummingbird populations in the Five Rivers MetroParks system.

Local birders regularly spot Great Horned Owls, Gnatcatchers, Warblers, Vireos, Orioles, Flycatchers, and various Thrush species. If you're into birding, timing your visit during migration seasons could make for an especially rewarding experience.

Visitor Information

Woodman Fen sits quietly within a residential Belmont neighborhood, offering a surprisingly secluded natural retreat. You might need to keep your eyes peeled for the entrance - it's not exactly shouting for attention with fancy signage.

The park is a favorite hangout for deer, so stay alert but calm if you encounter these graceful creatures. It's worth mentioning that this is a truly natural experience - no restrooms, water fountains, or picnic areas are available.

If you're looking for a bit more adventure, try geocaching here. It's a hit with families wanting to add some treasure-hunting excitement to their nature walk.