Roco's Adventures in Ross County: exploring the Kinnikinnick Fen Nature Preserve
CHILLICOTHE ― Roco visited Kinnikinnick Fen Nature Preserve this summer, a sprawling, open, green park that is ready to be explored.
Rescue dog, Roco, and his owner, reporter Megan Becker, aim to explore each park in Ross County and document the experience. On June 28, the duo explored the 154-acre Kinnikinnick wetland complex with park director Myranda Vance.
More: Roco's Adventures in Ross County: Leash-free at Maple Grove Prairie
The Kinnikinnick Nature Preserve is a fen, a rare form of wetland. Ross County Park District project manager Erin Stanely said fens are formed where glaciers retreated, creating an environment that welcomes unique plants and insects, like the Kirkland's snake and the spotted turtle.
The parking lot is on Crouse-Chapel Road near the Pickaway-Ross Career & Technology Center in Green Township. Visitors have two trails to pick from when entering the preserve; on the left is a trail that the district aims to turn into an ADA-accessible area. Vance also hopes to an ADA-accessible shelter house and picnic tables.
For now, the short, flat trail boasts a boardwalk with great views of the fen, which Roco elegantly walked directly into and fell a couple of feet into the murky water. Don't make my mistake, keep a close eye on pets and children on the boardwalk.
An observation deck also provided great views of the wetlands with a bench for birdwatchers.
Continuing on the 3.3-mile walking path (mostly grass, but also some mulch and wood chips), we walked through woods, grass fields, wildflower fields and plenty of wetlands. Roco felt free while sprinting through the grassy trail, wind in his ears and slobber flying everywhere.
Kinnikinnick Fen is situated along Kinnikinnick Creek. There are several convenient spots in the park where visitors can get great views of the creek or even get their feet wet. Roco loved rolling around in the sand and cooling off in the creek.
While he looked for a good chewing stick, Vance and I admired the butterflies that seemingly begged for attention while fluttering around us. Vance said sightseers visit Kinnikinnick when the weather changes to watch the butterflies migrate.
As someone who is directionally challenged, I unsuccessfully kept track of my whereabouts and had to meander to find the parking lot. Roco was no help, but we eventually found our way back to the car after our 90-minute excursion.
Roco ended up with three ticks, which were hopefully his first and last ticks in his lifetime. I was surprised since he just got his monthly flea and tick treatment, but also not surprised because he traipsed through the tall grass like a gazelle on vacation.
Kinnikinnick's wide trails make it a great location for family walks. The grassy, mostly flat trail would also make a runner's paradise for someone looking for an easy jog. Those who enjoy Kinnikinnick will also love the upcoming new park next door: The Herron-Downs Fen Nature Preserve.
Kinnikinnick Fen Nature Preserve is managed by the Ross County Park District. For more information, contact parksandpreserves@rosscountyohio.gov or 740-773-8794, or visit RossCountyParkDistrict.com.
Check out Roco's other adventures in Ross County at Buzzards Roost, Maple Grove Prairie and Metahqua at ChillicotheGazette.com.
Roco's Adventures in Ross County is a series following reporter Megan Becker and her dog, Roco, on hikes and walks through parks in Chillicothe and Ross County.
Megan Becker is a reporter for the Chillicothe Gazette. Call her at 740-349-1106, email her at mbecker@gannett.com or follow her on Twitter @BeckerReporting.
This article originally appeared on Chillicothe Gazette: Roco explores the Ross County Park District's Kinnikinnick Fen park
