Events

According to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Caesar Creek Gorge, rising 180 feet above Caesar Creek, was “formed by large volumes of glacial meltwater cutting down through the bedrock to expose Ordovician limestone and shale rich in fossils.” Dayton Area Wild Ones is offering an all-day exploration of two different areas of the gorge to view its abundant spring wildflowers. Join us for any combination of activities offered on this field trip—morning walk, lunch at a local restaurant, afternoon walk—or join us for all three!  

Caesar Creek Gorge State Nature Preserve, 9:00–11:15 am; 4080 Corwin Road, Oregonia, OH 45054.  This preserve features diverse habitats including heavily wooded hillsides and a floodplain covered by “luxuriant herbaceous flora,” which is an understatement! As a possible bonus, zebra swallowtail butterflies were abundant at this time last year. This is a moderate walk; the trail is a dirt path with a steep descent/ascent to and from the gorge. Our leader will be Preserve Manager Eric Sagasser. Total distance: about 1.75 miles

Lunch at Sun Sprouts Cafe, approx.11:30 am–12:45 pm; 69 S. Maple Street, Corwin, OH 45068. Park along Corwin Rd. or Maple St. Order and pay at the counter; seating will be in the front room to the left of the counter. 

US Army Corps of Engineers Caesar Creek Gorge, 1:00–3:00 pm; Meet at the Caesar Creek Fishing Pier parking lot, Caesar Creek Gorge Access Road, Waynesville, OH 45068. Join leader Kim Baker, USACE retiree, to explore the wooded trails along Caesar Creek, just downstream of the dam. Over the years, much work has been done in this area to eliminate non-native invasive species, so it is now a great area for viewing healthy woodland structure. The canopy trees, understory shrubs, and woodland wildflowers will be inspiration for creating your own woodland habitat!

There are two options for this afternoon walk:

Option 1 – Easy.  The first section is a level gravel trail parallel to the creek.  There is a wooded strip between the trail and the creek, with the wooded hillside rising from the opposite side and wildflowers and native understory shrubs on both sides. This is an easy walk with lots to see for those who may not be able to walk the full loop trail with the steep hills. Those who prefer this easy walk option will need to turn around to head back to the parking lot while the rest of the group continues up the hill.  Total distance: about 3/8 mile

Option 2 – Moderate. Continue on the loop trail, ascending the steep hill on wooden stairs.  This overlooks a tributary stream and a hillside covered with wildflowers. The trail loops back at the top of the hill and the descent is on an old road. Total distance: about 1.0 mile