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Bachelor
Wildlife and Game Reserve
During
the twenty years that Dr. Joseph M. Bachelor served
on the Miami faculty, he accumulated land adjacent to
the University. He lived on the land, farmed it, and
in 1947, gave 416 acres to create the Bachelor Wildlife
and Game Reserve, the backbone of the natural areas.
The Bachelor Wildlife and Game Reserve is managed to
establish and preserve habitat diversity for native
plants and wildlife. A variety of animals live in the
Reserve including beaver that frequent Bachelor pond.
This
land encompasses a number of interesting features and
attractions. Some of these include the scenic Harkers
Run Creek spanned by a 45' swinging bridge, wood ducks
nesting at Bachelor Pond, pinewoods and old growth woodlands
of beech, maple and oaks. Over six miles of trails connect
these interesting areas. See
images
College
Woods
College
Woods is a 16 acre second growth woodlot with many trees that had been a part
of Western College for many years. Over time, the area
became landlocked and was not assessable until an easement
agreement with the City of Oxford was established in
2004. This opened up the area for hiking trails (Built
by Matt Dean; Boy Scout Troup 999) and the opportunity
for the public to enjoy this beautiful area. Many of
the trees are over 100 years old. The woods contain
many interesting species including: white ash, american
beech, black cherry, slippery elm, shagbark hickory,
American hophornbeam, chinquapin oak, shingle oak, pawpaw,
sassafras, black tupelo and black walnut. A connecting
trail from College Woods (Built by Matt Glabb; Boy Scout Troup 999) provides access to the other
trails in the Natural Areas. Access is from McKee Avenue
just outside Oxford off of route 27.
See
images College Woods Update
Reinhart
Reserve
In
1991, Dr. and Mrs. Roy Reinhart donated 45 acres of
land adjacent to the intersection of Oxford-Milford
Road and Bonham Road . Amenities include old growth
woodlands, meadows, springs, streams and scenic overlooks
with trails connecting all. Images coming soon.
Silvoor
Biological Sanctuary
Silvoor
Biological Sanctuary is a 2.5-acre tract of land donated
in 1978 to the University by Dr. Robert A. Hefner. Dr.
Hefner and his wife, Ilo, spent many years converting
this former town dump into a beautiful sanctuary
In
1980, Mr. and Mrs. Stuart Fitton donated a portion of
their land, which was part of the Sanctuary, to Miami
with the understanding that it remain a part of Silvoor
Biological Sanctuary. The sanctuary houses an extensive
wildflower garden with over 60 species on showy display
seen during the scheduled walks or casual walks each
spring. See images
Kramer
Woods
Paul
and Edith Kramer donated this twelve-acre tract of land
to the University in 1987 that is typical of a mature
woodlot in southwest Ohio . It is maintained in its
natural state. Hiking trails are continuous with those
of the Bachelor Reserve. Kramer Woods' trail provides
a variety of hills and slopes for hikers to climb. Upon
reaching the top, hikers are rewarded with a stunning
view of the forest below. Images coming soon.
Women's
Recreational Association and Cabin Area
This
twenty-six acre tract of land is north of Bachelor and
Reinhart Reserves and is located on Oxford-Milford Road
. One half of the land is a mature woodlands providing
access to Harker's Run Creek. The other half of the
land is an excellent example of old-field succession.
A circular trail rewards hikers with the pleasures of
the scenic woods. Access is available by reservation
only and can be made by calling: Office of Student Activities
and Organization Leadership, 356 Shriver Center, 529
2266. See images
Four
Mile Creek Area
Purchased
in 1962, the area comprises about 100 acres of land.
Miami 's riding stables are on this tract of land and
an additional 20 acres are designated as pasture for
the horses. Ten acres are designated for the Miami University
's Recycling Center . Thirty-five acres are cultivated
for agricultural purposes, the proceeds of which go
to help maintain the Natural Areas. The University Grounds
Department also maintains a small nursery, where trees
are being grown before they are transplanted to campus.
Along this route, hikers can also get a close-up view
of the DeWitt house, the oldest standing log cabin in
the Oxford area. See images
Western
Woods
The
Western Woods comprises approximately one hundred acres
located on the eastern and southern sides of Western
Campus. There is a hiking trail through this beautiful
woodland area that travels hills and valleys through
a magnificent stand of oaks, beech and maples. Access
is from Western Campus. Images coming soon.
Beck
Reserve
In
1997 the University received 41 acres south of Rte.
73 for 40 percent of its appraised value. This land
was part of the estate of the late Dr. William and Virginia
Beck. Their son, Michael Beck and his wife Noreen, stipulated
in the transaction that the land was not to be developed
and was to be managed similarly to the Bachelor Wildlife
Reserve. Today, trails travel along Four Mile Creek
up hillsides with beautiful views of the valley below
and through mature woodlands. Images coming soon.
Peffer
Woods
Once a pastureland and farm, this 80-acre plot was purchased as two parcels in 1955 and 1966 by Miami University . Later, Fred C. Yager generously donated money to Miami University in order to develop a park on this land south of campus along Highway 27. Yager stipulated that the park was to be developed in memory of his nephew, G. Maurice Peffer. William Amos and Dorothy R. Amos contributed funds for the park's development as well.
A small portion of the land is a recreational park. The balance is maintained as a natural area to promote outdoor recreation, education, and research in the natural sciences. Common activities include hiking, snow skiing, mountain biking and birding.
A unique program is conducted by Miami University's Outdoor Pursuit Center. This outdoor experiential program allows groups and individuals the opportunity to participate in a series of activities involving mental, physical, and emotional risk taking in a controlled setting. It consists of an aesthetically designed series of ropes, cables, and logs combined in such a way as to simulate challenges that might be found in a natural setting. Safety and cooperation, as well as individual achievement, are essential to the program.
Timothy J. Marcum Trail
The
Timothy Marcum Memorial Center and Trail have been made
possible in part by a gift from Joseph L. and Sara Sloneker
Marcum of Hamilton , Ohio in loving memory of their
son Tim. Directly behind the Marcum Memorial Center
is the Timothy J. Marcum Trail. It runs through a tract
of steep slopes and flood plains that extend south to
State Route 73. This natural area is extremely important
because it lends additional protection to Four Mile
Creek, and contains excellent habitats for study and
research. The views from the trails are inviting in
all seasons. See images
Ecology
Research Center
The
Ecology Research Center (ERC), located just North of
Oxford was founded in 1969 as a site for ecological
research and educational activities. The ERC encompasses
170 acres of old fields, woodlots, hedgerows, agricultural
plots, and experimental ponds and is managed by a Director
and an internal policy committee appointed by the Dean
of the College of Arts and Science. Ecology Research Center
Contacts
For
questions regarding educational, research or donor opportunities,
contact:
Dr.
Douglas H. Taylor
Chair,
Bachelor Reserve and Other Natural Areas Committee
Department of Zoology
(513) 529 3100
For
questions or comments regarding trails, contact:
James
E. Reid
Field
Manager, Natural Areas
(513)
524 2197
Website: www.muohio.edu/naturalareas
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