The Nature Conservancy. Protecting nature. Preserving life.™

Some 12,000 years ago, portions of northeastern Ohio's Ashtabula and Trumbull counties were occupied by a large glacial lake, which deposited a thick layer of silt and clay ranging in depth from 5 to 50 feet. Watertight, these clay soils resulted in the formation of swamp forest, marshes, sphagnum bogs and sedge meadows.

Today, these wetlands are part of the Grand River Lowlands. A major tributary to Lake Erie, the Grand River – a state-designated “Wild and Scenic River” – and its surrounding wetlands are critical in the protection of this globally important freshwater resource.  

At 1,300 acres, The Nature Conservancy’s Morgan Swamp Preserve is one of the largest privately protected wetlands in Ohio and plays a key role in keeping the freshwater resources of northeastern Ohio healthy.

 

Donate to Morgan Swamp Preserve and the Kelvin and Eleanor Smith Foundation will match your gift!  Learn More

Current Conservation Work

The greatest threats to Morgan Swamp Preserve are the destruction of adjacent wetlands, logging within the Grand River floodplain and upland forest communities, and invasive species. The Conservancy has been working to combat these threats through restoration, land acquisition, and education efforts. 

• In 2011, a generous donation from the Cleveland-based City Mission expands the preserve by nearly 60 acres and increases protection efforts along the Grand River.
   
• In 2009, the Conservancy expanded Morgan Swamp Preserve by more than 250 acres, including a 70-acre conservation easement. 
   
• In 2006, the Conservancy opened Morgan Swamp Preserve to the public. The preserve features a handicapped accessible trail and interpretive signage showcasing the importance of the ecosystem to both people and wildlife.
   
• Land acquisition focuses on protecting those areas critical in maintaining ecosystem function. 
   
• The Conservancy has for years sustained the unique nature of the plant and animal communities at Morgan Swamp through invasive species control.   
• In 2005, the snowshoe hare was introduced to Morgan Swamp.
  
   

What You'll See

Morgan Swamp and the surrounding area is a 2,000-acre remnant of a five-square-mile swamp that existed at the time of European settlement. By the beginning of 20th century, the entire region had been subjected to logging, draining, peat fires and farming.

Relatively undisturbed for nearly 100 years, Morgan Swamp is recovering from these impacts and is now dynamic and self-sustaining. The preserve harbors an array of rare species, many of which are associated with boreal habitats and are near the southern edge of their ranges in North America. A faunal survey of the preserve has revealed 108 bird species, 24 fishes, 26 reptiles, and 24 mammals - including the snowshoe hare and river otter.

Things To Do

The preserve offers an ADA accessible trail with interpretive signage.

Plan Your Visit

Morgan Swamp is open seven days a week, from dawn to dusk. 

Directions

From the north:
• From Interstate 90, travel south on State Route 534 for about 7 miles to its junction with State Route 166/Footville-Richmond Rd. 
• Travel east on Footville-Richmond Rd. for 3.4 miles to the Morgan Swamp parking lot.

From the south:
• From U.S. Route 6, take State Route 45 north for about 3.2 miles to Footville-Richmond Rd.
• Travel west on Footville-Richmond for about 1.6 miles to the Morgan Swamp parking lot.

Discussion

Have you been to this preserve? Are you thinking of visiting? See what others are saying about their experiences and add your comments below.

Add Your Comments

Time for you to join the discussion. Tell us about your experience at this preserve. What plants and animals did you see? When did you go? You can help others plan their visit when you share your thoughts. And thank you for visiting one of our nature preserves!

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