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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 nearly 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.
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 snowshow hare and river otther.
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 2009, the Conservanvcy 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.
Nature picture credits (top to bottom, left to right): Photo © Marty Sedluk (Morgan Swamp Preserve); Video © Jessica Keith(Terry Seidel).
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