Greenfield Outdoor Adventures

04/10/2026

Have you visited Cedar Bog near Urbana, Ohio? I highly recommend it!

Cedar Bog Nature Preserve was the first nature preserve in Ohio purchased with state money and is considered by many to be Ohio’s premiere natural area. Cedar Bog is a National Natural Landmark, one of only twenty-five in the state of Ohio – recognized for its national significance. It ranks the highest of any site among all others in the state on the Ohio Floristic Diversity Index for its great diversity of plants.

Visit https://www.cedarbognp.org/ to learn more.

04/04/2026

The Trillium are in full bloom at the Highlands Nature Sanctuary!

03/17/2026

I recently purchased my first e-bike and it’s opened up a whole new way to pursue physical fitness while experiencing the beauty of nature. In the first three months of owning my bike I rode 1,200 miles, including a gorgeous ride from Cincinnati to Cleveland on the Ohio to Erie Trail. The key to a good e-bike experience on the trail is kindness, courtesy, and respect for others on the trail. “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” (Matthew 7:12)

E-bikes bring more people to our trails. A little etiquette keeps the ride welcoming for everyone.

03/17/2026

These old postcards showcase some local history of the great outdoors near Greenfield, Ohio. These images show Island Grove falls and grist mill along Paint Creek in the late 1800’s.

According to the Greenfield Historical Society, “The island was owned by Martha Mains, who entered into a five-year lease in 1891 with the management of Ohio Southern Railroad when the line realized possibilities for it. The railroad improved the island to become an area attraction, constructing a passenger platform and footbridge, a dance pavilion, and bandstand. Guests attended dances, picnics, and other functions here until 1894.”

The best way to see Island Grove and what remains of the old mill dam today is by kayak or canoe. Begin your paddling journey at the boat ramp at Ghormley Road’s “crybaby bridge” and end at the kayak entry point in Felson Park in Greenfield.

03/11/2026

Check out this exciting new bike rental service at Austin Mill Brewing Company, adjacent to the 32 mile Paint Creek Recreational Trail.

03/05/2026

Have you heard the spring peepers?

03/05/2026

Spotted salamanders are on the move!

03/04/2026

Right now, in wet woods across the Eastern US, a plant called Skunk Cabbage is generating its own body heat — up to 70°F above the surrounding air temperature — and MELTING through frozen ground from below.

This isn't photosynthesis. This is thermogenesis. The same process your body uses to stay warm.

- Skunk Cabbage is one of the only plants on Earth that produces metabolic heat
- It burns stored starch at a rate comparable to a small mammal
- Its internal temperature holds steady at 68-77°F even when the outside air is 15°F
- It pushes through snow and frozen soil by literally melting a tunnel from underneath
- The heat volatilizes its chemicals — producing a rotting-meat smell that attracts the first flies of the season

Those early flies crawl inside the hooded spathe, get warm, pick up pollen, and carry it to the next furnace down the creek.

While you're still wearing a winter coat, this plant is running a heated pollination station in a frozen swamp.

March's first bloom doesn't wait for warmth. It makes its own.

02/25/2026

Trimmer Arch is one of my favorite natural treasures found right here in our own backyard!

11/18/2025

Check out the new PBS documentary about Rails to Trails - a movement dedicated to converting abandoned railroads into trails for cycling and walking.
https://www.pbs.org/show/from-rails-to-trails/

09/25/2025

Put this movie on your “must see” list!

Ohio: Wild at Heart will soon bring Ohio’s great outdoors to the big screen this fall and winter. I hope Ohioans go to the movies and experience the natural beauty and wonder of our state in a whole new way. More info: http://ohiothemovie.com