Wahkeena Nature Preserve can best be described as a “living museum,” showcasing the rich natural diversity of the Hocking Hills region. With a focus on education, the site features a Nature Center with seasonal displays, self-guided interpretive trails, Natural History programs and historical signage.

The preserve's history dates back to efforts by local conservationists and organizations dedicated to preserving its natural landscapes.

History of Wahkeena Nature Preserve

In 1931, Dr. Frank Warner of Columbus gave his new bride, Carmen, an unusual wedding present: ninety-four acres of old farmland in southern Fairfield County. Mrs. Warner named her estate Wahkeena – a Yakama Indian word meaning “most beautiful” – after a waterfall she had seen in Oregon. The property was studded with old buildings, including a white log-framed house, log barn, hog house, smokehouse, and other structures.

Wahkeena’s appearance was profoundly transformed in the years after the Warner’s bought it. Some of the buildings were torn down, and their logs were used to build a lodge and garage. The old hog house became a charming guest house, while the smokehouse became a potting shed, an important part of Mrs. Warner’s gardening plans. 

Around their new buildings, the Warners planted more that 100,000 trees on the hillsides and around the lodge. Mrs. Warner built terraces near the lodge by importing loads of top soil, and planted colorful flower gardens all along them. The cornfield near the lodge became a lake; two other ponds were also created.

Over the years, the Warners acquired more property until Wahkeena had grown to 150 acres of tree-covered hills. 

Mrs. Warner bequeathed Wahkeena to the Ohio Historical Society in 1957 “to be used for nature study and as a preserve for birds and other wildlife.” Wahkeena has provided environmental education for school children, scout groups, garden clubs, and many others for over 50 years. 

In 2012, the Ohio Historical Society entered into a management agreement with the Fairfield County Historical Parks for the day-to-day management and staffing of Wahkeena Nature Preserve. This agreement remains in place today.

This outdoor area is used exclusively for nature study and as a preserve for birds and other wildlife. Wahkeena Nature Preserve is one of 58 sites owned by the Ohio History Connection, a private, non-profit organization. Wahkeena is managed by the Fairfield County Park District and generously supported by the Ohio Association of Garden Clubs.

Wahkeena Nature Preserve, located in Fairfield County, Ohio, is renowned for its diverse ecosystems, scenic beauty, and conservation efforts. The preserve's history dates back to efforts by local conservationists and organizations dedicated to preserving its natural landscapes.

Admission is free

Wahkeena Nature Preserve Trails:

Casa Burro Trail

• Length: Approximately 1 mile
• It's a moderate hike suitable for visitors of all ages.

Shelter Trail

• Length: Approximately 0.5 miles
• It's an excellent trail for birdwatching and observing native plant species.

 Pond Loop Trail

• Length: Approximately 0.1 miles
• It's a short and accessible trail suitable for families and casual hikers.

Boardwalk Trail

• Length: Approximately 0.05 miles
• It's a short and accessible trail suitable for families and casual hikers.

Connector Trails

• Length: Varies see map
• Allows the trails to be connected

Biodiversity

The preserve includes upland forests, bottomland hardwoods, wetlands, and meadows, supporting a variety of plant and animal species.

The site hosts an abundance of plants and animals typical of unglaciated Allegheny Plateau. Black Hand sandstone cliffs are forested primarily with tulip trees and oak. Rhododendron, mountain laurel, ferns and orchids are among the preserve's showiest plant species.

ORCHIDS

 Wahkeena has twelve different species of Orchids that can bloom throughout the growing season. If you are only familiar with the grocery store type of orchids, well, you may be disappointed with the native ones. However, if you give them a chance and a closer look (literally) I think you might be surprised. Many of the orchids native to North America are quite small, hard to find, and in special habitats. Bogs are great places to find native orchids and so are Prairies. Unfortunately, all of those habitats are pretty rare in Ohio. But, it can make finding these elusive plants all the more exciting! None of our orchids are exceptionally rare or anything, but because we can tell you exactly when they are blooming and make sure that you can actually find the plants, we’re a great place to get good photos or get started on a life list. Many of our orchids can be seen right from the trail.

May:
Showy Orchis
Pink Lady’s Slipper
Whorled Pogonia  
Puttyroot

June:
Tway Blade Orchid– can also be late May      
Ragged Fringed Orchid
Adder’s Mouth Orchid

July:
Club-spur Orchid
Cranefly Orchid     
Downy Rattlesnake Plantain  

August/September:
Autumn Coral Root
Oval Ladies’ Tresses

FERNS

Wahkeena has 33 different species of ferns. The majority of these can be observed from the trail system, especially the Shelter Trail. Ferns are ancient plants dating back to around 300 million years ago! At that time ferns were huge tree-like plants and dominated the landscape. In fact, we can thank those ferns for much of our electricity today. Why? Those plants over time became coal, which in Ohio, is our main source of electricity!

Wahkeena’s Animal life:

Visitors may encounter wildlife such as white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, migratory birds, and various reptiles and amphibians. The preserve is known for its birdwatching opportunities due to its diverse habitats.

• Over 100 species of birds documented
• Over 35 species of mammals
• Over 30 species of amphibians and reptiles
• Hundreds of insect species such as dragonflies, damselflies, bees, wasps, butterflies, moths, beetles and more!

The preserve offers educational programs and guided hikes that highlight its natural history, ecology, and conservation significance. These programs are designed to engage visitors and deepen their understanding of local ecosystem

Nature Center

The Nature Center began its life in the early 1900’s as a farmhouse. In 1931, Wahkeena’s founders, Frank and Carmen Warner, remodeled the farmhouse to the lodge you see today. The inside of the Nature Center features natural history displays, an observation beehive, taxidermized animals, as well as live animals. The Nature Center is a favorite for visitors of all ages, and is open during preserve hours.

Personal Experience

I noticed the sign for Wahkeena Nature Preserve many years ago. I always wanted to stop to explore. Recently Rob and I stopped by the preserve. It is a very beautiful site and the history of the land and former owners adds a personal element to the preserve. It seems it was a labor of love for the Warners.

Wahkeena serves as an outdoor education area for nature study groups, school groups, garden clubs and visiting natural resource professionals. Wahkeena is owned by the Ohio History Connection and managed by Fairfield County Parks.

And to think it all started with a gift from a husband to his wife.