Editor’s Note: This is one story in a series highlighting the Ashland County Park District’s 18 parks.
ASHLAND — If you’ve ever wanted to see a leopard frog, the Ashland County Park District’s Carpenter Nature Preserve is the place to go, according to ACPD director Stephanie Featheringill.
The spotted amphibians can be found throughout the 63-acre park, located on Pavonia East Road in eastern Richland County.
“They are everywhere. All over the trails,” Featheringill said. “You can’t walk a few steps without seeing a frog jump off the trails.”
Carpenter Nature Preserve also offers access the Black Fork River for fishing, kayaking and canoeing.
Trails lead hikers through numerous habitats, including grasslands, forests and wetland meadows. Twenty acres of seasonal wetlands constructed by the United States Department of Fish and Wildlife service (USFWS) host flocks of waterfowl during spring and fall migrations.
Because of heavy seasonal flooding, it’s advised that only experienced, determined hikers attempt the back portion of the park during the springtime. For those who can hike to the back, Featheringill said, the potential birdwatching is rewarding. Eagles are sometimes spotted there.
