FREDERICKTOWN — The Ackerman Nature Preserve came alive Saturday with the sounds of warblers, blackbirds and celebration.
The nature preserve officially opened to visitors by celebrating the milestone with a recognition ceremony and a ribbon cutting courtesy of the Ackerman Preserve Committee.
Birders and nature-lovers came from around the county to celebrate the opening of the one-mile walking loop, three bird blinds and a pollinator garden.
“No matter what is said today, the most important thing I want you to hear is how appreciative we are of having you here, and for all those that support this project over the last three years,” Kim Rose said.
Rose is a member of the Ackerman Preserve Committee. The opening ceremony was also led by Fredericktown Recreation District Director Jim Blanchard.
“I can’t tell you how grateful (the parks district) are to be able to have something like this for the community … this was a spot that we wanted to see development, and this went so far beyond any of our wildest dreams,” Blanchard said.
The project dates to 2012, when John and Lori Ackerman gifted the property to the Fredericktown Recreation District.
The preserve received $150,000 from House Bill 2 in 2024, and raised between $375,000 to $400,000 to make this project possible.
Now, the 22-acre pond and wetland area of the 52-acre property is officially open to the public. Visitors have already seen or heard more than 160 species of resident and migratory birds throughout the preserve.
Not only does the preserve enhance environmental conservation, but it also has the potential to boost the local economy by attracting visitors, according to the preserve committee.
Rose used the ceremony to thank the many individuals that made the preserve possible, including representatives from the Village of Fredericktown, the Fredericktown Recreation District, Boy Scouts, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources and local businesses, residents and vendors.
Senator Andrew Brenner presented a Senatorial Citation, to pay tribute to the nature preserve in honor of its grand opening.
State Representative Troy Balderson, though not present, congratulated the community via a letter.
Another form of recognition came by dedication.
The pavilion was dedicated to Committee Member Pam Rose during the ceremony to celebrate her contributions to the preserve.
“Pam has been here ever since she retired, almost all day everyday,” Blanchard said. “A lot of this project came from Pam’s visions.”
The structure will be known as the Pam Rose Educational Pavilion.
The Ackerman Nature Preserve is located at 785 Salem Avenue Extension in Fredericktown. The preserve is open daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
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