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		The Nature Conservancy in Ohio Ohio Places We Protect News Room Volunteer Events Ways of Giving How We Work Contact Faces of Conservation

Get Involved   Learn more about Morgan Swamp Preserve and explore new places when you join the Conservancy’s online community. Upcoming Events   None currently scheduled. Go Deeper The Conservancy in Ohio - See what else we're doing to protect Ohio’s natural wonders! The Great Lakes - Morgan Swamp Preserve helps to protect Lake Erie.  Learn more about the Conservancy’s work in the Great Lakes Region. Directions Please be advised that deer archery season extends from 9/27 - 2/1.  Stay on the trail and exercise caution when visiting the preserve at this time.  Fron the north: • From Interstate 90, travel south on State Route 534 for about 7 miles to its junction with State Route 166/Footville-Richmond Rd.  • Travel east on Footville-Richmond Rd. for 3.4 miles to the Morgan Swamp parking lot. From the south: • From U.S. Route 6, take State Route 45 north for about 3.2 miles to Footville-Richmond Rd. • Travel west on Footville-Richmond for about 1.6 miles to the Morgan Swamp parking lot.

Some 12,000 years ago, northeastern Ohio was 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 1,015 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 20^th 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. 

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 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); Photo © Karen Adair (painted trillium).