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Rutherford Wetland
The Rutherford Wetland includes the Ora E. Anderson Nature Trail. This wetland is 20 acres and is located on the Athens Ranger District, just west of the community of Carbon Hill in eastern Hocking County, Ohio. When it was suggested that we could provide wildlife viewing opportunity by developing a half-mile accessible foot trail in collaboration with partners and the local community, the Forest elected to develop the trail in honor of Ora E. Anderson. The project includes interpretive panels featuring some of the poems from Anderson with illustrations by local artist, Barbara Sheriff Kostohyrz. For a brochure of the trail click here.
Test your knowledge of nature with a nature quiz as you hike the trail. For answers after you've completed the trail refer to this online answer sheet. Have fun, and see what you can learn!
At a Glance
| Fees: | Free |
|---|---|
| Open Season: | Year-round |
| Usage: | Light |
| Closest Towns: | Nelsonville, OH |
| Water: | None |
| Restroom: | Vault |
| Operated By: | Athens Ranger District, 13700 US Hwy 33, Nelsonville, OH 45764; 740-753-0101 |
General Information
Directions:GPS Lat/Long coordinates for the main parking area are 39 deg 30' 35" / 82 deg 15' 42.59". From US 33 near Haydenville, OH take S.R. 595 north for 2.8 miles. Turn onto SR 278 and travel for 1.8 miles. Follow the signs to the parking area.
Activities
Day Hiking
The 0.5-mile Ora E. Anderson Nature Trail is part of the Rutherford Wetland. This wetland is 20 acres and is located on the Athens Ranger District, just west of the community of Carbon Hill in eastern Hocking County, Ohio. When it was suggested that we could provide wildlife viewing opportunities by developing a half-mile accessible foot trail in collaboration with partners and the local community, the Forest elected to develop the trail in honor of Ora E. Anderson. The project includes interpretive panels featuring some of the poems from Anderson with illustrations by local artist, Barbara Sheriff Kostohyrz.
Viewing Wildlife
This trail, which runs adjacent to a wetland, is an ideal place to watch wildlife. Birds using the wetland can be easily seen, and animals such as beaver and muskrats, can be watched in the water. Turtles and other reptiles and amphibians come up on the bank to use the dry land - so be alert, the area teams with wildlife viewing opportunities!
| Species | Wetland species, beaver, muskrat, amphibians, birds, turtles, frogs, etc. |
| Special Feature | Interpretive panels are in place on some of the species you may see as well as a brochure provided. |
Viewing Plants
This area is beautiful in any season, but in the spring when the marsh mallows bloom, it is gorgeous. The button bush plants are also amazingly beautiful, and several other wetland species put on an incredible show. People enjoy coming to see the plants and their flowers through out the spring and fall seasons.
| Species | Wetland species |
| Special Feature | An intepretive panel and brochure feature some of the species in this area. |
Viewing Scenery
This trail, with its long views across the Rutherford Wetland, offers interesting perspectives on life in a wetland area. The scenery is quite interesting with the standing snags and wildlife that is invariably seen busy in the wetland. The plants are interesting, and as the trail continues into the woods, you'll get a different perspective of the beaver's work and the story of the train, and why the rail lines were laid down in this area. Where the trail ends in the Monday Creek bottomland, the scenery is different again, but equally interesting.
| Special Feature | Interpertive signage |
Interpretive Areas
The interpetive panels on this trail discuss the wetland and its habitat and the wildlife and plants within it, as well as showcase the poetry of Ora E. Anderson and the artwork of Barbara Sheriff Kostohyrz.