In 2018 Sauder Village partnered with Fulton Soil and Water Conservation District, The Nature Conservancy, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Wildlife, and Ducks Unlimited to convert approximately 30 acres of agricultural fields into a publicly accessible wetlands area.
The destruction of wetlands is a concern because they are some of the most productive habitats on the planet. They often support high concentrations of wildlife — including mammals, birds, fish and invertebrates — and serve as nurseries for many of these species. Wetlands provide a range of ecosystem services that benefit humanity including water filtration, storm protection, flood control and recreation.
Sauder Village constructed two wetlands and vegetative buffers to capture, store, and treat nutrient loads and runoff to the Tiffin River and ultimately the Maumee River and Lake Erie. These wetlands establish a natural habitat, minimize flooding, and provide pathways that serve as a public demonstration and education facility for ecological restoration and recreation.
Not only are there ecological benefits, but the Wetlands Trails (2 miles of natural pathways) also provides a wonderful natural respite for walking, running and exploration for all ages. Located adjacent to our campground, the Wetlands are open to the public from dawn until dusk.
This project was financed in part through a grant from the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency and the United States Environmental Protection Agency, under the provisions of Section 319(h) of the Clean Water Act.
Wetlands-Walkways-Info-Map
