In partnership with The Nature Conservancy, and with expertise from Oxbow River & Stream Restoration, Inc., Cincinnati Nature Center is embarking on the largest restoration project we’ve ever undertaken: a 93-acre forested wetland at Long Branch Farm & Trails.

Once complete, the new forested wetland will be a great example of how collaborative conservation among forward-thinking organizations can support healthy, vibrant communities for people and wildlife. As a proud member of the Greater Cincinnati conservation community, Cincinnati Nature Center is honored to contribute to the restoration and protection of our region’s natural heritage.

While the restoration work will take about a year, the full benefits will become visible as the landscape matures—which could take many years. Members and our community will have the opportunity to witness the transformation for themselves, as this project evolves into a vibrant, dynamic ecosystem that will benefit wildlife and future generations for years to come!

Trees, Trees, Trees

‍Forested wetlands are unique among the native habitats of Ohio in that they are essentially both wetlands and forests. When we hear the word “wetland”, we often imagine the open, grass-dominated ecosystems of the Everglades. Forested wetlands, though, are unique among wetlands because they are dominated by trees. In fact, more than 50% of the surface area of forested wetlands are shaded by the tree canopy. Openings in the canopy create pockets that are inhabited by sun-loving species, but there are also dark, shady pockets that are home to shade-loving plants and animals.

‍Wet-ish

‍The soil in forested wetlands is often saturated by seasonal rain, but many areas will dry out between rains. This creates a patchwork of wet and dry microhabitats. Together with the patchwork of sun and shade, this results in an abundance of habitat types that attract an astonishing diversity of plants and animals. It may seem counterintuitive, but one characteristic of a healthy forested wetland is that they are also–sometimes–dry.

Good for People

‍By holding water during seasonal rains, forested wetlands help reduce flood risk and control erosion. As the water slowly percolates back into the ground, wetland soils filter out impurities that can otherwise make their way into our drinking water. So, while we may talk a lot about the ecological benefits of our new wetland, it will also play a critical role in the health of our human communities.

Collaborative Team: The project is being completed by staff from Cincinnati Nature Center, The Nature Conservancy, and Oxbow River & Stream Restoration, Inc. Different aspects of the project may be managed by members from one or multiple of these organizations.

Location: The restoration site (Figure 1) is located along Gaynor Road at Long Branch Farm & Trails. Fay Road runs along the northwestern boundary, and SR-28 is to the south. Work will occur in both the fields and in the adjacent woodlands.

‍Timeline: In fall 2024, conservation staff began site preparation. Beginning in spring 2025, heavy construction equipment will be brought in to begin digging out portions of the fields and re-contouring the entire site to create the patchwork of pools and drier mounds. Construction will take several months and because of the nature of the work, the timeline will be heavily influenced by weather conditions. Construction is expected to be completed by the end of 2025, but it will take 5 years or more before the area will mature.