I stumbled onto this wildlife management area while studying a map of the scenic Little Miami River which flows nearby. Additional research revealed that it encompasses over 800 acres and has a staggering list of bird sightings – 230 species. Finally, their website map showed a 660 foot boardwalk that extends out into a marsh – we could do some great marsh birding without getting our shoes muddy.

The site is a mix of agricultural land, a 150 acre lake with marshlands, and woods. The wetlands were the remnants of a mid-twentieth century fur farm, where fur bearing mammals were raised. We had planned to hike the 2.3 mile trail that circled the lake and marsh.

We parked in the large parking area that seemed targeted toward shoreline fishermen – giving them bank access to the large but shallow body of water – much of the shore was rimmed with rock.

As we readied for the hike things looked promising as we saw several Great Blue Herons working the islands of water lilies, and noted several songbirds filling the air with their calls.

We headed counterclockwise atop a dam that separates the lake from the Little Miami River and a former railroad bed, that is now part of the Little Miami Scenic Trail – the fourth longest paved trail in U.S.

Despite the unnatural lake edge, there was ample evidence that the area was a haven for all wildlife, not just game species. To our left was a border of forbs (non-grass plants) and small trees, many of which were flowering:

Grey Dogwood – the flowers will be followed by white berries that are consumed by over 100 bird species.

Field Thistle – produces a lot of nectar that attracts pollinators. Its seeds, which ripen in July and August, are a favorite of Goldfinches and that is one of the reasons that Goldfinches are amongst the last birds to nest. Yes, they feed seeds to their young.

Tall Meadow Rue – indeed it was tall, well over six feet. The prominence of the down hanging flower anthers are an identifying characteristic.

Purple Angelica – was another towering plant that hosted a swarm of pollinators.

From the dam section of the trail the view back across the lake was beautiful.

After leaving the dam the trail continued into a progression wood with small trees. To our right we would still see the marshland at times.

Spread throughout the walk was an abundance of Milkweed, which were just about to bloom. When that happens the butterfly season should explode. Many butterfly species feed on the nectar of Milkweed, and it is the host plant for the Monarch larvae.

And where you see nectar plants you will see butterflies.

Bronze Copper, Cabbage White, Spring Azure, and False Crocus Geometer Moth

There was an assortment of other wildlife that the photographer captured with her camera:

Red-eared Slider, Great Blue Heron, Canada Geese family, and Song Sparrow.

Macro photography has given me an appreciation for the beauty of insects. The segmentation of the antennae and legs of this Red Milkweed Beetle fascinates me.

Eventually we reached a point where the trail was not mowed – we could see the path, but the bordering waist high grasses could not be avoided. It was late May and the height of tick season – we were not eager to risk Lyme Disease or Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. We returned to our vehicle with the plan to visit the previously mentioned boardwalk that had a separate parking area.

There was only one other car in the boardwalk lot. We found the trailhead to the west and headed down a mild grade. At the base we met up with a birder who was excited, having just seen a Baltimore Oriole. Here the Boardwalk Trail crossed the eastern segment of the loop trail that we had been on earlier. The Loop Trail remained overgrown with 2-3 foot high grass in both directions.

The trail to the promised boardwalk was also overgrown. We tried to soldier on but the relative lack of use suggested that the boardwalk may not even be operational at this time. After a hundred yards or so of bushwhacking we aborted the hike – yep this was the trail below.

The property is managed by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources and Footpaths’ previous experience at several of their nature preserves has been outstanding, so I messaged them about the unmaintained state of the trails. They wrote back that for the good of wildlife there is a mowing restriction in place until July 15th. They also noted that the boardwalk and observation tower that are noted on the map have been removed due to disrepair and vandalism. These items would have been good to know before we left home.

In summary, Happy Valley Wildlife Area, while primarily managed for hunting and fishing enthusiasts, has the potential to be a great wildlife viewing area. The birding list of 230 species is testament to that. In addition, the size of the preserve, ample food sources, cover, and abundant water makes it ideal. I think that the mowing restriction limits the usefulness of the loop trail from early May until the first mowing in the summer -“sometime after July 15th”. I’m certainly willing to give them a mulligan, a golfing term allowing a do over, given the quality of our past experiences at the Ohio Department of Natural Resources’ venues. Perhaps Footpaths will return during the migratory bird season of early spring or late fall.

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Photo credits to Peggy Juengling Burns.

Overview:

Location – 1863 Rox-N Burlington Road, Waynesville, OH 45068. This appears to be the address for the office/maintenance facility. A hundred yards down the road on the left, you will see a small brown “Marsh” sign telling you to turn right at the next street. You can then follow the signs to the marsh area. It is 51 miles from downtown Cincinnati.

Parking – large asphalt lot.

Trail Conditions – bare dirt and mowed grass when not in the mow restriction time period.

Print Map Link – https://dam.assets.ohio.gov/image/upload/ohiodnr.gov/documents/wildlife/wildlife-area-maps/springvalley.pdf You could also download the OuterSpatial App that hosts the Ohio Department of Natural Resources sites. 

Benches – none

Picnic Tables – none

Facilities – none noted at the parts we visited.

Kids – six and over on the hikeable sections of trail.

Dogs – could not find any reference but since this is a hunting area I would expect that they are allowed.

Suggested Paired Hikes – Caesar Creek Gorge Nature Preserve is nearby and is an excellent hike with a totally different habitat.

Links:

https://ohiodnr.gov/go-and-do/plan-a-visit/find-a-property/spring-valley-wildlife-area