Wintergarden and St. John's Nature Preserve
615 South Wintergarden Road
Bowling Green,
OH
43402
419-353-0301
Hours
The Rotary Nature Center and the window on wildlife are often open for drop in visitors Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Occasionally, the center is open on weekends when staff is on site.
Indoor restroom facilities are available when staff are on site. There is a portable restroom located in the parking lot for weekends, evenings and when the building is closed.
HistoryBowling Green was once part of the Great Black Swamp that covered most of Northwestern Ohio. The area was teeming with wildlife and had huge forests with stands of Oak, Maple, Ash, and Hickory trees. Intermingled with the forests were prairies and savannas where grasses and flowering plants covered forest floors and opened into sunlit areas hundreds of acres in size. The deforestation and drainage in the area provided excellent farmland for the early settlers and it continues to provide for farmers today.
When the City of Bowling Green acquired Wintergarden Woods just after the Second World War, it provided a space for residents to engage in passive recreational opportunities. Wintergarden Woods was just the beginning. Over the years a lodge was built through community support. Originally designed to cater to overnight groups and youth hostellers, the lodge is now the Rotary Nature Center which serves to educate residents on all facets of natural resources within our community. Additional properties were purchased, including St. John's Woods, Bordner Meadow, Twyman Woods, and most recently, 19.7 acres that were formerly owned by the Sader family (now called Tucker Woods).
Naturalist InformationToday, Wintergarden/St. John's Nature Preserve provides miles of hiking/walking trails with many loop options that meander through acres and acres of forests and prairie meadows. Full time naturalists on staff host a variety of programs year round. These programs are designed to educate the public about the plants and animals that live in our area. Cultural and historical programs are also offered to help visitors understand the human impact on our resources while often encouraging a hands-on approach to learning. The staff Naturalists also act as restoration managers on the site by eliminating non-native plants and encouraging the growth of plant species that were historically part of our local ecosystem.
Inside the Rotary Nature Center, a "window on wildlife" looks out at wildlife feeding stations and a flowing stream that attract birds, squirrels, and the occasional deer. From couches inside, visitors can relax and observe the native wildlife in a comfortable setting. The natural resources staff is housed at the Nature Center and they are available to answer questions. An extensive natural resources library is also available and contains books for children along with many of the most up to date field guides on the market.
The Natural Resources staff provides special request programs for groups such as scouts, service clubs, special interest groups, schools, and agencies throughout Bowling Green. Groups are encouraged to meet our naturalists at the preserve, but are always willing to come to the group's site if a visit is not feasible. Topics range from plant and animal identification, preserve updates, primitive skills, local and cultural history, and general nature hikes that are designed to include several of the topics just mentioned. The natural resources staff will work with the group's schedule to find an available date and time to serve your group.
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AARP Events for Bowling Green
AARP Events for Bowling Green
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Disrupt Aging Book Club
Monday, Dec 23, 2024 at 10:30 a.m. ET
Online Event
-
Online Class: Enhance Your Workout With Yoga Fusion
Monday, Dec 23, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. ET
Zoom
Online Event
-
Virtual Mindful Movement Workout for Healthy Aging
Monday, Dec 23, 2024 at 12:00 p.m. ET
Zoom
Online Event
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"Resource/aarp2_master.footer.html");$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Wintergarden and St. John's Nature Preserve</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>615 South Wintergarden Road</div> <div> <span>Bowling Green</span>, <span>OH</span> <span>43402</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://www.bgohio.org/departments/parks-and-recreation/parks/wintergardenst-johns-nature-preserve/" target="_blank">Wintergarden and Saint Johns Nature Preserve</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 419-353-0301</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Wintergarden+and+St.+John%27s+Nature+Preserve%2C+615+South+Wintergarden+Road%2C+Bowling+Green%2C+OH+43402" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> Hours <p>The Rotary Nature Center and the window on wildlife are often open for drop in visitors Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Occasionally, the center is open on weekends when staff is on site.</p> <p>Indoor restroom facilities are available when staff are on site. There is a portable restroom located in the parking lot for weekends, evenings and when the building is closed.</p> History <p>Bowling Green was once part of the Great Black Swamp that covered most of Northwestern Ohio. The area was teeming with wildlife and had huge forests with stands of Oak, Maple, Ash, and Hickory trees. Intermingled with the forests were prairies and savannas where grasses and flowering plants covered forest floors and opened into sunlit areas hundreds of acres in size. The deforestation and drainage in the area provided excellent farmland for the early settlers and it continues to provide for farmers today.</p> <p>When the City of Bowling Green acquired Wintergarden Woods just after the Second World War, it provided a space for residents to engage in passive recreational opportunities. Wintergarden Woods was just the beginning. Over the years a lodge was built through community support. Originally designed to cater to overnight groups and youth hostellers, the lodge is now the Rotary Nature Center which serves to educate residents on all facets of natural resources within our community. Additional properties were purchased, including St. John's Woods, Bordner Meadow, Twyman Woods, and most recently, 19.7 acres that were formerly owned by the Sader family (now called Tucker Woods).</p> Naturalist Information <p>Today, Wintergarden/St. John's Nature Preserve provides miles of hiking/walking trails with many loop options that meander through acres and acres of forests and prairie meadows. Full time naturalists on staff host a variety of programs year round. These programs are designed to educate the public about the plants and animals that live in our area. Cultural and historical programs are also offered to help visitors understand the human impact on our resources while often encouraging a hands-on approach to learning. The staff Naturalists also act as restoration managers on the site by eliminating non-native plants and encouraging the growth of plant species that were historically part of our local ecosystem.</p> <p>Inside the Rotary Nature Center, a "window on wildlife" looks out at wildlife feeding stations and a flowing stream that attract birds, squirrels, and the occasional deer. From couches inside, visitors can relax and observe the native wildlife in a comfortable setting. The natural resources staff is housed at the Nature Center and they are available to answer questions. An extensive natural resources library is also available and contains books for children along with many of the most up to date field guides on the market.</p> <p>The Natural Resources staff provides special request programs for groups such as scouts, service clubs, special interest groups, schools, and agencies throughout Bowling Green. Groups are encouraged to meet our naturalists at the preserve, but are always willing to come to the group's site if a visit is not feasible. Topics range from plant and animal identification, preserve updates, primitive skills, local and cultural history, and general nature hikes that are designed to include several of the topics just mentioned. The natural resources staff will work with the group's schedule to find an available date and time to serve your group.</p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/bowling-green-oh/report/place/wintergarden-and-st-johns-nature-preserve-bowling-green-oh.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. 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}); </script> </div> </div> ', 'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>Wintergarden and St. John's Nature Preserve - Bowling Green, OH</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Wintergarden and St. John's Nature Preserve - Bowling Green, OH"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="Hours The Rotary Nature Center and the window on wildlife are often open for drop in visitors Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. " name="description"/> <meta content="Wintergarden, St, John, s, Nature, Preserve, Bowling, Green, OH" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://www.americantowns.com/place/wintergarden-and-st-johns-nature-preserve-bowling-green-oh.html" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/place/wintergarden-and-st-johns-nature-preserve-bowling-green-oh.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Wintergarden and St. John's Nature Preserve"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="Hours The Rotary Nature Center and the window on wildlife are often open for drop in visitors Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. "/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="place"/> <meta property="og:title" content="Wintergarden and St. John's Nature Preserve"/> <meta property="og:description" content="Hours The Rotary Nature Center and the window on wildlife are often open for drop in visitors Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. "/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="place:location:latitude" content="41.368599"/> <meta property="place:location:longitude" content="-83.674599"/> ', 'title_for_layout' => 'Place Detail - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Wintergarden and St. John's Nature Preserve</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>615 South Wintergarden Road</div> <div> <span>Bowling Green</span>, <span>OH</span> <span>43402</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://www.bgohio.org/departments/parks-and-recreation/parks/wintergardenst-johns-nature-preserve/" target="_blank">Wintergarden and Saint Johns Nature Preserve</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 419-353-0301</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Wintergarden+and+St.+John%27s+Nature+Preserve%2C+615+South+Wintergarden+Road%2C+Bowling+Green%2C+OH+43402" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> Hours <p>The Rotary Nature Center and the window on wildlife are often open for drop in visitors Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Occasionally, the center is open on weekends when staff is on site.</p> <p>Indoor restroom facilities are available when staff are on site. There is a portable restroom located in the parking lot for weekends, evenings and when the building is closed.</p> History <p>Bowling Green was once part of the Great Black Swamp that covered most of Northwestern Ohio. The area was teeming with wildlife and had huge forests with stands of Oak, Maple, Ash, and Hickory trees. Intermingled with the forests were prairies and savannas where grasses and flowering plants covered forest floors and opened into sunlit areas hundreds of acres in size. The deforestation and drainage in the area provided excellent farmland for the early settlers and it continues to provide for farmers today.</p> <p>When the City of Bowling Green acquired Wintergarden Woods just after the Second World War, it provided a space for residents to engage in passive recreational opportunities. Wintergarden Woods was just the beginning. Over the years a lodge was built through community support. Originally designed to cater to overnight groups and youth hostellers, the lodge is now the Rotary Nature Center which serves to educate residents on all facets of natural resources within our community. Additional properties were purchased, including St. John's Woods, Bordner Meadow, Twyman Woods, and most recently, 19.7 acres that were formerly owned by the Sader family (now called Tucker Woods).</p> Naturalist Information <p>Today, Wintergarden/St. John's Nature Preserve provides miles of hiking/walking trails with many loop options that meander through acres and acres of forests and prairie meadows. Full time naturalists on staff host a variety of programs year round. These programs are designed to educate the public about the plants and animals that live in our area. Cultural and historical programs are also offered to help visitors understand the human impact on our resources while often encouraging a hands-on approach to learning. The staff Naturalists also act as restoration managers on the site by eliminating non-native plants and encouraging the growth of plant species that were historically part of our local ecosystem.</p> <p>Inside the Rotary Nature Center, a "window on wildlife" looks out at wildlife feeding stations and a flowing stream that attract birds, squirrels, and the occasional deer. From couches inside, visitors can relax and observe the native wildlife in a comfortable setting. The natural resources staff is housed at the Nature Center and they are available to answer questions. An extensive natural resources library is also available and contains books for children along with many of the most up to date field guides on the market.</p> <p>The Natural Resources staff provides special request programs for groups such as scouts, service clubs, special interest groups, schools, and agencies throughout Bowling Green. Groups are encouraged to meet our naturalists at the preserve, but are always willing to come to the group's site if a visit is not feasible. Topics range from plant and animal identification, preserve updates, primitive skills, local and cultural history, and general nature hikes that are designed to include several of the topics just mentioned. The natural resources staff will work with the group's schedule to find an available date and time to serve your group.</p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/bowling-green-oh/report/place/wintergarden-and-st-johns-nature-preserve-bowling-green-oh.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. </div> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" href="/bowling-green-oh/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/bowling-green-oh/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP 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Warning (2): include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/Resource/aarp2_master.footer.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 242]Code Context<?php // if (!$nowrapper) (Globals::$language == 'es') ? include(APP . "/Resource/aarpe_footer_es.html") : include(APP . "/Resource/aarpe_footer.html"); ?><?php if (!$nowrapper): // MLW - Spanish wrappers TBDinclude (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.footer.html");$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Wintergarden and St. John's Nature Preserve</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>615 South Wintergarden Road</div> <div> <span>Bowling Green</span>, <span>OH</span> <span>43402</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://www.bgohio.org/departments/parks-and-recreation/parks/wintergardenst-johns-nature-preserve/" target="_blank">Wintergarden and Saint Johns Nature Preserve</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 419-353-0301</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Wintergarden+and+St.+John%27s+Nature+Preserve%2C+615+South+Wintergarden+Road%2C+Bowling+Green%2C+OH+43402" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> Hours <p>The Rotary Nature Center and the window on wildlife are often open for drop in visitors Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Occasionally, the center is open on weekends when staff is on site.</p> <p>Indoor restroom facilities are available when staff are on site. There is a portable restroom located in the parking lot for weekends, evenings and when the building is closed.</p> History <p>Bowling Green was once part of the Great Black Swamp that covered most of Northwestern Ohio. The area was teeming with wildlife and had huge forests with stands of Oak, Maple, Ash, and Hickory trees. Intermingled with the forests were prairies and savannas where grasses and flowering plants covered forest floors and opened into sunlit areas hundreds of acres in size. The deforestation and drainage in the area provided excellent farmland for the early settlers and it continues to provide for farmers today.</p> <p>When the City of Bowling Green acquired Wintergarden Woods just after the Second World War, it provided a space for residents to engage in passive recreational opportunities. Wintergarden Woods was just the beginning. Over the years a lodge was built through community support. Originally designed to cater to overnight groups and youth hostellers, the lodge is now the Rotary Nature Center which serves to educate residents on all facets of natural resources within our community. Additional properties were purchased, including St. John's Woods, Bordner Meadow, Twyman Woods, and most recently, 19.7 acres that were formerly owned by the Sader family (now called Tucker Woods).</p> Naturalist Information <p>Today, Wintergarden/St. John's Nature Preserve provides miles of hiking/walking trails with many loop options that meander through acres and acres of forests and prairie meadows. Full time naturalists on staff host a variety of programs year round. These programs are designed to educate the public about the plants and animals that live in our area. Cultural and historical programs are also offered to help visitors understand the human impact on our resources while often encouraging a hands-on approach to learning. The staff Naturalists also act as restoration managers on the site by eliminating non-native plants and encouraging the growth of plant species that were historically part of our local ecosystem.</p> <p>Inside the Rotary Nature Center, a "window on wildlife" looks out at wildlife feeding stations and a flowing stream that attract birds, squirrels, and the occasional deer. From couches inside, visitors can relax and observe the native wildlife in a comfortable setting. The natural resources staff is housed at the Nature Center and they are available to answer questions. An extensive natural resources library is also available and contains books for children along with many of the most up to date field guides on the market.</p> <p>The Natural Resources staff provides special request programs for groups such as scouts, service clubs, special interest groups, schools, and agencies throughout Bowling Green. Groups are encouraged to meet our naturalists at the preserve, but are always willing to come to the group's site if a visit is not feasible. Topics range from plant and animal identification, preserve updates, primitive skills, local and cultural history, and general nature hikes that are designed to include several of the topics just mentioned. The natural resources staff will work with the group's schedule to find an available date and time to serve your group.</p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/bowling-green-oh/report/place/wintergarden-and-st-johns-nature-preserve-bowling-green-oh.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. 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There is a portable restroom located in the parking lot for weekends, evenings and when the building is closed.</p> History <p>Bowling Green was once part of the Great Black Swamp that covered most of Northwestern Ohio. The area was teeming with wildlife and had huge forests with stands of Oak, Maple, Ash, and Hickory trees. Intermingled with the forests were prairies and savannas where grasses and flowering plants covered forest floors and opened into sunlit areas hundreds of acres in size. The deforestation and drainage in the area provided excellent farmland for the early settlers and it continues to provide for farmers today.</p> <p>When the City of Bowling Green acquired Wintergarden Woods just after the Second World War, it provided a space for residents to engage in passive recreational opportunities. Wintergarden Woods was just the beginning. Over the years a lodge was built through community support. Originally designed to cater to overnight groups and youth hostellers, the lodge is now the Rotary Nature Center which serves to educate residents on all facets of natural resources within our community. Additional properties were purchased, including St. John's Woods, Bordner Meadow, Twyman Woods, and most recently, 19.7 acres that were formerly owned by the Sader family (now called Tucker Woods).</p> Naturalist Information <p>Today, Wintergarden/St. John's Nature Preserve provides miles of hiking/walking trails with many loop options that meander through acres and acres of forests and prairie meadows. Full time naturalists on staff host a variety of programs year round. These programs are designed to educate the public about the plants and animals that live in our area. Cultural and historical programs are also offered to help visitors understand the human impact on our resources while often encouraging a hands-on approach to learning. The staff Naturalists also act as restoration managers on the site by eliminating non-native plants and encouraging the growth of plant species that were historically part of our local ecosystem.</p> <p>Inside the Rotary Nature Center, a "window on wildlife" looks out at wildlife feeding stations and a flowing stream that attract birds, squirrels, and the occasional deer. From couches inside, visitors can relax and observe the native wildlife in a comfortable setting. The natural resources staff is housed at the Nature Center and they are available to answer questions. An extensive natural resources library is also available and contains books for children along with many of the most up to date field guides on the market.</p> <p>The Natural Resources staff provides special request programs for groups such as scouts, service clubs, special interest groups, schools, and agencies throughout Bowling Green. Groups are encouraged to meet our naturalists at the preserve, but are always willing to come to the group's site if a visit is not feasible. Topics range from plant and animal identification, preserve updates, primitive skills, local and cultural history, and general nature hikes that are designed to include several of the topics just mentioned. The natural resources staff will work with the group's schedule to find an available date and time to serve your group.</p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/bowling-green-oh/report/place/wintergarden-and-st-johns-nature-preserve-bowling-green-oh.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. 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Warning (2): include(/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/Resource/aarp2_master.bodyTargeting.html) [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: failed to open stream: No such file or directory [APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 243]Code Context<?php if (!$nowrapper): // MLW - Spanish wrappers TBDinclude (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.footer.html");include (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.bodyTargeting.html");$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Wintergarden and St. John's Nature Preserve</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>615 South Wintergarden Road</div> <div> <span>Bowling Green</span>, <span>OH</span> <span>43402</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://www.bgohio.org/departments/parks-and-recreation/parks/wintergardenst-johns-nature-preserve/" target="_blank">Wintergarden and Saint Johns Nature Preserve</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 419-353-0301</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Wintergarden+and+St.+John%27s+Nature+Preserve%2C+615+South+Wintergarden+Road%2C+Bowling+Green%2C+OH+43402" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> Hours <p>The Rotary Nature Center and the window on wildlife are often open for drop in visitors Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Occasionally, the center is open on weekends when staff is on site.</p> <p>Indoor restroom facilities are available when staff are on site. There is a portable restroom located in the parking lot for weekends, evenings and when the building is closed.</p> History <p>Bowling Green was once part of the Great Black Swamp that covered most of Northwestern Ohio. The area was teeming with wildlife and had huge forests with stands of Oak, Maple, Ash, and Hickory trees. Intermingled with the forests were prairies and savannas where grasses and flowering plants covered forest floors and opened into sunlit areas hundreds of acres in size. The deforestation and drainage in the area provided excellent farmland for the early settlers and it continues to provide for farmers today.</p> <p>When the City of Bowling Green acquired Wintergarden Woods just after the Second World War, it provided a space for residents to engage in passive recreational opportunities. Wintergarden Woods was just the beginning. Over the years a lodge was built through community support. Originally designed to cater to overnight groups and youth hostellers, the lodge is now the Rotary Nature Center which serves to educate residents on all facets of natural resources within our community. Additional properties were purchased, including St. John's Woods, Bordner Meadow, Twyman Woods, and most recently, 19.7 acres that were formerly owned by the Sader family (now called Tucker Woods).</p> Naturalist Information <p>Today, Wintergarden/St. John's Nature Preserve provides miles of hiking/walking trails with many loop options that meander through acres and acres of forests and prairie meadows. Full time naturalists on staff host a variety of programs year round. These programs are designed to educate the public about the plants and animals that live in our area. Cultural and historical programs are also offered to help visitors understand the human impact on our resources while often encouraging a hands-on approach to learning. The staff Naturalists also act as restoration managers on the site by eliminating non-native plants and encouraging the growth of plant species that were historically part of our local ecosystem.</p> <p>Inside the Rotary Nature Center, a "window on wildlife" looks out at wildlife feeding stations and a flowing stream that attract birds, squirrels, and the occasional deer. From couches inside, visitors can relax and observe the native wildlife in a comfortable setting. The natural resources staff is housed at the Nature Center and they are available to answer questions. An extensive natural resources library is also available and contains books for children along with many of the most up to date field guides on the market.</p> <p>The Natural Resources staff provides special request programs for groups such as scouts, service clubs, special interest groups, schools, and agencies throughout Bowling Green. Groups are encouraged to meet our naturalists at the preserve, but are always willing to come to the group's site if a visit is not feasible. Topics range from plant and animal identification, preserve updates, primitive skills, local and cultural history, and general nature hikes that are designed to include several of the topics just mentioned. The natural resources staff will work with the group's schedule to find an available date and time to serve your group.</p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/bowling-green-oh/report/place/wintergarden-and-st-johns-nature-preserve-bowling-green-oh.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. </div> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" href="/bowling-green-oh/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/bowling-green-oh/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Bowling Green</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Bowling Green</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-mi-disrupt-aging-book-club-12232024-pdntlrhxqrl.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-DISRUPT-AGING-BOOK-CLUB">Disrupt Aging Book Club</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Dec 23, 2024 at 10:30 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-nm-fitness-virtual-yoga-fusion-class-12232024-ncn3ps5vdjn.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-ONLINE-CLASS-ENHANCE-YOUR-WORKOUT-WITH-YOGA-FUSION">Online Class: Enhance Your Workout With Yoga Fusion</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Dec 23, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-wy-mindful-movement-for-healthy-aging-12232024-8vnt2zzs6bl.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-VIRTUAL-MINDFUL-MOVEMENT-WORKOUT-FOR-HEALTHY-AGING">Virtual Mindful Movement Workout for Healthy Aging</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Dec 23, 2024 at 12:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/bowling-green-oh/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-BOWLINGGREEN-OH">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-BOWLINGGREEN-OH">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; 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}); </script> </div> </div> ', 'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>Wintergarden and St. John's Nature Preserve - Bowling Green, OH</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Wintergarden and St. John's Nature Preserve - Bowling Green, OH"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="Hours The Rotary Nature Center and the window on wildlife are often open for drop in visitors Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. " name="description"/> <meta content="Wintergarden, St, John, s, Nature, Preserve, Bowling, Green, OH" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://www.americantowns.com/place/wintergarden-and-st-johns-nature-preserve-bowling-green-oh.html" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/place/wintergarden-and-st-johns-nature-preserve-bowling-green-oh.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Wintergarden and St. John's Nature Preserve"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="Hours The Rotary Nature Center and the window on wildlife are often open for drop in visitors Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. "/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="place"/> <meta property="og:title" content="Wintergarden and St. John's Nature Preserve"/> <meta property="og:description" content="Hours The Rotary Nature Center and the window on wildlife are often open for drop in visitors Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. "/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="place:location:latitude" content="41.368599"/> <meta property="place:location:longitude" content="-83.674599"/> ', 'title_for_layout' => 'Place Detail - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Wintergarden and St. John's Nature Preserve</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>615 South Wintergarden Road</div> <div> <span>Bowling Green</span>, <span>OH</span> <span>43402</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://www.bgohio.org/departments/parks-and-recreation/parks/wintergardenst-johns-nature-preserve/" target="_blank">Wintergarden and Saint Johns Nature Preserve</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 419-353-0301</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Wintergarden+and+St.+John%27s+Nature+Preserve%2C+615+South+Wintergarden+Road%2C+Bowling+Green%2C+OH+43402" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> Hours <p>The Rotary Nature Center and the window on wildlife are often open for drop in visitors Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Occasionally, the center is open on weekends when staff is on site.</p> <p>Indoor restroom facilities are available when staff are on site. There is a portable restroom located in the parking lot for weekends, evenings and when the building is closed.</p> History <p>Bowling Green was once part of the Great Black Swamp that covered most of Northwestern Ohio. The area was teeming with wildlife and had huge forests with stands of Oak, Maple, Ash, and Hickory trees. Intermingled with the forests were prairies and savannas where grasses and flowering plants covered forest floors and opened into sunlit areas hundreds of acres in size. The deforestation and drainage in the area provided excellent farmland for the early settlers and it continues to provide for farmers today.</p> <p>When the City of Bowling Green acquired Wintergarden Woods just after the Second World War, it provided a space for residents to engage in passive recreational opportunities. Wintergarden Woods was just the beginning. Over the years a lodge was built through community support. Originally designed to cater to overnight groups and youth hostellers, the lodge is now the Rotary Nature Center which serves to educate residents on all facets of natural resources within our community. Additional properties were purchased, including St. John's Woods, Bordner Meadow, Twyman Woods, and most recently, 19.7 acres that were formerly owned by the Sader family (now called Tucker Woods).</p> Naturalist Information <p>Today, Wintergarden/St. John's Nature Preserve provides miles of hiking/walking trails with many loop options that meander through acres and acres of forests and prairie meadows. Full time naturalists on staff host a variety of programs year round. These programs are designed to educate the public about the plants and animals that live in our area. Cultural and historical programs are also offered to help visitors understand the human impact on our resources while often encouraging a hands-on approach to learning. The staff Naturalists also act as restoration managers on the site by eliminating non-native plants and encouraging the growth of plant species that were historically part of our local ecosystem.</p> <p>Inside the Rotary Nature Center, a "window on wildlife" looks out at wildlife feeding stations and a flowing stream that attract birds, squirrels, and the occasional deer. From couches inside, visitors can relax and observe the native wildlife in a comfortable setting. The natural resources staff is housed at the Nature Center and they are available to answer questions. An extensive natural resources library is also available and contains books for children along with many of the most up to date field guides on the market.</p> <p>The Natural Resources staff provides special request programs for groups such as scouts, service clubs, special interest groups, schools, and agencies throughout Bowling Green. Groups are encouraged to meet our naturalists at the preserve, but are always willing to come to the group's site if a visit is not feasible. Topics range from plant and animal identification, preserve updates, primitive skills, local and cultural history, and general nature hikes that are designed to include several of the topics just mentioned. The natural resources staff will work with the group's schedule to find an available date and time to serve your group.</p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/bowling-green-oh/report/place/wintergarden-and-st-johns-nature-preserve-bowling-green-oh.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. </div> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" href="/bowling-green-oh/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/bowling-green-oh/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Bowling Green</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Bowling Green</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-mi-disrupt-aging-book-club-12232024-pdntlrhxqrl.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-DISRUPT-AGING-BOOK-CLUB">Disrupt Aging Book Club</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Dec 23, 2024 at 10:30 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-nm-fitness-virtual-yoga-fusion-class-12232024-ncn3ps5vdjn.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-ONLINE-CLASS-ENHANCE-YOUR-WORKOUT-WITH-YOGA-FUSION">Online Class: Enhance Your Workout With Yoga Fusion</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Dec 23, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li 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Warning (2): include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/Resource/aarp2_master.bodyTargeting.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 243]Code Context<?php if (!$nowrapper): // MLW - Spanish wrappers TBDinclude (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.footer.html");include (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.bodyTargeting.html");$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Wintergarden and St. John's Nature Preserve</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>615 South Wintergarden Road</div> <div> <span>Bowling Green</span>, <span>OH</span> <span>43402</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://www.bgohio.org/departments/parks-and-recreation/parks/wintergardenst-johns-nature-preserve/" target="_blank">Wintergarden and Saint Johns Nature Preserve</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 419-353-0301</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Wintergarden+and+St.+John%27s+Nature+Preserve%2C+615+South+Wintergarden+Road%2C+Bowling+Green%2C+OH+43402" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> Hours <p>The Rotary Nature Center and the window on wildlife are often open for drop in visitors Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Occasionally, the center is open on weekends when staff is on site.</p> <p>Indoor restroom facilities are available when staff are on site. There is a portable restroom located in the parking lot for weekends, evenings and when the building is closed.</p> History <p>Bowling Green was once part of the Great Black Swamp that covered most of Northwestern Ohio. The area was teeming with wildlife and had huge forests with stands of Oak, Maple, Ash, and Hickory trees. Intermingled with the forests were prairies and savannas where grasses and flowering plants covered forest floors and opened into sunlit areas hundreds of acres in size. The deforestation and drainage in the area provided excellent farmland for the early settlers and it continues to provide for farmers today.</p> <p>When the City of Bowling Green acquired Wintergarden Woods just after the Second World War, it provided a space for residents to engage in passive recreational opportunities. Wintergarden Woods was just the beginning. Over the years a lodge was built through community support. Originally designed to cater to overnight groups and youth hostellers, the lodge is now the Rotary Nature Center which serves to educate residents on all facets of natural resources within our community. Additional properties were purchased, including St. John's Woods, Bordner Meadow, Twyman Woods, and most recently, 19.7 acres that were formerly owned by the Sader family (now called Tucker Woods).</p> Naturalist Information <p>Today, Wintergarden/St. John's Nature Preserve provides miles of hiking/walking trails with many loop options that meander through acres and acres of forests and prairie meadows. Full time naturalists on staff host a variety of programs year round. These programs are designed to educate the public about the plants and animals that live in our area. Cultural and historical programs are also offered to help visitors understand the human impact on our resources while often encouraging a hands-on approach to learning. The staff Naturalists also act as restoration managers on the site by eliminating non-native plants and encouraging the growth of plant species that were historically part of our local ecosystem.</p> <p>Inside the Rotary Nature Center, a "window on wildlife" looks out at wildlife feeding stations and a flowing stream that attract birds, squirrels, and the occasional deer. From couches inside, visitors can relax and observe the native wildlife in a comfortable setting. The natural resources staff is housed at the Nature Center and they are available to answer questions. An extensive natural resources library is also available and contains books for children along with many of the most up to date field guides on the market.</p> <p>The Natural Resources staff provides special request programs for groups such as scouts, service clubs, special interest groups, schools, and agencies throughout Bowling Green. Groups are encouraged to meet our naturalists at the preserve, but are always willing to come to the group's site if a visit is not feasible. Topics range from plant and animal identification, preserve updates, primitive skills, local and cultural history, and general nature hikes that are designed to include several of the topics just mentioned. The natural resources staff will work with the group's schedule to find an available date and time to serve your group.</p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/bowling-green-oh/report/place/wintergarden-and-st-johns-nature-preserve-bowling-green-oh.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. 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}); </script> </div> </div> ', 'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>Wintergarden and St. John's Nature Preserve - Bowling Green, OH</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Wintergarden and St. John's Nature Preserve - Bowling Green, OH"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="Hours The Rotary Nature Center and the window on wildlife are often open for drop in visitors Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. " name="description"/> <meta content="Wintergarden, St, John, s, Nature, Preserve, Bowling, Green, OH" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://www.americantowns.com/place/wintergarden-and-st-johns-nature-preserve-bowling-green-oh.html" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/place/wintergarden-and-st-johns-nature-preserve-bowling-green-oh.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Wintergarden and St. John's Nature Preserve"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="Hours The Rotary Nature Center and the window on wildlife are often open for drop in visitors Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. "/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="place"/> <meta property="og:title" content="Wintergarden and St. John's Nature Preserve"/> <meta property="og:description" content="Hours The Rotary Nature Center and the window on wildlife are often open for drop in visitors Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. "/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="place:location:latitude" content="41.368599"/> <meta property="place:location:longitude" content="-83.674599"/> ', 'title_for_layout' => 'Place Detail - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Wintergarden and St. John's Nature Preserve</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>615 South Wintergarden Road</div> <div> <span>Bowling Green</span>, <span>OH</span> <span>43402</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://www.bgohio.org/departments/parks-and-recreation/parks/wintergardenst-johns-nature-preserve/" target="_blank">Wintergarden and Saint Johns Nature Preserve</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 419-353-0301</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Wintergarden+and+St.+John%27s+Nature+Preserve%2C+615+South+Wintergarden+Road%2C+Bowling+Green%2C+OH+43402" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> Hours <p>The Rotary Nature Center and the window on wildlife are often open for drop in visitors Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Occasionally, the center is open on weekends when staff is on site.</p> <p>Indoor restroom facilities are available when staff are on site. There is a portable restroom located in the parking lot for weekends, evenings and when the building is closed.</p> History <p>Bowling Green was once part of the Great Black Swamp that covered most of Northwestern Ohio. The area was teeming with wildlife and had huge forests with stands of Oak, Maple, Ash, and Hickory trees. Intermingled with the forests were prairies and savannas where grasses and flowering plants covered forest floors and opened into sunlit areas hundreds of acres in size. The deforestation and drainage in the area provided excellent farmland for the early settlers and it continues to provide for farmers today.</p> <p>When the City of Bowling Green acquired Wintergarden Woods just after the Second World War, it provided a space for residents to engage in passive recreational opportunities. Wintergarden Woods was just the beginning. Over the years a lodge was built through community support. Originally designed to cater to overnight groups and youth hostellers, the lodge is now the Rotary Nature Center which serves to educate residents on all facets of natural resources within our community. Additional properties were purchased, including St. John's Woods, Bordner Meadow, Twyman Woods, and most recently, 19.7 acres that were formerly owned by the Sader family (now called Tucker Woods).</p> Naturalist Information <p>Today, Wintergarden/St. John's Nature Preserve provides miles of hiking/walking trails with many loop options that meander through acres and acres of forests and prairie meadows. Full time naturalists on staff host a variety of programs year round. These programs are designed to educate the public about the plants and animals that live in our area. Cultural and historical programs are also offered to help visitors understand the human impact on our resources while often encouraging a hands-on approach to learning. The staff Naturalists also act as restoration managers on the site by eliminating non-native plants and encouraging the growth of plant species that were historically part of our local ecosystem.</p> <p>Inside the Rotary Nature Center, a "window on wildlife" looks out at wildlife feeding stations and a flowing stream that attract birds, squirrels, and the occasional deer. From couches inside, visitors can relax and observe the native wildlife in a comfortable setting. The natural resources staff is housed at the Nature Center and they are available to answer questions. An extensive natural resources library is also available and contains books for children along with many of the most up to date field guides on the market.</p> <p>The Natural Resources staff provides special request programs for groups such as scouts, service clubs, special interest groups, schools, and agencies throughout Bowling Green. Groups are encouraged to meet our naturalists at the preserve, but are always willing to come to the group's site if a visit is not feasible. Topics range from plant and animal identification, preserve updates, primitive skills, local and cultural history, and general nature hikes that are designed to include several of the topics just mentioned. The natural resources staff will work with the group's schedule to find an available date and time to serve your group.</p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/bowling-green-oh/report/place/wintergarden-and-st-johns-nature-preserve-bowling-green-oh.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. 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Warning (2): include(/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/Resource/aarp2_master.resource.footer.root.html) [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: failed to open stream: No such file or directory [APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 244]Code Contextinclude (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.footer.html");include (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.bodyTargeting.html");include (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.resource.footer.root.html");$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Wintergarden and St. John's Nature Preserve</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>615 South Wintergarden Road</div> <div> <span>Bowling Green</span>, <span>OH</span> <span>43402</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://www.bgohio.org/departments/parks-and-recreation/parks/wintergardenst-johns-nature-preserve/" target="_blank">Wintergarden and Saint Johns Nature Preserve</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 419-353-0301</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Wintergarden+and+St.+John%27s+Nature+Preserve%2C+615+South+Wintergarden+Road%2C+Bowling+Green%2C+OH+43402" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> Hours <p>The Rotary Nature Center and the window on wildlife are often open for drop in visitors Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Occasionally, the center is open on weekends when staff is on site.</p> <p>Indoor restroom facilities are available when staff are on site. There is a portable restroom located in the parking lot for weekends, evenings and when the building is closed.</p> History <p>Bowling Green was once part of the Great Black Swamp that covered most of Northwestern Ohio. The area was teeming with wildlife and had huge forests with stands of Oak, Maple, Ash, and Hickory trees. Intermingled with the forests were prairies and savannas where grasses and flowering plants covered forest floors and opened into sunlit areas hundreds of acres in size. The deforestation and drainage in the area provided excellent farmland for the early settlers and it continues to provide for farmers today.</p> <p>When the City of Bowling Green acquired Wintergarden Woods just after the Second World War, it provided a space for residents to engage in passive recreational opportunities. Wintergarden Woods was just the beginning. Over the years a lodge was built through community support. Originally designed to cater to overnight groups and youth hostellers, the lodge is now the Rotary Nature Center which serves to educate residents on all facets of natural resources within our community. Additional properties were purchased, including St. John's Woods, Bordner Meadow, Twyman Woods, and most recently, 19.7 acres that were formerly owned by the Sader family (now called Tucker Woods).</p> Naturalist Information <p>Today, Wintergarden/St. John's Nature Preserve provides miles of hiking/walking trails with many loop options that meander through acres and acres of forests and prairie meadows. Full time naturalists on staff host a variety of programs year round. These programs are designed to educate the public about the plants and animals that live in our area. Cultural and historical programs are also offered to help visitors understand the human impact on our resources while often encouraging a hands-on approach to learning. The staff Naturalists also act as restoration managers on the site by eliminating non-native plants and encouraging the growth of plant species that were historically part of our local ecosystem.</p> <p>Inside the Rotary Nature Center, a "window on wildlife" looks out at wildlife feeding stations and a flowing stream that attract birds, squirrels, and the occasional deer. From couches inside, visitors can relax and observe the native wildlife in a comfortable setting. The natural resources staff is housed at the Nature Center and they are available to answer questions. An extensive natural resources library is also available and contains books for children along with many of the most up to date field guides on the market.</p> <p>The Natural Resources staff provides special request programs for groups such as scouts, service clubs, special interest groups, schools, and agencies throughout Bowling Green. Groups are encouraged to meet our naturalists at the preserve, but are always willing to come to the group's site if a visit is not feasible. Topics range from plant and animal identification, preserve updates, primitive skills, local and cultural history, and general nature hikes that are designed to include several of the topics just mentioned. The natural resources staff will work with the group's schedule to find an available date and time to serve your group.</p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/bowling-green-oh/report/place/wintergarden-and-st-johns-nature-preserve-bowling-green-oh.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. </div> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" href="/bowling-green-oh/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/bowling-green-oh/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Bowling Green</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Bowling Green</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-mi-disrupt-aging-book-club-12232024-pdntlrhxqrl.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-DISRUPT-AGING-BOOK-CLUB">Disrupt Aging Book Club</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Dec 23, 2024 at 10:30 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-nm-fitness-virtual-yoga-fusion-class-12232024-ncn3ps5vdjn.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-ONLINE-CLASS-ENHANCE-YOUR-WORKOUT-WITH-YOGA-FUSION">Online Class: Enhance Your Workout With Yoga Fusion</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Dec 23, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-wy-mindful-movement-for-healthy-aging-12232024-8vnt2zzs6bl.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-VIRTUAL-MINDFUL-MOVEMENT-WORKOUT-FOR-HEALTHY-AGING">Virtual Mindful Movement Workout for Healthy Aging</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Dec 23, 2024 at 12:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/bowling-green-oh/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-BOWLINGGREEN-OH">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-BOWLINGGREEN-OH">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Ohio Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Ohio Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPOH" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPOH" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPOH">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Ohio</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:OHAARP@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">OHAARP@aarp.org</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/ohio/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Ohio</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/aarp-ohio-contact-information/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-BOWLINGGREEN-OH" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPOH" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpohio" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ', 'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>Wintergarden and St. John's Nature Preserve - Bowling Green, OH</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Wintergarden and St. John's Nature Preserve - Bowling Green, OH"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="Hours The Rotary Nature Center and the window on wildlife are often open for drop in visitors Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. " name="description"/> <meta content="Wintergarden, St, John, s, Nature, Preserve, Bowling, Green, OH" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://www.americantowns.com/place/wintergarden-and-st-johns-nature-preserve-bowling-green-oh.html" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/place/wintergarden-and-st-johns-nature-preserve-bowling-green-oh.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Wintergarden and St. John's Nature Preserve"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="Hours The Rotary Nature Center and the window on wildlife are often open for drop in visitors Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. "/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="place"/> <meta property="og:title" content="Wintergarden and St. John's Nature Preserve"/> <meta property="og:description" content="Hours The Rotary Nature Center and the window on wildlife are often open for drop in visitors Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. "/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="place:location:latitude" content="41.368599"/> <meta property="place:location:longitude" content="-83.674599"/> ', 'title_for_layout' => 'Place Detail - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Wintergarden and St. John's Nature Preserve</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>615 South Wintergarden Road</div> <div> <span>Bowling Green</span>, <span>OH</span> <span>43402</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://www.bgohio.org/departments/parks-and-recreation/parks/wintergardenst-johns-nature-preserve/" target="_blank">Wintergarden and Saint Johns Nature Preserve</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 419-353-0301</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Wintergarden+and+St.+John%27s+Nature+Preserve%2C+615+South+Wintergarden+Road%2C+Bowling+Green%2C+OH+43402" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> Hours <p>The Rotary Nature Center and the window on wildlife are often open for drop in visitors Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Occasionally, the center is open on weekends when staff is on site.</p> <p>Indoor restroom facilities are available when staff are on site. There is a portable restroom located in the parking lot for weekends, evenings and when the building is closed.</p> History <p>Bowling Green was once part of the Great Black Swamp that covered most of Northwestern Ohio. The area was teeming with wildlife and had huge forests with stands of Oak, Maple, Ash, and Hickory trees. Intermingled with the forests were prairies and savannas where grasses and flowering plants covered forest floors and opened into sunlit areas hundreds of acres in size. The deforestation and drainage in the area provided excellent farmland for the early settlers and it continues to provide for farmers today.</p> <p>When the City of Bowling Green acquired Wintergarden Woods just after the Second World War, it provided a space for residents to engage in passive recreational opportunities. Wintergarden Woods was just the beginning. Over the years a lodge was built through community support. Originally designed to cater to overnight groups and youth hostellers, the lodge is now the Rotary Nature Center which serves to educate residents on all facets of natural resources within our community. Additional properties were purchased, including St. John's Woods, Bordner Meadow, Twyman Woods, and most recently, 19.7 acres that were formerly owned by the Sader family (now called Tucker Woods).</p> Naturalist Information <p>Today, Wintergarden/St. John's Nature Preserve provides miles of hiking/walking trails with many loop options that meander through acres and acres of forests and prairie meadows. Full time naturalists on staff host a variety of programs year round. These programs are designed to educate the public about the plants and animals that live in our area. Cultural and historical programs are also offered to help visitors understand the human impact on our resources while often encouraging a hands-on approach to learning. The staff Naturalists also act as restoration managers on the site by eliminating non-native plants and encouraging the growth of plant species that were historically part of our local ecosystem.</p> <p>Inside the Rotary Nature Center, a "window on wildlife" looks out at wildlife feeding stations and a flowing stream that attract birds, squirrels, and the occasional deer. From couches inside, visitors can relax and observe the native wildlife in a comfortable setting. The natural resources staff is housed at the Nature Center and they are available to answer questions. An extensive natural resources library is also available and contains books for children along with many of the most up to date field guides on the market.</p> <p>The Natural Resources staff provides special request programs for groups such as scouts, service clubs, special interest groups, schools, and agencies throughout Bowling Green. Groups are encouraged to meet our naturalists at the preserve, but are always willing to come to the group's site if a visit is not feasible. Topics range from plant and animal identification, preserve updates, primitive skills, local and cultural history, and general nature hikes that are designed to include several of the topics just mentioned. The natural resources staff will work with the group's schedule to find an available date and time to serve your group.</p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/bowling-green-oh/report/place/wintergarden-and-st-johns-nature-preserve-bowling-green-oh.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. </div> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" href="/bowling-green-oh/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/bowling-green-oh/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Bowling Green</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Bowling Green</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-mi-disrupt-aging-book-club-12232024-pdntlrhxqrl.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-DISRUPT-AGING-BOOK-CLUB">Disrupt Aging Book Club</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Dec 23, 2024 at 10:30 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-nm-fitness-virtual-yoga-fusion-class-12232024-ncn3ps5vdjn.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-ONLINE-CLASS-ENHANCE-YOUR-WORKOUT-WITH-YOGA-FUSION">Online Class: Enhance Your Workout With Yoga Fusion</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Dec 23, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li 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Warning (2): include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/Resource/aarp2_master.resource.footer.root.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 244]Code Contextinclude (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.footer.html");include (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.bodyTargeting.html");include (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.resource.footer.root.html");$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Wintergarden and St. John's Nature Preserve</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>615 South Wintergarden Road</div> <div> <span>Bowling Green</span>, <span>OH</span> <span>43402</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://www.bgohio.org/departments/parks-and-recreation/parks/wintergardenst-johns-nature-preserve/" target="_blank">Wintergarden and Saint Johns Nature Preserve</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 419-353-0301</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Wintergarden+and+St.+John%27s+Nature+Preserve%2C+615+South+Wintergarden+Road%2C+Bowling+Green%2C+OH+43402" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> Hours <p>The Rotary Nature Center and the window on wildlife are often open for drop in visitors Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Occasionally, the center is open on weekends when staff is on site.</p> <p>Indoor restroom facilities are available when staff are on site. There is a portable restroom located in the parking lot for weekends, evenings and when the building is closed.</p> History <p>Bowling Green was once part of the Great Black Swamp that covered most of Northwestern Ohio. The area was teeming with wildlife and had huge forests with stands of Oak, Maple, Ash, and Hickory trees. Intermingled with the forests were prairies and savannas where grasses and flowering plants covered forest floors and opened into sunlit areas hundreds of acres in size. The deforestation and drainage in the area provided excellent farmland for the early settlers and it continues to provide for farmers today.</p> <p>When the City of Bowling Green acquired Wintergarden Woods just after the Second World War, it provided a space for residents to engage in passive recreational opportunities. Wintergarden Woods was just the beginning. Over the years a lodge was built through community support. Originally designed to cater to overnight groups and youth hostellers, the lodge is now the Rotary Nature Center which serves to educate residents on all facets of natural resources within our community. Additional properties were purchased, including St. John's Woods, Bordner Meadow, Twyman Woods, and most recently, 19.7 acres that were formerly owned by the Sader family (now called Tucker Woods).</p> Naturalist Information <p>Today, Wintergarden/St. John's Nature Preserve provides miles of hiking/walking trails with many loop options that meander through acres and acres of forests and prairie meadows. Full time naturalists on staff host a variety of programs year round. These programs are designed to educate the public about the plants and animals that live in our area. Cultural and historical programs are also offered to help visitors understand the human impact on our resources while often encouraging a hands-on approach to learning. The staff Naturalists also act as restoration managers on the site by eliminating non-native plants and encouraging the growth of plant species that were historically part of our local ecosystem.</p> <p>Inside the Rotary Nature Center, a "window on wildlife" looks out at wildlife feeding stations and a flowing stream that attract birds, squirrels, and the occasional deer. From couches inside, visitors can relax and observe the native wildlife in a comfortable setting. The natural resources staff is housed at the Nature Center and they are available to answer questions. An extensive natural resources library is also available and contains books for children along with many of the most up to date field guides on the market.</p> <p>The Natural Resources staff provides special request programs for groups such as scouts, service clubs, special interest groups, schools, and agencies throughout Bowling Green. Groups are encouraged to meet our naturalists at the preserve, but are always willing to come to the group's site if a visit is not feasible. Topics range from plant and animal identification, preserve updates, primitive skills, local and cultural history, and general nature hikes that are designed to include several of the topics just mentioned. The natural resources staff will work with the group's schedule to find an available date and time to serve your group.</p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/bowling-green-oh/report/place/wintergarden-and-st-johns-nature-preserve-bowling-green-oh.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. 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There is a portable restroom located in the parking lot for weekends, evenings and when the building is closed.</p> History <p>Bowling Green was once part of the Great Black Swamp that covered most of Northwestern Ohio. The area was teeming with wildlife and had huge forests with stands of Oak, Maple, Ash, and Hickory trees. Intermingled with the forests were prairies and savannas where grasses and flowering plants covered forest floors and opened into sunlit areas hundreds of acres in size. The deforestation and drainage in the area provided excellent farmland for the early settlers and it continues to provide for farmers today.</p> <p>When the City of Bowling Green acquired Wintergarden Woods just after the Second World War, it provided a space for residents to engage in passive recreational opportunities. Wintergarden Woods was just the beginning. Over the years a lodge was built through community support. Originally designed to cater to overnight groups and youth hostellers, the lodge is now the Rotary Nature Center which serves to educate residents on all facets of natural resources within our community. Additional properties were purchased, including St. John's Woods, Bordner Meadow, Twyman Woods, and most recently, 19.7 acres that were formerly owned by the Sader family (now called Tucker Woods).</p> Naturalist Information <p>Today, Wintergarden/St. John's Nature Preserve provides miles of hiking/walking trails with many loop options that meander through acres and acres of forests and prairie meadows. Full time naturalists on staff host a variety of programs year round. These programs are designed to educate the public about the plants and animals that live in our area. Cultural and historical programs are also offered to help visitors understand the human impact on our resources while often encouraging a hands-on approach to learning. The staff Naturalists also act as restoration managers on the site by eliminating non-native plants and encouraging the growth of plant species that were historically part of our local ecosystem.</p> <p>Inside the Rotary Nature Center, a "window on wildlife" looks out at wildlife feeding stations and a flowing stream that attract birds, squirrels, and the occasional deer. From couches inside, visitors can relax and observe the native wildlife in a comfortable setting. The natural resources staff is housed at the Nature Center and they are available to answer questions. An extensive natural resources library is also available and contains books for children along with many of the most up to date field guides on the market.</p> <p>The Natural Resources staff provides special request programs for groups such as scouts, service clubs, special interest groups, schools, and agencies throughout Bowling Green. Groups are encouraged to meet our naturalists at the preserve, but are always willing to come to the group's site if a visit is not feasible. Topics range from plant and animal identification, preserve updates, primitive skills, local and cultural history, and general nature hikes that are designed to include several of the topics just mentioned. The natural resources staff will work with the group's schedule to find an available date and time to serve your group.</p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/bowling-green-oh/report/place/wintergarden-and-st-johns-nature-preserve-bowling-green-oh.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. 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