Registration Requirements: Preregistration required.

Intended Audience: This program is designed for adults.

Program Description: Fernald Preserve is one of the most popular birding locations in the greater Cincinnati area. The site offers a variety of habitats within its 900 acres, including woodland, grassland, wetlands, and open water. Fernald has a bird list of 256 species based on eBird data. You can check recent Fernald bird sightings in eBird at this link: https://ebird.org/hotspot/L686318  

In addition to resident birds, our trip will focus on the arrival of waterfowl and other birds preparing for winter. This is an ideal time to see ducks, geese, swans, and other water birds migrating south. Up to 15 species of ducks have been reported here at this time of year! In addition, Fernald has a considerable open habitat, which can provide excellent views of sparrows, raptors, and other field birds.   

What to Expect: We’ll spend most of our time standing and walking at a slow pace. The hiking for this trip will be on level roadsides, paths, and groomed trails.

• The Visitor Center should be open (with full restrooms).  
• A portable restroom is available in the parking lot. 

Tentative Schedule:  

• (9 am) Meet at the Visitor Center Parking lot for introduction and plans.
• (9:15–10:30 am) Carpool to Lodge Pond (closer to the entrance) for waterfowl and other birds. We’ll drive back along the road while scanning the open fields. We have permission to stop along the road if needed. 
• (10:30-10:45 am) Back to the parking lot for a break and snacks. 
• (10:45 am–12 pm) Hike from the parking lot along the Biowetlands Trail. This is open country with a blind overlooking a good-sized wetland. The area is prime for open country birds and raptors.
• (12 pm) Trip conclusion and tally on eBird.   

What to Bring: 

• Feel free to bring your camera. 
• Bring snacks and something to drink.   

Where to Meet: Fernald Preserve is located northwest of the city just outside the I-275 beltway (40 miles from CNC Rowe Woods) at 7400 Willey Road, Harrison, Ohio 45303. https://www.energy.gov/lm/fernald-preserve-ohio-site  

Cost: Member adult $12; nonmember adult $17.

Check your email for registration information regarding this transaction. SAVE A TREE, please retain your order number or save an electronic copy of the email acknowledgement as a receipt. You may be asked for your order number from your transaction to gain entry at the gate/to attend your program. Visitor Services associates can also verify your etickets from the order number or by name.

Please note that our program and cancellation policies vary. By completing registration for this program, you agree to the following general program policies.