COLUMBUS, OH - See some of Ohio’s rarest flowering trees in bloom on Saturday, May 21 during the Natural Areas Discovery Series event “Magnolia Madness” at Lake Katharine State Nature Preserve. The preserve is having an open house from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The 2,000-acre Jackson County preserve is host to a diverse display of wildflowers and ferns as well as rare bigleaf and umbrella magnolia trees. Sandstone cliffs and a rich Appalachian forest surround the preserve’s beautiful clear water lake, which is accessible by permit only.
Two guided hikes, at 10 a.m. or 1 p.m., will give visitors the opportunity to see the beautiful magnolia blossoms gracing the preserve trails. Visitors are encouraged to bring field guides and binoculars for the hikes.
Lake Katharine is located 2 miles west of Jackson off of County Road 76 on Lake Katharine Road. For information on the open house, contact 740-286-2487.
Sponsored by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Natural Areas and Preserves, the Natural Areas Discovery Series features scheduled hikes, interpretive activities and an opportunity for visitors to meet preserve and scenic river staff. Programs are held from April to October. The next event is the Kokosing Scenic River Day held in Knox County on June 18.