News Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 15, 2007

LOU CAMPBELL STATE NATURE PRESERVE HOSTS OAK OPENINGS OPEN HOUSE
Permit-only site open to the public on Sunday, May 20
The grass-pink orchid and the endangered plains pucoon can both be seen in Lou Campbell State Nature Preserve.
COLUMBUS, OH – Visitors will get a rare glimpse of an endangered Ohio landscape during the next Natural Areas Discovery Series event on Sunday, May 20 at Lou Campbell State Nature Preserve in Lucas County. Because of the fragile nature of its plant communities, the preserve is generally open to the public by permit only. But an open house from noon to 4 p.m. on Sunday will allow visitors free access to the area.

The open house is being held in conjunction with other Oak Openings activities at local parks and natural areas across the county.

A microcosm of the naturally significant Oak Openings region, Lou Campbell State Nature Preserve is home to more than 30 threatened or endangered plant species, including grass-pink orchid, soapwort gentian, dwarf dandelion, cow-wheat and Missouri ironweed. Two endangered species-- the lavender blossoms of wild lupine and the yellow-flowered plains puccoon flowers-- will be in full bloom. The 170-acre preserve features a variety of habitats, including a wet sedge meadow, swamp forest, sand barrens prairie and oak openings. The preserve is located east of the Toledo Express Airport along Weckerly Road, south of Route 2. For more information, contact 419-445-1775.

Sponsored by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Natural Areas & Preserves, the Natural Areas Discovery Series features scheduled hikes, interpretive activities and an opportunity for visitors to meet preserve and scenic rivers staff. Programs are held from April to October. The next event is the Kokosing State Scenic River Day on Saturday, June 16.

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For additional news online, check out the ODNR Press Room at Ohiodnr.com

For Further Information Contact:
Heidi Hetzel-Evans, ODNR Natural Areas & Preserves
(614) 265-6520
or
Jane Beathard, ODNR Media Relations
(614) 265-6860