WMVO Good Times Great Oldies
Community leaders, donors, volunteers, and residents gathered Saturday to celebrate the official grand opening of the Ackerman Nature Preserve, a 52-acre natural area that local leaders hope will serve as a destination for recreation, education, wildlife observation, and conservation for generations to come.
The preserve, located on Salem Street Extension in Fredericktown, was donated to the Fredericktown Recreation District by John and Lori Ackerman in 2012. The property includes a 22-acre wetland and pond area and has quietly become one of Ohio’s premier birdwatching locations over the past decade.
During Saturday’s ceremony, Ackerman Nature Preserve Committee Chair Ken Rose reflected on the preserve’s journey from a largely untouched natural area to a community asset featuring a one-mile accessible walking trail, bird blinds, pollinator gardens, educational spaces, and improved wildlife viewing opportunities.
Rose said interest from birdwatchers helped spark the effort to improve public access while preserving the site’s natural habitat.
“It is a birding hotspot in Ohio,” Rose said, noting visitors regularly travel from around the state and beyond to observe wildlife at the preserve.
A volunteer committee formed several years ago and developed a multi-phase plan to enhance the property. Initial improvements included bird blinds, a windmill used to aerate water during migration seasons, and an eight-acre pollinator garden developed with assistance from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and local Eagle Scout projects.
One of the centerpiece improvements is a one-mile elevated walkway that circles much of the preserve. Rose said the trail allows visitors of all ages to experience the wetlands while minimizing environmental impact.
The project ultimately attracted more than $500,000 in grants, donations, and in-kind contributions from community members, businesses, organizations, and volunteers.
Fredericktown Recreation District Parks Director Jim Blanchard praised the committee’s work and said the final result exceeded anything district officials originally envisioned.
“This went so far beyond any of our wildest dreams,” Blanchard said. “To get a one-mile loop trail and the beautiful facility that this committee put together, we can’t thank them enough.”
The preserve has become popular not only with birdwatchers but also with hikers, dog walkers, geocachers, students, photographers, and nature enthusiasts. Organizers said visitors regularly travel from across Ohio and other states to explore the property.
Saturday’s ceremony also included several special recognitions.
State Sen. Andy Brenner presented a senatorial citation commemorating the grand opening, while U.S. Rep. Troy Balderson’s office provided a congressional proclamation recognizing the preserve and the efforts that made the project possible.
In addition, the preserve’s pavilion was officially named the Pam Rose Educational Pavilion in honor of Pam Rose’s leadership and contributions to the project, particularly her focus on creating educational opportunities for students and visitors.
Organizers say the preserve will continue to evolve through future Eagle Scout projects and educational programming while remaining dedicated to conservation and public enjoyment.
The Ackerman Nature Preserve is open to the public and features walking trails, wildlife observation areas, educational exhibits, pollinator habitats, and scenic views of the preserve’s wetlands and pond.
