COUNTY PROFILE

Recreational

The Paulding County Commissioners, Paulding Soil and Water Conservation, and the Black Swamp Nature Center Advisory Committee invite County residents to visit the Black Swamp Nature Center. The Nature Center formally known as the Paulding Ponds has received numerous improvements.

The Improvements to the nature center have been made possible through a grant from the William J. Flickinger Fund of the Van Wert County Foundation along with the time and commitment of many interested individuals and organizations. It is the goal of the Paulding County Commissioners, Soil and Water Conservation District, and the local Advisory Committee to provide an area where friends of nature can fish, bird watch or hike. One picnic table is available for use, with three more to be placed this fall. Teachers, Scout and 4-H leaders, and other groups are encouraged to utilize the area as an outdoor classroom or meeting spot. The Paulding Soil and Water Conservation District has many educational items available for loan to help with the learning experience.

The Black Swamp Nature Center contains 51 acres consisting of 24 acres of woodland, 14 acres of wetlands, and 6 acres of old meadow. The nature center has many assets which enhance its use. A boat launch allows easy access to Flat Rock Creek, while trails wonder around the top banks of three ponds, along Flat Rock Creek, and past the old Sugar Beet Dam. The Paulding County Fairgrounds border the nature center on its northeast side, with two access trails allowing easy entrance. The old meadow and wetland areas provide an excellent habitat for many species of birds and plant life.

The black Swamp Nature Center provides a wonderful area to observe bird life, especially during the Spring and Fall migrations, according to Doug and Micki Dunakin, who conduct field trips with the Black Swamp Chapter of the Audubon Society. The diversity of “mini-habitats” gives the visitor an opportunity to observe woodland, marshland and meadow species within a very small area. Over the years, the Dunakins have seen 175 species of birds on the property, including both American and Least Bitterns, 16 species of ducks and 32 species of warblers. During the summer months, the Center provides nesting cover for many songbirds as well as mallards, wood ducks, Canadian Geese, and green herons. Even at the peak of summer heat, migrating shorebirds find their way to the exposed mud flats in the ponds. Black Swamp Nature Center rewards the watchful eye and attentive ear with many delights.

The nature center is open from dusk until dawn; individuals with special needs or questions are encouraged to contact the Paulding Soil and Water Conservation District at 900 Fairground, Paulding or call (419) 399-4771.