Explore One of Ohio’s Largest Old-Growth Forests
Johnson Woods State Nature Preserve is home to towering trees for over 400 years. With 206 acres of protected land, it offers a rare glimpse into Ohio’s natural past. Visitors can walk beneath trees that rise 40 to 50 feet before their first branches, with many reaching 120 feet in height. Some trunks measure 4 to 5 feet in diameter, revealing a forest nearly untouched by time.
The History of Johnson Woods
The story of Johnson Woods began long before modern conservation efforts. Settler Jacob Conrad, great-grandfather of Andrew C. Johnson, arrived from France in 1823 and settled on the land. Back then, many trees were already 200 years old, standing tall when settlers first arrived in America. The forest, once part of the property known as Graber Woods, has survived centuries of change, from logging to settlement, thanks to the dedication of the Johnson family. In 1968, Mrs. Clela Johnson donated 155 acres in memory of her late husband, preserving this natural treasure for future generations. She later sold an additional 51 acres, helping expand the forest into the thriving ecosystem it is today.
Witness the Changing Forest Landscape in Action
Walking through Johnson Woods feels like traveling back in time. Massive white oaks, red oaks, and hickories dominate the landscape, though many have reached the end of their natural lifespan. As these older trees slowly give way, shade-tolerant species like sugar maple and American beech fill in, shaping the forest’s next chapter. This natural progression enhances Johnson Woods, allowing visitors to observe the gradual shift from oak-hickory to beech-maple forest.
Explore a Variety of Ecosystems at Johnson Woods
Exploring the trails, you’ll discover a variety of ecosystems, from the towering old-growth trees to swamp forests filled with red maples and pin oaks. Buttonbush swamps fill the depressional areas, creating rich, diverse habitats for plants and wildlife. Springtime brings a burst of color with wildflowers like trout lilies, trillium, violets, and windflowers carpeting the forest floor. The warm summer months provide an excellent, leafy canopy, while autumn turns the preserve into a brilliant display of color. Winter, though quieter, reveals the sheer scale and beauty of the tree trunks as they stand against the cold, crisp air.
The Preserve A Self-Sustaining Natural Area
Johnson Woods operates as a thriving, self-sufficient natural area, with its large size protecting from common threats like storm damage and disease. The expansive forest provides vital habitat for many bird species that depend on extensive, uninterrupted woodlands. Visitors might spot the striking scarlet tanager or hear the distinct call of the pileated woodpecker. Wood thrushes, ovenbirds, Acadian flycatchers, and hooded warblers also find shelter here, making the preserve perfect for birdwatchers.
This woodland has been a fixture of the local landscape for centuries, known by neighbors as the “Big Woods.” Stories of hunters, kids building treehouses, and even people getting lost in the forest have become part of its history. Today, visitors can walk through a piece of Ohio’s natural heritage and experience the same towering trees that stood during the Pilgrims’ time.
Plan Your Visit to Johnson Woods
Johnson Woods State Nature Preserve offers a journey through time and a glimpse into the evolving forest landscape. As a living reflection of Ohio’s conservation efforts, it is a testament to preservation. If you’re a birdwatcher, nature lover, or simply seeking a peaceful walk through history, Johnson Woods invites you to explore its beauty. Each step through this ancient forest deepens your appreciation for the land, its history, and the legacy of protection it represents. Plan your visit and discover the stories these trees have to tell.