Calamus Swamp facts for kids
Calamus Swamp is a special nature area in Pickaway County, Ohio, United States. It's about 1.5 miles (2.4 km) from Circleville. This preserve is 19 acres (0.077 km²) big. It has a unique natural lake called a kettle lake and a wetland. The Columbus Audubon group, which is part of the larger Audubon organization, owns and takes care of this amazing place.
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How Calamus Swamp Was Formed
Calamus Swamp is home to a very rare type of lake in Central Ohio. This special lake is called a kettle lake. It formed naturally and has not been disturbed by people.
The Ice Age Connection
The kettle lake at Calamus Swamp was created a very long time ago. This happened during the last Ice Age. Huge glaciers, which are like giant sheets of ice, covered most of Ohio. As these glaciers melted, they left behind big chunks of ice. When these ice chunks melted, they formed the deep holes that became kettle lakes.
Becoming a Public Preserve
Later, two people named Ada May Burke and Sally V. May owned this land. They decided to give it to the Columbus Audubon group. The Columbus Audubon then turned it into a public preserve. This means people can visit and enjoy its natural beauty.
Amazing Plant Life
Calamus Swamp has a truly unique collection of plants. The soil here is very moist, which is perfect for certain types of trees.
Trees of the Swamp Forest
In the swamp forest, you can find trees like the American Elm. There are also Green Ash trees. In some areas, you'll see Red and Silver maples growing tall. These trees thrive in the wet conditions of the swamp.
Wild Animals of the Swamp
Calamus Swamp is a great place for many different animals to live. It's a busy home for birds, mammals, and other creatures.
Birds You Might See
The Scioto River is only about 1.5 miles (2.4 km) away from the swamp. This makes Calamus Swamp a popular stop for many water birds that are migrating. You might spot different kinds of ducks and geese. Grebes and other fascinating water birds also visit the lake.
Mammals Living Here
Many mammals have been seen exploring Calamus Swamp. These include clever raccoons and busy muskrats. You might also see groundhogs, opossums, and graceful white-tailed deer.
Other Interesting Creatures
The lake itself is home to some unique animals. Look closely and you might find the tiny Ohio fairy shrimp. There are also different types of leeches, like the white leech and the horse leech. Giant water bugs and pond snails also make their home in the water.
