Lake Katharine State Nature Preserve facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Lake Katharine State Nature Preserve |
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Lake Katharine
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 Lake Katharine State Nature Preserve
Location in Ohio
Lake Katharine State Nature Preserve
Location in the United States
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| Location | Jackson County, Ohio |
| Nearest city | Jackson, Ohio |
| Area | 2,019 acres (8.17 km2) |
| Established | 1975 |
| Governing body | Ohio Department of Natural Resources |
Lake Katharine State Nature Preserve is a special natural area in Jackson County, Ohio, United States. It's located just outside the city of Jackson. This preserve is a protected space, owned and managed by the State Division of Natural Areas and Preserves. It covers a large area of about 2,019 acres, which is like having over 1,500 football fields of nature to explore!
This beautiful preserve was created in 1975. It's a fantastic place to see unique plants, cool rock formations, and enjoy the outdoors.
Contents
What is Lake Katharine?
Lake Katharine is the main feature of this nature preserve. It's an artificial lake, which means it was made by people, not formed naturally. The lake sits in a small valley that looks like a mini-gorge. A gorge is a narrow valley with steep, rocky sides.
Cool Rocks and Geology
The rocks you see here are similar to those found in the famous Hocking Hills Region. The tall cliffs, called bluffs, are made of strong sandstone. This sandstone is very tough and doesn't wear away easily. One type of rock found here is called blackhand sandstone. It's really old and tells a story about how the land was formed long ago.
Waterways of the Preserve
Water from Lake Katharine flows into a stream. This stream is a small branch of a larger creek called Little Salt Creek. Little Salt Creek runs through the eastern part of the preserve. These waterways are important for the plants and animals living there.
Plants and Animals
Lake Katharine State Nature Preserve is a unique spot for plants. It's like a meeting place for different types of trees and plants. You can find plants that usually grow further south, like the bigleaf magnolia and the umbrella magnolia. These trees have really large leaves!
But you can also find plants that prefer cooler, more northern climates. One example is the wolf-foot clubmoss. This mix of southern and northern species makes the preserve very special. It shows how different plant communities can thrive in one place.
Exploring the Preserve
If you love hiking, Lake Katharine has some great trails for you to explore. There are three main trails, each offering a different adventure:
- Calico Bush Trail: This trail is about one mile long. It's a good choice for a shorter walk.
- Salt Creek Trail: This trail is two miles long. It follows along the Salt Creek, offering pretty views of the water.
- Pine Ridge Trail: This is the longest trail, at 2.5 miles. It takes you through different parts of the preserve, including areas with pine trees.
Boating and Research
You can go boating on Lake Katharine, but you need a special written permit first. This helps protect the lake and its environment.
Some parts of the preserve, especially the western side, are closed to visitors. These areas are kept quiet for scientific research. Scientists study the plants and animals there to learn more about nature and how to protect it.
