Parkers Woods and Buttercup Valley Nature Preserve facts for kids

Parkers Woods and Buttercup Valley Nature Preserve

Welcome to Parkers Woods and Buttercup Valley Nature Preserve! These two amazing green spaces are found in the Northside area of Cincinnati, Ohio. Together, they cover about 89 acres, which is like 67 football fields! They are connected by natural hiking trails, making it easy to explore both areas. These preserves are a special part of the City of Cincinnati Parks system, offering a peaceful escape into nature right in the city.

Discover Parkers Woods and Buttercup Valley

This beautiful nature preserve is a fantastic place to explore the outdoors. You can hike on winding trails, discover different plants, and maybe even spot some local wildlife. It's a great spot for families and friends to enjoy nature together.

Where is This Amazing Place?

Parkers Woods has its main entrance at the corner of Haight and Bruce Avenues. You can also find other trail entrances on Crawford Avenue, near Dane, and at the east end of Thompson Heights Drive.

Buttercup Valley's entrance is at the east end of Stanford Drive. There are also other ways to get onto the trails from the east end of Northview Avenue and the north end of Langland Street. No matter where you start, you're in for a fun adventure!

How Did These Parks Begin?

These natural areas became parks thanks to generous people and smart planning. It's interesting to learn how these green spaces were saved for everyone to enjoy.

The Story of Parkers Woods

The first part of Parkers Woods, about 27.5 acres, was bought by the City of Cincinnati in 1911. Margaret Parker and her children sold this land for $41,233.50. Later, in 1953, another piece of land was added to the park. Parkers Woods is named after Alexander Langland Parker, honoring his family's connection to the land.

The Gift of Buttercup Valley

Buttercup Valley became a park a bit later. In 1973, the Greater Cincinnati Tree Council kindly donated this land to the Cincinnati Park Board. This gift helped create the large, connected nature preserve we have today. It shows how groups can work together to protect nature.

Exploring the Trails and Nature

The preserves are known for their natural hiking trails. These trails let you wander through the woods and experience the quiet beauty of nature. It's a perfect place to go for a walk, observe birds, or just relax away from city noise.

Keeping the Preserve Beautiful

To make sure everyone can enjoy the preserves, work is often done to keep them in great shape. In 2011, new trail markers were put up to help people find their way between Parkers Woods and Buttercup Valley. Several bridges were also replaced that year, making the trails safer and easier to use. A year before that, in 2010, some earthen stairs on the trails were fixed up. These efforts help keep the preserve a wonderful place for years to come.