Chapter Events

We will have a naturalist-led tour by a preserve employee followed by lunch indoors at the visitor center. We recommend wearing sturdy shoes and bringing a refillable water bottle. If you want to join us after the hike, bring your lunch and join us in the beautiful visitor center. 

Fernald Preserve has a unique history and was once a uranium processing plant. It closed in 1989 when a comprehensive environmental cleanup began, including the planting of many native trees and grasses to restore the ecology.  Today, it encompasses 1,050 acres of upland forest, grassland, and wetlands. The diversity of wildlife inhabiting the preserve attests to the success of the reclamation activities. 

Although Fernald Preserve is an “undeveloped” park, visitors can enjoy seven miles of trails. These trails range from short, gravel paths near the visitor center to longer, more rugged trails that travel through the various habitats found in Fernald. A viewing blind and overlooks provide opportunities to observe native flora and fauna. Over 240 species of birds have been recorded at Fernald Preserve, along with butterflies, amphibians, reptiles, and mammals. 

Fernald Preserve includes a visitor center with exhibits designed by faculty and students at the University of Cincinnati College of Design, Architecture, Art & Planning (DAAP). The outstanding exhibits illustrate the history of the Fernald site including the Native Americans who first lived there, its role in the Cold War, and its environmental cleanup. The visitor center was the first building in Ohio to achieve platinum LEED certification from the U.S. Green Building Council.