Dodge Woods Preserve

Picture of Dodge Woods Preserve1001 Langram Rd.
Put-in-Bay, OH 43456
419-285-3037
Dodge Woods Preserve

The Dodge Woods Preserve Put-in-Bay

The Dodge Woods preserve a 3.5-acre property full of natural wonder and beauty. Open to the public from dusk to dawn, the preserve protects the habitat of South Bass for all to enjoy. Located at the intersection of Langram and Thompson Road, the preserve is a short walk from Perry’s Cave and Family Fun Center, the Put-in-Bay airport, and the Lake Erie Islands Nature and Wildlife Center. 

Put-in-Bay has a well-deserved reputation for an island that loves to party, but it is also a nature lovers paradise. Purchased by the Put-in-Bay Township Park District with Clean Ohio Conservation Fund Grants with the match funds coming from the Lake Erie Islands Conservancy, the John Ladd family, and John Dodge, Dodge Woods is open to all.

Dodge Woods Preserve Particulars

A nature trail winds through the forest. Well marked with a healthy covering of wood trips, the trail loops around the park and can easily be traversed by folks of various fitness levels. A bicycle rack, bench, brochure rack, and a donation box is planned for future installation at the trailhead. Adjacent to the bicycle path on the island, a host of updates is also planned including areas for visitors to rest while biking along the path. Motorized vehicles and camping are strictly forbidden. This is an area for hiking, nature photography, bird watching, and scientific study

Dodge Woods Preserve is a young forest. The site of a former vineyard, the flora and fauna are growing at a rapid pace under the care of the dedicated team of the preserve including Richard Gump, Nicky Fresch, and Matt Luecke who installed and mulched the trail as well as Ken Farber who designed the layout.

Tree Species at Dodge Woods Preserve

• Black Walnut
• Common Hackberry
• Black Cherry
• Kentucky Coffeetree
• Wild Grape
• Mulberry
• Eastern Red Cedar
• Recently Planted Conifers
• Fruit Trees
• Herbaceous Plants
• Sedges

Wildflowers at the Dodge Woods Preserve

• Virginia Waterleaf
• Bloodroot
• Wild Leeks
• False Solomon’s Seal
• Buttercups
• Enchanted Nightshade
• Tall Bellflower
• Short’s Aster
• Goldenrod

Thanks for all this variety of habitat, birds stop here during spring migration. Keep an eye out for interesting species like The Eastern Fox Snake (Elaphe vulpine gloydi), a state species of concern. The preserve is a favorite location for those enjoying the famous Put-in-Bay Birding.

For Nature Lovers

The Dodge Woods Preserve is the perfect spot to enjoy the wonders of South Bass Island. Put-in-Bay is also home to other institutions, parks, and natural wonders like the largest geode found at the Crystal Cave. For those who love being outside, there’s always plenty to do.

To learn more about the environment, make sure to visit the Lake Erie Islands Nature and Wildlife Center, the Aquatics Visitors Center, and also Stone Laboratory. Dedicated to maintaining the health of Lake Erie and the Lake Erie Islands, the Stone Laboratory and the Visitor Center offer amazing educational experiences.

For something extra special, tour Gibraltar Island with a tour with Kayak the Bay. This small island isn’t always open to the public. Green Island is also strictly a wildlife preserve and closed to the public.