Crawford Park District

BUCYRUS — The Crawford Park District is gearing up for a busy weekend.

Naturalist Warren Uxley will guide a hike through the Daughmer Prairie Bur Oak Savannah, 786 Marion-Melmore Road, at 3 p.m. Sunday.

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources bought the 34-acre prairie in January 2011 and made it Ohio’s 135th nature preserve.

“We are very fortunate to have it so close to home, in our county,” Uxley said. “It has global significance. That type of habitat is extremely rare now in North America.”

Uxley said the prairie is home to a rare ecosystem.

“Everyone who lives in this area should visit and learn about it,” Uxley said.

Uxley said the winter walk may be the only one this season.

“We will probably just do the one winter hike, but will be doing several hikes through the prairie in the spring, summer and fall,” Uxley said. “Every season offers its own little perspective of the land.”

The Winter Walk will focus on the survival challenges winter brings for plants and animals.

For more info see:  http://www.bucyrustelegraphforum.com/article/20130207/NEWS01/302070031/Winter-prairie-walk-more-coming-up