Fernald Preserve
Cincinnati, OH
This site opened in 2008 and is managed by the Office of Legacy Management. It was a former nuclear production facility that has been converted to a nature preserve. While access is limited at this time, this site should turn out to be a fabulous birding area in the near future and it is yet to be seen the large amount of species that will show up here.
Specialty Species:
Hawks: During the winter, look for Rough-legged Hawks and Northern Harriers.
Waterfowl: The first pond along the entrance road provides good habitat for many species of waterfowl. The other ponds on the property should also be checked.
Where to Bird:
- Entrance Road Pond
- Pond near Visitor Center
- Woodland Trail
Entrance Road Pond: Scan this pond from the overlook for dabbling ducks during the fall and winter.
Pond near Visitor Center: Scan this pond from the overlook for dabbling ducks during the fall and winter.
Woodland Trail: Hike this trail to find typical woodland birds.
Hours:
Preserve: 7am to Dusk
Visitor Center: Wed-Sat 9am to 5pm
Fees:
None
Accessiblity:
Not handicap accessible
Trails:
Yes
Non-birding Equipment Needed:
- None
Lenght of Visit:
1-2 Hours
Map:
- None Available
Website:
Directions:
From the North: Take I-75 south to I-275 west. After I-275 and I-74 merge, take the first exit to Hamilton Cleves Road (Exit 7). Turn right (north) onto Hamilton Cleves Road. Travel 7 miles and then turn left (west) onto Wiley Road. After 0.25 miles, turn right (north) into Fernald Preserve.
From the South: Take I-275 North. Stay on I-275/I74 East. Take the first exit to Hamilton Cleves Road (Exit 7). Turn left (north) onto Hamilton Cleves Road. Travel 7 miles and then turn left (west) onto Wiley Road. After 0.25 miles, turn right (north) into Fernald Preserve.
From the East: Take I-74 west towards Indiana. Take Exit 7 for Hamilton Cleves Road. Turn right (north) onto Hamilton Cleves Road. Travel 7 miles and then turn left (west) onto Wiley Road. After 0.25 miles, turn right (north) into Fernald Preserve.
From the West: Take I-74 east toward Cincinnati. Take Exit 7 for Hamilton Cleves Road. Turn left (north) onto Hamilton Cleves Road. Travel 7 miles and then turn left (west) onto Wiley Road. After 0.25 miles, turn right (north) into Fernald Preserve.
Address:
7400 Willey Road
Hamilton, OH 45013-9402
Nearby Birding: