Region 1 Networking Event: Heron Hollow Wetland Access

Registration Deadline is April 21, 2026.

Join Johnny Appleseed Metropolitan Park District staff on a guided hike at Heron Hollow Wetland Access. The Johnny Appleseed Metropolitan Park District’s Heron Hollow Wetland Access project is a 103-acre restoration located along Allentown Road in Spencerville, Ohio. The project transformed former agricultural land into a diverse mosaic of wetland and forested ecosystems, with the primary goal of reducing nutrient loading to the adjacent Auglaize River.

The entire site lies within the Auglaize River floodplain. Approximately 56 acres were restored as wetlands through targeted excavation, while the remaining acreage was reforested using a variety of native trees and shrubs. Custom wetland and berm seed mixes were developed specifically for the site to support long-term ecological success.

Key features of the project include wetland pools, oxbow wetlands, microtopographic and floodplain grading, and the construction of low berms designed to retain water while accommodating more than two miles of interconnected trails.

The project was funded through the H2Ohio statewide wetland grant program as a water quality improvement initiative. Davey Resource Group, Inc. provided comprehensive services including ecological site assessments, topographic surveying, wetland design, improvement planning, SWPPP development, planting and invasive species management plans, permitting, bid package preparation, construction oversight, and preparation of as-built plans.

Attendees should wear suitable shoes for hiking.  The area will be muddy.

A boxed lunch will be provided by The Meeting Place on Market in downtown Lima, Ohio. Attendees will need to bring their own water or beverage of choice.

Thank you to the Johnny Appleseed Metropolitan Park District for hosting!

OPRA Regional Networking Events are for members only.  However, each member may bring one guest and must RSVP their information during registration.  Guest information is collected on the same page as your lunch RSVP.  If registering multiple members at once, do not add them as guests, but register them as additional registrants.  Not sure of someone's membership status?  If you try to register them as an additional registrant, their registration fee will show up as 'Not Attending.'

Lunch Information
Boxed lunches come with whole wrap, bag of chips and gourmet cookie.  All wraps are available on a gluten free wrap.

1 - Cheddar Apple Turkey Wrap: smoked turkey, cheddar, apples, romaine, and honey mustard.
2 - High Roller Wrap: roast beef, turkey, ranch cream cheese, cheddar, tomato, & romaine.
3 - Horsey Beef Wrap: roast beef, co- jack cheese, red onion, romaine lettuce and horsey sauce. 
4 - Veggie Wrap: red peppers, mushrooms, onions, cheddar, romaine lettuce, and ranch cream cheese. 
5 - Western Wrap: ham, our Mexicali spread, co-jack cheese and romaine lettuce.