>>>>>>>>> Page Guide for Nature Photos <<<<<<<<<
( NOTE - All photos on these pages expand when clicked on. )
Nature Photos - Page #1 - http://wildcaveman.weebly.com/nature-photos---page-1.html
Walking Along "Two-Lined Creek" > This is a creek located in southwestern Ohio. This creek and the surrounding land use to contain many species but building and pollution has wiped out much of the wildlife. Some of the animal, plant and mushroom species that once existed there is seen in this section of photos.
Fernald Preserve >This area in southwestern Ohio use to be a government run uranium plant. However, now there has been a clean-up of the land and water. About 1000 acres have made in to a preserve. Ponds, fields, creeks, wetlands and woods make up the area. Birders frequently visit the preserve, especially in Spring. The preserve is government owned and operated.
Nature Photos - Page #2 - http://wildcaveman.weebly.com/nature-photos---page-2.html
Around the Area - Wildlife and Sky Photos > These photos were taken in southern Ohio. There are various species of flowering plants and animals seen in this section. The sky photos were taken during different months and many before or after storms.
Glen Helen Nature Preserve > This nature preserve is located in Yellow Springs, Ohio. The actual yellow spring, a waterfall, Pompey's Pillar, a grotto and a covered bridge are seen within the preserve.
New Richmond & Elkhorn Falls > Most of these photos were taken in the Whitewater River Gorge Park in New Richmond, Indiana. The waterfall there was not running much when I visited the area. The other few photos are of Elkhorn Falls, just south of New Richmond. The drought that year is why the water is barely running in the photos.
Greenville & Anderson Falls > Some of these photos were taken in Greenville, Indiana. There is a city park there where you can see Fox Squirrels with bright white tails. This is do to the albino gene passed on in the group. About 15 minutes away from town, out in the country, you can find the Anderson Falls Preserve. The waterfall is not that high but 90 to 100 feet long.
Houston Woods State Park- > This is a state park in Ohio with a long lake.. As seen in the photos, the drought that year caused the creeks to dry up and the lake was very low. The park is large and has animals kept at the nature center year round. Sea Gulls and Great Blue Herons are often seen there.
Mitchel Memorial Forest in "Fall" > This county park is part of the Hamilton County Park system. It contains 1,429 acres which is mostly woods. There is a man-made lake, several miles in trails and a pond out in the woods. Ducks, deer, hawks and other common local wildlife can be seen here. Though it was November, I came across a salamander and a colorful dragonfly while in the park.
Crosley State FWA > Located in Jennings County Indiana, this large SFWA has caves, the Muscatatuck River, ponds, lakes and forest. The land was donated by the owner of Crosley Cars. The original one way bridge still stands over the river and is used by visitors.
Nature Photos - Page #3 - http://wildcaveman.weebly.com/-nature-photos---page-3.html
The Oxbow Preserve > This wetland conservancy in Lawrenceburg, Indiana has ponds, lakes, woods and open farmland connected. The Great Miami River runs along the back section of the preserve. The area is well known among birders. In Spring, the entire area is under water because of the river level. Bald Eagles are seen in the Oxbow every year.
Buzzardroost Rock Preserve > Located within the larger 14,000 acre Edge of Appalachia Preserve in West union Ohio, this preserve has small cliffs, rock formations, forest and Easter Creek. Many boulders are seen in the woods near the trail. There is a level view point at the end of the trail on top of a cliff overlooking the valley.
Nature Photos - Page #4 - http://wildcaveman.weebly.com/-nature-photos---page-4.html
Spring Valley Wildlife Area and Beaver Creek Wetlands > These two natural areas are not far from each other. Spring Valley is an area about 4 miles outside of Waynesville, Ohio. The wildlife area has a large wetland lake with a trail and a boardwalk. Migrating waterfowl stop there in Spring. It is a short drive from there to the Beaver Creek Wetlands Corridor area. There are different sections to these wetlands. The 1 mile loop in Siebenthaler Fen is part of the wetlands corridor.
Dry Fork Creek > This is a very long creek that runs through southwestern Ohio. A county park and farmland are connected with sections of this large creek. Various species of fish live in the creek. Sandpipers, swallows, herons and kingfishers are seen along the creek.
Clifty Falls State Park > The park is in Madison, Indiana. During Winter and Spring you can see a few waterfalls there. They dry up during Summer months. Colorful cliffs and a cave are seen in the park along the trails. Any trail you take goes down from the parking area. That means that you always have to walk up to get back to your car when hiking trails in this park. Cave Salamanders live in the short cave within the park.
Mt. Airy Forest Park > This is the largest park in Cincinnati, Ohio. The park is 1,459 acres in size and is mostly woods. There is a large creek running through the park and a small lake with a gazebo. It is a hilly park. Spring wildflowers are abundant.
Nature Photos - Page #5 - http://wildcaveman.weebly.com/-nature-photos---page-5.html
Muscatatuck Park and Calli Nature Preserve > Muscatatuck State Park is located in North Vernon, Indiana. There are rocky outcroppings, small cliffs and boulders seen in the park. These areas are near the Muscatatuck River that runs through the park. Calli Nature Preserve is near by and is 180 acres in size. The land was owned by Dr. Louis Calli and his wife Violet. The Muscatatuck River runs through the preserve as well.
Miller Nature Sanctuary > This nature sanctuary is in Highland County Ohio. A natural rock arch and a small rock bridge are seen on the trails in the preserve. There is also a small waterfall and small cliffs. The trails are short and easy to walk.
Winton Woods Park >This is one of the Hamilton County parks located in southwestern Ohio. The park has a few sections to it. Winton Lake extends through two sections of the park. Various birds are seen near the water. A creek runs through the park and feeds the lake. There is a reservoir lake in the park as well where migrant waterfowl will stop to rest.
Nature Photos - Page #6 - http://wildcaveman.weebly.com/nature-photos---page-6.html
Miami Whitewater Forest Park > Located in Hamilton County Ohio, this park has a large wetland area that the other local parks do not contain. There are also ponds, trails and a section of Dry Fork Creek in the park. Creeks run through the forest as well and feed the ponds. The wetlands are popular among bird watchers. Turtles, frogs and beaver are also seen in the wetlands. These wetlands dry up during Summer months when there has been no rain.
Nature Photos - Page #7 - http://wildcaveman.weebly.com/nature-photos---page-7.html
Shawnee Lookout Park > Though this is a park in the southwestern Ohio region, it does not have ponds or lakes. The park is in North Bend, Ohio near Cleves. Most of it is on a hill and consists of forest. There are a few lookout points along the trails. The bottom section of the park has an inlet that comes from the Miami River. Boaters and those with kayaks access the river from this point.
A Look Down Muddy Creek > Unfortunately, Muddy Creek has sewage running through it all the way to the Ohio River where the creek ends. So, the most you would see in the water would be a frog. The creek has many fossils. There are some clay and mud walls along the way as well. There are a few rocky drop off points where small waterfalls form. The highest shelf is around 7 feet. The creek runs through Green Township in Ohio.
Winter Days in Ohio > The photos in this section were taken during different Winter days of various years. All of the pictures were taken in the southwestern Ohio region. I took the photos while in creeks, parks and woods. Hiking through snow and ice in Ohio while fighting the cold is not a pleasant experience, especially when you don't get to see wonderful sights like mountains or Elk.
Nature Photos - Page #8 - http://wildcaveman.weebly.com/-nature-photos---page-8.html
Great Miami River in November > I decided to do a river walk one day along the Great Miami River. Though, November is a bad time for this since dried thorns and burs are everywhere and they stick to your clothes. There was a drought at this time, so the river level was low in certain areas. Sea Gulls are seen in different locations along the river at this time of year. The section I walked was between Lawrenceburg Indiana and North Bend Ohio.
Sharon Woods Park > This is the farthest end of Hamilton County in Ohio. The park has small waterfalls, a large lake and creeks. Also, there are vernal ponds out in the woods where salamanders breed.
Baker's Fork Gorge > The gorge is located in Hillsboro Ohio. You can get to the gorge from Fort Hill State Memorial Preserve. The gorge runs through it. Spring Creek runs through the gorge and you will have to cross it to see Keyhole Arch tunnel. There are a few arches in the preserve that can be seen in the gorge but overgrowth during Summer blocks one of them. Small cliffs are seen along the trails.
Charleston Falls & Englewood Park > Charleston Falls Preserve is in Tipp City Ohio near Dayton. The falls run fully in Winter and early Spring. The drop from the top to the water below is 37 feet. There are also trails, a creek, a pond and an open prairie in the preserve. Englewood Metro Park has a few waterfalls when running, some rocky outcroppings, a large lake and miles in trails. Bald eagles are seen fishing in the park around the lake in early Spring, as well as many Great Blue Herons.
Nature Photos - Page #9 - http://wildcaveman.weebly.com/nature-photos---page-9.html
Davis Memorial State Nature Preserve > Located in Peebles Ohio, this preserve has dolomite outcroppings seen along the trails. The preserve is not to large and is easy to hike in. A creek and a small cave are also in the preserve. This protected area is hidden back in the woods and has two small parking areas for separate ends of the preserve.
The Wilderness Preserve > This is another large preserve withing the larger Edge of Appalachia Preserve. It is in the West Union and Lynx areas of Ohio. Cliffs and rock formations are seen in the preserve. An area down the creek from the trail has a waterfall when running. It was mostly dried up when I was there. The trail goes deep in the forest and the creek ends up going into a deep gorge, far from the trail. One section of the preserve has an open hillside where various wildflowers are growing near the path during Spring and early Summer.
Nature Photos - Page #10 - http://wildcaveman.weebly.com/nature-photos---page-10.html
Raven Rock Preserve & Shawnee State Forest > Raven Rock Preserve is located in the southeast corner section of Shawnee State Forest in West Portsmouth, Ohio. The hike up is very steep.. It contains the Raven Rock Arch natural formation. There are smaller formations below the cliff. The cliff top is 500 feet above the street below and has a view of the Ohio River valley. Eastern Fence Lizards can be seen in the preserve.
Nature Photos - Page #11 - http://wildcaveman.weebly.com/nature-photos---page-11.html
Clifton Gorge in Yellow Springs Ohio > Clifton Gorge runs through John Bryan State Park and Clifton Gorge State Nature Preserve in Yellow Springs Ohio. The Little Miami River flows through the gorge. Various cliffs and rock formations can be seen from the trails that run on both sides of the river. Rock climbing is allowed in certain areas. The few animals I included in these photos are an Osprey, Northern Water Snake, Woolly Bear Caterpillar and an Eastern Woodland Toad.
Great Miami River in August > I walked another part of the Great Miami River in August. This was the Summer of 2012 and the river was very low do to lack of rain. The drought left open sandy banks, mud flats, small pools of water on land and open areas covered in vegetation where the river once was. I walked the section of the river starting right past the river entrance to Shawnee Lookout Park.
Fernald Preserve >This area in southwestern Ohio use to be a government run uranium plant. However, now there has been a clean-up of the land and water. About 1000 acres have made in to a preserve. Ponds, fields, creeks, wetlands and woods make up the area. Birders frequently visit the preserve, especially in Spring. The preserve is government owned and operated.
Nature Photos - Page #2 - http://wildcaveman.weebly.com/nature-photos---page-2.html
Around the Area - Wildlife and Sky Photos > These photos were taken in southern Ohio. There are various species of flowering plants and animals seen in this section. The sky photos were taken during different months and many before or after storms.
Glen Helen Nature Preserve > This nature preserve is located in Yellow Springs, Ohio. The actual yellow spring, a waterfall, Pompey's Pillar, a grotto and a covered bridge are seen within the preserve.
New Richmond & Elkhorn Falls > Most of these photos were taken in the Whitewater River Gorge Park in New Richmond, Indiana. The waterfall there was not running much when I visited the area. The other few photos are of Elkhorn Falls, just south of New Richmond. The drought that year is why the water is barely running in the photos.
Greenville & Anderson Falls > Some of these photos were taken in Greenville, Indiana. There is a city park there where you can see Fox Squirrels with bright white tails. This is do to the albino gene passed on in the group. About 15 minutes away from town, out in the country, you can find the Anderson Falls Preserve. The waterfall is not that high but 90 to 100 feet long.
Houston Woods State Park- > This is a state park in Ohio with a long lake.. As seen in the photos, the drought that year caused the creeks to dry up and the lake was very low. The park is large and has animals kept at the nature center year round. Sea Gulls and Great Blue Herons are often seen there.
Mitchel Memorial Forest in "Fall" > This county park is part of the Hamilton County Park system. It contains 1,429 acres which is mostly woods. There is a man-made lake, several miles in trails and a pond out in the woods. Ducks, deer, hawks and other common local wildlife can be seen here. Though it was November, I came across a salamander and a colorful dragonfly while in the park.
Crosley State FWA > Located in Jennings County Indiana, this large SFWA has caves, the Muscatatuck River, ponds, lakes and forest. The land was donated by the owner of Crosley Cars. The original one way bridge still stands over the river and is used by visitors.
Nature Photos - Page #3 - http://wildcaveman.weebly.com/-nature-photos---page-3.html
The Oxbow Preserve > This wetland conservancy in Lawrenceburg, Indiana has ponds, lakes, woods and open farmland connected. The Great Miami River runs along the back section of the preserve. The area is well known among birders. In Spring, the entire area is under water because of the river level. Bald Eagles are seen in the Oxbow every year.
Buzzardroost Rock Preserve > Located within the larger 14,000 acre Edge of Appalachia Preserve in West union Ohio, this preserve has small cliffs, rock formations, forest and Easter Creek. Many boulders are seen in the woods near the trail. There is a level view point at the end of the trail on top of a cliff overlooking the valley.
Nature Photos - Page #4 - http://wildcaveman.weebly.com/-nature-photos---page-4.html
Spring Valley Wildlife Area and Beaver Creek Wetlands > These two natural areas are not far from each other. Spring Valley is an area about 4 miles outside of Waynesville, Ohio. The wildlife area has a large wetland lake with a trail and a boardwalk. Migrating waterfowl stop there in Spring. It is a short drive from there to the Beaver Creek Wetlands Corridor area. There are different sections to these wetlands. The 1 mile loop in Siebenthaler Fen is part of the wetlands corridor.
Dry Fork Creek > This is a very long creek that runs through southwestern Ohio. A county park and farmland are connected with sections of this large creek. Various species of fish live in the creek. Sandpipers, swallows, herons and kingfishers are seen along the creek.
Clifty Falls State Park > The park is in Madison, Indiana. During Winter and Spring you can see a few waterfalls there. They dry up during Summer months. Colorful cliffs and a cave are seen in the park along the trails. Any trail you take goes down from the parking area. That means that you always have to walk up to get back to your car when hiking trails in this park. Cave Salamanders live in the short cave within the park.
Mt. Airy Forest Park > This is the largest park in Cincinnati, Ohio. The park is 1,459 acres in size and is mostly woods. There is a large creek running through the park and a small lake with a gazebo. It is a hilly park. Spring wildflowers are abundant.
Nature Photos - Page #5 - http://wildcaveman.weebly.com/-nature-photos---page-5.html
Muscatatuck Park and Calli Nature Preserve > Muscatatuck State Park is located in North Vernon, Indiana. There are rocky outcroppings, small cliffs and boulders seen in the park. These areas are near the Muscatatuck River that runs through the park. Calli Nature Preserve is near by and is 180 acres in size. The land was owned by Dr. Louis Calli and his wife Violet. The Muscatatuck River runs through the preserve as well.
Miller Nature Sanctuary > This nature sanctuary is in Highland County Ohio. A natural rock arch and a small rock bridge are seen on the trails in the preserve. There is also a small waterfall and small cliffs. The trails are short and easy to walk.
Winton Woods Park >This is one of the Hamilton County parks located in southwestern Ohio. The park has a few sections to it. Winton Lake extends through two sections of the park. Various birds are seen near the water. A creek runs through the park and feeds the lake. There is a reservoir lake in the park as well where migrant waterfowl will stop to rest.
Nature Photos - Page #6 - http://wildcaveman.weebly.com/nature-photos---page-6.html
Miami Whitewater Forest Park > Located in Hamilton County Ohio, this park has a large wetland area that the other local parks do not contain. There are also ponds, trails and a section of Dry Fork Creek in the park. Creeks run through the forest as well and feed the ponds. The wetlands are popular among bird watchers. Turtles, frogs and beaver are also seen in the wetlands. These wetlands dry up during Summer months when there has been no rain.
Nature Photos - Page #7 - http://wildcaveman.weebly.com/nature-photos---page-7.html
Shawnee Lookout Park > Though this is a park in the southwestern Ohio region, it does not have ponds or lakes. The park is in North Bend, Ohio near Cleves. Most of it is on a hill and consists of forest. There are a few lookout points along the trails. The bottom section of the park has an inlet that comes from the Miami River. Boaters and those with kayaks access the river from this point.
A Look Down Muddy Creek > Unfortunately, Muddy Creek has sewage running through it all the way to the Ohio River where the creek ends. So, the most you would see in the water would be a frog. The creek has many fossils. There are some clay and mud walls along the way as well. There are a few rocky drop off points where small waterfalls form. The highest shelf is around 7 feet. The creek runs through Green Township in Ohio.
Winter Days in Ohio > The photos in this section were taken during different Winter days of various years. All of the pictures were taken in the southwestern Ohio region. I took the photos while in creeks, parks and woods. Hiking through snow and ice in Ohio while fighting the cold is not a pleasant experience, especially when you don't get to see wonderful sights like mountains or Elk.
Nature Photos - Page #8 - http://wildcaveman.weebly.com/-nature-photos---page-8.html
Great Miami River in November > I decided to do a river walk one day along the Great Miami River. Though, November is a bad time for this since dried thorns and burs are everywhere and they stick to your clothes. There was a drought at this time, so the river level was low in certain areas. Sea Gulls are seen in different locations along the river at this time of year. The section I walked was between Lawrenceburg Indiana and North Bend Ohio.
Sharon Woods Park > This is the farthest end of Hamilton County in Ohio. The park has small waterfalls, a large lake and creeks. Also, there are vernal ponds out in the woods where salamanders breed.
Baker's Fork Gorge > The gorge is located in Hillsboro Ohio. You can get to the gorge from Fort Hill State Memorial Preserve. The gorge runs through it. Spring Creek runs through the gorge and you will have to cross it to see Keyhole Arch tunnel. There are a few arches in the preserve that can be seen in the gorge but overgrowth during Summer blocks one of them. Small cliffs are seen along the trails.
Charleston Falls & Englewood Park > Charleston Falls Preserve is in Tipp City Ohio near Dayton. The falls run fully in Winter and early Spring. The drop from the top to the water below is 37 feet. There are also trails, a creek, a pond and an open prairie in the preserve. Englewood Metro Park has a few waterfalls when running, some rocky outcroppings, a large lake and miles in trails. Bald eagles are seen fishing in the park around the lake in early Spring, as well as many Great Blue Herons.
Nature Photos - Page #9 - http://wildcaveman.weebly.com/nature-photos---page-9.html
Davis Memorial State Nature Preserve > Located in Peebles Ohio, this preserve has dolomite outcroppings seen along the trails. The preserve is not to large and is easy to hike in. A creek and a small cave are also in the preserve. This protected area is hidden back in the woods and has two small parking areas for separate ends of the preserve.
The Wilderness Preserve > This is another large preserve withing the larger Edge of Appalachia Preserve. It is in the West Union and Lynx areas of Ohio. Cliffs and rock formations are seen in the preserve. An area down the creek from the trail has a waterfall when running. It was mostly dried up when I was there. The trail goes deep in the forest and the creek ends up going into a deep gorge, far from the trail. One section of the preserve has an open hillside where various wildflowers are growing near the path during Spring and early Summer.
Nature Photos - Page #10 - http://wildcaveman.weebly.com/nature-photos---page-10.html
Raven Rock Preserve & Shawnee State Forest > Raven Rock Preserve is located in the southeast corner section of Shawnee State Forest in West Portsmouth, Ohio. The hike up is very steep.. It contains the Raven Rock Arch natural formation. There are smaller formations below the cliff. The cliff top is 500 feet above the street below and has a view of the Ohio River valley. Eastern Fence Lizards can be seen in the preserve.
Nature Photos - Page #11 - http://wildcaveman.weebly.com/nature-photos---page-11.html
Clifton Gorge in Yellow Springs Ohio > Clifton Gorge runs through John Bryan State Park and Clifton Gorge State Nature Preserve in Yellow Springs Ohio. The Little Miami River flows through the gorge. Various cliffs and rock formations can be seen from the trails that run on both sides of the river. Rock climbing is allowed in certain areas. The few animals I included in these photos are an Osprey, Northern Water Snake, Woolly Bear Caterpillar and an Eastern Woodland Toad.
Great Miami River in August > I walked another part of the Great Miami River in August. This was the Summer of 2012 and the river was very low do to lack of rain. The drought left open sandy banks, mud flats, small pools of water on land and open areas covered in vegetation where the river once was. I walked the section of the river starting right past the river entrance to Shawnee Lookout Park.