Early Spring Birding and General Nature Walk
Theme: Early Spring Birding and General Nature Walk
Location: Heritage Acres Memorial Sanctuary
Date: Saturday, March 14th, 2026
Meet: At 8:00 A.M. at the Heritage Acres Parking Area (see directions below)
Co-Leader: Bill Stanley, (513) 324-2796, tyrannus58@gmail.com
Co-Leader: Patrick Sanders, Sanctuary Steward, 1 (513)-231-6438,
patrickheritageacres@gmail.com
The site for this field trip, Heritage Acres Memorial Sanctuary, is the first and only dedicated natural “green” burial ground in the Cincinnati area. They also offer educational and recreational opportunities for the public to enjoy the beauty and wonder of nature. They have a commitment to creating a nature preserve where people may be laid to rest naturally. By centering environmental stewardship in our end-of-life choices, Heritage Acres can leave a legacy for future generations by protecting land from development, preserving habitats and ecosystems, and allowing our bodies to return naturally to the earth.
Patrick Sanders, the Sanctuary Steward, reached out to ASO and invited us to conduct a joint field trip at their Preserve. Members of Heritage Acres were also invited to take part on this walk. Our trip leader is our current ASO President, Bill Stanley. Bill is an expert birder and naturalist, and has led many, many field trips over the years. Patrick Sanders will also co-lead this trip. While Bill will handle the bird finding part of the trip, Patrick will show us around the grounds, tell us about their organization, their future plans and answer any of our questions.
Heritage Acres Memorial Sanctuary consists of 40 acres that are comprised of roughly 60% meadow and 40% forest. There are also two small ponds on the preserve. The flora at Heritage Acres is diverse and creates a wonderful natural area. Of course we will be looking for birds and we expect to find seasonal species that should include a diverse number of grassland, successional and forest species. In addition to our permanent residents expect to see winter residents that have not left yet, as well as early spring migrants and new arrivals.
So come on out with us and enjoy early spring weather while we explore a unique natural area. This trip will end around noon. It is still March so prepare for cold weather. This trip will consist entirely of walking. The walking however will be over mostly level ground and at a birders (slow) pace. There are several paths and trails but expect wet grass and possible muddy spots. Good quality footwear will make your trip more enjoyable. Binoculars are necessary to see birds well. Porta Potties are the only rest room facilities available. Bring water, as there is none available on the grounds. We only cancel field trips do to hazardous weather conditions. If you are unsure contact Bill or Patrick for any questions you may have.
Directions
Heritage Acres Memorial Sanctuary address is 796 Locust Corner Road, but their entrance is well marked by signage and is located directly across the street from 809 Locust Corner Road. Turn onto a short entryway that will take you toward our own gravel drive and a wider parking area. You should see a silo directly in front of you.
One of the biggest challenges people have in finding Heritage Acres is that their address is 796 Locust Corner Road, but some satellite-based map directions take you to a steep gravel driveway that is not our entrance. The parking area and entrance to Heritage Acres is directly across the street from 809 Locust Corner Road. If you are using a mapping application or GPS, you might be better served by typing in that address, then just turn in across the street when you get there. If you see a gravel drive that goes up a hill, do not turn in there. Look for a short paved entryway, our kiosk, and a silo. If you see those, you are at the right place.
Link to Heritage Acres Memorial Sanctuary website:
https://www.
Link to Heritage Acres Direction Page:
https://www.
(Contributed by Jay Stenger)