Field Trip – Bortz Family Nature Preserve

Theme: Fall Migration in the Lower Little Miami River Bottoms

Date and Time: Saturday, October 31, 2026, 8:00 AM

Location: Bortz Family Nature Preserve

Meet: At the Four Seasons Marina located at 4609 Kellogg Avenue. See specific directions below.

Leader: Lisa Conner, (765) 337-4669, lmconner14@gmail.com

This field trip will feature a 119 acre nature preserve situated at the confluence of the Little Miami and Ohio Rivers. This property was preserved through the Cardinal Land Conservancy and is now called the Bortz Family Nature Preserve.

The field trip will focus primarily on the fall migration of a mixed group of migratory and winter resident species.  Songbirds should be abundant especially late season migrants and returning winter residents. There is an active Bald Eagle nest on the property, and while the breeding season is long over, the local resident pair, Bonnie and Clyde, and their offspring are usually seen in the area. Waterfowl and other water bird species will also likely be seen as will a host of other seasonal birds.

Our trip leader, Lisa Conner, is a skilled birder and naturalist and is also a current board member of our Audubon Society. Lisa’s plan is to leisurely walk the 1.8 miles of trails through the bottomland forest of this beautiful location. Lisa will help us find and ID the various species of birds and whatever else nature brings our way.

Participants should bring binoculars and dress for cool to cold late fall weather. This field trip will run until about noon and will consist entirely of walking along damp or muddy foot trails so appropriate footwear should be worn. There are no restrooms available, but there are many nearby businesses. If you have any questions, feel free to contact Lisa.

Directions: The Bortz Family Nature Preserve is located at the confluence of the Little Miami and Ohio Rivers and is accessed at the Four Seasons Marina (4609 Kellogg Avenue). Upon arriving at the marina on Kellogg Avenue, follow the driveway all the way down to the Pirates Cove Restaurant and turn left. You will find the Cardinal kiosk and trailhead at the end of the parking lot.

See this link for the Bortz Family Nature Preserve:

https://www.cardinallandconservancy.org/bortz-family-nature-preserve/

(Contributed by Jay Stenger)