Field Trip – Fernald Preserve and Shaker Trace

Theme: Fall Migration in Wetlands and Grasslands

Date and Time: Saturday, October 24^th, 2026, 8:00 AM

Location: Fernald Preserve and Shaker Trace

Meet: in the gravel Parking Area located in front of the Observation Deck at Lodge Pond at Fernald Preserve. See directions below.

Leader: Ryan Jorgensen, (630) 333-2631, jorgensen28ryan@gmail.com

Join our trip leader Ryan Jorgensen as he explores these fascinating areas on what should be a pleasant autumnal morning walk in two beautiful natural settings. Ryan is a skilled birder and naturalist and an expert level herpetologist and current ASO board member.

This field trip will visit two outstanding preserves located within a mile or two of each other. Both locations are unique but are also very similar to each other. Shaker Trace (a part of Miami Whitewater Forest) is a large managed grassland and marsh. Fernald Preserve also has a large grassland interspersed with small ponds and marshy spots. While the fall migration of neotropical songbirds has wound down by this date, sparrow migration is at peak and a number of uncommon species usually turn up in these locations every fall. There will also be a number of our winter residents just now arriving. Waterfowl migration is also underway and can be seen on the many ponds on this date and both habitats attract a variety of raptors. Bald Eagles are likely to be seen and wintering Northern Harriers may be back by then, so we expect to see quite a bit of diversity throughout the morning.

Ryan’s plan is to start at Fernald Preserve, bird there for a while and then move over to the nearby (about 2 mile drive) Shaker Trace grassland and wetland complex for the remainder of our walk. This trip will run into noon or so.

Other than driving between the two spots, we will be on foot the entire morning. The area is mostly level but a good portion of our walking may be on wet grass or damp or muddy trails so good waterproof footwear is advised. One should also bring binoculars, water and dress appropriately for cold autumnal weather. On the other hand, it might be very mild that day. Nonetheless it is best to be prepared for the worst case. Restrooms are available at the Fernald Visitor Center. Shaker Trace may not have available restrooms, but there are several available in the main Miami Whitewater Park. If you have any questions, feel free to contact Ryan.

Fees: A Great Parks motor vehicle permit (annual $10 Hamilton County resident or annual, $16 non-resident) per car is required at Miami Whitewater/Shaker Trace. There are no fees at Fernald Preserve

Directions: Fernald Preserve is located in northwestern Hamilton County. The entrance is located at 7400 Wiley Road, about ¼ of a mile west of State Route 128. Follow the long entrance road to the Lodge Pond parking area on the right side of the road, just before the turn in the road just ahead.

You can visit the Fernald Preserve website for further information at:

https://www.energy.gov/lm/fernald-preserve-visitors-center

Or the Miami Whitewater Forest website:

http://www.greatparks.org/parks/miami-whitewater-forest

(Contributed by Jay Stenger)