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Community Foundation Preserve at Eagle Point

Erie MetroParks, and its Eagle Protection Task Force, a group of interested citizens and professionals who act as a guiding hand on how the property will be managed for public use, have considered both the needs of both the eagles and the public in determining accessible areas, while following state and federal land use guidelines. 

Eagle Point photoBy regulating public access during the nesting season, Erie MetroParks is helping protect the breeding habitat of the eagles by following state and federal land use guidelines.  During that sensitive time, the eagles don’t seem to mind the nearby trains, planes and automobiles, but they are often easily disturbed by humans simply walking near their nest.  When the Preserve is open to public use, visitors are requested to stay on marked trails and avoid producing loud sounds which might disturb newly fledged eaglets.

Very little of the original North Coast of Ohio remains in an undeveloped state today. As the once expansive coastal wetlands continue to disappear in the face of encroaching development the preservation of these natural features becomes more critical. In a collaborative effort to preserve the largest remaining unprotected naturally functioning freshwater coastal marsh in Ohio, private landowners, the Sandusky/Erie County Community Foundation, Trust for Public Land, and other private foundations assisted Erie MetroParks in acquiring Community Foundation Preserve at Eagle Point in 2003, the first of 1,200 acres of Lake Erie coastlands that is now collectively known as the East Sandusky Bay MetroPark.

Natural Features

  • Eagle Point protects for future generations precious historical, cultural and natural resources of Ohio’s Lake Erie shoreline which contribute to the quality of life.

  • Located on SR 6 (Cleveland Rd) between the cities of Sandusky and Huron and extending to the edge of East Sandusky Bay, the preserve is a vital portion of freshwater marshland along Ohio’s northern coastline and offers visitors an excellent site for viewing wildlife.

  • The preserve is home to American Bald Eagles, a state endangered species and a significant natural resource for Ohio. When the first settlers came to the Ohio country, bald eagles were common along the shores of Lake Erie. During the decline and subsequent rebound of the past 20 years, the Eagle Point area has provided a native stronghold for an eagle population which has had 13 successful nesting seasons in the last 16 years. Today’s visitor may see the majestic birds soaring above or perched on a tree limb all year round. Eagles are sensitive environmental indicators and their management is an important wildlife conservation effort for Erie MetroParks

  • Eagle Point provides a critical habitat for both breeding and migrating birds, especially for migrant waterfowl and songbirds which stop to refuel before crossing Lake Erie. Sixty-five species of birds, including neotropical migrant warblers, have been observed in the park. The preserve also sustains a very important habitat for migrating ducks.

  • Approximately half of the preserve’s 73 acres is marshland with several marshy inlets which connect directly to East Sandusky Bay. The mouth of Plum Brook and its backwaters form the greater part of the preserve’s wetland area. Small woods of mature oak and ash/honey locust and several small agricultural fields grow on the upland areas of Eagle Point. The woods teem with a wide variety of wildlife including whitetail deer, woodchuck and coyote. Nesting among the mature trees are great horned owls and redtail hawks.

  • A recent biological survey found over 180 species of plants at Eagle Point. At least 50 of the 134 native species found depend on wet or moist habitats for their survival

Public Use of Eagle Point 

The Community Foundation Preserve at Eagle Point is in its planning stage. Due to the presence of nesting eagles and the need to protect their breeding habitat, many state and federal land use guidelines must be followed. It is important that preserve activities remain considerate of the needs of the eagle and sensitive to the needs of the public.  Thus a community ‘Eagle Protection Task Force’, which is comprised of interested citizens and professionals, acts as a guiding hand on how the property will be managed for public use. A ‘Citizens Master Planning Committee’ is also being formed.

Eagle Point photoEagle Point is open year-round, 8 am to dusk daily.  During the sensitive eagle nesting season, January to July, human activity in the preserve is very limited and some areas may be restricted. To protect the special habitat of the preserve and to respect the living space required by the eagles, please stay on the trails as you walk through the park.

Due to the presence of nesting eagles, the closeness of Griffing Airport and resident neighbors, and the general safety of  park visitors, there is no hunting or trapping permitted on the property. Collection of plant life for biological survey or ecological studies requires advance MetroParks approval.       

Future plans for future use of Eagle Point are carefully balanced with the need to protect this very special natural resource and the need to provide community access to public parkland. A committee has formed to discuss the future of the MetroPark.  Additional public trails and facilities will be opened in the future as planning, natural resource protection goals and funding allow. There are currently trails designated for Cross Country Skiing! These trails are marked and hikers are asked to use other trails.

 

Neighboring East Sandusky Bay MetroPark Properties:

Joseph Steinen Wildlife Area

Putnam Marsh Preserve

Wyandot Wetland Meadows Preserve

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Address:
3819 Cleveland Rd W (U.S. 6)
Huron, OH 44839
Click here for directions