Self-guided Wildflower Hike - Apr. 20 thru May 4
Wildflower Hike at Dr. Elizabeth Yahl Kuffner Nature Preserve - Apr. 20 - May 4, 2026
Heritage Trails Park District invites you to explore the Dr. Elizabeth Yahl Kuffner Nature Preserve for a spring wildflower hike!
Enjoy a self-guided hike along the wooded trails of this unique nature preserve, where numerous species of Ohio’s native wildflowers can be found, including the official State Wildflower of Ohio, the Large-flowered Trillium. Signage will be located along the trail to help you identify wildflowers first-hand and learn fun facts about each species. The preserve's newly added park benches & boardwalk trail surface enhances accessibility for all hikers.
Pick a day & time that works for you, dawn to dusk, April 20th through May 4th (event may be extended if flowers are still blooming). Bring the whole family, hike at your own pace, learn as you go along, and spend some quality time outdoors!
The Dr. Elizabeth Yahl Kuffner Nature Preserve is located at: 14840 County Road 66A, just north of St. Marys. Interpretive signage will be in place from April 20 – May 4, but we invite you to experience the wildflowers at the preserve any week this spring, as they are ever-changing through the season. If you prefer to go on a guided hike, join Park Volunteer ShelbyDawn Oakes on April 23rd at 6:30pm for an interpretive stroll through the preserve.
We also ask that you please:
-Stay on the trail. Doing so protects this precious wildflower habitat
-Please do not pick the wildflowers. Take nothing, leave nothing
-Please carry in & carry out all trash
-Share your photos and hike experience with us on Facebook @HeritageTrailsParkDistrict or email us at info@htparks.org
Invite friends & family to explore with you and enjoy some springtime with Heritage Trails Park District.
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Heritage Trails has wheels!
New memorial park benches and trail signs have recently been installed at the Dr. Elizabeth Yahl Kuffner Nature Preserve
Join Heritage Trails Park District on Sunday, April 12th for our April Showers hike along the Miami Erie Canal! Bring the whole family! Pets on a leash are welcome as well. Meet at Noble Township Hall, located at 16586 CR 66A, just north of St. Marys from 1pm-3pm.
The ribbon has officially been cut for the new boardwalk trail at Dr. Elizabeth Yahl Kuffner Nature Preserve! We are grateful to the Yahl Kuffner & Hartung families for their generous donations to help make these wonderful trail improvements happen. Heritage Trails Park District invites everyone to explore this amazin
Join Heritage Trails Park District Volunteer ShelbyDawn Oakes for an interpretive spring wildflower hike at the Dr. Elizabeth Yahl Kuffner Nature Preserve on Thursday, April 23rd at 6:30pm. All are invited for this stroll along the boardwalk trail as Shelby teaches us about Ohio's native wildflower species. This guided
The St. Marys Community Public Library and the Heritage Trails Park District invite the public to a Gardener’s Swap and Share from May 4th to May 13th during library hours. A cart will be stationed near the entrance of the library. Folks are able to swap or share potted seedlings, plants, and supplies with fellow garde
The St. Marys Community Public Library and the Heritage Trails Park District invite the public to a Gardener’s Swap and Share on Wednesday, May 13th. Join us for a presentation at 7:00 p.m. given by T. Rae Neal, who will talk about “Health Benefits of Gardening.” Before the presentation, at 5:30 p.m., come to the parki
The Dr. Elizabeth Yahl-Kuffner Nature Preserve has re-opened to the public! Thanks to generous donors, a brand new boardwalk has been installed to enhance accessibility to all hikers. In the coming weeks, new benches, trail signage, and informational kiosk will also be added to further improve this amazing Auglaize
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Earlier this month, Heritage Trails Park District was presented with the ⭐️STAHR AWARD⭐️ from Ohio's Grand Lake Region Visitors Center! We are so grateful to receive such an honor! Thank you!
Each year, the Stahr Award is given to one group, organization or business for its outstanding contributions to the development and promotion of tourism in the Auglaize & Mercer County area. The granting of this award began in 1998, named for former Visitors Center Trustee, the late Bill Stahr. 💫
Pictured here:🏆
Heritage Trails Park District Executive Director PJ Fought along with Ambassador Award winner Matt Tuttle and Past President Award winner Jared Ebbing.