Culberson State Nature Preserve:

This 280-acre preserve is one of the largest remnants of the distinctive "Wet Beech Forest" which once covered the flatlands of southwestern Ohio. The first 40-acre parcel of the preserve was a gift from Mrs. Myra Culberson in 1978 in honor of her late husband, Dean A. Culberson. The forest grows on poorly drained, white clay soil which formed on the glacial materials deposited during the Illinoian glacial period.

The swamp forest is dominated by red maple and pin oak with substantial stands of shagbark hickory, shellbark hickory, swamp white oak, American elm and sweet gum. The northern shrub, winterberry, grows here near its southern limit, while the sweet gum, a southern species, is near its northern limit. Summer wildflowers include purple fringeless orchid and cardinal flower.

The preserve is located in Clinton County approximately 1 mile southwest of Cowan Lake State Park. From S.R. 350, proceed south 1 mile on S.R. 730 to the preserve entrance. No facilities are available. For additional information, contact Cowan Lake State Park at (937) 382-1096.