What is the Oak Openings region, and why is it special?
The Oak Openings region is an ancient beach ridge where the western prairie meets the eastern forest. It is home to approximately 180 rare plant and animal species whose survival depends upon the region's unique combination of wet and dry, sand and clay, forest and prairie. The region is also a critical breeding ground and migration stopover site for many kinds of birds, meaning it impacts animal populations far beyond our immediate area.
The Oak Openings Region is located west of the Maumee River, in parts of Lucas, Henry, and Fulton counties. While the region includes the well known Oak Openings Preserve, the region itself is 23 times the size of the Metropark. The region includes residential, commercial, agricultural and undeveloped areas-both protected and unprotected. It is characterized by sandy soil, oak savannas and wet prairies. However, many of these characteristics are threatened.
