Flying Squirrel Preserve

Ohio has been continually focused on opening new parks and preserves, and one recent example is the Flying Squirrel Preserve, located right between Columbus and Akron.

Once a private campground, this 124-acre wooded area is now a public space for all to freely enjoy. About 9 of those acres are wetlands, and a big focus of this preservation effort was to protect these wetlands and streams in the Kokosing River area. Otherwise, the heavily forested land boasts a wide range of tree species, including beech, tulip, maple, oak, hickory, and black walnut. Plans are underway to develop a more robust and accessible trail network and to repurpose a building on the site for community gatherings.

As for the name, yes, there are flying squirrels in Ohio—though it’s rare to see them due to their nocturnal nature. In fact, as the story goes, the previous owner of the property had been hit by a flying squirrel while walking at night, inspiring the park board to name the preserve after these aerial gymnasts of the animal world.