Copyright: Ohio Department of Natural Resources
Buck Creek State Park
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Description - The natural features of Buck Creek State Park can be attributed to the effects of glaciers which receded from Ohio over 12,000 years ago. Low hills called moraines can be seen in the area where glaciers halted for extended periods of time and left deposits of gravel and sand. Old river valleys were filled by these deposits where numerous springs now well up through the sand and gravel. The nearby city of Springfield is named for the many springs seeping up from the broad meadows. The springs account for the many bogs and fens in Clark and Champaign counties of which Cedar Bog is probably the best known. These wet areas harbor an assortment of rare and unusual plants including round-leaved sundew and horned bladderwort. The spotted turtle, a state endangered animal, is found in the area. The northernmost region of the park is an excellent area to observe waterfowl. The shallow waters provide a stopover for thousands of migrating ducks. Relatively rare songbirds of open meadows are also present including dickcissels, bobolinks and Henslow sparrows.
Attractions
- Buck Creek State Park offers an array of outdoor activities for the sports enthusiast. There are 26 family cottages situated in a wooded area with several offering a view of the lake. The cottages have two bedrooms, bath with a shower, living room with a trundle bed, complete kitchen, dining area and screened porch. A modern campground has 101 campsites of which 89 have electricity. Facilities include showers, flush toilets, dump station and pet camping area. Boating with unlimited horsepower is permitted on the 2,120-acre lake. A four-lane concrete launch ramp provides access to the lake. A marina provides fuel, snack bar, and bait shop. Anglers enjoy fine catches of walleye, bass and pan fish. A fishing pier is open to the public and is wheelchair accessible. Sunbathers and swimmers enjoy the 2,400-foot sand beach. A concession stand is located at the beach. Picnic areas provide tables and grills in scenic locations. Two picnic shelters are available on a first-come, first-served basis. More than eight miles of hiking trails offer opportunities for nature study, bird watching and other wildlife observation. Hunting is permitted in designated areas. Valid hunting and fishing license are required for participation.
Recreation - Recreations in the park include picnicking, hiking, fishing, hunting, swimming, sunbathing, bird watching, nature study, boating, camping, cottage lodging, sledding, snowmobiling, ice fishing, and cross-country skiing. Climate - This state has four distinct seasons and a brilliant fall foliage display in it southern woods during mid October. Winter lasts from December through February with average temperatures near 25 degrees F. Low temperatures dip to single digits, but do not often drop below zero. Northern regions of the state receive average snowfall amounts of 55 inches, while the central and southern regions of the state receive lesser amounts with averages near 30 inches. This difference is caused by lake-affect moisture patterns. Spring temperatures begin to warm the landscapes of Ohio by mid March and are in full swing by April. Temperatures range from 40 through 70 degrees F through the spring months. This season often brings the most rainfall, before the drying heat of summer. Summer can be extremely hot and humid in the interior of Ohio. Temperatures reach above 90 degrees F frequently through July and August. Cooler fall temperatures don't reach the region until mid to late September. This is a pleasant time to visit as the air is crisp with low humidity levels. Ohio's annual precipitation usually reaches slightly above 50 inches. Location -
Buck Creek State Park can be found immediately northeast of Springfield, Ohio.
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