Woodman Fen

Woodman Fen is a 33-acre natural area located in Dayton, Ohio, containing a rare groundwater-fed wetland known as a fen. Fens are characterized by thick deposits of peat and support a variety of rare and unusual plants. This unique ecosystem was once common throughout southwestern Ohio but has become scarce due to increased development.

The park's history includes a period of agricultural use, during which it was drained for crop cultivation. Later, it was abandoned and became a dumping ground. In 2003, Five Rivers MetroParks purchased the land and began an extensive restoration process. This involved removing invasive plants, hauling away 20 tons of trash, and restoring the water supply by eliminating drainage tiles and installing a sheet wall on the northern end of the fen.

A notable feature of Woodman Fen is its 1,800-foot ADA accessible boardwalk, the longest in the MetroParks system. The boardwalk winds through the wetland, providing visitors with a dry path to explore the area. It includes three small observation decks where visitors can view the stunning wetland landscape. Educational signage along the boardwalk offers information about the plant and animal species that inhabit this rare ecosystem.

The park is renowned for its diverse plant life, which includes skunk cabbage, queen of the prairie, and jewelweed. Woodman Fen is also a popular spot for birdwatching, boasting one of the highest hummingbird populations within Five Rivers MetroParks. Local birders have reported sightings of various species, including Great Horned Owls, Gnatcatchers, Warblers, Vireos, Orioles, Flycatchers, and different types of Thrush.

In addition to the boardwalk, there is a 0.6-mile loop nature trail. However, visitors should be aware that this trail can be messy due to the fen's soggy, peat-rich soils. The ground in the fen is so saturated that it bounces when walked upon, creating a unique habitat for various grasses and sedges.

Woodman Fen serves an important ecological function by filtering runoff and supporting diverse plant and animal communities. Its alkaline, calcium-rich soils distinguish it from more acidic wetlands like bogs, allowing for a greater variety of species to thrive.