Mengerson Nature Preserve
State Designated Nature Preserve [#126; 1990]
Mengerson Preserve. Click to enlarge
Mengerson is an ACRES preserve that offers trails through a partially wooded preserve set in a densely populated area, and the property seems to see a fair amount of use. The parking area is just a little grassy strip between two houses on Stellhorn; at first glance, it looks like an overgrown vacant lot. Head north and you’ll soon cross a small stream before entering the rather extensive trail network. The northern end of the preserve is wooded and is home to some surprisingly large trees. Despite a fair amount of free-form trailblazing, there is a respectable display of spring wildflowers here, including mayapple, green dragon, bloodroot, jack-in-the-pulpit, purple trillium, and Solomon’s seal. On the other hand, I’ve never seen many ferns here. Mud can be a problem, as can mosquitoes. The trail system connects at several points to adjacent residential streets, as well as to the back of a small strip mall to the east; beware informal paths that end up in adjacent yards.
Trail Map
Click to enlarge
Directions
Allen County. From I-469 Exit 25, go west 1.0 mile on Maysville Rd to Stellhorn Rd, then right 2.6 miles to a small grassy parking area on the right (north) side of the road.
GPS: N 41 07.213 W 85 04.139
Facilities
None
Finder Sketch
Click to enlarge
Nearby Natural Areas (miles)
Vandolah Nature Preserve (9.8)
Dustin Nature Preserve (11.9)
Blue Cast Springs (12.2)
Bicentennial Woods (13.3)
McNabb-Walter Nature Preserve (15)
Spring Lake Woods and Bog Nature Preserve (15.1)
Eagle Marsh (16.1)
Fox Island County Park (17.7)
Covell Nature Preserve (18.7)
Fogwell Forest (19.9)