Black Swamp ConservancyFox-Shank Living Lab
Wood County, Ohio
The Black Swamp Conservancy is collaborating with students and teachers at Otsego Local Schools to convert a former farm field, previously owned by the Fox and Shank families, into a year-round living laboratory.
The Otsego School District Living Laboratory Project will restore natural habitat on a 16-acre site in Wood County that was previously farmed. The property is located along the main branch of Tontogany Creek, which drains to the Maumee River near Missionary Island Wildlife Area at Grand Rapids. Restoring this location will have a positive impact on the water quality of the Maumee River and, ultimately, Lake Erie.
The development of this classroom is a unique use of Conservancy property. Executive Director Rob Krain states, “We take the long view on preservation. One way we ensure that our land stays protected forever is by inspiring young people to care about the value of natural places and systems. This partnership with the school does it all – protects the land and builds up the next generation of stewards.”
-
Fact No. 1
Restore natural habitat on a 16-acre site in Wood County that was previously farmland.
-
Fact No. 2
The restoration project includes 2.5 acres of riparian (wooded) habitat.
-
Fact No. 3
1.5 acres is reserved for agricultural use for Otsego School’s Future Farmers of America.
-
Fact No. 4
Maximizes sediment and nutrient capture from the 13.38 square mile watershed.
Our Goal
We are bringing our community together to build awareness and educate future generations about the importance of responsible land conservation, which provides a real-life learning experience for the students. Once complete, Black Swamp Conservancy will transfer the site to Otsego Schools as a living laboratory, ensuring that the educational benefits of this project will continue for years to come.
Black Swamp Conservancy
P.O. Box 332
Perrysburg, Ohio 43552
Phone
(419) 833-1025
Email
bsc@blackswamp.org
Website
blackswamp.org