Chester Marsh Forest was acquired by grant monies and a private donation. The Park District submitted a successful application resulting in a very large grant from the Ohio Public Works Commission which administers the Clean Ohio Fund. Also, a generous donation was graciously given by William and Kathleen Hurdle.
The park lies between a series of glacier
features called moraines created when the slow
intermittent advance and retreat of the last continental
ice sheet (referred to as the Wisconsin Glacier) covered
almost two thirds of Ohio. The resulting rolling hills
and gentle sloping valleys create an impressive sight
for the visitor especially for those knowledgeable in
glacier terminology. The deeper open water portions of
the park seldom, if ever, dry up, thus providing
excellent year round habitat for waterfowl, amphibians
and reptiles. Eventually, the drainage patterns combine
and its waters meander their way to join with the Kokosing River, located just a few hundred yards to the
North. The upland watershed is relatively free of
significant external pollution and the park’s natural
processes of water filtration and ground water
replacement seem to be exceptional.
The open water quickly transforms into a dense expanse
of forested wetlands characterized by large water
tolerant deciduous trees towering above dense
populations of marsh oriented shrubs, sedges and
grasses. Eventually, as terrain elevation rises, the
nearly impenetrable margin of wetland plants yields to
lush stands of upland trees, bushes and wildflowers.
Preliminary research indicates the presence of a
relatively healthy plant and animal population. Bird
nesting census figures are impressive! Extensive
reforestation plantings and grassland restoration in the
spring of 2008 were conducted by the Park District in an
effort to quickly restore the previously farmed
agricultural fields into even more diverse habitat
suitable for long term wildlife and ecological benefits.
Written Access Permit Required
Location: Chester Township, one mile South of Chesterville, East side of State Route 314