Ah, the Wetlands of Burton. I found 2 ospreys there, and saw some rabbits, but BW is kind of lame. It’s pretty, but not my favorite spot. One time, I had forgotten the address and typed Burton Wetlands in my GPS, saying, «I found Burton Wetlands! It’s under Burton Wetlands!» I meant I found it when I typed it in, instead of keying in the address. It’s on a gravel road, so be careful!
Greg K.
Évaluation du lieu : 5 Chagrin Falls, OH
Another county park in the fabulous Geauga Parks District system, it has the well-groomed trails and smart amenities this park system is known for. Burton Wetlands is just that — copious amounts of water-logged lands in the rural township of Burton. This park features 2 human walk paths amongst these swampy features. The shorter Glacier Trail is a 0.5-mile stretech of «civilized» gravel walkway that winds you through the forest to Lake Kelso — a completely natural glacial lake formed by none other than the monsterous glacier that once sat on this area carving lakes and depositing silt as it expanded and contracted over thousands of years. At the end of the short walk is a canoe launch and a boardwalk to a dual observation deck. Further penetration around the lake is stopped by the boggy brush but the observation deck allows you to watch for jumping fish, eagles, herons, turtles, and all the other swampy critters who make this place home. Because of the natural preservation status of Lake Kelso, park officials only occasionally grant lake access for park-sponsored canoe programs but no other on-lake access is allowed to the public. The nearby house is home to the county’s senior naturalist on staff. This whole gorgeous area surrounding the lake used to be someone’s personal property — can you imagine that?! The second trail is longer, more natural, and is a loop trail. Except for the immediate entry, gravel doesn’t layer this footing so expect far more mud and slosh than its sister trail. It first takes you across a grassy meadow before heading into a muddy forest next to swampy ponds. Expect to see lots of beaver dams, gnawings, and the occasional beaver him/herself. There’s a little more up/down with this path but absolutely nothing strenuous or climby about it. Wetlands, as they all do, breed mosquitoes and deer flies — and the ones here are quite voracious during the above-70-deg-F season — so protect yourself accordingly(long sleeves, repellent, hat, etc.). A well-preserved natural area under the guise of good stewardship plus its quiet remoteness makes it one of our favorite parks.
