Bull's Run Sanctuary and Arboretum in Middletown

The Bull's Run Nature Sanctuary and Arboretum in Middletown features eleven acres of woods and rolling hills with short nature trails throughout and provides a relaxing get-away from the city, no matter the season. Within the sanctuary is the last free-flowing section of Bull's Run Creek. The creek was used as one Middletown's original boundaries and the area as a grazing pasture for bulls in the 1800's. The park is currently managed by a non-profit corporation, Bull's Run Corporate, which is, according to their website "dedicated to developing and maintaining the Sanctuary as an educational and visual establishment for the benefit of the community."

A visit to the park will bring you closer to nature as you may see squirrels, birds, maybe even a deer or a turtle. In the springtime, see a variety of woodland wildflowers or a garden of plants native to Ohio blooming in the fall. During the winter, the park maintains eight bird-feeding stations. At the front of the park is an arboretum with specific species of trees labeled with information. Inside, you'll find a picnic shelter and mulched trails along the creek that run about 1/3 mile as well as a meadow area that is under restoration. They also offer several nature-based education programs for students of all ages and offer free school field trips.

The Bull's Run Nature Sanctuary and Arboretum in Middletown is open daily from dawn to dusk. Admission is free. The park is located on Rosedale Road.

Cox Arboretum - My Visit April 2009

If you find yourself with a few spare hours this weekend I would highly recommend a visit to the Cox Arboretum on 6733 Springboro Pike in Dayton, Ohio. From Middletown the Arboretum is roughly a 25 minute drive. Or to give you another idea on the time and distance it's about 3-5 minutes past the Dayton Mall. Simply take the I75 Miamisburgh-Springboro exit, turn right at the bottom of the ramp, then take the fist left onto Spingboro Pike. Head North for just a few minutes and you will see the signs for the Arboretum on your left.

The Arboretum is located on 189 acres of land owned by Five Rivers MetroPark which serves the greater Dayton area. The park includes:

* Shrub Garden with more than 500 different trees and shrubs
* Woodland Wildflower Garden
* Rock Garden
* Water Garden
* Clematis Arbor
* Crabapple Allee
* Stonewall Perennial Garden
* Meditation Garden
* Conifer Collection
* Bell Children's Maze
* Edible Landscape Garden
* Conservation Corner (Prairie, Bird Blind) Praire Plants Brochure
* Butterfly House and Garden (Butterfly House is a seasonal display)

It was two weeks ago when my wife and I were last there. At the time only a few types of flowers were were starting to bloom. I can only imagine there is ten times the color to be enjoyed there now.

If you enjoy walking there are several trails leading through wooded areas and of course the main paved paths around the beautifully kept grounds of the Arboretum. The main paved path takes you past two wonderful ponds full of turtles and giant coy. To make a single loop around the main grounds you should plan on at least a 30 minute walk. If you stop to take in the scenery that time could easily double.

With the weather looking wonderful for this weekend I hope you can give the Cox Arboretum a try. I am sure you will enjoy it.

For more details visit:
http://www.coxarboretum.org/

Or comment and share your favorite springtime pictures on our MiddletownUSA Community Forum.