COLUMBUS, OHIO - The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) will celebrate the opening of Lou Campbell State Nature Preserve to the public with an open house on Saturday, May 17. The event is being held in conjunction with other Oak Openings activities at local parks and natural areas across Lucas County.

A microcosm of the biologically significant Oak Openings region, Lou Campbell State Nature Preserve harbors more than 30 plant species that are listed as threatened or endangered in Ohio, including grass-pink orchid, soapwort gentian, dwarf dandelion, cow-wheat and Missouri ironweed. Two endangered species - the lavender blossoms of wild lupine and the yellow flowered plains puccoon flowers - will be in full bloom at the open house.

Until now, the 170-acre preserve has been open only to visitors with access permits. Beginning May 17, the site will be open to visitors year-round from sunrise to sunset. Visitors will be treated to a naturalist-led walk along the new 2.3 mile loop trail Saturday at 1 p.m.

Lou Campbell features a variety of habitats including wet sedge meadows, a swamp forest, sand barrens prairie and oak openings. The preserve is located east of the Toledo Express Airport along Weckerly Road south of Route 2. For more information, call 419-445-1775.

Children who hike with their families during the special event and throughout the year can receive credit towards the ODNR Explore the Outdoors Hike a Trail activity. Explore the Outdoors is a hands-on family program that gives Ohio children the opportunity to reunite with nature, improve their physical and emotional health and discover the rewards of becoming environmental stewards. Program information and downloadable activity guides can be found at www.exploretheoutdoorsohio.com.

Sponsored by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Natural Areas and Preserves, the Natural Areas Discovery Series features scheduled hikes, interpretive activities and an opportunity for visitors to meet preserve staff. Programs are held from April to October. The next events will be held on May 30 at Tinker's Creek in Portage County and Chaparral Prairie in Adams County.

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR web site at www.ohiodnr.com.