Relax with nature at Aullwood Audubon, a 200-acre nature sanctuary and educational farm in Dayton, Ohio. It is part of the National Audubon Society. It is nationally recognized for environmental programming that connects children of all ages with the wonders of birds, nature, wildlife, and bird-friendly farming. Aullwood’s sanctuary has eight miles of walking trails winding through prairie, woods, ponds, farmland, and meadows, including the Cardinal Trail, an all-people-accessible paved 4/10 mile loop that now connects to the new Wood Duck Trail on a brand new 800-ft. wheelchair-accessible boardwalk through Muskrat Marsh!. Aullwood is also home of “The Troll that Hatched an Egg by Thomas Dambo” exhibit. The three trolls and troll-sized bird nests are located along Aullwood’s trails and support the mission of recycling, conservation, and protecting the earth.
The Marie S. Aull Education Center has dozens of hands-on exhibits that interpret southwest Ohio’s flora and fauna in two discovery rooms, countless opportunities to explore rich natural history resources in five thematic classrooms, and places for quiet reflection in observation rooms. A 125-seat auditorium provides space for meetings, conferences, wedding receptions, parties, and other community events.
Aullwood Farm is home to many farm animals that are on the Livestock Conservancy’s endangered list, including horses, cattle, sheep, ducks, pigs, chickens, turkeys, donkeys, and goats. The Farm Discovery Center features interactive exhibits that interpret sustainable agriculture. A 200-seat auditorium provides space for meetings, conferences, wedding receptions, parties, and other community events. Visitors may explore the century-old bank barn, pastures, colorful herb and vegetable gardens, springhouse, and trails through the woods and prairies.
Twenty-four environmental education programs are offered that meet the newly approved Ohio academic standards for science and social studies. Guided and self-guided tours are also available. Program fees vary. Call Aullwood for additional information at 937-890-7360. Open all year from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and 1:00 – 5:00 p.m. on Sunday. Closed on Monday and some major holidays. There is an admission fee. Friends of Aullwood, ANCA, and National Audubon Society members are FREE.
The Marie S. Aull Education Center is at 1000 Aullwood Road and Aullwood Farm at 9101 Frederick Pike, Dayton, OH 45414. Both facilities are three miles west of the Dayton International Airport and a 20-minute drive from downtown Dayton on Interstate 75 North. There is ample free parking. For more information, call Aullwood at 937-890-7360 or visit their website.
