Travel west 5 miles on U.S. 40 to Aullwood Road. Entrance to the farm is on Frederick Road, east of Aullwood s main entrance. It is a busy day at the nature sanctuary at Aullwood Audubon Center and Farm. In a mature forest, butterflies dance over vibrant spring wildflowers while squirrels patrol the ground for their latest meal. In a pond teeming with frogs and turtles, bluegill and catfish congregate by the end of an observation deck, hoping a visitor will toss a tasty morsel.
Bluebirds feed their young in a meadow.
Nature thrives in many forms at this National Audubon haven just north of Dayton. Visitors have explored Aullwood s splendor since 1957. That year, Marie Aull donated 70 acres and provided the money to create a place where children could discover nature. Mrs. Aull, the widow of an affluent Dayton businessman, decided to affiliate the center with the National Audubon Society, an ideal fit because her mission was to promote the protection of birds and wildlife and their habitats. Since Mrs. Aull bestowed her gift, Aullwood has grown to 350 acres that include six hiking trails, meadows, prairies, ponds and streams, lush forests and a working organic farm.