Located in Kansas, the Clary Boulee McDonald Nature Preserve is a 160-acre conservation area that reflects one of the most ambitious restoration efforts undertaken by the Black Swamp Conservancy. Once shaped by agriculture, the property has been transformed through a 100-acre restoration that reestablishes wetlands, riparian habitat, and native ecosystems along Wolf Creek.
Positioned between the creek and surrounding farm fields, the preserve plays a vital role in improving regional water quality. Restored wetlands now capture and filter excess nutrients from runoff before they reach the creek, contributing to cleaner downstream waters that ultimately flow toward Lake Erie.
The project also expands a large, existing floodplain forest corridor along Wolf Creek, creating continuous habitat that supports wildlife movement and biodiversity. These connected landscapes provide food, shelter, and safer passage for native species, strengthening the ecological resilience of the region.
Now owned and managed by the Seneca County Park District, the preserve represents a collaborative effort to balance habitat restoration, water quality improvement, and public access.
The preserve features two loop trails beginning at the north entrance. The one-mile trail winds through lush wetland habitats, offering an immersive nature experience. The shorter 0.4-mile trail provides a quick and informative view of the H2Ohio-sponsored water quality project. With natural and grassy terrain, these trails offer a dynamic and educational outdoor adventure for visitors of all ages. To learn more and how to visit, Seneca County Parks.
Flowing Forward
Mud-thick boots, cold farmers, an adze chopping holes for tiny trees in a huge field. These are memorable images from “Flowing Forward,” a short documentary by Christy Frank and Alex Goetz of Running Wild Media that follows restoration of Clary Boulee.