LOCATION AND DESCRIPTION This 462-acre wildlife area is situated in northeast Ohio on the east side of Auburn Road, one-half mile north of Auburn Corners on Washington Road. It can be reached from State Route 44 on the east.
Geauga County is famous for its sugar maple products drawn from its extensive beech-maple woods. Originally, the Auburn area was covered with approximately 85 percent beech-maple forest and 15 percent elm-ash-soft maple swamp forest. Initial settlement resulted in the clearing of much of the land. Even the land that was not cultivated was pastured, opening the forest canopy and allowing the cottontail rabbit, bobwhite quail, and fox squirrel populations to increase.
The area lies in a shallow U-shaped valley with scattered knolls. Topography is very flat and the soils have poor drainage characteristics. In addition to large permanent wet areas, much of the area is subject to seasonal flooding. Drainage ditches were constructed in the 1930s by previous landowners in an attempt to improve the land for cultivation, but eventually farming was abandoned.
Approximately half of the area now consists of second-growth successional hardwoods and maturing states of brush. Several small blocks of original mature beech-maple woods are still present.
HISTORY AND PURPOSE Since the area was established in 1954 it has been managed as a public hunting area for upland wildlife. Hunting is the major recreational use.
WILDLIFE
Resident wildlife species are those typical for this portion of northeast Ohio. The area lies within the range where abundant numbers of white-tailed deer, waterfowl, and fox squirrel occur. Cottontail rabbit populations are good. With the appearance of beaver colonies on the area between 1969 and 1971, the potential for waterfowl and furbearer use expanded considerably. Waterfowl populations fluctuate anually in conjunction with the varying size and location of the beaver marshes.
Forest game and waterfowl receive primary management consideration. Other wildlife species that receive secondary benefits include woodcock and a variety of nongame species such as marsh birds and shorebirds.
Many kinds of songbirds can be found throughout the area, especially during spring and fall migrations.
HUNTING
The best upland hunting is in the small openings and brushy areas. Good waterfowl hunting is available in the beaver marshes and in the edge vegetation around the marsh. Shotguns using shot are the only firearms that may be discharged on the area. Target shooting is prohibited. The use of rifled slugs for deer hunting is also prohibited. Deer may be hunted with archery equipment only.
PUBLIC USE FACILITIES Public facilities include parking lots and access roads on the exterior of the area.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Further information may be obtained from: Area Manager, Auburn Wildlife Area, 6686 SR 534, W. Farmington, Ohio 44491; telephone (330) 889-3280; or from Wildlife District Three Office, 912 Portage Lakes Drive, Akron, Ohio 44319; telephone (330) 644-2293.
Any questions please call Ohio Land expert Brian Bauer (614) 949-6764
