Hambden Orchard Wildlife Area

LOCATION AND DESCRIPTION
This 842-acre wildlife area is in northeast Ohio, 2 miles south of Hambden on the east side of State Route 608.  Sisson Road provides access to the south boundary of the area.

Second growth hardwoods cover most of the area, interspersed with brushy coverts and former apple orchards.  The topography is flat to gently rolling.  There are two ponds, one less than 1/4 acre, the other nearly 2 acres.

HISTORY AND PURPOSE
Land for this wildlife area was purchased in 1956.  It was named for the 225 acres of old apple orchards on the area.  After purchase, Hambden Orchard Wildlife Area was managed primarily for cottontail rabbits and ring-necked pheasants.  However, as natural succession of vegetation has progressed, the habitat has become more suitable for white-tailed deer, woodcock, squirrel, and turkey.

FISH AND WILDLIFE
Cottontail rabbits, woodcock, fox squirrels, turkey, and white-tailed deer are the principal game species. Occasionaly grouse may also be encountered on the area. All furbearers common to the region, including beaver, are found on the area.  The ponds attract small numbers of migrant waterfowl.
The large pond supports fishable populations of largemouth bass and bluegills.

HUNTING, TRAPPING, AND FISHING
Hambden Orchard Wildlife Area has many acres of good squirrel, deer, and turkey woods.  The best rabbit and woodcock hunting is found on the west side in the brushy cover.
Limited trapping and fishing are provided by the two ponds.

Beaver marshes are common throughout the low lying areas. These marshes vary in acreage from year to year and provide fluctuating populations of waterfowl and furbearers.

PUBLIC USE FACILITIES
Three parking lots are situated along the boundary roads for easy access.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Further information may be obtained from the Area Manager, Grand River Wildlife Area, 6686 SR 534, W. Farmington, OH 44491, phone (330) 889-3280; or from Wildlife District Three Office, 912 Portage Lakes Drive, Akron, OH 44319, phone (330) 644-2293.