Tranquility Wildlife Area

LOCATION AND DESCRIPTION
Tranquility Wildlife Area is located in southwest Ohio, 16 miles south of Hillsboro on State Route 770. County Road 100 (Old State Route 32) runs along the southern boundary of the area.

The terrain is typical of the unglaciated hill region of Ohio. About 40 percent of the wildlife area consists of native woodlands. Oak and hickory dominate the dry ridges and upper slopes. Maple, beech, elm, and ash are most common on the lower slopes and along the streams. Index of Ohio's trees from the Division of Forestry. Mixed brush with dense stands of red cedar make up about 40 percent of the area. The remaining 20 percent consists of grassland and cultivated fields.

HISTORY AND PURPOSE
Purchasing of land for this public wildlife area began in 1956. Management work has included the planting of conifers, protection and improvement of existing woodlands, selection of areas to be returned to woodland through natural succession, and maintenance of open fields. Numerous ponds have been constructed.

FISH AND WILDLIFE
Largemouth bass, bluegill, and catfish are the major species of fish found in several ponds on the area.

Fox and gray squirrels, cottontail rabbit, bobwhite quail, woodchuck, and raccoon are the principal game and furbearing species. Deer, ruffed grouse, turkey, muskrat, mink, skunk, red and gray foxes, and opossum are present in lesser numbers.

A variety of both nesting and migrating birds utilize the area. Of particular interest are the spring migration of waterfowl and songbirds and the fall migration of hawks. A variety of songbirds can be found all year; observation of these birds is an excellent source of recreation and enjoyment for visitors.

HUNTING, TRAPPING, AND FISHING
Good squirrel populations are found in the woods. Gray squirrels are abundant in heavily wooded areas and fox squirrels in the more open woods and fencerows. Hunting is best in the hickory areas early in the season. Squirrels are usually more scattered later in the season while feeding on acorns and other fruits. The best rabbit and quail hunting is in the brushy areas along field borders. Raccoon and woodchuck are widely distributed and hunting for them is usually good. Deer, turkey and ruffed grouse are found in the brushy areas, cutover timber stands, and wooded areas. Night hunting for raccoon and fox, and trapping for muskrat and mink along the streams and pond banks, are popular and productive.

Largemouth bass and bluegill are the principal species of fish stocked in ponds on this area and good catches of both are reported.

UNUSUAL FEATURES
This area lies in a glacial transition zone. Since trees and non-woody plants of both glacial and non-glacial soils are present, the area is of interest to both amateur and professional naturalists.

Of great beauty in the spring are the flowering dogwood and redbud, which are found in vast numbers. In the fall, a mixture of brightly colored hardwoods provides striking contrast to the green conifers, principally red cedar. Native grasses are found on this area.

PUBLIC USE FACILITIES
Several miles of interior roads and many parking areas provide good access to the entire area. Two shooting ranges are available for rifle, pistol, and shotgun.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Further information may be obtained from the Area Manager, Fallsville Wildlife Area, 10221 Careytown Road, New Vienna, Ohio 45159; telephone (937) 987-2508 or from the Wildlife District Five Office, 1076 Old Springfield Pike, Xenia, Ohio 45385; telephone (937) 372-9261.