Tom S. Cooperrider-Kent Bog State Nature Preserve

Tom S. Cooperrider-Kent Bog State Nature Preserve is a protected wetland in Portage County featuring a half-mile boardwalk that winds through the marshy terrain. The site contains Ohio's largest collection of tamarack trees and supports a diverse bog ecosystem.

The preserve developed after the Wisconsin Glaciation, when a block of retreating ice left behind a kettle depression that gradually filled with peat and organic material. This glacial legacy shaped the wetland that exists today.

The preserve is named after Tom S. Cooperrider, a Kent State University professor who spent his career studying Ohio's plant life. You can see how his dedication shaped the way this place is cared for today.

The boardwalk is easy to walk and features informational signs about local plants and geology along the route. A parking area sits right at the trailhead, making access straightforward for all visitors.

The preserve stands out for its tamarack trees, which are conifers that shed their needles each fall, creating a striking seasonal change in appearance. This unusual habit makes the landscape look completely different from autumn through spring compared to other evergreen forests.

Location: Portage County

Website: http://naturepreserves.ohiodnr.gov/cooperriderkentbog

GPS coordinates: 41.12940,-81.35360

Latest update: December 14, 2025 14:45