About
The Glen is immediately adjacent to the main Antioch College campus (which itself contains restored natural areas managed by The Glen) and stretches in land area for . Together with the of the John Bryan State Park and the of the Clifton Gorge State Nature Preserve, the area comprises a river corridor of over 2,100 contiguous acres that has been rated "exceptional" by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources for its cleanliness and biodiversity. The preserve was designated a National Natural Landmark in 1965. The patches of land now included in Glen Helen previously had a number of different uses. While some were always natural, other areas were farmed, some grazed, and some extensively logged. The oldest trees in the Glen might be 400 years old, but there are many newer areas of forest 90 years old or younger. The Glen is actively managed to weed out non-native invasive species of plants like bush honeysuckle and Japanese stiltgrass; about 30 to 40 acres a year of honeysuckle are cleared. Those areas are then planted with native species like baby spicebushes, sumac, goldenrod, and sedge, which helps return the land to its original state and keeps the invasive species at bay. The Glen features more than twenty miles of publicly accessible trails and includes 2.5 miles of the National Scenic Little Miami River, regionally significant stands ofFacilities
The Glen Helen Raptor Center rehabilitates injured birds with the goal of releasing them back to the wild, and also offers education about raptors and their role in Ohio ecosystems. The Vernet Ecological Center, named for Sergius Vernet who invented the wax thermostatic element, is located on the western edge of The Glen and houses an auditorium, complete with a stage, video projection and sound system, that seats up to 140 (or 80 with tables); a patio; a Nature Shop; offices; and, the Atrium Gallery which exhibits contemporary art by local and regional artists. The building, with its unique curved limestone walls and vertical lines of rough-hewn yellow pine, was built in 1973, but was rededicated in late 2012 after significant upgrades including an energy-efficient geothermal heating and cooling system and an insulated cork floor. The Trailside Museum is the weekend welcome center for Glen Helen, and features hands-on displays and exhibits. The Glen Helen Outdoor Education Center (OEC) can be found in the northeast corner of the Glen Helen Nature Preserve. The OEC hosts school and other organizational groups and has developed programs to develop their appreciation of the natural world and an awareness of environmental problems along with the ecological principles that influence them. The physical facilities include the Outdoor Education Center Lodge which has a Cafeteria-style dining room suitable for up to 120 people, and three Dormitories each sleeping 36–40. Camp Greene, a former Girl Scout Camp which added about 30 acres to The Glen in 2015, offers a 1920s era lodge which can accommodate up to 200 people, as well as dormitory facilities. Birch Manor is a 1931 Georgian-style mansion designed by architect William Shilling. It was home to Hugh Taylor Birch, the benefactor who two years previous had donated the initial 700 acres for the preserve, and Birch lived there seasonally for a decade before dying at age 94. As originally built the house had 11 rooms, nine bathrooms, eight fireplaces, and a garage with servant's quarters. However, when Antioch College President James Dixon lived there, he added additional rooms, bringing the total up to 18. The space is suitable for up to 150 people outdoors or 110 people indoors. Many of the Glen Helen facilities, including the Vernet Ecological Center, the Outdoor Education Center Lodge and Dormitories, Camp Green, Birch Manor, and even a meadow, are rentable event venues available for special functions. The Riding Centre, a therapeutic equestrian facility, is physically located on land leased from Glen Helen, but is operated separately.References
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