The 3.5913-acre property is located at the intersection of Langram and Thompson Roads on South Bass Island, Ottawa County, Ohio. It was purchased by the Put-in-Bay Township Park District with Clean Ohio Conservation Fund Grants with the match funds coming from the Lake Erie Islands Conservancy, the John Ladd family, and a bargain sale from owner John Dodge.

This wooded area is mostly young forest, having been a vineyard at one time. There is a mix of black walnut, common hackberry, black cherry, Kentucky coffeetree, wild grape, mulberry and eastern red cedar with some planted conifers and fruit trees on the edges as well as herbaceous plants and sedges.

Spring wildflowers such as Virginia waterleaf, bloodroot, wild leeks, false Solomon’s Seal, and buttercups are found in the trail area. Enchanters nightshade as well as the tall bellflower are followed by Short’s aster and goldenrod in the fall.

The variety of habitats make it a nice stop for birding in the spring migration season. The Eastern Fox Snake (Elaphe vulpine gloydi, state species of concern) and the melanistic form of the Eastern Garter Snake (Thamnophis sirtalis sirtalis, state species of concern) have also been recorded in the immediate vicinity.

The property will be open to public access daily from dawn to dusk.

Located on Put-in-Bay Road, about 1/4 mile north of Maple Leaf Cemetery, Jane Coates Wildflower Trail is a nature trail protected by the Lake Erie Islands Conservancy and now owned by the Put-in-Bay Township Park District. The surrounding woodlands of blue ash, hackberry, and chinquapin oak shelter spring wildflowers such as the wild hyacinths pictured as well as Dutchman’s Breeches, appendaged waterleaf, wild phlox, and Jack-in-the Pulpit. It can be a great place in spring and fall for migratory songbirds and warblers. A bench on the back portion of the trail is a great place to sit and birdwatch. The 1/2 mile trail is named for Put-in-Bay artist Jane Coates who was a jeweler, painter and conservationist. Many covet Jane’s free form sterling silver cast jewelry and her other works of art. Another Jane Coates legacy is the custom painted panels on Kimberly’s Carousel depicting historic Put-in-Bay images, including the Hotel Victory, the Steamer Put-in-Bay, Ford Tri-Motor “Tin Goose”, Perry’s Victory & International Peace Memorial, and the Colonial Building.

Paddling is quickly becoming one of the more popular outdoor pursuits and is an exciting recreational opportunity that provides a new perspective and a deeper appreciation for these unique islands. The heritage and beauty of the islands’ natural resources can be explored through the use of the Lake Erie Islands Water Trails (LEIWT), five separate paddling trails around each island (North Bass, Middle Bass, South Bass and Kelleys) and along the near-shore mainland (Catawba and Marblehead). The rich natural, historical and cultural diversity of the coastlines and islands in Lake Erie are experienced through access points identified on maps and on land by a welcoming sign with the logo of the LEIWT. These designated access points are located on public property, so please respect private property along the rest of the water trail.

This eleven-acre shoreline parcel on the East Point of South Bass Island includes cliff habitat and a great dock for fishing. It was purchased with Clean Ohio Conservation Funds, Coastal Estuarine Land Conservation Program, private donations, and land owner donations in 2015. Four acres of adjacent woodland were added to the property with a purchase from Len and Connie Knam in March of 2016. Dedicated August of 2016, it has a trail system to link visitors from the State Route 357 parking lot all the way to the lake for bird-watching, walking, photography, and nature study.

When you're looking for an adrenaline rush on the island, look no further than the only Jet Ski Rental in Downtown Put-in-Bay! Check out the natural beauty of Lake Erie's coasts and views of Perry's Victory and International Peace Memorial that you can't see anywhere else. Rentals are available for either a half or full hour, with one rider or two.

Captain Jason Hall gives adventurers a unique “bird’s eye view” of Put-in-Bay’s boat filled downtown harbor and the surrounding islands. Strapped into a parachute harness and hanger, you’ll gradually be lifted from the back of the boat into the sky as the wench feeds out the cable connecting you to the vessel. Put-in-Bay Parasail departs the Boardwalk’s downtown dock. Ask about group rates. Call ahead for reservations and for current prices. Both single and double parasailing is available.

JET SKIS, BOATS, KAYAKS AND PADDLEBOARDS

Rent yours this summer by the half hour and hour at South Bass Island State Park. Put-in-Bay Watercraft Rentals is open daily, 11 am to 6 p,m., weather permitting. Ask about group rates.

Try your skill at climbing a rock wall at the Perry’s Cave Family Fun Center. Four different skill levels are all on the same wall. The Rock Crew is trained to get climbers securely in the required safety harness. The safety equipment is provided. The 25-foot rock wall is open, weather permitting, any time the Perry’s Cave Family Fun Center is open. Climb the wall for only $10.00/3 Climbs.

Scheeff East Point Nature Preserve is 9-acre parcel of water front property protected by the newly formed Put-in-Bay Township Park District. The preserve is located at the very end of East Point, about two miles from downtown Put-in-Bay. The preserve offers visitors a walking path, great bird watching opportunities, and shoreline access for fishing The property is open from dawn to dusk daily.

The War of 18 Holes is an 18 hole championship putt-putt course with a War of 1812 theme. This challenging course is sure to be a hit with the entire family. Learn interesting facts about the War of 1812 and Oliver Hazard Perry’s pivotal role in American History in the “Battle of Lake Erie” while playing under a canopy of shade trees. Kids will enjoy exploring the covered bridge and learning the secret of the “water shot”. Play a long shot through the waterfall cave. Open until late.

Wharfside sells bait, tackle and Ohio Fishing Licenses. Located on Bay View Avenue, across from Mossbacks Restaurant. The shop also sells food items and a large inventory of boat supplies, including coolers, life jackets, boat bumpers and marine and boat parts. Wharfside also carries Island souvenirs and gift items, and rents golf carts.