Scheeff East Point Preserve
Part of the Lake Erie Islands Conservancy, the Scheeff East Point Preserve is an 8.8-acre plot of ground found on the easternmost end of Put-in-Bay. This park is located easily with a Put-In-Bay Golf Cart Rental.
Scheeff East Point Preserve Particulars
One of the final remaining natural areas on the Lake Erie islands, this preserve presents sensational vistas of Lake Erie and all the surrounding islands, including the Ballast and Middle Bass Islands.
The stony shores, shallow water, and upland coverage provide the ideal habitat for the endangered Lake Erie Watersnake, migrating birds, and waterfowl. Many different varieties of shoreline plants also make their home here.
Name for Rose Scheeff, who supplied charitable donations to the conservancy, Scheeff East Point Preserve also includes a walking path around the park’s perimeter. Shoreline fishing, birdwatching, and kayak access are some fun activities here. Parking is also available on-site.
The Put-in-Bay Township Park District holds the preserve after the Western Reserve Land Conservancy purchased it with assistance from the Lake Erie Islands Conversancy.
A Unit 6 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Grant provides the habitat specifically for the water snake.
Other necessary funds and contributions come from the Ohio Division of Wildlife, Ohio Division of Natural Areas and Preserves, the Sandusky Eagles Foundation, the First Energy Foundation, and many other personal donors, including Mrs. Rose Scheeff.
The Lake Erie Watersnake
Withdrawn from the list of federally endangered species in 2011, the watersnake is now listed as federally threatened. Lake Erie Islands Conservancy is dedicated to the protection of this critical animal.
Coming across a watersnake can be both exciting and a little frightening! Although it is not poisonous, it is a curious creature and can become aggressive when attacked. It is best to leave the snake alone.
The snakes are consistently gray in design and can grow up to 1 ½ to 3 ½ feet in measurement. They love the cliff, ridges, and stony shorelines of the islands. During the winter, they hibernate belowground.
Due to the incursion of round goby in Lake Erie, their diet now consists almost entirely of goby. Gobies jeopardized other native fish in the lake, so the watersnake is imperative in eradicating this bothersome animal.
Habitat loss and degradation are attributed to their downfall, as humans kill them. Via neighborhood involvement, a rescue plan, and comprehensive research, the Lake Erie Islands appreciate a revival in the population of the watersnake.
Remember that roaming around the Lake Erie Islands and encountering any wildlife (especially the watersnake) means that you’re in their natural habitat and thus only a visitor.
Such an experience is considerably distinguishable from enjoying the presence of wildlife in more metropolitan areas, such as the well-known wild deer herds in the parks of Dublin that are pretty used to the sight of humans.
No matter what type of creatures you encounter when you’re examining a natural area like the Scheeff East Point Preserve, be aware of your conduct and do your best not to endanger the well-being of the creatures or your security.
The Lake Erie Islands Conservancy Properties
In addition to the Scheeff East Point Preserve, the Lake Erie Islands Conservancy sustains and protects numerous other plots of land throughout South Bass and Middle Bass Islands. These include:
• Jane Coates Wildflower Trial
• Massie Cliffside Preserve
•Petersen’s Woods
•Ladd Carr Wildlife Woods
• Dodge Woods Preserve
As Put-in-Bay becomes more and more popular with tourists, preserving the natural wonder of the island is more crucial than ever. Their efforts are paramount to the survival of the island. This island is so unique in its ecology. Its untouched beauty is one of the reasons so many people fall in love with it at first view.
Things To See And Do On Your Way To And From Scheeff East Point Preserve.
If you plan to spend some time at the nature preserves, you may want to consider packing a lite lunch to enjoy a picnic. You will pass Dairy Isle and Margaritas On The Rock on your way there, and both are great places to grab some food to go.
We would be remiss if we failed to mention some of the great shops in the area that offer some really cool Put-in-Bay branded clothing and other items. Local Color is located near the Keys Restaurant and is a great place to seek out local treasures. Another local craftsperson shop to check out is Jessies Jewelry; her art design jewelry is well known in the Lake Erie Islands.