Need contact hours for CEU’s or just want to have some fun? Come to the Summer EECO Tour at Caesar Creek State Park Lake!
Summer EECO Tour at Caesar Creek State Park
Saturday, July 25th 10:00am – 2:00pm
20-person limit – ages 12 and up.
Participants will be in single, sit on top or sit in kayaks. Beginner paddlers welcome! Caesar Creek Lake is calm, flat water and 2 certified kayak instructors will be in the group to help give paddling instructions. Participants need to be able to get in and out of a kayak on their own**
A large sprawling lake, sunny meadows, and a wooded ravine await visitors at Caesar Creek, established as a state park in 1978. Caesar Creek Dam measures 2,750 feet long and stands 165 feet tall. The steep valley behind the dam made Caesar Creek Lake the deepest in Ohio, with water levels reaching a depth of roughly 150 feet. The park area sits astride the crest of the Cincinnati Arch, a gentle upward fold in the bedrock layers caused by an ancient upheaval. Some of the oldest rocks in Ohio are exposed, with sedimentary limestones and shales showing evidence of a sea that once covered the state hundreds of millions of years ago. The forests of the area are comprised of over 65 species of plants. A northern flood plain forest is found in the valley, while mixed associations of oak-hickory and beech-maple woodlands clothe the ridges and hillsides. Red-tail hawk, white-tail deer, raccoon, red fox, and box turtle make the park their home. The park's nature center was renovated in 2025. Exhibits on wildlife, habitats, and waterways feature videos and interactive, educational displays. Learn about fossils in the park, water quality, and ecosystems including the importance of natural darkness (the park is a certified firefly habitat). A dozen outdoor labs surround the building and invite guests to engage with hands-on lessons in conservation, habitats, and outdoor recreation!
Agenda:
10:00 a.m. Meet at the Wellman Boat Ramp (see map of Caesar Creek State Park and attached aerial view. GPS: 39.4885, -84.0486). Introductions, PFD fitting, go over basic paddle instructions.
10:15– 11:30 p.m. Guided flat water kayak float on Caesar Creek Lake. Along the way, we’ll discuss the history of Caesar Creek State Park, see the dam and learn about the geological significance of the area. We will also look for native flora and fauna as we float.
11:30a – 12:00 p.m. Wrap up the float, return to the boat ramp, and travel by individual cars to the Nature Center (4006 Pioneer Village Rd, Waynesville, OH 45068)
12:00 – 12:30 p.m. Enjoy our packed lunches at the picnic tables outside the Nature Center.
12:30p – 2:00p Guided tour of the newly renovated nature enter, and take a nature walk on the trails surrounding the nature center and ponds.
Please wear closed - toe shoes appropriate for the water and walking easy trails, and dress for the weather. Bring water and a brown bag lunch in a personal cooler (if needed). (Lunches will stay in personal vehicles until after the kayak float). Wear bug spray and sunscreen.
PFD (life jackets) and dry bags will be provided
Map of Caesar Creek State Park https://dam.assets.ohio.gov/image/upload/ohiodnr.gov/documents/parks/parkmaps/caesarcreekparkmap.pdf
Questions? Contact Melissa Proffitt, mproffitt@warrencountyohio.gov / 513.239.0630
EECO offers contact hour certificates to use for CEUs with professional development committees.
