Uploaded August 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Sand dunes, native cactus, rare wildlife and one of northwest Ohio's most photographed forests are all waiting at Oak Openings Preserve Metropark.
In this episode of Tim Takes You There, Tim Miller explores the largest park in the Metroparks Toledo system and discovers why Oak Openings is one of the region's most unusual natural landscapes.
Tim joins Metroparks Toledo Natural Resources Director Lorrae Sproul and Director of Conservation Science Jay Wright to explore ancient sand dunes left behind by glacial Lake Erie, search for rare plants and insects and learn how conservationists protect this remarkable ecosystem.
Along the way, Tim gets a surprise encounter with an eastern hognose snake, listens for migrating birds, visits The Spot — the pine plantation that became a social media photo destination — and finds native prickly pear cactus growing in northwest Ohio.
You'll also see how prescribed burns and habitat restoration help protect Oak Openings' prairies, savannas, dunes and wildlife.
Oak Openings Preserve is located between Whitehouse and Swanton, Ohio, and offers hiking, birding, fishing, camping and other outdoor recreation. The Beach Ridge Area is also home to the Cannaley Treehouse Village and mountain biking trails.
Watch the full episode, then plan your own visit to discover which part of Oak Openings becomes your favorite spot.
Tim Takes You There is also streaming on WTOL 11+ on Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV, Samsung TVs and mobile devices.
Have an idea for a future destination? Email Tim at tmiller@wtol.com or send your suggestion through the WTOL 11 Facebook page.
Sand dunes, native cactus, rare wildlife and one of northwest Ohio's most photographed forests are all waiting at Oak Openings Preserve Metropark.
In this episode of Tim Takes You There, Tim Miller explores the largest park in the Metroparks Toledo system and discovers why Oak Openings is one of the region's most unusual natural landscapes.
Tim joins Metroparks Toledo Natural Resources Director Lorrae Sproul and Director of Conservation Science Jay Wright to explore ancient sand dunes left behind by glacial Lake Erie, search for rare plants and insects and learn how conservationists protect this remarkable ecosystem.
Along the way, Tim gets a surprise encounter with an eastern hognose snake, listens for migrating birds, visits The Spot — the pine plantation that became a social media photo destination — and finds native prickly pear cactus growing in northwest Ohio.
You'll also see how prescribed burns and habitat restoration help protect Oak Openings' prairies, savannas, dunes and wildlife.
Oak Openings Preserve is located between Whitehouse and Swanton, Ohio, and offers hiking, birding, fishing, camping and other outdoor recreation. The Beach Ridge Area is also home to the Cannaley Treehouse Village and mountain biking trails.
Watch the full episode, then plan your own visit to discover which part of Oak Openings becomes your favorite spot.
Tim Takes You There is also streaming on WTOL 11+ on Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV, Samsung TVs and mobile devices.
Have an idea for a future destination? Email Tim at tmiller@wtol.com or send your suggestion through the WTOL 11 Facebook page.
