On October 21, 2023, Springfield Township Trustees celebrated the grand opening of the Warder Nature Preserve, an exciting new addition for our community to enjoy. If you couldn't make it to the official ceremony or haven't had a chance to explore the preserve yet, we invite you to experience the beauty through the video linked below.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony marked the successful completion of Phase 1 of this 42-acre preserve. In the spring of 2024, we have more exciting improvements planned, including the introduction of well-maintained walking trails, additional cleanup efforts, and the addition of wildflower fields in designated areas.

This remarkable achievement has been decades in the making. More than twenty years ago, Springfield Township acquired the Warder property, a former tree and flower nursery, from the City of Cincinnati with the vision of developing it into a sizable park. However, as time went by, it became clear that the costs associated with building and maintaining a park of this magnitude exceeded the operational budget of the Public Works Department. Additionally, the services offered at Winton Woods Park already catered to the needs of our community.

In 2016, the Township underwent a comprehensive master planning process, reevaluating land use in every neighborhood. During this process, the Warder property was initially considered for a mixed-use development, featuring office spaces, residential areas, boutique retail outlets, and a space for an amphitheater. After extensive discussions with the public and market testing, it was ultimately decided that the best use for this valuable asset was to make it accessible to our community while preserving its natural charm.

To bring this vision to life, Trustees hired Kleiningers to consult and engineer a plan. The Springfield Township Public Works Department dedicated efforts included the clearing of overgrown vegetation, addressing algae issues in the pond, and the construction of a half-mile paved pathway, providing the perfect opportunity for walking and communing with nature. "Nature preserves aren't just about protecting the environment; they're about enhancing the quality of life for our community. In the embrace of nature, we find solace, inspiration, and a renewed sense of well-being," shares Trustee Kristie Dukes Davis.

During the ribbon cutting, it was noted that the restored pond was dedicated and named after the nursery's long-time supervisor, Harvey Burck. Burck not only tended to the flowers for over 37 years, he raised his family of twelve and invited neighborhood families to enjoy nature's playground year-round. 

We encourage all residents to visit the Warder Nature Preserve and experience the tranquility and natural beauty it has to offer. The property is next to the former Whitaker Elementary School at Whether you're seeking a peaceful stroll through the woods or a serene spot to connect with the outdoors, this preserve is a gift to our community, and we look forward to sharing it with you.