university of findlay
Rieck Center for
Habitat Studies
A Living Laboratory for Environmental Education
about the rieck center
A Living Laboratory for Environmental Education
The University of Findlay’s Rieck Center for Habitat Studies is a 54-acre nature preserve where students, faculty, staff, alumni, members and community partners connect with Northwest Ohio’s natural environment. Its forests, grasslands, wetlands, floodplains, pond and more than two miles of hiking trails support education, research, conservation and recreation.
rieck center
About the Rieck Center
The Rieck Center for Habitat Studies began with a gift. In 1972, Anne Rieck donated approximately 54 acres of diverse habitat to the Humane Society of Hancock County. For more than 20 years, the property served as a shelter for homeless animals.
After a new animal shelter was built in Findlay, the Humane Society worked with The University of Findlay to establish a new purpose for the property. In June 1992, it became the Rieck Center for Habitat Studies. The Humane Society sold the property to the University in 2007, and the University continues to manage it for education, research and conservation.
Today, the Center offers environmental education for community members and University students. Its forests, grasslands, wetlands, floodplains and pond also provide space for hiking, bird watching, fishing and the study of native plants and wildlife.
- Lauren Sandhu, President
- Dave Saneholtz, Treasurer
- Gino Coppola
- Ben Dolan
- Brandan Gray
- Sue Platt
- Cheryl Rodabaugh
- Dave Patrickson
- Karen Mitchell
IMPACT
Explore the Rieck Center
With support from volunteers, students, community members and University faculty, the Rieck Center provides hands-on learning experiences while protecting diverse habitats and wildlife.
54
Acres
2+
Miles of Hiking Trails
50
Volunteers
20
Bird Houses
rieck center
Plan Your Visit
The grounds are available to members from dawn to dusk, seven days a week, throughout the year. Access after dusk requires special permission.
- Stay on marked trails.
- Do not pick or remove wildflowers or other vegetation.
- Carry out all trash and help keep the grounds clean.
Members may request to rent the facilities for parties, meetings or corporate events throughout the year. Send rental requests to Lauren Sandhu.
University of Findlay faculty, staff, students and alumni are especially encouraged to use the Center. Student membership is free. Teachers may also use the facility as a field-trip site and serve as the interpretive naturalist for their group.
From Findlay, take Ohio 37 east. Cross Ohio 15 on the overpass and continue on Ohio 37 for approximately two miles. Turn left onto Township Road 166 and travel approximately 1.2 miles. The Rieck Center will be on the right.
Geographic coordinates: 40.9565670° N, 83.5494800° W
Hunting is not permitted at the Rieck Center. Because the property is owned by The University of Findlay, firearms are not permitted on the property in accordance with University policy and Ohio Revised Code 2923.126(B). For an immediate safety concern, call University of Findlay Security at 419-434-4799.
Contact Us
Rieck Center for Habitat Studies
17311 Township Road 166
Arlington, OH 45814
Phone: (419) 434-5746
Email: emswellerl@findlay.edu