Elizabeth L. Evans Waterfowl & Bird Sanctuary

The Elizabeth L. Evans Waterfowl and Bird Sanctuary is a 66acre wetland area, located in the City of Gallipolis. It is in the backwater floodplain of the Ohio River and protected by the O. O. McIntyre Park District.Designed to provide habitat for wetland bird, plant and wildlife species, it also serves as an outdoor learning laboratory for students. A one mile trail meanders along Chickamauga Creek, with observation platforms and a gazebo for viewing the fragile wetland.A variety of wetland vegetation includes American sycamore, silver maple, cottonwood, arrowhead, buttonbush and bullrushes. It is home to Canadian geese, mallard ducks, great blue herons and egrets. Wetland mammals abound, including beavers, minks, muskrats and white tailed deer. Several types of turtles can be seen sunning on logs along the creek on warm summer days.The Sanctuary is open year round during daylight hours for walk-in use. Parking is available for group use, and may be opened by contacting the Park District Office by calling 740/446-4612, Ext. 256. It is conveniently located along Hedgewood Drive, just off State Route 588, one quarter mile from Fourth Avenue in Gallipolis.Hunting, trapping and fishing are prohibited, and no natural materials may be taken from the site.