Frohring Meadows 16780 Savage Road Bainbridge Township

Frohring Meadows is 298-acre park in Bainbridge Township that features a 100-acre prairie, and trails through the woodlands. It is Geauga Park District’s intent to protect this natural area in perpetuity.

In 1996, Paul Frohring, a pioneer in the development of nutritional and medical supplements, donated the land that surrounded his Bainbridge farmhouse to Geauga Park District. Much of the property was once farmland; soybeans, oats, corn, and wheat were harvested here. In 1999, Geauga Park District entered into a 50-year lease with Chagrin Falls for 122 acres adjacent to the Frohring property.

Habitats
Trails and Trail Map

Habitats

Frohring Meadows features a woodland dominated by red and sugar maples; beech, black cherry, tulip, red oak, ash, and hickory trees also grow there. Vernal pools host a variety of life including several species of amphibians, like the spotted salamander, which return each spring to lay their eggs.

A low-lying, wet sedge meadow habitat serves as an important feeding stop for migrating shorebirds such as plovers and sandpipers. Aquatic invertebrates living in the shallow water provide ample food for hungry migrants. The water-holding capacity of this area is beneficial to many species of dragonflies and damselflies as well. The Band-winged Dragonlet dragonfly, a new species to Geauga County typically native to Texas, was discovered here in 2007.

The abandoned farm fields have become an ideal setting for a special habitat creation project featuring a tall grass prairie, a habitat that might have been found in parts of Ohio when early settlers roamed the territory.

The prairie includes warm season grass species such as Big Bluestem, Little Bluestem, Indian Grass, and Switch Grass. There are a number of flowering plants associated with this habitat, such as Purple Coneflower, Blazing Star, New England Aster, and Mountain Mint. Over time, this habitat will yield a beautiful array of grasses and flowers for visitors to enjoy.

Trails

Trails through Frohring Meadows are designed for users of all abilities. Through the meadow is the fully-accessible Dragonfly Trail, which is a paved walkway to allow visitors to experience an upclose view of the wet prairie, and makes an ideal
jogging trail.

Hikers and cross-country skiers can also enjoy an easy stroll through the woodlands on the Big Bluestem Trail.            

Download the trail map here.