Bulls Run Nature Sanctuary and Arboretum

Almost unknown and hidden in the midst of a residential area, the 11 acre Bull’s Run Nature Sanctuary and Arboretum is one of Middletown’s most valuable science laboratories.  Originally a place where bulls grazed, the free flowing stream, appropriately named Bull’s Run, was, in 1802, one of the original boundaries of Middletown. Through the years the eleven acre wooded site served as Fresh Air Camp, a location away from the inner city where children could be sheltered from an epidemic of tuberculosis. It operated as a camp for children until 1975.

Three influential ladies of Middletown, Carolyn Gaker, Peggy Verity and Louise Whitehurst, asked the City of Middletown to allow them to preserve the land as an arboretum since it already contained the native plants and trees of the area.

Since then, trails have been established, bridges built and thousands of area school children and adult Miami University science students have used the arboretum as their classroom and laboratory.

To reach Bull’s run Arboretum which is open dawn to dusk every day of the year, take I-75, exit 32 west on SR122 to Breiel Blvd. Turn north (right) on Breiel. Turn left on Rosedale Road and cross Curryer Road. Bull’s Run is on the right. Admission is free.

Volunteers maintain Bull’s Run Arboretum and constantly work to remove non-native plants which threaten to invade the area and choke out native plants.  Many plants were brought to area home landscapes innocently enough by homeowners hoping to create variety in their own spaces. Over time, however, thanks to birds and wind currents, the seeds of those non-native plants have moved to other areas, taken root and become a significant nuisance to those attempting to preserve the native habitat. Hard working volunteers pull out the invaders, plant native plants, maintain the trails and protect the area.

A visit to the Bull’s Run Arboretum offers a chance to slow down, get away from the diesel fumes and traffic noises.  A walk in the woods is good exercise (there are a few hills and steps) and a chance to meditate. Many trees and plants are marked with scientific names of the plants. 

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