Noble Township near Defiance in Defiance County, Ohio — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Welcome To The Penney Nature Center
Promoting Conservation Through Education for All to Enjoy
Photographed by Craig Doda, July 12, 2026
1. Welcome To The Penney Nature Center Marker
The Penney Nature Center was founded in 2001, following the generous donation of 78 acres of land from Ms. Nancy Jo Penney, an heiress of the J. C. Penney Company. This land, once part of the Penney Family Farm, is now dedicated to conservation education and outreach. The property hosts forest, prairie, riparian, and wetland ecosystems including the wildlife that call these ecosystems home. We are happy to have you visit our outdoor classroom and hope you enjoy your time here!
The Penney Nature Center is owned and operated by the Defiance Soil and Water Conservation District in cooperation with the Defiance County Commissioners.
Erected by Defiance Soil & Water Conservation District.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Horticulture & Forestry • Industry & Commerce • Parks & Recreational Areas. A significant historical year for this entry is 2001.
Location. 41° 18.817′ N, 84° 24.782′ W. Marker is near Defiance, Ohio, in Defiance County. It is in Noble Township. It is at the intersection of Ashpacher Road and Lockwood Road, on the right when traveling north on Ashpacher Road.
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Regionally, this marker is in Ohio’s Black Swamp and in the Till Plains. It is also in the American Midwest and in the Corn Belt. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy, the territory of the Mississippian Culture, and the Northwest Territory.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Swamp White Oak (Quercus bicolor) (within shouting distance of this marker); Dey Bridge (approx. 2.1 miles away); Zonta of Defiance (approx. 2.2 miles away); Liberty Tree (approx. 2½ miles away); Juan M. Castillo (approx. 2½ miles away); The Henry Seither - Todd Taylor House (approx. 2.9 miles away); The Charles C. Hoffman House (approx. 2.9 miles away); John Ferland House (approx. 2.9 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Defiance.
Photographed by Craig Doda, July 12, 2026
2. Welcome To The Penney Nature Center Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on August 3, 2026. It was originally submitted on July 27, 2026, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. This page has been viewed 7 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 27, 2026, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
