Permission given by The Dawes Arboretum to place cache
Cache is located on free-access, private property
Cache is only available during Arboretum open hours
The Pure Oil connection to The Dawes Arboretum begins with Beman Gates Dawes, co-founder of the Arboretum. In 1914, Dawes and his friend and business partner Fletcher Heath (for which Heath, OH is named) founded the Ohio Cities Gas Company. The company brought together smaller gas-distribution firms that supplied communities such as Columbus, Dayton, and Springfield.
At this stage, Ohio Cities Gas was mainly a natural gas and utility business. It reflected the growing demand for dependable energy in Ohio’s expanding cities and industries. Natural gas service was becoming an important part of modern life, powering homes, businesses, and factories during a period of rapid change.
The company gave Dawes the business foundation that would soon lead him deeper into the oil industry. What began as a gas enterprise became the starting point for a much larger petroleum story—one whose profits would eventually help support land purchases, tree collections, and the long-term care of The Dawes Arboretum.
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About the Dutch Fork Wetlands: Dutch Fork Wetlands is a free access, 70-acre natural area at The Dawes Arboretum. It’s a restored wetland and grassland ecosystem with six pools, meadow habitat, boardwalks, flat gravel and grass trails, an observation deck, and a shelter house. It’s a great spot for a quiet walk, birding, wildlife viewing, and seeing wetland restoration in action.