Geneva Marsh
Lower Marsh
Directions: From I-79 and PA 285, go east on PA 285 for 1.3 miles to the village of Custards. Turn left (north) onto an unmarked dirt road (the PA Game Commission formerly had a sign here indicating "Geneva Marsh Access Area"— perhaps this will be replaced in the future) and proceed 0.5 mile to the Mercer Pike Bridge. Parking is available on the shoulders of the road. This area often has Prothonotary Warbler. Areas of open water near the Mercer Pike Bridge are particularly attractive to diving ducks, especially Common Goldeneye, Bufflehead, and scaup. Retrace your route to the I-79 exit and continue west on PA 285 for 0.2 mile to the intersection with US 19. Turn north onto the bridge. There are limited views from the bridge and traffic can be a problem. An optional stop, locally referred to as "the wells," is reached by continuing west on PA 285. Watch for a small, dirt road (marked with a game commission "Hunt Safely" sign) on the right 1.6 miles west of the interchange. Use caution: this road drops steeply downhill and should be avoided in wet or icy weather. It is often deeply rutted. You may want to park at the top of the hill and walk down to the edge of the marsh.
Description: The lower section of the Conneaut Marsh includes all of the area downstream of the Geneva Bridge. Throughout this section, the wetland is relatively narrow (1/2 mile or less) and is often dominated by shrub growth. Extensive patches of emergent vegetation occur in areas of deeper water and swamp forest is present along the margins. During migration the channel and open pools attract a wide variety of waterfowl. All species which pass through western Pennsylvania can be expected. Emergent wetlands in the vicinity of the "wells" (a wooded peninsula extending into the marsh) often harbor a great variety of dabbling ducks including Gadwall, Northern Pintail, American Wigeon, Northern Shoveler, and teal. Flycatchers, warblers, and sparrows are among the species nesting in the extensive shrub marshes. Common species include Willow Flycatcher, Eastern Kingbird, Yellow Warbler, Common Yellowthroat, and Swamp Sparrow. A large stand of dead trees near the wells is a good area for woodpeckers in all seasons. Red-headed Woodpecker are usually present.