Athens Conservancy has acquired two significant parcels of forested land totaling 92 acres. These tracts expand a local nature preserve, increase connections with public protected land in the Strouds Run State Park area, and help protect water quality in the Dow Lake watershed.
The two parcels expand Athens Conservancy’s Mary Beth Zak Lohse Preserve to nearly 403 acres. The preserve spans both sides of Strouds Run Road near Athens.
The new acquisitions:
- An 82-acre property nestled next to the Mary Beth Preserve was acquired thanks to funding from a Clean Ohio Grant. The property extends the connection between our preserve and Hawk Woods (part of Riddle State Nature Preserve), helping to buffer this regionally significant old-growth forest from disturbance. It also expands hiking and birding opportunities, nurtures habitat for wildlife, protects a scenic rocky ridge, and provides appropriate places to construct vernal pools for amphibians.
- A 10-acre, privately owned inholding that was almost surrounded by Mary Beth Preserve was acquired, with nearly 100% of the funding generously provided by two donor families. Acquiring this pie-shaped wedge of land consolidates the preserve, eliminates the extra internal boundary, and increases protection of the Dow Lake watershed.
“The ‘wedge’ and the Mary Beth Zak Lohse Preserve are particularly important to us because of our fond recollections of hiking that area during our 20 years in Athens,” says donor Tom Carpenter, who with his wife Lynne Lancaster helped make possible the purchase of the 10-acre parcel. “We are intent on supporting Athens Conservancy because of its clarity of mission (with which we agree) and because of the remarkable commitment of volunteers and staff in fulfilling that mission.”
According to Brian Blair, vice president of the board, the two recently added parcels further Athens Conservancy’s mission to protect open-space lands and help preserve biodiversity. Protecting forested land in our area of Ohio is especially important because it is part of a globally significant region identified for its resiliency as the climate changes.
The nearly 403-acre Mary Beth Preserve was purchased in sections over the last eight years and was named in honor of a leader of local conservation efforts. The preserve offers tranquil, diverse woodlands, steep ridges, a high meadow with panoramic views, seasonal vernal pools, a historic springhouse, and a peaceful beaver pond.
Trails at the Mary Beth Zak Lohse Preserve include a one-mile loop trail, accessed via a steep climb from the parking area, and a short trail circling Gillett Pond, which forms the Art Trail at Gillett Pond. Additional trails are planned for the future.
