The 48-acre Elias M. and Therese Erb Poston Nature Preserve consists of two tracts that are separated by Wayne National Forest land. The preserve has no road frontage but can easily be reached via the Hockhocking Adena Bikeway from a small parking area along Glen Ebon Road (County Road 4) where it crosses the bikeway.
The Poston Preserve was acquired with Clean Ohio Green Space grants in 2015 and 2016. Along with the Bluebell Preserve, which begins a third of a mile to the east, it helps to preserve the scenery along the bikeway, including a fine display of spring wildflowers.
As can be seen in the photographs, the preserve features a striking rock formation close to the bikeway, which is clearly visible to passersby. This property has long been used by Hocking College field biology classes because of its diversity of breeding birds and native plants. Its acquisition by the Athens Conservancy assures its continued existence for years to come.
To reach the Poston Preserve from Athens, take US-33 west 5.6 miles from the Columbus Road/OH-550 exit. Turn left on Glen Ebon Road (County Road 4; the first left after passing the Wayne National Forest headquarters on the right), and go 0.4 mile. There are a few parking spots on both sides of the road just after crossing the bridge over the Hocking River. If you walk a short distance southeast towards Athens on the bikeway, you will enter the south tract of the preserve, which spans the bikeway and includes a section of the Hocking River. The north tract begins about a third of a mile northwest of Glen Ebon Rd. on both sides of the bikeway.
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Volunteer Preserve Steward: Bob Scott Placier
