Athens Conservancy announces the establishment of two new nature preserves and the expansion of an existing preserve, thanks to the acquisition of three parcels of land totaling more than 76 acres.
According to Donna Goodman, president of the board of the Conservancy, “We are absolutely thrilled to be establishing our 15th and 16th nature preserves, and adding an important extension to an existing preserve. These local properties represent a rich variety of habitats, and serve as important connectors to existing Conservancy preserves and state park lands.”
The land acquisitions are all in Athens County, and were made possible thanks to private donations and a Clean Ohio Green Space Conservation Program grant announced in January. The properties include heavily forested slopes featuring a diverse canopy of hardwood trees, rich wildlife habitats, steep ravines, scenic ridge tops, a vernal pool and rushing stream, and ample species of native wildflowers.
“For nearly 22 years, Athens Conservancy has worked locally to protect wild lands and preserve biodiversity,” Goodman added. “This area of Appalachian Ohio is part of a globally critical region identified for its resiliency as our climate changes.”
With the additional properties, Athens Conservancy protects about 3,100 acres of land in Athens County and surrounding areas.
Marietta Run Preserve
Last fall, the Conservancy acquired the 36-acre Marietta Run Preserve, thanks to the generous gift of land from Suzanne and John Howell. Established as the Conservancy’s 15th preserve, the
Bern Township property extends from the Marietta Run flood plain to the upper slopes of a ridge, and is entirely wooded with 60- to 90-year-old forest. The preserve boasts a high diversity of tree species – including sugar maple, tulip poplar, black walnut, beech, buckeye, slippery elm and shagbark hickory – and a variety of wildflowers and ferns. The rich habitat is particularly suited for wildlife, especially deep-woods species such as Wood Thrushes and Cerulean Warblers. There are no trails or parking at the preserve.
Expansion of Mary Beth Zak Lohse Preserve
Funded by a $75,000 Clean Ohio grant, this property is adjacent to the Conservancy’s existing Mary Beth Zak Lohse Preserve, providing an important extension of the preserve by more than 27 acres. Its high, open meadow offers a panoramic view of the Strouds Run valley. The preserve contains diverse early and later successional vegetation, and includes an area that will be preserved as a seasonal vernal pool, providing critical habitat for amphibian and reptile species.
Lesli Johnson Preserve
This 13-acre property was generously donated to the Conservancy from Lesli Johnson. It includes a scenic ravine with large old trees, and two former agricultural fields that are now vegetated with young forest. The property borders Strouds Run State Park, and part of the park’s Beaver Pond Trail runs on the preserve boundary.