Athens Conservancy cares deeply about protecting the lands, the diverse ecosystems, and abundant wildlife of Southeast Ohio. So why do we allow limited deer hunting on some of our preserves? There are several reasons. Deer browse heavily on native plants (such as precious wildflowers and plants for pollinators), which can significantly impact plant diversity and…
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‘Healthy Forest Friends’
Spending time in nature is essential — it boosts our health and nourishes our soul. We work to make sure people have access to nature by keeping trails well maintained for you to explore and enjoy. Keeping the forests healthy is crucial too, and we are entrusted to do just that. Managing the land to…
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Protecting Old Forests
Why protect old forests? People often mention recreation and health, natural beauty, biodiversity, and wildlife habitat as reasons to preserve forests. Less often mentioned is what is arguably the most important reason to protect old forests at this critical time: Protecting large trees is crucial to combat climate change. Drastically reducing emissions of carbon dioxide…