Please join us on Saturday, May 23, at 1 pm for a community celebration of the new Joy Valley Nature Preserve.
The event will feature a gathering with ice cream treats, popsicles and cookies, remarks about the history and plans for the forested property, a ribbon-cutting, and guided hikes along the trails.
The preserve was established last fall, the result of Athens Conservancy and The Nature Conservancy working together to conserve nearly 3,000 acres of land in the southern Ohio foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. One of the largest private land-protection initiatives by nonprofit organizations in Ohio’s history, it is the result of an extraordinary land donation by landowner Betty Lowe.
The remarkable property is abundant in natural beauty, rugged history, and environmental treasures. Athens Conservancy has completed two foot trails, each about 2 miles in length, that lead through the forest, along high ridges and quiet streams.
Please note:
- Parking space is limited at the event because of minimal parking areas. We will have parking attendants to help. A shuttle will be available to assist. Consider carpooling with friends!
- To register for this free event, use EventBrite (see link below)
- Find directions to the nature preserve below; it is about 14 miles outside of Athens, in northern Athens and southern Morgan counties
- Bring a lawn chair or camp chair if you can!
- The gathering area is in a mowed field. Wear sturdy shoes, and since the bugs are back, bring insect / tick repellent and consider wearing long pants.
- We will have portable restrooms available
- For this opening event, we ask that you leave your dogs at home
- We are planning to host the event rain or shine, but will cancel if storms are present; keep an eye on our website and social media.
EventBrite registration: Please register for this free event as parking space is limited. The EventBrite site will let you know when registration is full. Go here to register.
Directions:
From Columbus or the Athens area, traveling on Route 33, take exit 194 OH-550 E. toward Amesville, and drive for 14 miles. About 4 miles after you go through Amesville, you will see a light gray convenience store building with a sign that says “Gilcrest” at the intersection of 550 and Joy Road. Turn left onto Joy Road (which eventually becomes Old Grade Road) and drive 4.1 miles, turning left onto a small unmarked access road – we will have a directional sign here! Follow the access road 0.1 miles to a gravel parking area. Look for parking attendants in orange vests.
