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Essay by Jane Balbo, Blair Preserve Volunteer Steward On a recent Monday morning, I set off on my twice-monthly check-in of this lovely little Athens Conservancy preserve. While I enjoy it every month of the year, this time of year is my favorite – the Spring ephemeral wildflowers, insects, and birdsong make it extra special.…

Southeastern Ohio’s precious spring wildflowers were in full bloom for our annual Wildflower Walk on April 13. Thank you to all who joined us on a picture-perfect afternoon — after a rainy week — for the walk along the bikeway in the Bluebell Preserve near The Plains. Expert guides Sam, Bill, Mary, and Mark led…

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,…

Athens Conservancy is delighted to present: Nature and Wellness: Presentation and Guided Walks by Dr. Joe Blanda, Nature Can Heal May 17 and 18, 2024 PRESENTATION, MAY 17, 5 pm, Athens Public Library “A Nature Prescription: Amazing Health Benefits” Learn about the health and wellness benefits of a walk in nature, especially if you are…

Jeff Chaddock and his husband Mark Morrow are long-time philanthropists who broadly support the southeastern Ohio community, and readily admit that prioritizing environmental conservation in Athens County is crucial. “Stewarding the environment surrounds everything we believe in and care about,” Chaddock explains. “Conservation in Appalachian Ohio has become the ‘envelope’ for all of our other…

Spring is in the air, and precious wildflowers are popping up along the forest trails! Please join us for our popular, annual Wildflower Walk at 2 pm, Saturday, April 13.  Led by our wildflower enthusiasts, the walk starts at the Beaumont-Salina Trailhead near The Plains. We’ll walk along the Hockhocking Adena Bikeway, where we will…

Armed with a two-foot-long hollow drill bit, sturdy boots, and equal parts curiosity and patience, Sam Gutekanst headed off-trail on a cold January afternoon to delve into the secrets of some of the oldest trees in the Lindy Roosenburg Preserve, a member of the national Old-Growth Forest Network Sam, Athens Conservancy board member and Ohio…

We’re delighted to announce that Martin Dawson is the Conservancy’s new volunteer coordinator. Martin, who owns the local business PC Plus, says he loves to spend his free time outdoors and in the woods. Growing up, he played in the forested land near his Ohio home and enjoyed summers at a cottage on Lake Michigan.…

What a glorious early-February day we had for this year’s Groundhog Hike! Our 21st annual Groundhog event attracted a record number of you, with 80 to 90 folks joining us for hikes through the woods, catching up with friends old and new, a potluck, warm campfire, and smiles galore. Thanks to everyone!

You’re invited to the always-popular annual Groundhog Hike! Slated for Sunday, Feb. 4, the family-friendly winter hiking event is hosted by Athens Conservancy and Friends of Strouds Run in honor of our founder John Knouse. The fun kicks off around noon at Strouds Run State Park, where we’ll gather at the Bobcat Shelter, near the…

On behalf of everyone at Athens Conservancy – and for the forests and trees, ferns and wildflowers, buzzing bugs, fluttering songbirds, and critters of all sizes that call our lands home – thank you. Please know how grateful we are to you, our Conservancy family, supporters, and friends, for partnering with us to protect precious…

On Saturday, Nov. 18, Athens Conservancy held a work session at Gillett Pond. Hidden away in the Mary Beth Zak Lohse Preserve, this small pond is a beautiful destination for a picnic or a jaunt off the beaten paths at Strouds Run. Workers included Land Steward Bill Rucker, Assistant Land Steward Roni Clark, and board…