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Introduction

In accordance with the Natural Areas Preservation Act of 1970, the Division of Natural Areas and Preserves is responsible for protecting the best remaining natural areas in Ohio. This brochure highlights state nature preserves open to the public without an access permit.

State nature preserves are not parks. Rather, they are sanctuaries for rare plants and animals. Preserves are best suited for minimum impact activities such as birdwatching, hiking, nature study and photography, as opposed to picnicking or camping. Preserves are open from dawn to dusk. Some sites have gated parking lots designed for special group use with adjacent limited parking for individual visitor use.

Each year a variety of interpretive programs are presented regularly at the preserves. Scheduled events and preserve regulations are posted on area bulletin boards. Special arrangements for guided group programs may be made with the preserve manager.

Additional information on state nature preserves, including brochures and program schedules, may be obtained from: Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Natural Areas and Preserves,1889 Fountain Square Court, Columbus, Ohio 43224-1388, (614) 265-6453, www.ohiodnr.com

Access Permits

Preserves not listed in this brochure require a written permit for access because of their fragile nature, lack of public use facilities or limited accessibility.

The permit system is designed to accommodate the visitor while protecting the resource. Permits help manage the use of preserves, but do not prevent public access.

Applications for access permits can be obtained from our Columbus office or downloaded from our website. Permit applications must be submitted at least two weeks before your anticipated visit. Any research, collecting or off-trail use also requires a written permit.

Contact our Columbus office for the appropriate application at (614) 265-6453.

Directory

The division’s Directory of Ohio’s State Nature Preserves is a wire-bound book which includes information on 121 preserves with black and white photographs, line art, location information and updated information on new preserves.

Directories can be ordered from the Columbus office by sending a check or money order for $10 plus shipping ($3 for UPS or $1.75 USPS book rate).

Newsletter

The division produces a free quarterly newsletter, Natural Ohio, featuring articles on natural history topics, information on preserves and scenic rivers and a three-month public program schedule.

To be added to the mailing list, please fill out the online form.

Invitation

We invite you to become involved in the protection of Ohio’s natural areas and scenic rivers by following some of these suggestions:

  • Raise your awareness. Visit state nature preserves and scenic rivers often. There’s one near you! Contact us for more information.
  • Speak out. Let others know how you feel about state nature preserves and scenic rivers. Public leaders cannot support the Division of Natural Areas and Preserve’s efforts if they do not know that it is one of your priorities.
  • Check us! Use your Ohio income tax form to donate a portion of your refund to “Nature Preserves, Scenic Rivers and Endangered Species.” This program provides important funding for the division.
  • Contact us. We want to hear from you. Call or write with your questions or comments about state nature preserves and scenic rivers. Your personal, active support plays a vital role in the continued protection of Ohio’s natural landscape.

Check Us!

You can support the activities of the division by donating all or part of your state income tax refund to the division on the appropriate line provided on your Ohio tax return. Your donation helps nature preserves, scenic rivers and endangered species protection.

We sincerely appreciate your support and generosity.

Scenic License Plate

Buy a special license plate featuring a flying great blue heron, and $15 of the purchase is contributed to the state’s Scenic Rivers Protection Fund. These funds are used by the division to improve water quality, protect river corridors and promote river conservation.

Show others you support the division by proudly displaying your Ohio scenic river license plate.