Buckeye Reporter

(COLUMBUS, Ohio)— Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and Ohio Department of Natural Resources Director Mary Mertz on June 28 celebrated the dedication of Ohio newest state nature preserve at Little Darby Creek.

Little Darby Creek State Nature Preserve in Madison County is Ohio's 144th state nature preserve. The site is comprised of 430 acres of high-quality stream corridor that feeds into the Little Darby State and National Scenic River. 

“By preserving these acres along Little Darby Creek, we’re committing to permanently protecting both the land and the water in this area, as well as the rare and endangered species that live here,” said Governor DeWine. “Nature preserves like this ensure that future generations have the opportunity to connect with Ohio’s natural heritage and explore its exceptional beauty.”

The site features a heavily wooded corridor along the river as well as prairie remnants and wetlands. The federally endangered clubshell mussel is among the aquatic species that live in Little Darby Creek. 

“As we dedicate Little Darby State Nature Preserve on June 28, ODNR is honoring its commitment to maintaining healthy ecosystems on land and in the water,” said ODNR Director Mertz. “The Little Darby State and National Scenic River symbolizes our mission of protecting the very best lands and streams.”

In addition to protecting riparian corridor, the preserve protects remaining vestiges of the Darby Plains prairie which once covered central-western Ohio in thousands of acres of tall grasses and oak savannah prior to pioneer settlement. In summer, a variety of common and rare prairie wildflowers, including the scaly blazing star, are scattered across the southern portion of the preserve.

In recent years, ODNR’s Division of Natural Areas and Preserves staff worked to remove non-native invasive species, restoring some of this threatened landscape. Staff will continue to assess the preserve to determine how to enhance visitor experience while providing habitat protection.

ODNR began purchasing the land that now makes up the preserve in 2010 with funding from the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency's Water Resource Restoration Sponsorship Program. Other partners, such as the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Ohio Department of Transportation, The Nature Conservancy, and the Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks, have been instrumental in providing additional support for land acquisition and site improvements including habitat restoration, tree plantings, and invasive species removal.

Original source can be found here.