Before Word Gets Out, Visit Ohio's Newest Nature Preserve
By Sarah McCosham|Published September 21, 2023
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Sarah McCosham
Author
I write like it's my job - because it is! I have a Master's in English and love words: crossword puzzles, Scrabble games, Wordle, and, of course, good, old-fashioned books.
I'm a writer and editor at OnlyInYourState, and a contributing writer at Cincinnati Magazine. I love the Great Outdoors and am endlessly awestruck by this beautiful country of ours. Coffee keeps me going, yoga keeps me sane, my kids keep me grounded, and my writing keeps me inspired.
I’m always up for an outdoor adventure with my kids and love exploring new-to-us places as a family. We have quite a few favorite parks and preserves in our corner of the Buckeye State, of course, but one of the best things about living in Ohio is that you’re never more than a few hours’ drive from anywhere. Today’s adventure brings us to the heart of the state, where the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) just opened its newest state nature preserve. Pack up the car and grab your hiking shoes; let’s explore Ohio’s newest nature preserve: Little Darby State Scenic River Preserve.
Central Ohio is best-known for its fertile farmland and bucolic beauty, but there's so much more to this region than cornfields and countryside.
The waters of this region are especially glorious and life-giving; for instance, Big & Little Darby Creeks are among the top streams in biological quality in Ohio and the Midwest. These waters in Ohio's "Corn Belt" support a variety of native flora and fauna; it's an extraordinary expanse of undiscovered beauty and wonder.
Ohio's newest state nature preserve celebrates this unique region, inviting curious souls and adventure-seekers to hike and explore at Little Darby Creek State Nature Preserve.
Little Darby Creek State Nature Preserve in Madison County is Ohio's 144th state nature preserve. It was dedicated in June 2023 and is comprised of 430 acres of high-quality stream corridor that feeds into the Little Darby State and National Scenic River.
The site features a heavily wooded corridor along the river as well as prairie remnants and wetlands. It's a treasure trove of wildlife; the federally endangered clubshell mussel is among the aquatic species that live in Little Darby Creek.
Of course, more common Buckeye State creatures thrive here, too; the Northern green frog is among the most abundant frog species in Ohio, so keep an eye out for these little guys when you go!
Did you know about this brand-new addition to the ODNR? We are lucky to have a robust state parks system here in the Buckeye State, and Ohio’s newest nature preserve is definitely a welcome addition to the roster! Visit the Friends of Madison County Parks & Trails website for directions and more information about the Little Darby State Scenic River Preserve.
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