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Preserve Visitation Guidelines

EOA
Birdwatching opportunities abound at the Edge of Appalachia
© TNC

Nature Conservancy preserves are private properties. They are managed to protect fragile resources - native species and plant communities.                                                 

You will find few trails or facilities. The trails we do maintain or create are designed to steer visitors away from the most fragile portions of the preserve and toward those areas that can handle more use. Still, we ask you to tread lightly and stay on designated trails.                                                       

Some of the state's preserves are open to visitors, but only for low-impact recreational activities (see list below). Those preserves harboring species or natural communities at risk, however, are not open to the public.

   Open Preserves in Ohio are: Kitty Todd, Herrick Fen, Brown's Lake Bog, Morgan Swamp and Edge of Appalachia.

Preparation: the Key to a Safe, Enjoyable Visit
You will not find any staff on duty at the preserves.  Therefore, we ask you to prepare for your visit and take proper precautions while on site.

  • Wear comfortable footwear suitable for hiking, but please do not wear heavy, cleated boots - these damage the trails.
  • To protect yourself from ticks, poison ivy or poison sumac, wear long pants - and tuck them into your socks.
  • No matter which season of the year it is, each person in your party should bring a full water bottle.  Dehydration is a serious risk at any time of the year.

Preparation: What to Bring
To get the most from your visit, and to protect yourself from the elements, you may want to include the following items in your backpack: 

  • Binoculars
  • Camera
  • Compass
  • Field guides (to wildflowers, birds, butterflies and other natural features)
  • Insect repellant
  • Rain gear
  • Snack (fruit or trail mix)
  • Sunscreen

What You Can Do
The following activities are permitted on Conservancy preserves from designated trails:

  • Birdwatching
  • Cross-country skiing
  • Hiking
  • Nature Study (please read our Research Guidelines)
  • Photography
  • Snowshoeing
  • Videotaping for personal use (if for commercial use, must obtain permission)

What You Cannot Do
The following activities are not permitted on Conservancy preserves:

  • Biking and mountain biking
  • Camping
  • Driving an ATV or off-road vehicle off of a public road
  • Cooking or camp fires
  • Fishing or trapping
  • Horseback riding
  • Caving
  • Hunting
  • Ice Skating
  • Pets (even on a leash with the exception of seeing-eye dogs)
  • Picking flowers, berries, nuts or mushrooms
  • Removing any part of the natural landscape (shells, rocks, etc.)
  • Rock or ice climbing
  • Snowmobiling

Contact Us
We hope that you will enjoy a safe, interesting visit.

If you experience any vandalism or other problems, please contact our office.

For more information about The Nature Conservancy and the Ohio Chapter please contact our office or stop by.

The Nature Conservancy
Ohio Chapter
6375 Riverside Dr. Suite 50
Dublin, OH 43017

Tel: (614) 717-2770
Fax: (614) 717-2777
E-mail: ohio@tnc.org