ATHENS, Ohio (WSYX) — In a historic conservation effort, Athens Conservancy and The Nature Conservancy have joined forces to protect nearly 3,000 acres of forested land in Ohio’s Appalachian foothills.
This initiative marks one of the largest private land-protection efforts by nonprofit organizations in the state’s history.
A background
The land, a 2,973-acre parcel, has been owned by Betty Lowe’s family for a century.
Lowe has donated the land to Athens Conservancy, while The Nature Conservancy will hold a permanent conservation easement on the property. This dual-layered protection ensures the land remains safeguarded from future development.
“Athens Conservancy commends Betty’s vision to preserve this precious forested property, and we fully embrace a partnership with The Nature Conservancy to protect it forever,” said Brian Blair, Athens Conservancy board member. He emphasized the land’s significant impact locally, regionally, and globally.
The property is part of the Appalachian Corridor, known for its climate resilience and biodiversity. It also lies within the eastern temperate deciduous forest, one of only three such large-scale systems worldwide.
“Protecting this forest — the largest single private parcel The Nature Conservancy has conserved within the state of Ohio — is a win for people and nature,” said Terry Seidel, The Nature Conservancy’s director of protection in Ohio.
Betty Lowe expressed her hopes for the donation, saying:
I am donating my farm to Athens Conservancy and a conservation easement to The Nature Conservancy so as to conserve the property from future development, prevent mining and major disturbance of the land, preserve native biodiversity, allow the public to walk and enjoy nature, and encourage appreciation and protection of the natural world.
Lowe hopes this donation inspires other landowners to protect their properties.
About the land
The land will become the Joy Valley Nature Preserve, offering exploration opportunities and serving as a habitat for diverse plant and animal species, including migratory birds and endangered bats. The preserve will also support education and environmental research.
88% of the site is covered in hardwood forests, including many cliffs and outcroppings, accompanied by water sources. Ponds, streams, and vernal pools support the numerous species of native trees growing in the area.
The land also serves as an important breeding ground for migratory birds, including over 2 dozen species of warblers, as well as numerous bat species like the federally endangered long-eared bat and eastern red bat. Plants in the potential or current state watch list also grow in the area.
Athens Conservancy and The Nature Conservancy plan to host an opening event to celebrate the new preserve. Visitors are advised that there are currently no marked trails and limited cell phone service.