Little Beaver Creek named newest nature preserve in Ohio

Lisbon, Ohio — High quality habitat harboring rare plants and protecting both sides of the Little Beaver Creek State and National Wild and Scenic River has been designated as Ohio’s newest state nature preserve, according to the Ohio DNR.

“It remains important to preserve Ohio’s many wonderful natural resources for citizens of today and of the future,” said Gov. Mike DeWine. “Dedicating Little Beaver Creek as a State Nature Preserve will protect one of Ohio’s scenic rivers as well as critical habitat for rare plant species.”

Located in Columbiana County, the new preserve protects nearly a mile of the scenic river, including a superior tributary featuring a series of waterfalls and groundwater springs along with habitat protecting several salamander species.

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“It’s exciting to announce that with the dedication of Little Beaver Creek State Nature Preserve in northeast Ohio, we now have 147 state nature preserves,” said ODNR Director Mary Mertz. “This is the second site added to the state preserve system this year, which is a wonderful accomplishment for ODNR’s 75th anniversary year.”

Additionally, ODNR Division of Natural Areas and Preserves botanists recently discovered a population of the potentially threatened running buffalo clover (Trifolium stoloniferum). This sighting is the northernmost population ever recorded in Ohio.

“Not only does Little Beaver Creek State Nature Preserve protect rare species, but it provides long-term protection for one of Ohio’s highest quality streams,” ODNR Division of Natural Areas and Preserves Chief Jeff Johnson said. “Keeping stream corridors deeply wooded and limiting habitat damage from development is key to also protecting sensitive aquatic species.”

The most recent acquisition brings the total amount of protected land along Little Beaver Creek, including Sheepskin Hollow State Nature Preserve, scenic river lands, and conservation easements, to more than 3,300 acres.

Currently, access to Ohio’s 147th state nature preserve is limited but it can be reached from the Grimms Bridge Road (40°40’58.8”N 80°31’57.3”W) pull off or by paddlers who can float the Little Beaver Creek and leave their paddle craft on the western bank (river right) at (40°42’02.3”N 80°31’50.6”W) to enjoy this beautiful property.