POMEROY, Ohio – A generous land donation is helping the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Natural Areas and Preserves (DNAP) protect a globally rare limestone barren habitat in what will be the first state nature preserve in Meigs County.
“This kind donation is a wonderful gift to the people of Ohio,” ODNR Director Mary Mertz said. “Our staff is eager to begin improving and protecting this rare habitat for generations to come.”
The 46-acre preserve has a variety of bedrock types at or near the surface that influence the habitats on the site. The site contains oak barren habitats, including limestone barrens that are very rare in southeast Ohio.
Named in honor of the parents of the property’s donor, Miriam Walter Barrens Preserve will be Ohio’s 139th State Nature Preserve and the 3rd added this year. Due to the sensitive habitats and species, the preserve will only be open to the public by acquiring a permit from the Division of Natural Areas and Preserves. The property donor plans to volunteer with the Division in improving the rare barrens.
