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MANCHESTER, Ohio — The Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Natural Areas and Preserves acquired new land in Adams County, growing the Whipple State Nature Preserve by nearly 90 acres. 

​“Protecting and preserving our natural areas is vitally important to the future of Ohio and all those who live here,” Gov. Mike DeWine said. “This is an investment in Ohio’s public lands that future generations can enjoy for years to come.”

According to the ODNR, the Whipple State Nature Preserve is home to 40 rare species, including the only known site in Ohio for Allen’s fern moss.

The newly acquired area includes several state-listed species, mature mixed mesophytic forest, oak-hickory forest, dolomite cliffs, globally rare dry limestone prairies, springs, a waterfall, sinkholes and headwater streams.

“Our nature preserves contain some of the most beautiful plant life in all of Ohio,” ODNR Director Mary Mertz said. “We are so happy to add to the land where we can guard these stunning species and make sure people have even more space to appreciate them.”

The nature preserve is named after Robert A. Whipple, who left his 248-acre piece of land near the Ohio River to the Division in his will.

Since Whipple’s donation, and another by The Nature Conservancy in 2004, the nature preserve has nearly doubled in size.

“This acquisition was made possible in part because of the generosity of countless Ohioans who have donated a portion of their state income tax refund,” DNAP Chief Jeff Johnson said. “Because of that, we can continue to make important land purchases which allow us to protect significant natural features as well as provide more public access to interact and enjoy nature.”

The ODNR is planning to create public access on the eastern side of the preserve, including the installation of a new parking lot and trail that will take visitors through some of the natural features of the preserve