About the Division The Division of Natural Areas & Preserves
protects natural areas with ecological and/or geological
significance under provisions of the Natural Areas Act of 1970.
Many of these areas include some of the finest remnants of
Ohio's natural heritage. Some areas are so fragile that the
division requires a permit for access. This site highlights
state nature preserves that are open to the public without a
permit. Research and off-trail activities require a special
permit at all preserves. State nature preserves are not parks.
Instead, they are sanctuaries for rare plants and animals. For
this reason, preserves are suited for minimum impact activities
such as birdwatching, hiking, nature study and photography but
not picnicking or camping. Preserves are open daily from dawn to
dusk. Some sites have gated parking lots designed for special
group use with adjacent limited parking for normal use. Each
year a variety of programs are presented regularly at the
preserves. Scheduled events and preserve re