Nature Preserves
Nature preserves provide a plethora of benefits to our community. They are a respite for wildlife and a place where people can get out into nature and be rejuvenated. Nature preserves can increase surrounded property values, help slow stormwaters, and increase water quality. While visiting you may be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of a spotted salamander, bald eagle, or purple cliffbrake.
Columbus Nature Preserves aim to preserve the local natural heritage for current and future citizens of the City of Columbus to enjoy. The first city nature preserves were adopted in 1987, with additional preserves added in 2000, 2004, and 2016. To date, the system includes over 1,300 protected acres across 13 nature preserves. The Columbus nature preserve system is the only city nature preserve program in the state of Ohio. The nature preserves are jointly managed by the Columbus Recreation and Parks Department, the Columbus Division of Water, and the Nature Preserve Advisory Council.
Check out the Nature Preserves Map.