Our Philosophy
NCOLC follows a unique approach to ensure that our preserves are permanently protected. Our philosophy centers around a commitment to multiple layers of protection for each property.
The first layer is our legal vehicle for permanent protection: establishing a strict, wildlife-minded conservation easement with a landowner. Our conservation easements are carefully written to be considerate of the donor or landowner’s relationship with their land, as well as protect the most vulnerable features of the ecosystem. Some of our conservation easements allow hunting, while others do not, per the wishes of the donor or landowner. However, our conservation easements invariably never allow commercial timbering or unauthorized development.
On the other hand, many of our conservation easements contain public access rights. This is the second crucial layer of protection for each preserve. We aim to create trails and other meaningful points of public access for each of our nature preserves.
We believe that minimally disruptive public access and public engagement in natural areas is crucial for their permanent protection. We want the community to develop a relationship with the land in the ways that we have. We hope to foster an admiration for these undeveloped natural areas and instill a deep sense of the value of their preservation. By walking our trails and appreciating our preserves, you help us protect them.
Lastly, our third layer of protection is our boots-on-the-ground invasive species removal and land stewardship. The importance of this on-going management cannot be understated. To permanently protect the natural history of our area, we must diligently address the aggressive invasive plants that threaten our native species.
Each year, dense crowds of invasive plants choke out our native flowers and trees. From thickets of invasive multiflora rose to monocultures of garlic mustard, NCOLC’s dedicated Healing Land and People crew and generous volunteers remove and when appropriate, treat these species so forest wildflowers like our Dutchman’s breeches and Canada lilies can reclaim their rightful space on the forest floor.
Join Us in Protecting North Central Ohio’s Natural Heritage
The North Central Ohio Land Conservancy is dedicated to preserving the unique landscapes of our region. Have questions or want to get involved? Reach out and join us in protecting these natural spaces for future generations.