Tornado of 2022
In June of 2022, a tornado passed through southern Richland County and damaged two of our preserves along the Clear Fork Valley Scenic Trail. The Hammon Forest, Gregory Woods, and Hartman Woods sustained major damage to acres of trees.
Some of these damaged trees lost limbs and weakened while others were completely knocked over. Three years later, there are still many damaged trees and limbs that will come down with the right wind. Because of this, we ask hikers to not use the trails when winds or wind gusts approach 35 miles per hour.
Deciduous tree canopy is an important part of these woodland ecosystems. The tree foliage in these woods limits the ability of sunlight to reach the forest floor for much of the year. Many native plants have adapted to this condition of the ecosystem by blooming before the trees get their leaves again each year. This survival strategy has helped plants like certain native wildflowers establish and thrive in woodlands. It has even helped some native plants outcompete invasive species that would otherwise crowd them out and invade.
However, losing so many trees in the tornado has meant that these forests lost a lot of canopy in some areas. With thinner forest canopy, sunlight has been able to reach the forest floor year-round for the past three years. These conditions, paired with the dispersal of invasive seeds from unmanaged invasive plants nearby, have accelerated the takeover of our native plants species. Opportunistic invasive plants like rosa multiflora, garlic mustard, and chickweed are quick to establish in the aftermath of a major disturbance, like timbering and logging or, in our case, a tornado.
In the three years since, NCOLC and our Healing Land and People crew have had to triage our invasive removal efforts to prioritize the most botanically significant areas on our preserves. We are working to expand our capacity and work more efficiently to restore these areas to their natural state. Invasive removal remains NCOLC’s dominant expenditure as we fight against the crisis of invasive plants.
Tree Rescues
In the aftermath of the June 2022 tornado, we have encountered many otherwise healthy trees that are being trampled or pushed down by a fallen tree or stray limb. We call our efforts to free these trees and prop them back up our Tree Rescues.
Erosion Control
Managing issues of soil erosion is an important part of our efforts to preserve and restore natural areas in North Central Ohio. Some of our preserves experience moderate to severe erosion during rainy seasons as a consequence of past anthropogenic uses, such as logging and removal of native vegetative cover.
We manage these issues using our philosophy of minimally intrusive intervention. Our interventions include laying deadwood perpendicular to visible erosion and rerouting paths of sheet erosion with woody debris. Our aim is to encourage the accumulation of biomass on areas experiencing erosion so area plants can seed and revegetate damaged areas.
Health and Wellness
Walking in nature is good for you! Studies suggest that walking in nature – and even simply being in nature – can improve your blood pressure, mood and recovery from illness, among other benefits.
NCOLC offers public access to our nature preserves, so you and your family can enjoy these health benefits. Join us for a hike or come and get your hands dirty on a volunteer day.
Learn more about how we channel the healing experiences of nature to Heal Land and People.
Invasive Removal
Managing invasive plant species is the focus of our work. It is our non-profit’s dominant expenditure.
Many invasive plant species thrive in disturbed and neglected areas. We work manage our preserves with the least intrusive interventions possible. Natural events, like the tornado of 2022, and human impacts, like logging, can create significant disturbance that invite invasion by harmful plant species.
To protect the quality of our nature preserves, we target and remove invasive plant species that harm or threaten the native plants and animals of our area. Read more about why we protect native plants.
Our Healing Land and People crew is at the frontlines, devoting the majority of their time to invasive removal.
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.