Plum Run Prairie in Adams County becomes Ohio’s 156th State Nature Preserve 

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COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Natural Areas and Preserves celebrated the opening of its 156th state nature preserve today in Adams County. Plum Run Prairie harbors significant prairie and cedar barren habitats and more than 30 rare and state-listed plants and animals across 139 acres in southwestern Ohio.  

“For nearly 30 years, the Arc of Appalachia has been working with the ODNR Division of Natural Areas and Preserves to protect unique habitats and rare flora and fauna in this part of the state,” said ODNR Director Mary Mertz. “The designation of Plum Run Prairie is a testament to the important mission of habitat preservation shared by ODNR and our remarkable partners.”

Plum Run Prairie is a remnant of deeper soil barrens and today, the site protects one of the larger prairies in Adams County, including 50 acres of cedar barren habitat. Recognizing the importance of protecting Plum Run Prairie from potential development, the ODNR Division of Natural Areas and Preserves provided a portion of the funding used by the Arc of Appalachia to acquire the property in 2006. Plum Run Prairie joins seven other Arc of Appalachia sites that have earned state dedication, including Ka Ma Prairie, and portions of Chaparral Prairie and Whipple state nature preserves. 

“Plum Run Prairie offers critical habitat for an amazing array of plants and animals,” said Chief Jeff Johnson, Division of Natural Areas and Preserves. “We encourage visitors to visit Plum Run Prairie in late summer, when the preserve’s prairie meadows offer both great wildflower and wildlife viewing.” 

The new preserve protects one of the largest populations of the globally rare heart-leaved plantain. It also harbors numerous native prairie species including American aloe, green milkweed, Kalm’s brome grass, prairie false indigo, rattlesnake-master, tall larkspur, and wedge-leaved whitlow grass. It also provides critical habitat for animal species including prairie warbler, yellow-breasted chat, Henslow’s sparrow, and Edward’s hairstreak butterfly. 

Located about two miles east of Peebles, Plum Run Prairie State Nature Preserve offers a parking lot, information kiosk, and 2.4 miles of trail. Two loop trails offer excellent views of the preserve’s diverse plant communities. Visit the Plum Run Prairie State Nature Preserve webpage to learn more. The new nature preserve helps ODNR continue to celebrate the Division of Natural Areas and Preserves’ 50th anniversary.