One of the first rivers added to the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System (October 23, 1975), part of Little Beaver Creek is now Ohio’s 147th – and newest – nature preserve.
Located in Columbiana County, the new preserve protects nearly a mile of the river, including a tributary featuring a series of waterfalls and groundwater springs. The preserve includes high-quality habitat harboring rare plants and several salamander species.
“It remains important to preserve Ohio’s many wonderful natural resources for citizens of today and of the future,” said Gov. Mike DeWine. “Dedicating Little Beaver Creek as a State Nature Preserve will protect one of Ohio’s scenic rivers as well as critical habitat for rare plant species.”
The preserve was made possible through eight years of work by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources to purchase the two parcels of land situated between Little Beaver Creek and approximately 1,000 acres of Little Beaver Creek Forest.
In 2025, the creek will celebrate its 50th anniversary as a national wild and scenic river, and the Ohio DNR is planning several events to commemorate the milestone.
