North Central Ohio Land Conservancy Inc

HEALING LAND & PEOPLE

NCOLC protects over 1,600 acres of land in and around Richland County.  Our nature preserves are open to the public, and most have hiking trails.  The Clear Fork Valley Scenic Trail (CFVST), our crown jewel, features 9 miles of hiking trails that allow people to hike from Malabar Farm State Park to the Richland B&O Trail in Butler with only short stretches of roadside walking.  Our trail provides access to local treasures, including Hemlock Falls, prairies, and award-winning old growth forests, some of which serve as living museums that remind our hikers of ancient Ohio.

ABOUT OUR CREW MEMBERS:

We hire recovering drug addicts and convicted felons and teach them to become excellent forest land managers. They heal the land by carefully removing invasive plants and bushes.  While working together they learn to help and heal each other.

If you  long for fresh air and inspiring scenery, come and walk our Clear Fork Valley Scenic Trail.  It is open, beautiful, and easy for you to maintain social distance.  Give yourself a well-earned break, and if your budget permits,  help us meet the payroll of our dedicated employees. They are proud of their work and glad to show you around if you encounter them on your hike.

Browse our photo gallery to see natural wonders from along the CFVST.  Then hike the trail and surround yourself with old growth woods, tall-grass prairies, spring-fed waterfalls, rare species and all of nature’s majesty.

NCOLC partners with many other groups that support hiking, health and nature.  Together with our partners, we organize educational programs and teach the public about the environmental and health benefits of protecting natural areas in North Central Ohio.

As you go about your busy day, you might enjoy these short videos from two of the most popular locations along the Clear Fork Valley Scenic Trail…

Hemlock Falls rushing in springtime:  

Cole Road Prairie buzzing with summer life:  

Come back to our YouTube channel any time and relax to the sights and sounds of nature!