OHIO — Acres alongside Little Beaver Creek have been designated as Ohio's latest state nature preserve, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. 

“It remains important to preserve Ohio’s many wonderful natural resources for citizens of today and of the future,” said Gov. Mike DeWine in a press release. “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.”

This marks Ohio's 147th state nature preserve. Located in Columbiana County, the preserve protects almost a mile of the river, including a series of waterfalls and groundwater springs. ODNR said it'll also help protect several salamander species. It also protects a potentially threatened plant species called running buffalo clover (Trifolium stoloniferum).

“It’s exciting to announce that with the dedication of Little Beaver Creek State Nature Preserve in northeast Ohio, we now have 147 state nature preserves,” said ODNR Director Mary Mertz in a press release. “This is the second site added to the state preserve system this year, which is a wonderful accomplishment for ODNR’s 75th anniversary year.”

The nature preserve now brings the total amount of protected land in Ohio to more than 3,000 acres. 

“Not only does Little Beaver Creek State Nature Preserve protect rare species, but it provides long-term protection for one of Ohio’s highest quality streams,” ODNR Division of Natural Areas and Preserves Chief Jeff Johnson said in a press release. “Keeping stream corridors deeply wooded and limiting habitat damage from development is key to also protecting sensitive aquatic species.”