PICKERINGTON, Ohio — David Hague and his longtime partner, Tammy Miller, operate a working farm and private conservation project in the ever-growing Columbus suburb of Pickerington. 

They call the 900 acres of land Coyote Run, and it's their goal to transform the property back to its original state before it was ever colonized. 

“Any generation has a way they view the environment and what they see,” Hague said. “As it changes, usually for the bad, with invasives and such, the next generation see's something slightly different. So eventually you get enough generations out that never really knew the original — what it was — and that's kind of sad, so, but we can get back to that.” 

Hague, a retired business owner, said just a simple pear tree that's escaped cultivation can be considered an invasive species and danger to a nearby forest. 

Besides planting thousands of trees, Hague and Miller have also focused on restoring wetlands called vernal pools, where a mix of interesting creatures like dragonflies, birds, frogs and salamanders may be found.

“We've probably lost 90% of our wetlands in Ohio since European colonization,” Hague said. “We're the dominant species on this earth, and we have a responsibility. Unfortunately, not a lot of the native environment is left, so it's a chance to give back a little bit.” 

Coyote Run is expected to be named Ohio's 140th nature preserve. 

While Hague expects to keep the property under private ownership during his lifetime, he hopes the education of preserving natural landscapes will continue for years to come. 

“Just layperson off the street, which I am, or education opportunities from colleges and local schools,” he said. “We want them to come out to experience nature. There's no reason everyone can't love it too.” 

To learn more about Hague and Miller’s mission, visit the Coyote Run Facebook page.