OHIO — The Ohio Department of Natural Resources along with the Appalachia Ohio Alliance dedicated Bison Hollow as the Buckeye State's 149th nature preserve.

The preserve, which consists of 375 acres of land within Hocking and Vinton counties, is now permanently protected, ODNR said. 

“State nature preserves play a significant role in protecting Ohio’s natural wonders,” Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine said in a press release. “From the cliff faces to the towering trees, there are so many features at Bison Hollow that sum up the beauty of this state.”

Bison Hollow is also Vinton County's first nature preserve.

“It’s exciting to celebrate the new year, which is also ODNR’s 75th anniversary, with a new nature preserve,” ODNR Director Mary Mertz said in a press release. “Bison Hollow State Nature Preserve is a phenomenal natural area with an amazing array of geological features, views of waterfalls, and healthy habitat for rare plants.”

Bison Hollow is located a few miles away from popular Hocking Hills tourist spots, including Ash Cave and Old Man's Cave. ODNR said Bison Hollow "harbors some of the most undisturbed land and water in the region." The gorge and hollow have sheer sandstone cliffs and rock faces, numerous natural waterfalls and more. Bison Hollow also has an abundance of biological diversity, including white oak, red oak, chestnut, oak, beech, tuliptree, sugar maple and other hardwoods.

“We are so excited to be collaborating on habitat protection with ODNR’s Division of Natural Areas and Preserves at Bison Hollow,” said Steve Fleegal, AOA executive director, in a press release. “We couldn’t have created and protected this special place, Bison Hollow, without the assistance of ODNR and other agencies including the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency, Division of Environmental and Financial Assistance and the Ohio Public Works Commission, Clean Ohio Program.”