I've lived in Ohio most of my life and our beautiful state never fails to amaze me. We have world-class attractions; some of the best amusement parks in the country, in fact. We have major metropolises with the kinds of culture and cuisine that rivals anything you'd find in Los Angeles or New York City. But my favorite part about living in Ohio? The natural beauty that can be found in all corners of the Buckeye State. From caverns and canyons to waterfalls and forests, outdoor enthusiasts have much to love about Ohio, but it's our forests of which I'm especially fond. In my little corner of Southwest Ohio alone, there are some truly marvelous wooded wonderlands, and one of my most delightful discoveries of late is learning about Ohio's old-growth forests. You'd never guess that Ohio had old-growth forests, period -- and not only that, but Ohio has more of these ancient forests than any other state.
When we think of "old-growth forests" in the U.S., places like Sequoia National Park, Mount Rainier National Park, and Tongass National Forest certainly come to mind. These natural wonders are known for their immensity and grandeur, harboring longstanding giants standing the test of time and offering invaluable and grounding perspective to explorers.
While all three of those places are on my personal bucket list, I am also so lucky to live in Ohio, which has, if you can believe it, more old growth forests than any other state.
This October, the Old-Growth Forest Network sanctioned two new Ohio forests to its ranks: Stage’s Pond State Nature Preserve near Columbus and the Lindy Roosenburg Preserve near Athens.
With the addition of these forests, Ohio now has 30 old-growth forests recognized by the network, more than any other state. (Pennsylvania is a close runner up, with 28 old-growth forests recognized by the network.)
So what exactly are old-growth forests, and why do they matter? I'm so glad you asked! Despite their name, "old-growth forests" refer more to a forest's properties than its age. Experts look at certain criteria that form a forest's ecological community, such as what's living in and around these trees and the kind of biomes they're fostering.
You know how a tree's roots extend well beyond its branches? Old-growth forests are similar; they have numerous benefits to communities that unfold over time. Their untouched biomes allow for local flora and fauna to thrive, while also serving as important "carbon sinks" -- areas that can absorb incredible amounts of carbon.
Not only are old-growth forests important for native plant and animal species, but they serve their human communities in myriad ways. The power of nature is transformative; from forest bathing to simply spending an hour-long lunch break going for a hike, these natural areas are good for body and soul.
So yes, old-growth forests are immensely important -- and as part of the Old-Growth Forest Network, these forests are protected from commercial logging and development, and they’re made open and available to the public.
In Wayne County, Johnson Woods State Nature Preserve is widely considered one of the best old-growth forests remaining in the state. The 206-acre preserve has a mile-long boardwalk that passes some of the preserve's oldest trees.
You'll find old-growth forests across Ohio, however, and often where you'd least expect. One of my favorite old-growth forests in Ohio is at the Cincinnati Nature Center, a marvelous area that's mere minutes from one of the state's largest cities.
Keep your eyes open, and be open for adventure! Ohio is a state with so much to offer nature lovers.
There's a whole world of adventure waiting for you in the Buckeye State. So lace up your hiking boots and go explore one of the many old-growth forests in Ohio!
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