Philander Chase Conservancy and Owl Creek Conservancy are marking 25 years of conserving open spaces and natural habitats in central Ohio. These organizations focus on protecting the farms, woodlands, waters, and open spaces around Kenyon College while preserving the rural character of the region.
On March 13, State Representative Mark Hiner presented commendations from the Ohio House of Representatives to both groups at a ceremony celebrating their milestone anniversaries. Since their founding in 2000, these non-governmental organizations have led efforts to conserve open space and critical natural habitats in Knox County and surrounding areas.
The Philander Chase Conservancy was established by Kenyon College to protect land within a five-mile radius of the college and Gambier. Meanwhile, Owl Creek Conservancy focuses on the rest of Knox County. Together, they have protected nearly 12,000 acres over 25 years. The Philander Chase Conservancy has conserved more than 6,000 acres, while Owl Creek Conservancy has protected over 5,700 acres.
Both conservancies work with farmers, landowners, environmental organizations, and government agencies to preserve the region’s rural charm through agricultural and conservation easements and fee purchases. Landowners can sign voluntary agreements that legally protect their land from development. These easements allow families to maintain their properties in their current state while compensating them for development rights.
In some cases, fee purchase is preferred. For example, the 124-acre Yauger Road property will be open to the public in June 2025. The Kokosing Nature Preserve is another project by Philander Chase Conservancy. Opened in 2015 as a conservation burial ground in Gambier's countryside, it spans 23 acres of restored prairies and woodlands.
"The need to protect land in Knox County has never been greater," said Philander Chase Conservancy Director Amy Henricksen. "Development is fast approaching... We are proud of what we have accomplished over the past 25 years."
The conservancies also focus on protecting the Kokosing River's riparian corridor. To date, 15 miles of its shoreline are under protection.
"As development pressures intensify... we must consider... impact on our rural character," said Owl Creek Conservancy Executive Director Vicki Kauffman.
For more information on upcoming events or how to support both conservancies’ efforts, visit their websites.
Information from this article can be found here.
