VINTON COUNTY, Ohio — On October 25, the Vinton County Park District acquired its third conservation area, encompassing 71 acres. This newly acquired land has been designated as the Shea-Williams Nature Preserve. The park district’s application for a project totaling $519,991, funded in part by the Clean Ohio Conservation Fund, was approved by District 15 of the Natural Resources Assistance Council (NRAC) in April. Clean Ohio contributed 75% of the project’s funding, with the remaining 25% consisting of local contributions, including a land donation from the sellers, timber value, and three donations of $5,375 each from the Moonville Rail Trail Association, Vinton County Convention and Visitors Bureau, and Forest Conservancy, Ltd., facilitated through the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio.
Caleb Appleman, the Acting Director of the Vinton County Park District, highlighted the significance of the Shea-Williams Nature Preserve, emphasizing its diverse natural features beyond what is visible from the road, such as wetlands, forested hills, moss-covered caves, and rock outcroppings. The preserve is home to rare and uncommon plants and wildlife, including the eastern spadefoot toad and large marsh St. John’s-wort, characteristic of the Hocking Hills region.
Situated near Lake Hope State Park and enveloped by Zaleski State Forest, the preserve not only conserves natural and historic elements but also supports research and educational opportunities. It functions as a parking area and trail connection for both the Moonville Rail Trail and Selinde Roosenburg Memorial Backpack Trail, running adjacent to the property. Appleman mentioned the discovery of a rusted antique B&O Railroad lantern and the potential for archaeological digs, hinting at the property’s historical significance.
The grant application for this project was composed by Appleman, a process that commenced in October of the previous year. This process involved securing a purchase contract, conducting real estate and timber appraisals, biological inventories of plant and animal life, historical research, and planning for improvements. The application was submitted in February, followed by a site visit and presentation to NRAC in March. Appleman expressed gratitude towards the sellers and all those involved in the project’s realization.
Mary Jane Kelley, President of the Moonville Rail Trail Association, expressed enthusiasm about the new park adjacent to the Moonville Rail Trail, anticipating increased accessibility for hikers, cyclists, and horseback riders.
In addition to the Clean Ohio project, the sellers donated a doublewide property on one acre to the park district, with rental income allocated for utility expenses at Shea-Williams and other park properties. The historic Shea Farmhouse, on two acres, was donated to the Vinton County Convention and Visitors Bureau for preservation and potential use as a vacation rental. Deed restrictions ensure that the property cannot be sold, only transferred to the park district.
Shea-Williams Nature Preserve, located at 71815 Shea Road in Brown Township, is open to the public during daylight hours. Interpretive signage, trails, and benches are set to be installed for visitor enjoyment. For further information, including park district rules and regulations, visit www.vintoncountyparks.org.
The Clean Ohio Conservation Fund is a state program administered by the Ohio Public Works Commission (OPWC) that allocates funds to safeguard open spaces, sensitive ecological areas, and stream corridors. In District 15 of southern Ohio, the Ohio Valley Regional Development Commission (OVRDC), the Ohio Public Works Commission, and the Natural Resources Assistance Council (NRAC) collaborate to oversee the distribution of the Clean Ohio Conservation Fund across the following counties: Adams, Brown, Fayette, Gallia, Highland, Jackson, Lawrence, Pike, Ross, Scioto, and Vinton.