(Photo by Terry Seidel) There are many forest caves located throughout the Lowe property which were donated to the Athens Conservancy and The Nature Conservancy.

ATHENS, Ohio — Private landowner Betty Lowe donated 2,973 acres of southern Ohio land to the Athens Conservancy and The Nature Conservancy.

The land was owned by the Lowe family for a century and she said she wanted the property protected for many reasons.

“I am donating my farm to Athens Conservancy and a conservation easement to The Nature Conservancy so as to conserve the property from future development, prevent mining and major disturbance to the land,” said Lowe.

The property is home to a large biodiversity and is an important breeding ground for many migratory birds, according to Athens Conservancy.

The property is part of the Appalachian Corridor which is diverse, carbon-rich, and climate-resilient and sits within the eastern temperate deciduous forest.

(Photo by Terry Seidel) Headwater streams are located throughout the Lowe forest.

“Athens Conservancy commends Betty’s vision to preserve this precious forested property,” said Athens Conservancy Board Member Brian Blair. “This remarkable land is abundant in natural beauty, rugged history, and environmental treasures. Its vast hardwood forests have significant impact-locally, regionally, and globally-today and for the future.”

It’s considered vital to the 2,000-mile Appalachian Mountain range and is home to many endangered species such as the eastern red bats.

The land is also home to a few potentially threatened species such as the lance-leaved violet and the netted chain fern.

“Preserve native biodiversity, allow the public to walk and enjoy nature, and encourage appreciation and protection of the natural world,” Lowe said. “May this be an inspiration for other landowners to protect their properties.”

The property consists of 88% hardwood forest with caves, cliffs, ponds, streams, and valleys. The Lowe family also planted more than 300 acres of Virginia pines and walnut trees all across the forest. Some of that land had been used previously for mining but has since been reforested.

(Photo by Terry Seidel) There is a vast biodiversity such as this sedum in moss located at the Lowe property.

“Protecting this forest-the largest single private parcel The Nature Conservancy has conserved within the state of Ohio-is a win for people and nature,” said Terry Seidel, The Nature Conservancy’s director of protection in Ohio.

The Athens Conservancy has plans to establish the Joy Valley Nature Preserve which will protect the land and the biodiversity. Visitors will have the opportunity to explore, research, and learn from the preserve.

“We fully embrace a partnership with The Nature Conservancy to protect it (Lowe’s land) forever,” said Blair.

The partnership will collaborate to maintain and establish the acreage for birdwatching, hiking, and more. The Athens Conservancy is a local non-profit that has protected about 6,200 acres of Appalachian land.

The Nature Conservancy is a global organization that has worked towards solutions to better the relationship between people and nature.

(Photo by Terry Seidel) A vernal pool is among the many unique features on the 3,000-acre Lowe property.

“By working in partnership with Athens Conservancy, we’re ensuring part of the globally significant Appalachian landscape remains a beautiful place for people to connect with the outdoors,” said Seidel.

Both organizations have plans to host an opening event for the Joy Valley Nature Preserve to commemorate the establishment of the preserve.

(Photo by Terry Seidel) A cliff face located on the Lowe property.

(Photo by Terry Seidel) Cliffs are located throughout the Lowe property.