Ohio's newest State Nature Preserve is located in Columbiana County. 

Little Beaver Creek State and National Wild and Scenic River is home to a high quality habitat harboring rare plants that protect both sides of the river. The new preserve protects nearly a mile of the scenic river including a superior tributary featuring a series of waterfalls and groundwater springs along with habitat protecting several salamander species.

"It remains important to preserve Ohio's many wonderful natural resources for citizens of today and of the future," said Governor Mike DeWine. "Dedicating Little Beaver Creek as a State Nature Preserve will protect one of Ohio's scenic rivers as well as critical habitat for rare plant species."

"It's exciting to announce that with the dedication of Little Beaver Creek State Nature Preserve in northeast Ohio, we now have 147 state nature preserves," said ODNR Director, Mary Mertz. "This is the second site added to the state preserve system this year, which is a wonderful accomplishment for ODNR's 75th anniversary year."

Additionally, ODNR Division of Natural Areas and Preserves botanists recently discovered a population of the potentially threatened running buffalo clover (Trifolium stoloniferum), making this sighting the northernmost population ever recorded in Ohio.

"Not only does Little Beaver Creek State Nature Preserve protect rare species, but it provides long-term protection for one of Ohio's highest quality streams," said Jeff Johnson, ODNR Division of Natural Areas and Preserves Chief. "Keeping stream corridors deeply wooded and limiting habitat damage from development is key to also protecting sensitive aquatic species."

The most recent announcement brings the total amount of protected land along Little Beaver Creek, including Sheepskin Hollow State Nature Preserve, scenic river lands, and conservation easements, to more than 3,300 acres.

Hiking, fishing, hunting, wildlife observation, and photography are all permitted activities. Paddle boats are also permitted.