Nature Preserves
With an expanding urban environment, global climate change and the city entering a period of growth, the City of Columbus had to take an aggressive approach to protect and conserve natural areas. The City of Columbus adopted a Nature Preserve Code into Columbus City Code in 2022 that provides for the conservation, protection and enhancement of ecologically significant land through research, awareness and education.
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Each nature preserve features a variety of habitat types, such as upland forests, grasslands, rivers and wetlands. These habitats are potentially home to multiple types of flora and fauna that are endangered, threatened or species of concern. These species include the federally endangered Indiana Bat and Northern Long-eared Bat, as well as numerous state-listed records of freshwater mussels, such as the Snuffbox, Kidneyshell and Elktoe. There have been recorded findings of the endangered Spreading Rock Cress at Hayden Falls Nature Preserve and the state species of concern, Prothonotary Warbler, at Hoover Nature Preserve.
On top of providing a home for these species, the type of habitat also plays an important role in the ecological well-being of the city. Wetlands filter water and improve downstream water quality, reduce flooding and store carbon. Many nature preserves are located within largely urban environments that, if not for the designation, may not be conserved. Columbus Recreation and Parks has taken action to protect these areas, plants and wildlife today to ensure their existence for tomorrow.