At the Big Darby Nature Preserve progress is occurring in
many areas both large and small. The most apparent of these projects is the Big
Darby Creek Restoration in which The Nature Conservancy is working to restore
this valuable Ohio watershed. Currently, just a few miles stream side, the area is
being developed for housing and for retail development. All of this
construction could severely degrade one of Ohio’s most distinct streams and
pollute the surrounding watershed.
The importance of this river cannot be overstated. As
tributary of the Scioto River the Big Darby Creek provides water for tens of
thousands of Columbus’ residents while providing a habitat for a diverse number
of plant and animal species. By protecting and highlighting this area for the
public The Nature Conservancy is calling attention to the continuing impact of
urban development as well as the importance of water safety.
Long-term local development changed this natural snaking
river to a straight water pathway that resulted in the reduction wildlife and
plant species. The straightening and dredging of the stream was profitable for
agricultural and development but harmful to water quality and the surrounding
ecosystems. When The Nature Conservancy acquired the land they launched a
long-term project to reestablish the natural curves of the river and to
reintroduce native life. By working to restore the river’s flow The Nature
Conservancy is encouraging one of Ohio’s most biologically diverse ecosystems
to flourish.
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