NAPP News
Natural Areas Preservation Program Update
Work is in progress to provide public access—including parking, trails and informational signage—for persons interested in visiting the DeVine Nature Preserve in Scio Township. This 137-acre natural area on West Liberty Road was the first property purchased through NAPP in 2003.
Wetlands, which make up the majority of the site, surround a small upland woodland in the southernmost portion of the site along Liberty. This upland “island” was an ideal location for a new 6-space gravel parking lot—approximately ½ mile west of Zeeb, north side of Liberty—which will be clearly marked with a new entry sign. To reduce the impacts of construction in the woodland, the entry drive and parking spaces were designed around two very large oak trees.
An information board with a trail map and area use guidelines will be erected at the parking area trailhead. From there, two loop trails wind through the woods, one connecting with a seasonal trail that takes visitors out into the wetlands and old fields in the northern areas of the preserve. The trails were laid out by park staff and demarcated on the ground by Jim Hughes and his fellow scouts from Boy Scout Troop 111. Thanks and congratulations to the soon-to-be Eagle Scout for his much appreciated work!
