Hellbender Preserve

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Hellbender Preserve The Preserve, brought to you by the efforts of the Jefferson Soil and Water Conservation District, is nestled away in the foothills of Appalachia.

It hosts an abundant variety of native plants and animals; most notably the Eastern Ohio Hellbender.

Today!!!
09/19/2026

Today!!!

Hellbender Preserve experienced the wild of nature today. There are a few spots that are washed out that are in need of...
08/10/2026

Hellbender Preserve experienced the wild of nature today. There are a few spots that are washed out that are in need of repair. However, this is one of the many reasons we used crush limestone to build the trail it is relatively easy to repair.

We are a small grassroots agency and may have to raise some funds to fix it, but we will get it done.

Please use caution if you go to Hellbender Preserve there are some bumpy spots.

One Year. 365 days. A complete whirlwind. Thank you to the over 30,000 people who have visited Hellbender Preserve. Than...
04/26/2026

One Year. 365 days. A complete whirlwind. Thank you to the over 30,000 people who have visited Hellbender Preserve.

Thank you to all of those who have shared a moment and made memories. Thank you to all of those that have put the phones down and turned up the volume on nature. Thank you to those who have been inspired to learn more about our shared history, our shared ecosystem, and our shared home.

Thank you to the grandparents, parents, family, friends and neighbors who have visited and introduced the wonder and mystic of the wild to younger generations.

Hellbender Preserve could not be what it is without you!

Thank you for one year of success and we look forward to many more years of conservation, education, recreation, and preservation.

Wild Wednesday WalkJoin us for Wild Wednesday at Hellbender Preserve, an impromptu Wildflower and Birds Walk led by Jef...
04/03/2026

Wild Wednesday Walk
Join us for Wild Wednesday at Hellbender Preserve, an impromptu Wildflower and Birds Walk led by Jefferson Soil and Water Conservation District staff. Enjoy a relaxed outing through the preserve as we explore seasonal wildflowers in bloom, observe local wildlife and birds, and share a bit of the area’s natural and historical significance. Perfect for anyone looking to connect with nature and learn something new along the way.

When: Wednesday April 8th at 5:30pm

Where: Hellbender Preserve

Meet at the Main Entrance. Tour will begin promptly at 5:30pm

On February 14, 1861, Abraham Lincoln departed Columbus Ohio on his way to Pittsburgh via Steubenville. After dining in ...
02/14/2026

On February 14, 1861, Abraham Lincoln departed Columbus Ohio on his way to Pittsburgh via Steubenville.

After dining in Cadiz Junction (near Hopedale) word came that the wooden trestle outside the the Fairplay Tunnel was compromised. With a tight schedule it was determined Lincoln and his party would disembark the train and walk across the bridge to prevent the weight of the train from causing a collapse.

As Lincoln walked across the wet greasy trestle he slipped and fell against the deck nearly falling off the bridge to his death. As the people gasped, Lincoln made a joke and carried on.

After the war broke out Lincoln directed that a bridge of stone be built to replace the trestle in the name of national security.

The stone Lincoln Bridge still stands today and serves as an anchor of the Hellbender Preserve property.

Enjoy the warm weather and walk on the footsteps of Lincoln today.

(To learn more of the Lincoln Bridge visit the Jefferson Soil and Water Conservation District website)

The woods stand still in silver light,where branches lace the cold so bright—and hidden wings, in sudden start,stitch co...
12/06/2025

The woods stand still in silver light,
where branches lace the cold so bright—
and hidden wings, in sudden start,
stitch colorful notes through winter’s heart.

No bells out here, no hurried cheer,
just peace you almost feel and hear;
and every step, a steady hymn,
as snowfall makes the world grow bright.

Winter is a wonderful time to visit Hellbender Preserve and wander our trails. Wildlife, tucked in the woods and flutter...
12/06/2025

Winter is a wonderful time to visit Hellbender Preserve and wander our trails.

Wildlife, tucked in the woods and fluttering among the trees, pops in the stark contrast to the snow—small sparks of life against a quiet calm. The hush out here isn’t empty; it’s purely peaceful. It wraps around you until all you hear is your breath… and the soft crunch of snow beneath your feet, guiding the way.

Address

800 County Road 36
Bloomingdale, OH

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