Medford Preserve

AOA acquired a 35-acre property from the Medford family in July 2025.  This property is located in the Laurel Run watershed near Bigham Road in the Cantwell Cliffs vicinity of Hocking County.

The preserve includes some outstanding geological features including sandstone bluffa up to 100 feet high that are parallel to a central stream gorge. These bluffs include small waterfalls and habitat ledges that provide unique habitats for plants and animals.

The acquisition of this property protects 3,930 lineal feet of Coldwater stream habitat in the headwaters of the Laurel Run watershed.  Six Coldwater aquatic species were observed in these headwater streams.

A forested ravine on the property contains a large stand of hemlock.  Upland areas contain a Mixed Mesophytic forest with variety of tree species dominated by some mature tulip poplar, beech, white and red oak.  

A one-day botanical survey of the property found 243 vascular plant species, as well as several mosses and lichens.  Many of the plant species found were regionally rare and sensitive species that indicate high-quality habitat.  These species included the State Endangered Mougeot’s Yoke Moss. 

Conservation within the Laurel Run watershed has been a priority for AOA.  As of 2025, AOA has preserved 14 properties and nearly 1,400 acres within the upper Laurel Run watershed.