Johnson-Yeisher Preserve

AOA purchased this spectacular 111-acre property along Queer Creek from the Johnson family in December 2025.  This Preserve is located in the unincorporated community of South Bloomingville and spans ridgetop to ridgetop across the valley bisected by Highway 664. This Preserve contributes to creation of a conserved habitat corridor along Queer Creek which has been a high priority AOA water quality protection goal. 

The Johnson-Yeiser Preserve includes outstanding Hocking Hills and Blackhand sandstone geologic formations including high steep bluffs and rock outcrops, shelter caves and numerous large slough rocks.  There are several high-quality wetlands on the site.  Most of the property is covered by older growth hardwood forests with large stands of hemlock and many native wildflower species. 

The Johnson-Yeiser Preserve protects over 2,200 linear feet of riparian corridor along Queer Creek, an Exceptional / Coldwater Habitat, Superior High-Quality Waters, as it flows south from Old Man’s Cave to Salt Creek.  There are two headwater streams in the gorges on the west side of the property that flow into Queer Creek. 

This Preserve has increased the amount of land AOA has preserved in the Queer Creek watershed to over 1,900 acres.