850 Trees Planted at Ohio Farm After 6-Year Cleanup

Six years of hard work just paid off in the best way possible for a small Ohio nature preserve.

Volunteers planted 850 native trees and bushes at Quarry Farm Nature Preserve and Conservation Farm near Pandora last month, marking a major milestone in restoring the 50-acre property to its natural state. The planting became possible only after volunteers spent six years painstakingly removing invasive plant species that had crowded out native trees and wildflowers.

Members of the Women's Outreach group from Emmanuel United Church of Christ in Bluffton were among those who answered the call. They spent an afternoon planting 100 black cherry seedlings near the grassland prairie, armed with hats, gloves, bug spray and shovels.

"We're always looking for something different, and it's mission work," one volunteer explained.

Anne Coburn-Griffis and her husband Steve facilitate the farm, which has been in Anne's family for three generations. Her grandparents bought the property, which includes an old stone quarry, in the 1940s. Today, the family operates it as a nature preserve and center for conservation education.

The restoration work has been intensive. Invasive species like amur bush honeysuckle and Russian olive had taken over large sections of the property. The team even brought in goats to help remove stubborn Russian olive plants.

Once removed, volunteers piled the dead branches high to create perfect habitats for birds, raccoons, possums and foxes. The farm also turns honeysuckle branches into hiking sticks that kids love to make.

Deb Weston, a member of the farm's board of directors, leads bird watching trips on the property. To date, 155 bird species have been spotted there. "In the spring, I'm here almost every day because migration only lasts for a few weeks," she said.

The preserve's varied habitats make it special. The quarry, woods, prairie and seasonal wetlands each support different wildlife. Native and migratory birds, insects, mammals, reptiles and amphibians all call the farm home.

The Ripple Effect

The Quarry Farm project shows how patient, persistent community effort can reverse environmental damage. What started as land overrun by invasive species is becoming a flourishing ecosystem where native plants and animals can thrive again. The preserve also serves as an outdoor classroom, teaching future generations about conservation and the importance of protecting native habitats.

Young people who visit learn hands-on lessons about ecosystem restoration while making hiking sticks and exploring different habitats. The knowledge and inspiration they gain today could shape how they care for the environment tomorrow.

Sometimes the best progress happens one seedling at a time.

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