Preserving Ohio’s Trails

Preservation

Picture this: a vision sparked by Merrill Gilfillan's inspiring words in a 1958 Columbus Dispatch article - "A Buckeye Trail, so Far It Is Just an Idea." A call to action, an idea that would transform into a breathtaking reality. Fast forward one year, and the Buckeye Trail, along with its guardian angel, the Buckeye Trail Association, was born, with iconic trailblazer Emma 'Grandma' Gatewood leading the way.

But it didn't stop there. In honor of Grandma Gatewood and former BTA president Emily Gregor, the Buckeye Trail Preservation Fund emerged, a beacon of hope to secure the land and preserve the beauty of the Buckeye Trail for generations to come.

From humble beginnings as a 500-mile route from the shores of Lake Erie to the majestic Ohio River bluffs, the Buckeye Trail has evolved into a jaw-dropping 1,400+ mile masterpiece. This remarkable trail showcases Ohio's diverse landscapes, taking you through enchanting farmlands, rolling Appalachian hills, dramatic Blackhand sandstone cliffs in the Hocking Hills, the charming Bluegrass region of the southwest, and pristine wetlands and forests that span the state. Along the way, you'll stumble upon historic towns, traces of canal towpaths, and the echoes of abandoned rail grades.

Today, the Buckeye Trail Association continues to champion the original vision of a permanently protected Buckeye Trail corridor. We are dedicated to:

  • Defining and prioritizing a potential Buckeye Trail corridor;

  • Negotiating permanent access for the BT with public land managers and private landowners;

  • Identifying, understanding and employing funding mechanisms for land preservation work;

  • Collaborating closely with the land-trust community and like-minded partners who share our priorities.

  • Strengthening our capacity to support trail preservation initiatives.

  • Developing clear land-management policies that align with local community and ecological values.

  • Fostering positive relationships with both public and private landowners along the BT.

But we can't do it alone. Here's how you can play your part in preserving the Buckeye Trail and the lands it traverses:

If you're a landowner near the Buckeye Trail, consider donating an easement to allow the BT to grace your property. Find answers to your questions on our Landowner Information Page. Donate to the Buckeye Trail Preservation Fund today to support our vital work. You can choose between two convenient methods: donate online or download our mail-in form and return it with your check. Reach out to us at preservation@buckeyetrail.org to volunteer your expertise and join us in this incredible journey.

Join us in safeguarding the heart and soul of Ohio's Buckeye Trail. Together, we can preserve this natural wonder for the adventurers, nature enthusiasts, and dreamers of tomorrow. The Buckeye Trail is more than just a path; it's an everlasting legacy.