What We Do
As your neighbors, we are committed to preserving the Ohio countryside around us.
Our Mission
Partnering with our communities to preserve the rural and natural integrity of land throughout the Killbuck Creek watershed and neighboring areas.
Our Vision
To ensure a thriving environment for future generations through conservation, education and advocacy.
Our Story
Like so many other charitable organizations, we began as a group of concerned citizens. In the late 1990s rapid residential and commercial development were replacing farmland throughout the state, threatening Ohio’s natural and agricultural areas.
Interested in saving the agriculturally and environmentally significant parcels of land surrounding us, a group of local individuals felt it was necessary to establish a nonprofit conservation organization for landowners seeking to preserve the integrity of the lands we love. We wanted to work directly with our neighbors to help them access all of the creative land protection plans available to Ohio landowners and to find a solution that served those landowners’ individual needs.
Typically land trust organizations define themselves by a notable natural landscape which, in our case, was the Killbuck Creek watershed and surrounding areas. Incorporated as a 501(c)3 in 2000, the Killbuck Watershed Land Trust has led the local effort to preserve farmland and open spaces in Wayne, Holmes, Ashland, Richland, Coshocton and Tuscarawas counties.
Through the purchase and management of natural areas of significance, we continually educate and advocate for wise use of natural resources to benefit our communities now and in the future.
Saving Farmland
Our conservation easements have preserved over 10,000 acres of farmland and private land in six Ohio counties.
Caring for Nature
We hold land to protect their valuable resources for future generations.
Connecting People to the Outdoors
Our volunteers and supporters help us to maintain the beauty of our preserves.
What We’ve Achieved
Currently preserve more than 11,000 acres of farm land, forests, wetlands and open spaces in Wayne, Holmes, Coshocton, Ashland, Richland, and Tuscarawas counties in Ohio.
Awarded 2004 Clean Ohio grant funding for acquisition of Brinkhaven Barrens Preserve.
Awarded 2006 Clean Ohio grant funding for acquisition of Baker Wetlands Preserve.
Awarded 2021 Clean Ohio grant funding for the newly established Killbuck Swamp Preserve.
Awarded 2022 Clean Ohio grant funding for expanding Killbuck Swamp Preserve with Crane Swamp.
Awarded 2023 Clean Ohio grant funding for expanding Killbuck Swamp Preserve with Bowfin Bottoms.
Awarded 2023 H2Ohio grant for Wetland Restoration at Crane Swamp.
Awarded 2024 H2Ohio grant for Wetland Restoration at Bowfin Bottoms.
Awarded 2025 Clean Ohio & H2Ohio grant funding for expanding Killbuck Swamp Preserve with Lower Black Creek.
Partnered with Arc of Appalachia to acquire 516 acres of wetlands and 22 acres of woodland.