Gertrude Hill Preserve

The Gertrude Hill Preserve is a 32-acre property located along SR 56 near Laurelville, Ohio.   This property was acquired by AOA in May 2024 and is adjacent to AOA’s outstanding 86-acre Menchhofer Preserve which was acquired the previous year.  

The acquisition of this property protected riparian corridor along the East Fork of Queer Creek and two coldwater, primary headwater habitat streams in Hocking County, Ohio.  These headwater streams flow through steep sided valleys with rock outcrops and cliffs above.

The Gertrude Hill Preserve features steep, forested ravines, spectacular Black Hand sandstone bluffs, waterfalls, a historic rock shelter and large rock outcrops. The property is botanically diverse and features large mature ferns, colonies of black cohosh; trillium, bloodroot, wild yams, partridge berry, skullcaps, and a large variety of wildflowers.

The property has a relatively mature forest with some large hemlocks.  The forest is pristine and has very few invasive species.  

The front of the property is a large field with a log cabin.  This cabin may be restored by AOA in the future.