Healthy habitats change everything for wildlife.
Across the rolling prairies, forests, wetlands, and grasslands of The Wilds, conservation happens every single day.
Native habitats are restored. Ecosystems are strengthened. Wildlife is given the space and support needed to thrive.
Because of supporters like you, this work continues across thousands of acres in southeast Ohio and beyond.
“I hope people take away that they can be involved in this work. Whether it’s through actions at home or by supporting organizations that contribute to conservation efforts every day, everyone has a role to play in caring for the land and the species that depend on it.”
- Liza Butler, Restoration Ecology Associate at The Wilds
From reclaimed mining land to thriving habitats.
If you have visited The Wilds, you have likely seen the vast open landscapes that make this place feel unlike anywhere else in Ohio.
Behind those rolling prairies, forests, wetlands, and streams is ongoing restoration ecology work focused on caring for the habitats wildlife depend on every day.
Liza Butler, Restoration Ecology Associate at The Wilds, helps manage thousands of acres of reclaimed surface-mined land that have been transformed into thriving ecosystems. Working alongside a small team, Liza helps remove invasive species, plant native species, conduct prescribed burns with conservation partners, assist with ecological research, and care for habitats across the property.
Over time, this work helps restore balance to ecosystems while creating healthier habitats for wildlife across the region.
Conservation is steady work that grows season by season. Every acre restored helps support the future of wildlife.
Sometimes, the biggest conservation victories return quietly.
Over the years, restored habitats at The Wilds have welcomed the return of native wildlife species.
In one restored grassland area, researchers observed Henslow’s sparrows returning to habitats where they had not been recorded for some time.
Moments like these help show what is possible when ecosystems are given the opportunity to recover.
Healthy ecosystems support wildlife far beyond a single pasture.
At The Wilds, restored prairies, wetlands, forests, and grasslands help sustain wildlife throughout the landscape.
As habitat loss continues to impact species around the world, this work helps strengthen ecosystems both here in Ohio and beyond.
Your support helps:
- Restore native habitats
- Protect biodiversity
- Support ecological research
- Strengthen conservation partnerships
- Care for landscapes wildlife depend on
Wildlife needs healthy habitats to survive.
Every restored prairie.
Every protected wetland.
Every native species planted.
It all adds up to stronger ecosystems for wildlife and future generations.
At The Wilds, this work advances our mission of Empowering People. Saving Wildlife.
Your gift helps support habitat restoration, ecological conservation, and the ongoing care of the landscapes wildlife depend on every day. Together, we can continue restoring ecosystems, protecting species, and creating a healthier future for wildlife.