Nature Preserves

A State Nature Preserve is a legally dedicated area that has been recognized for its natural significance and protected by law for scientific and educational purposes. Dedicated state nature preserves are established solely to protect and preserve rare species, the natural environment, or exceptional natural scenery or environmental education opportunities. State Nature Preserves available in this layer are open to the public for hiking only. Hiking trails are closely regulated to protect the natural integrity of the preserve so that it may be passed on unimpaired to future generations. Certain preserves are only open for scientific research at this time and are not available in this layer.