The Knox County Park District acquired this 102 acre area comprised of Kokosing River floodplain, cropland and wetlands in June of 2007. Approximately 1000 sycamore seedlings were planted in April on the site, to begin restoring riparian habitat along the river. Approximately 2.7 acres of wetland habitat, in conjunction with the US Fish and Wildlife Service, was restored in late 2007.

With this acquisition, the Park District and its conservation partners protected more than a mile of the Kokosing State Scenic River. The Ramser Arboretum, Ohio Division of Wildlife and Ohio Public Works Commission assisted the park district with the acquisition of this land, located in Knox and Coshocton counties along State Route 715 and near Bat Nest Road.

Future plans for the site include restoration of the riparian area, restoration of grassland habitat, and creation of a mowed path to the river for angler access. The site, which lies adjacent to Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District lands, is open for hunting. Bald eagles frequently inhabit this stretch of the Kokosing, as their hunt and feed their offspring. The Knox Chapter of Pheasants Forever are our partners on this site.

A small grassed area adjacent to State Route 715 serves as the parking lot for the site.

Archaelogical resources (flint, arrowheads, etc.) on the site should not be gathered or collected. These resources belong to all Knox Countians and Ohioans and need to remain in the public trust.

Habitat components of Bat Nest Road Access

Aerial view of approximate boundaries of Bat Nest Road River Access