Shallenberger State Nature Preserve illustrates the past natural history of Ohio running headlong into the present. Located in south-central Ohio, right outside of Lancaster, the preserve lies on the edge where ice age glaciers ground into the Blackhand Sandstone of Hocking Hills fame.
The two sandstone knobs, born from the intense geological struggles of the past, illustrate the modern-day struggle of natural ecosystems against the influence of Anglo-European settlement. The two knobs, named for siblings who once lived near them, take on a character of their own as remnants of the deep past and survivors of modern-era quarrying and logging. The almost two miles of trail transport the visitor up and down and around Allen and Ruble Knobs under the canopy of a maturing forest. Springtime brings on a vivid wildflower show as native plants celebrate each spring for another year of protection within the preserve.
Under the management of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Natural Areas and Preserves, Shallenberger demonstrates the struggle of native plant and animal species against exotic invaders from other places. Concurrently, it demonstrates the care that devoted staff and volunteers bring to the site, working to protect a piece of Ohio's natural history for all to enjoy.