By KATIE WRIGHT
From the rolling fields of native prairie grasses waving in the wind to the rush of water pouring over the falls in a deep woods, the sights and sounds that greet visitors to Fallsville Wildlife Preserve are at once both peaceful and breathtaking.

   A haven for the flutter of songbirds and the rustling of woodland creatures, the 1,382-acre preserve has it all: sweeping meadows, lush woods, swampy wetlands, stocked ponds and picturesque farmland. And whether visitors are stalking the bountiful wildlife during hunting season, taking a quiet afternoon to fish, or just wandering the preserve with a camera, the beauty of nature is free for the taking.
   Located seven miles north of Hillsboro on state Route 73 in Highland County, the massive wildlife area is an oft-overlooked gem of southern Ohio, boasting unrestricted hunting of some of Ohio’s native creatures, dozens of bird species, free fishing, and a breathtaking falls in the heart of Highland County’s fertile woodland.
   Far from the roar of motors and the hustle and bustle of everyday life, the preserve is a quiet place with endless opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy the thrill of wildlife watching and the beauty of nature.
   One of the best areas in Ohio for hunting, the preserve makes a  popular haunt for deer hunters during the season, and boasts an abundant supply of waterfowl, rabbits, squirrels, ducks, raccoons, and foxes. Trapping is also permitted for muskrat and mink along the preserve’s streams and pond banks, as well as possum, weasels, skunks, and red and gray foxes.
   Even for those who don’t make bird watching a regular hobby, the preserve possesses an impressive array of wild birds native to our state, including hawks, waterfowl, and a variety of songbirds that make their homes both in the shrub land and the grass area.
   Around thirty percent of the preserve is covered in native prairie grass, which grows high and offers a habitat for a number of bird species that don’t usually nest in other places.
   “This prairie grass is native to Ohio and provides a great habitat for wildlife species,” said Brett Beatty, the wildlife officer for the Ohio  Department of Natural Resources’ district five. “The preserve is a very diverse habitat, providing grassland, woodlands, crop land, and even wetlands. The diverse area attracts a very wide array of wildlife species that make their home on the preserve.”
   A path has been beaten through the woods to the site of a large rock falls on the east end of the preserve, where the water of Clear Creek can
be seen pouring down the rocks. The falls is open to the public year-round and is always free.
   Several ponds throughout the preserve are stocked with bass,
bluegill, and channel cats, and fishing in the area has been very productive, Beatty said.

Activities aren’t limited to
 hunting and fishing.
The preserve also provides opportunities for bird watching, hiking, berry picking, mushroom hunting, and hiking.
Whether you’re looking for a great place to hunt, a new fishing  experience, or a quiet afternoon enjoying nature, the Fallsville Wildlife
   Preserve is free and open to the public - and it might just be your perfect destination.
 For more information on the preserve, call (937) 987-2508.