The Hocking River Riparian Area Project is located along the river directly behind the Athens Community Center.
This area along the Hocking River is a riparian/floodplain corridor which means, it may flood during large rain events. As a riparian, the growth of plants and trees slow the movement of storm water to the river. This gives the storm water a chance to permeate the soil which assists in maintaining a cleaner river.
Invasive Plants - This area has a history of agriculture and commercial use which enabled the area to become dominated with invasive plants that are not native to an Ohio landscape. Non-native plants create an undesirable habitat for pollinators and other wildlife.
The Restoration of Native and Natural Landscape Project - The City of Athens, will be removing these invasive species over the next year. Please excuse the debris while we strive to make this area a better environment for storm water management, pollinators, wildlife, and the people of Athens.