The Salt Creek Nature Sanctuary

The 250-acre Salt Creek Nature Sanctuary is a beautiful natural area located in Southeastern Indiana, about 55 minutes from Oxford,Ohio. Formerly a hill farm, the site has not been farmed since its purchase by Don and Pat Kaufman 1983. Deep valleys, running streams, and wooded ravines mark its rolling terrain. Old- growth stands on the steep slopes mix with second- and third-growth stands on the higher, flatter areas; old fields and riparian areas add to the overall diversity of the site. All of the land within the boundaries of Salt Creek is under conservation easement and will be managed in perpetuity by The Oxford Society.

In 2007, the Kaufmans gave Salt Creek Nature Sanctuary to The Oxford Society to manage in perpetuity. They also established an endowment to provide The Oxford Society with management funds. The Oxford Society's Board of Trustees makes all decisions concerning the management of the Sanctuary.

The Oxford Society works with youth groups and volunteers to improve and restore Salt Creek's natural habitats. For example, twice each year, students from the University of Dayton spend a Saturday at the Sanctuary to help maintain trails and remove invasive species like autumn olive. These students are from Brother Dan Klco's environmental biology classes.

Plans for Salt Creek Nature Sanctuary include the establishment of an environmental education center. Once completed, the center will host children grades K-6, youth groups, elementary school teachers, and adults as they experience and explore nature, learn new teaching methods, develop environmental ethics and beliefs, and have a chance for self-reflection.

The Oxford Society's work in Franklin County also includes the establishment of the Salt Creek Nature Sanctuary Endowment Fund. Overseen by the Franklin County Community Foundation, this endowment provides funds to improve environmental quality and heighten awareness of environmental issues through educational efforts and practical projects. Funded projects include the Whitewater Canal Greenway, an interpretive biking and walking trail that promotes environmental and historic preservation and outdoor recreation; The Whitewater Environmental Council "It's for the Birds" program, which involved high school students in the creation and placement of bluebird boxes; and Michaela Farm's Education Program, which introduces K-6 children to the environmental aspects of an organic farm.

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Don and Pat Kaufman stand under the Portrait Tree at Salt Creek Nature Sanctuary.