THIS IS WHO WE ARE
We are Mark & Carol. We purchased 150 acres in Saltlick Township in 2010. We named it Saltlick Sanctuary. Saltlick, because of where it is located. Sanctuary, because it was to be a place where we could escape from the stress of our jobs.
The land is mostly reclaimed strip mine land. It is about half wooded in various stages of succession from grassland to mature forest. The other half is a savanna like grass land interspersed among the wooded areas. The photo above overlooks what we call the Big Meadow.
It started out as just a place to walk about and be at peace. Then we made a primitive camp site with a lean-to where we could have a camp fire. Our plan, if we really had one, was to manage the land in such a way that it would attract wildlife.
Over the course of seven years the vision for the Sanctuary evolved into a place where we could nurture a diverse habitat for wildlife and native plants and native pollinators. It also became a place where we could practice camping and backpacking skills.
We now see the Sanctuary as a place where we can continue to restore native habitat but also as a place to share experience, knowledge, and appreciation of the natural world. To this end we are now opening our sanctuary to others to visit, hike, camp, and learn.
THIS IS WHAT WE DO
We provide a shuttle service for the Stockport and New Straitsville sections of the Buckeye Trail. The Buckeye Trail is a magnificent resource and a great way to enjoy a day or weekend of hiking. Much of these two sections can be hiked off road but don’t under estimate how interesting road hiking can be.
We also offer primitive camping at the Sanctuary. Designated sites include a fire ring, fire wood, and a small supply of potable water. The sites are suitable for either tent or hammock camping. All sites are walk in and about a mile from the parking area. The Sanctuary is surrounded by Wayne National Forest and it is just a short hike to the Buckeye Trial and 23 miles of local trail.
If you are new to the outdoors and need help or guidance we would be pleased to help you learn to set up camp and use your equipment. We can also guide you on hikes in the forest and surrounding trails.
If you are planning a hiking adventure on one of the long trails, the Sanctuary and surrounding forest is a great place to shake down your equipment, hone your skills, and build your endurance. Again, will would be pleased to offer you any assistance you may desire.
THIS IS WHY WE DO IT
We strongly believe that one of the best ways to preserve something is to use it. Why? If you use something and enjoy it you will take care of it and protect it. The same goes for nature. Those most motivated to preserve our natural habitats are the ones who use and appreciate our forests, prairies, and undeveloped wilderness.
We believe we are charged with the duty to be good stewards of what we have been given. Part of being a good steward is to share knowledge and experience. The Sanctuary is a place where we pass on our love and respect of nature to our grandchildren. We hope it can be a place where you can do the same for your children and grandchildren.
The Sanctuary and surrounding forest are filled with natural beauty, but they are not a pristine natural environment. The scars of strip mining are apparent. There are high walls and spoil piles. Old coal tailings remain on the surface and are devoid of plant life. The water is polluted and mostly unable to support life. Because they bear these scars they present an opportunity to observe the damage caused by the unfettered use of natural resources. But they also offer insight to the incredible ability of the earth to heal itself. We believe there are lessons to be learned from both the destructive power of humans and the healing power of the earth.
Carol and I have lived here our entire lives and for much of that time we took the beauty of where we live for granted. At the same time, we realized that most people live and work in cities, towns, and villages and cannot walk out their back door and into the woods. We want to share our experience with you even if only for a day or a weekend.
