"We abuse land because we regard it as a commodity belonging to us. When we see land as a community to which we belong, we may begin to use it with love and respect." -Aldo Leopold, A Sand County Almanac, 1948
In 1992, Miami University President, Paul Pearson wrote , " We all recognize the rapid rate of loss of natural green-belt areas in our state and nation as our population increases, causing growing demands for housing, commerce and industry, highways, power lines, and other support services. I am very concerned that the natural, green-belt areas around much of Miami's Oxford campus will fall victim to these demands"
President Paul Pearson stated, " We should take action now to protect these (natural) areas for education and research and for the opportunities they provide for such stress-relieving activities as hiking and the simple observation of nature."
In 1992 the Miami University's board of trustees voted unanimously to establish, in perpetuity, official "Miami University Natural Areas" protection for designated greenbelt lands, totaling over 1,000 acres to the south, east and northeast of campus.
Today, As we see the effects of urban sprawl growing closer to Oxford, we give thanks to the vision of President Paul Pearson, the continuing support of the Board of Trustees, the ongoing conservation efforts of the Bachelor Reserve and Other Areas Committee and the donors whose gifts made this greenbelt sanctuary a reality.
This Committee, chaired by Dr. David Gorchov, reports to the President of the University and is responsible for oversight and management of the Natural Areas.
The following is a list of donors who chose to protect the land forever over profits:
William and Dorothy Amos, Joseph Bachelor, Michael and Noreen Beck, Edward Brown, Mr. and Mrs. Stuart Fitton, Dr. Robert A. Hefner, Dr. Paul and Edith Kramer, Joseph and Sara Marcum, Dr. and Mrs. Roy Reinhart and Fred C. Yager.