A $5,300 grant from the Greater Oxford Community Foundation will support bridge and trail improvements in the Miami University Natural Areas, a 1,000 acre greenbelt that provides 22 miles of trails for students and community members. 

 The Natural Areas also recently received a donation of $15,000 from an area resident who wishes to remain anonymous.  

“By purchasing materials with the Community Foundation funds, we free up money to pay our student workers to build and repair bridges, clear trees off trails, and deal with erosion issues as well as to provide new signs and maps,” said David Gorchov, professor of Biology and chair of the Natural Areas committee.

The recent $15,000 gift along with other donations from area residents and members of the Miami community are critical to carry out projects that range from installing steps and handrails to invasive plant control, Gorchov said.  The annual budget to support the Natural Areas comes primarily from the original endowment from the Joseph Bachelor estate, supplemented by gifts from donors.  

“I am grateful for all the donations, grants, and other support that we receive for operation and maintenance of the Natural Areas.,” said Nancy Feakes, Natural Areas manager, in charge of the day-to-day operations and maintenance. “In addition to annual maintenance, we're working our way through a significant backlog of deferred maintenance, and we couldn't do it without this funding. This benefits tens of thousands of trail users every year.”

In 1992, Miami University President Paul Pearson designated the 1,000 plus acre greenbelt in Oxford and Oxford Township to remain perpetually in a natural state for education, research, hiking and observation of nature.