The Lindy Roosenburg Preserve is a scenic, well-maintained tract of land, with 1.5 miles of trails that meander through a peaceful forest, much of it mature. Dozens of grand old oaks with trunks 2.5 to 3 feet in diameter grace the Magic Is Real Trail. The largest tree, a towering tulip poplar in the northern part of the preserve, is nearly four feet in diameter. Based on an old air photo, we estimate that many of these trees are more than 120 years old. The stream terraces and north-facing slopes in other parts of the preserve have an exceptionally rich understory that includes abundant trilliums, bloodroot, hepatica, blue cohosh, Dutchman’s breeches, and ferns. Wildlife — including many species of birds — is plentiful. The breathtaking beauty of Lindy’s Preserve is a fitting tribute to the young woman it honors. Lindy’s family established the Selinde Roosenburg Memorial Fund last year, which made acquisition of this exceptional property possible. The fund continues to grow, accepting donations to make future land acquisition in southeastern Ohio possible.
Trails
The approximately 1.5-mile trail network comprises five trails with whimsical names, many of which were created by the prior owners, the Sheehan-Renz family, who attentively cared for the land.
Peace Tree Trail (0.19 mile; difficulty—moderate) is the only route from the parking area to the rest of the trail system. After a gradual climb through an attractive stand of white pines (the Iroquois “tree of peace”), the trail descends sharply to a pond. The steepness of this trail’s ascent to return to the parking lot at the end of a hike is the reason for the “moderate” difficulty designation.
Sheehan Way (0.39 mile; difficulty—easy) follows an old farm road from the pond to Renz Ridge. There is evidence of two old house sites along the route. Can you find them?
Magic Is Real Trail (0.58 mile; difficulty—moderate), aptly named by a child, is a narrow foot path built by former owner Claudia Sheehan. It is indeed magical! Winding through majestic oak forest with scenic views of the stream valley below, it offers a window on the grandeur of Appalachian Ohio forests when they are not logged repeatedly. This is probably not primary forest, but it has remained undisturbed long enough to develop old-growth characteristics. Notice how quiet it is! Lindy’s Preserve is farther from a highway than most or our preserves.
Renz Ridge Trail (0.24 mile; difficulty—easy) follows an old road and is fairly wide because it is used occasionally by AEP to access a power line. The bench at Lindy’s Lookout, the high point at the junction with Magic Is Real Trail, is a peaceful place to sit and reflect.
Runaway Tractor Trail (0.07 mile; difficulty—moderate), although short, is quite steep. The name commemorates an event from decades ago that could have resulted in tragedy but fortunately did not.
Directions Lindy’s Preserve is near Chauncey on Sand Ridge Road (Twp. 324) and is labeled on Google Maps (https://goo.gl/maps/
Selinde Roosenburg 
Selinde Roosenburg, or Lindy to her family and friends, grew up building fairy houses in the woods, splashing in the creeks, and hiking the hills of rural southeastern Ohio. She was majoring in forestry at Ohio State University and planned to transfer to the University of Idaho to specialize in wildland fire manage
ment. While working for the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Forestry, Selinde was mortally injured in March 2021 in a UTV rollover. At the time she was working with a crew on a controlled forest burn at Richland Furnace State Forest. Her family established the Selinde
Roosenburg Memorial Fund in memory of their daughter, and to protect the forests and fields of southeastern Ohio for future generations. Many friends, family, and community members also contributed to the effort as a way to remember Selinde. The Selinde
Roosenburg Memorial Fund is housed at the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio, and continues to seek donations for future land preservation in the Athens County area.
Volunteer Preserve Steward: Claudia Sheehan
