Virginia and Howard Loved Nature

Virginia Creasey Mahan and Howard Mahan cherished wildlife, trees, and the four year-round springs that graced their Hill O’Content Farm, given to them as a wedding present in 1921 by Virginia’s family. Knowing their land was “something special,” they vowed to preserve it for future generations.

Nature Preserve

As a gift to all lovers of nature from this visionary couple, Virginia Creasey Mahan and Howard Mahan established the Creasey Mahan Nature Preserve on their farm in 1975. They did this to enrich all members of the community through conservation, education, and community enjoyment. We are continuing to bring nature and community together in a beautiful setting, with equal access for all.  Upon its 168 acres are winding trails lush with all varieties of trees, wildflowers, and shrubs. Woodlands, wetlands and meadows of native grasses, springs, songbirds, and a meandering stream share the land with wildlife, their colonial home, and creek stone springhouse.

Forest Rises Again

The Mahans raised horses on this beautiful acreage, and most of it was pastureland, with only a few small patches of older trees found along waterways and in steeper ravines. When the Preserve was created, the Division of Forestry, U.S. Soil Conservation Service, and the State Fish and Wildlife Department developed a plan to plant over 43,000 trees and shrubs. This plan was to include plants for an arboretum, hardwood and pine tree plantations, wildlife food plots, a system of nature trails, and conservation-education areas. Most of the present trees are no more than 34 years old, but demonstrate the long-term viability of turning pastureland into a healthy ecosystem!