The Knox County Park District acquired this area comprised of Kokosing River floodplain, cropland and wetlands in June of 2007. The first phase of acquisition included 102 acres. Approximately 1000 sycamore seedlings were planted in April on the site, to begin restoring riparian habitat along the river. Approximately 2.7 acres of wetland habitat, in conjunction with the US Fish and Wildlife Service, was restored in late 2007.

With this acquisition, the Park District and its conservation partners protected more than a mile of the Kokosing State Scenic River. The Ramser Arboretum, Ohio Division of Wildlife and Ohio Public Works Commission assisted the park district with the acquisition of this land, located in Knox and Coshocton counties along State Route 715 and near Bat Nest Road.

Future plans for the site include restoration of the riparian area, restoration of grassland habitat, and creation of a mowed path to the river for angler access. The site, which lies adjacent to Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District lands, is open for hunting. Bald eagles frequently inhabit this stretch of the Kokosing, as their hunt and feed their offspring.

In mid December 2008, nearly 30 acres of Kokosing River floodplain habitat was acquired by the park district along Riley Chapel Road. This acquisition was a high priority for the park district and the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), since the site included the last privately-held canoe access on the popular Kokosing River Water Trail. With acquisition, the canoe access will now be open to the public in perpetuity. The area lies adjacent to the 103 acre Bat Nest Road Access, thereby expanding this park to a total of 133 acres. Bald eagles frequent the site, and nearly a quarter-mile of Kokosing River riparian habitat was protected with acquisition. Future plans include improving the canoe access, creating a streamside angler's trail and allowing the floodplain to revert to wildlife habitat. The park district was able to acquire the site through financial assistance from the ODNR Divisions of Wildlife and Natural Areas and Preserves and Richard & Arline Landers Foundation.

A small grassed area adjacent to State Route 715 and the canoe access site at the Riley Chapel Road bridge serve as the parking lots for the site.

Archaelogical resources (flint, arrowheads, etc.) on the site should not be gathered or collected. These resources belong to all Knox Countians and Ohioans and need to remain in the public trust.

Habitat components of Bat Nest Road Access

Kokosing River at the Riley Chapel Road Access

Aerial view of approximate parcel boundaries of Bat Nest Road River Access