Stroth-Rader Conservation Area

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Around 1952 Tom Rader, at that time about 15 years into an Air Force career, purchased an approximate 130-acre undeveloped property from Denver Lewis.

Through many hours of hard labor by Fitz Stroth, Tom Rader’s father-in-law, the land was partially cleared to become the Tordon Tree Farm.  Evergreen trees were planted, trimmed, and the area was mowed with a walk-behind mower.  Fitz passed away in 1968, and Tom Rader, newly retired from the U.S. Air Force assumed control of the tree farm after working with Fitz for approximately 15 years.  Tom Rader operated the Christmas Tree Farm until his death in 2010.  During the 40 years under his management, Christmas trees were marketed to 3 different states as well as the “cut your own” local tree sales.  During that time a lot of special memories were created by families coming to the farm to cut their own tree for the Christmas Holiday.  The Tordon Tree Farm held an important place in the hearts of many local, and several distant families.

“The farm property holds a special meaning to the remaining members of the Rader family and we are happy that the Ohio Valley Conservation Coalition (OVCC) now has ownership,” said John Rader.  Knowing that the land, with its trees and wildlife, will be preserved instead of destroyed for the sake of “progress” makes losing the property a rewarding experience.”

According to Joel Wood, Chairman of OVCC (a nonprofit organization dedicated to natural resource protection and restoration), the organization is very happy to have been given the opportunity to protect the property, which was purchased, in part, with funding from the Clean Ohio Conservation Fund.  OVCC hopes to incorporate some habitat improvements and to make the property available for environmental education activities to local schools and universities. 

OVCC is also in the process of planning for future nature trails and other passive recreational amenities.  “Once the habitat restoration activities, nature trails and a small parking area are completed, we hope to make this property, which we are calling the Stroth-Rader Conservation Area, publicly accessible,” said Mr. Wood. “There is nothing we would like more than to see families creating new memories here while doing things like hiking, nature watching and fishing.”

This area is adjacent to Lake Alma State Park and a City of Wellston source water area.  It has a diversity of habitats conducive to wildlife, which include a wooded riparian corridor and a large wetland complex that has proliferated with the help of a thriving beaver population; mature upland hardwoods; grasslands; and a beautiful 3.5-acre pond. 

“When I think about natural places that should be protected and available for our kids, and someday their kids, to enjoy, I think about places just like this,” said Joel.