Contributed SALE COMPLETED — George Broughton, left, and Craig Butler, MWCD executive director, signed papers to complete the transfer of the Broughton Nature and Wildlife Area to the Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District.

NEW PHILADELPHIA — The Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District has completed the purchase of the 700-acre Broughton Nature and Wildlife Area, finalizing an agreement announced in the fall and securing the property’s long-term future as a publicly accessible natural space.

The purchase on Dec. 15 marks the culmination of a partnership among the Broughton family, MWCD, and the Marietta Community Foundation. With the transaction complete, the property is now permanently protected under MWCD ownership, ensuring continued conservation, responsible management, and public access for generations to come.

“This is a meaningful milestone for our organization and for the community,” said Craig Butler, MWCD executive director. “Completing this purchase transforms a shared vision into a lasting commitment. The Broughton Nature and Wildlife Area is now officially part of the MWCD family, and we are honored to steward this special place.”

The Broughton family has long shared the property with the public, fostering appreciation for nature, wildlife and outdoor recreation in the region. Through this purchase, their legacy of conservation continues, supported by MWCD’s operational stewardship and a dedicated fund established by the Broughton Foundation through the Marietta Community Foundation.

“For our family, this land has always been about giving back to the community,” said George Broughton. “With the purchase now complete, we’re confident the park will be protected and cared for in a way that aligns with our values and ensures it remains open and welcoming to the public.”

The Broughton Nature and Wildlife Area will continue to offer opportunities for outdoor recreation, environmental education and quiet enjoyment of nature. As MWCD’s first major landholding in the southern portion of the watershed, the property also represents an important expansion of the district’s conservation footprint.

“This moment reflects the power of collaboration,” said Heather Allender, President and CEO of the Marietta Community Foundation. “By working together, we’ve moved from vision to permanence, ensuring this treasured landscape will inspire and serve the community well into the future.”

For information, visit mwcd.org or contact Dylan Sayre, Broughton Park and Trails manager, at (740) 249-1010.