The Big Walnut Conservation Club was established in 1948 and is located on Hartford Road bordering the northeast edge of the Village of Sunbury, Ohio.

A portion of the club’s original 44 acres was used as a baseball field in the early half of the 20th century. It was known as Jackson Park and was used by semi pro baseball teams from Ohio. The baseball field is still in use today by the Big Walnut Softball and Baseball Association.

In 1948, the property was owned by Ed Teut, who was plant manager of the local Nestle factory. Faced with a transfer to another plant, he offered to sell the property to the Sunbury Sportsmen’s Club which held meetings in a local barber shop. They financed the purchase by selling $25 bonds to area residents. The bonds could be converted to a life membership, or paid back as the club prospered. The selling price of the property was $2500 which the club eventually raised through the sale of bonds. The members made the purchase and made at least one mortgage payment. At this time, club member and major league hall of fame baseball player and manager, Billy Southworth offered to donate funds for paying off the mortgage balance. The members voted to accept the donation, and used the money raised by the bonds to build a clubhouse.

Through many generous donations from other members, not only of money, but also of labor, the club has existed since 1948 and has purchased an additional 20 acres, which is used as wildlife habitat. The entire property of 64 acres is designated as a wildlife refuge and tree farm. Activities include Trapshooting, Skeet, Sporting Clays, hiking, camping, fishing, supporting youth groups and conservation activities. While the club is a members only facility, the public is invited to clay pigeon shoots and certain other activities.

Phil Stith 1949-2013 was a driving force behind the club and has ensured its long term success – from running trap, to the next day after shooting his first round of sporting clays he had the vision and wherewithal (meaning he was cutting down trees, taking out brush, setting up stands, obtaining traps, welding and repairing the traps after each shoot until we were able to get better traps) to establish our own sporting clays course.