Big Darby Creek is one of the most biologically diverse aquatic systems in the Midwestern United States.

[5] In addition, for its size the creek "has the greatest diversity of freshwater mussels in North America.

"[6] During creek bird surveys from 1989-1991, Zoologist Dan Rice identified 86 species of riparian corridor bird species adjacent to Big Darby Creek Scenic River.

[citation needed] When The Columbus Dispatch published an article in 1967 revealing the City of Columbus' plans to purchase over 4,000 acres (16 km2) along the river to build a reservoir, a political and legal battle ensued between the municipality and several environmental groups working with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.

[8] In 2008, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium built a new exhibit focusing on the Big Darby Creek and its more than 38 rare species of fish and mussels,[9] and in 2009, the City of Columbus, Franklin County Metro Parks, the Ohio Nature Conservancy and other companies spent more than $6 million on seven projects designed to restore sections of the river and its tributaries.