Cuyahoga County Natural Resources Assistance Council
Fiscal Year 2027 Recommended Projects

For Fiscal Year 2027, the District One Natural Resources Assistance Council recommended three projects to the Ohio Public Works Commission for funding through the Clean Ohio Green Space Conservation Program.

City of Bay Village: Cahoon Creek

The Cahoon Creek Riparian Corridor Enhancement Project is approximately 8.5-acre located within Cahoon Memorial Park in Bay Village, Ohio. The project will stabilize eroding bluffs, restore riparian habitat, and improve public access through an ADA-compliant pedestrian bridge, accessible paved trails, and designated viewing areas. The project will connect previously divided sections of the park and allow visitors of all mobility levels to enjoy the area. The City of Bay Village will retain ownership and oversee long-term maintenance through its Public Works and Parks departments. The City of Bay Village will receive $1,761,770.

Cahoon Creek
Image courtesy of the City of Bay Village

Cleveland Metroparks: West Creek Reservation

Cleveland Metroparks will acquire and permanently preserve approximately 2.2 acres at 6338 Broadview Road in Parma, adjacent to West Creek Reservation. The property contains forested areas with large, mature trees, a Category 2 wetland, and several species of conservation interest. The acquisition will expand protected forest habitat, buffer the reservation’s Skyline and Keystone Loop Trails, and provide potential habitat for additional native wildlife and plants. Restoration efforts will include removing impervious surfaces, managing invasive species, and planting native trees to enhance ecological health and create a more welcoming entrance to the reservation. Cleveland Metroparks will receive $553,721.

Site plan of the West Creek Reservation acquisition
Image courtesy of the Cleveland Metroparks

Cleveland Metroparks: East Branch Rocky River Watershed

Cleveland Metroparks will acquire and permanently preserve approximately 51.8 acres adjacent to Mill Stream Run Reservation in North Royalton, expanding protected natural areas within the East Branch Rocky River watershed. The property contains around 3,800 linear feet of the East Branch Rocky River, and over 7 acres of Category 2 wetlands that support waterfowl, and diverse floodplain and upland forests with mature native trees, pawpaw stands, and spring wildflowers. Permanently protecting this property will conserve valuable wetland and forest habitats while helping preserve native biodiversity in the region. The Cleveland Metroparks will receive $939,667.

site plan of the East Branch Rocky River acquisition
image courtesy of the Cleveland Metroparks