The Clean Ohio Green Space Conservation Program is dedicated to environmental conservation through acquisition of green space as well as the protection and enhancement of river and stream corridors.

This competitive grant program assists local communities as well as environmental and watershed related nonprofit organizations with funding for the preservation of open spaces, sensitive ecological areas, and riparian corridors. Cuyahoga County has approximately $3.46 million for FY 2026 (Round 20).

Announcements

• The District One Public Works Integrating Committee (DOPWIC) is seeking nominations to fill four seats for the District One Natural Resources Assistance Council.

Fiscal Year 2026/Round 20 Submitted Applications

Three applications were submitted to the Natural Resources Assistance Council for the current round of Clean Ohio funding, which include two greenspace acquisition projects and one riparian corridor project. The total requested amount is $6.1 million.

• • Headwaters Preserve, submitted by Orange Village (Greenspace acquisition)
    This project would acquire and permanently protect approximately 35 acres of land along the drainage divide between the Chagrin River and Cuyahoga River watersheds in Orange Village. The property’s high-quality forest and wetland habitats would be protected with Clean Ohio deed restrictions, and would benefit water quality and secure critical habitat for state-listed bat and bird species documented on site. Future plans for the property include trail construction for passive public access.
  • Headwaters Connector Greenway, submitted by West Creek Conservancy (Greenspace acquisition)
    This greenway would acquire and permanently protect approximately 58 acres of land along an unused rail corridor in the city of Solon. The greenway would link existing protected natural areas, green spaces, and other public amenities. It would also provide migratory and foraging habitat for numerous species. The project would feature protection of mature, native tree canopy as well as ecological restoration, including invasive species management and reforestation. Following restoration, it will be accessible to the public for passive recreation.
  • Cahoon Creek Coastal Riparian Corridor Enhancement Project, submitted by Bay Village (Riparian corridor)
    This project would address severe erosion and habitat degradation where Cahoon Creek meets Lake Erie. Using nature-based solutions, the project would stabilize approximately 700 feet of eroding Lake Erie shoreline and 400 feet of the Cahoon Creek riparian corridor. Work would include bluff regrading, in-stream habitat creation, and native plantings to improve water quality and enhance habitat for fish and wildlife. The project would create new, inclusive public access where it is currently limited and unsafe.

Application Materials & Resources

NRAC Materials

• • • Policy Manual
    • Applicant Manual
    • Application Supplement
    • Request for County Council Resolution of Support
    • Cuyahoga County Greenprint Explorer

OPWC Materials

• • • OPWC WorksWise
    • OPWC Clean Ohio Application
    • OPWC WorksWise Resources

Schedule

• • • Fiscal Year 2026/Round 20 Schedule

Applicant Workshop

• • • Download the presentation

About the Clean Ohio Program

As with the State Infrastructure Programs, District One consists of Cuyahoga County and the Natural Resource Assistance Council (NRAC) oversees the Clean Ohio Conservation program in Cuyahoga County. Through an Administrative Services Agreement, County Planning assists the NRAC in implementing the annual program and distributes funds to local communities and nonprofit organizations to protect open space and riparian corridors.

• • 1. Recommending a Project Selection and Evaluation Methodology.
    2. Preparing Application Materials.
    3. Reviewing and scoring the submitted applications for further review and final recommendation by the DOPWIC.
    4. Preparing and submitting the projects recommended for funding.

For more information on the Clean Ohio Conservation Program, visit the Ohio Public Works Commission.