Cuyahoga County Natural Resources Assistance Council
Fiscal Year 2026/Round 20 Recommended Projects
On August 28, 2025, the District One Natural Resources Assistance Council (NRAC) recommended two (2) projects to the Ohio Public Works Commission (OPWC) for Round FY 2026 of the Clean Ohio Green Space Conservation Program funding. Approximately 93 acres will be acquired and preserved in Cuyahoga County.
West Creek Conservancy, Headwaters Connector Greenway
Total Project Cost: $8,990,237
Clean Ohio Award: $2,530,237
Acquisition Amount: 58 Acres
The Headwaters Connector Greenway is a 58-acre acquisition project that permanently protects land along an unused rail corridor in the city of Solon. The greenway will link existing protected natural areas, green spaces, and other public amenities. It will 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.
Orange Village, Headwaters Preserve
Total Project Cost: $2,421,646
Clean Ohio Award: $931,059
Acquisition Amount: 35 Acres
This Headwaters Preserve openspace project will 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 project will protect high-quality forest and wetland habitats, 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.
Images courtesy of West Creek Conservancy and the Western Reserve Land Conservancy