Building Healthy Ecosystems in Northeast Ohio
The Creekside Collaborative Partners Native Nursery is where restoration begins. Nestled on 16 acres in the heart of Parma, the nursery provides an environment for growing the native plants that support wildlife, strengthen habitats, and cool our neighborhoods. Every tree and wildflower we nurture is part of a larger effort to restore ecological balance and bring more native biodiversity back into our urban and suburban landscapes.
Our Purpose
The Native Nursery’s purpose is to grow the plants our region relies on — species that evolved here, thrive here, and sustain the birds, insects, and wildlife that call Northeast Ohio home. Native plants are the foundation of resilient ecosystems:
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They provide food and shelter for pollinators and migratory species
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They require fewer resources than non-native ornamentals
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They help manage stormwater naturally
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They support stronger, more climate-resilient communities
By cultivating these species, we’re able to support ongoing restoration projects, community plantings, and future conservation efforts throughout the region.
Our Journey
Since 2022, the nursery has grown significantly, with dedicated space designed to protect and nurture young plants:
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1.5-acre growing enclosure safeguarding saplings from wildlife pressure
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Large hoop house supporting propagation of native wildflowers and understory species
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Staging area for sorting, transplanting, and preparing plants for distribution
- 64 air pruning propagation beds that support healthy root systems
Today, more than 800 native trees, including keystone species such as oak, willow, and cherry, are growing on-site, with thousands more wildflowers in development. As they mature, these plants will support everything from urban reforestation efforts to pollinator gardens, schoolyard habitats, and community green spaces.
Connecting People to the Land
The Native Nursery is also a place of learning. Volunteers, students, and community groups visit to experience firsthand how native plants grow and why they matter. Through workshops, hands-on projects, and educational programming, we’re helping residents understand how they can support ecological restoration at home.
As Creekside Collaborative Partners continues to grow, so will the nursery’s capacity to support large-scale restoration and community-driven conservation. With the help of our partners and volunteers, we’re creating a future where native plants—and the ecosystems they support—can thrive for generations to come.
Shrink Your Lawn Resources
Moving away from traditional lawns to native plant landscaping offers multiple advantages. Not only does it enhance a home’s curb appeal and potentially increase its resale value, but it also provides crucial habitat and food for local wildlife, including birds and insect pollinators.
Educational Resources
Winter Sowing Native Plants: A Simple Guide to Growing Habitat at Home
Watch our Winter Sowing Workshop Full Transcript: Welcome everyone. I'm Danielle, the Stewardship and Outreach coordinator at West Creek Conservancy. Today we're diving into one of the easiest, most rewarding ways to grow native plants at home: winter sowing....
How to Plant Stratified Acorns
Why You Should Avoid Potting in Nursing Pots Planting from seed takes a little patience up front, but a tree planted from seed will quickly outgrow potted transplants. Why? Having been grown in a pot, container trees have issues with their root system. They often get...
How To Fight Stream Pollution Through Effective Stormwater Management
In this guide, we’ll explore and address how pollutant loading in streams is crucial for the well-being of both watersheds and communities.
Roots of Sustainability: Understanding the Importance of Trees in Urban Living
A healthy urban tree canopy has a profound and positive impact on community quality of life in various ways. Recognizing the value of urban trees and investing in their preservation can contribute to sustainable, resilient, and vibrant urban living.
Shrink Your Lawn: A Guide to Growing More Native Plants
In this guide, we’ll explore the importance of reducing your lawn’s size and explain the many benefits it brings, both for your wallet and the environment.
Cold-Weather Cultivation: 8 Steps to Winter Sowing and Seed Stratification
It is important to determine when native seedlings are ready for harvest. Not sure how to? Check out our guide to harvesting native seedlings.
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