Project Summary
The former Haydite Mine, surrounded by the Cuyahoga Valley National Park in Independence, Ohio, operated for over 125 years. The site began as the Hydraulic Press Brick Company in 1892 before changing over to its use for haydite mining and production in 1928. The Haydite Mine is one of the oldest and largest open pit mines in Ohio. Ultimately, as the city of Independence grew, the use of the property as a haydite mine – which came with significant noise, truck traffic and dust – became incompatible with quality of life for residents, leading to the closure of the mine in 2019.
Following closure of the Haydite Mine, a portion of the property was transferred to an entity of West Creek Conservancy for the purposes of conservation and restoration. The historic use of the property had resulted in the ditching, channelization and culverting of a tributary to the Cuyahoga River. The non-culverted reaches of the tributary on site had also been impacted, with slumping banks and construction fill impeding the stream channel. With support from the Ohio EPA 319 program, West Creek has successfully completed a stream and floodplain restoration effort that has daylighted the culverted portion of the tributary stream, restored natural stream channel geometry and hydrology, and reestablished functioning native floodplain along the restored tributary.
The restored former Haydite Mine property has great potential to enhance trail connectivity within the surrounding landscape. Potential trail connections include connecting the Hemlock Creek Trail northwest of the Haydite Mine property through to the Towpath Trail just east of the property. By restoring this historical former industrial site to enhance ecological functionality and establish connectivity with the surrounding protected natural areas, the Haydite Daylighting Initiative advances responsible land reuse that benefits the local community and supports the ongoing restoration of the Cuyahoga Valley.
Project Partners
This project could not have been completed without the collaboration of numerous entities, including the City of Independence, Cuyahoga Valley National Park and the National Park Service, and DiGeronimo Aggregates – the most recent owner and operator of the Haydite Mine. The Haydite Daylighting Initiative was also made possible by the Ohio EPA, with funding from the 319 program.
Expected Outcomes and Benefits
With support from the Ohio EPA, West Creek has daylighted nearly 500 feet of culverted stream, restored 1,100 of natural stream channel, connected the quarry pond to a stream outlet, and restored functioning floodplain across nearly 11 acres. The result is enhanced water quality, reconnected habitats and improved hydrology along this formerly impacted tributary. It is estimated that 26 tons of sediment, 441 pounds of nitrogen, and 67 pounds of phosphorus will be prevented from entering the waterway on an annual basis, as a result of these improvements.
In addition to water quality benefits for the Cuyahoga River watershed, this restoration project improved both terrestrial and aquatic habitat to benefit native species. Restoration included treatment of invasive species, which previously dominated the landscape, and establishment of a 10.8-acre native floodplain ecosystem with native grasses and herbaceous riparian vegetation along the restored stream corridor.
Lastly, the project presents an opportunity to reclaim this historically significant property for the public benefit. The Haydite property’s historical significance is twofold; in addition to the industrial heritage of the former quarry, the property also contains a mound that is a Native American cultural site. Permanent protection of the property as a restored natural area ensures that these significant features of the region’s native and industrial heritage will not be lost to future incompatible land uses.
Project Documents
Haydite Daylighting Initiative Aerial Map
Haydite Daylighting Initiative Hydrology MapOur Gallery
Haydite Daylighting Initiative header image courtesy of Propped Productions
Inspired by Our Work?
This project is part of a larger effort to care for land and water in our region. Your support helps protect, restore, and connect more natural spaces across Northeast Ohio. Consider donating to support future conservation work.