Project Summary
In March of 2026, West Creek Conservancy and Summit Metro Parks ensured the permanent protection of 85 acres adjacent to Cuyahoga Valley National Park in the Village of Peninsula in Summit County, Ohio. The property – the Slipper Run Conservation Area – contains open forests, riparian wetland habitat and high-quality headwater streams, as well as a former Christmas tree farm and quarry pond that was once a popular local swimming hole. The property was originally listed for sale in 2023, immediately becoming a high priority for conservation due to the property’s strategic location next to the National Park, it’s high-quality aquatic resources and habitat, and the imminent threat of development that would be incompatible with the surrounding park property and sensitive natural areas. West Creek Conservancy helped get the property under contract for acquisition and supported Summit Metro Parks in securing funding for the project. On March 24, 2026 the property was officially acquired and transferred to Summit Metro Parks.
The primary objective of the Slipper Run Conservation Area project was the permanent preservation and restoration of the property’s high-quality natural resources and habitat for numerous rare, threatened, and endangered species. Permanent conservation of the property was deemed necessary in order to protect the Class III coldwater headwater streams and riparian wetlands that contribute to the ecological health of Slipper Run, a tributary to the Cuyahoga River. By protecting forested habitat and coldwater stream corridors adjacent to Cuyahoga Valley National Park, the project also supported larger landscape-scale conservation goals and strengthened regional habitat connectivity.
Stewardship of the property by Summit Metro Parks will ensure that its environmental function and habitat diversity are protected in perpetuity. Future management activities are expected to include invasive species control where needed, removal of culverts along Slipper Run, demolition and removal of buildings and debris on the property, and restoration and repurposing of the former tree farm and swimming quarry on the property. Long-term, the Slipper Run Conservation Area will be utilized for conservation education and passive recreation, with trails connecting the Village of Peninsula through to the larger network of trails within Cuyahoga Valley National Park and the Towpath Trail system.
Project Partners
The Slipper Run Conservation Area project was completed in partnership with Summit Metro Parks. Funding for the project was provided through the Ohio Public Works Commission’s Clean Ohio Green Space Conservation Fund.
Expected Outcomes and Benefits
Acquisition of the Slipper Run Conservation Area resulted in the permanent protection of 85 acres of largely undeveloped natural area immediately adjacent to Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Located within the Cuyahoga River Watershed, the property includes Slipper Run, a Class III perennial coldwater headwater stream that flows directly to the Cuyahoga River, as well as open forest habitat, high-quality riparian wetlands, and additional intermittent headwater streams.
This project will ensure that the Slipper Run Conservation Area’s high-quality natural resources will never be lost to development, preserving habitat connectivity and expanding the buffer of protected natural area surrounding Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Protecting the property’s riparian wetlands and forested buffer around Slipper Run and the other headwater streams on site helps protect and improve water quality downstream in the Cuyahoga River watershed. The property also provides habitat for a number of rare, threatened or endangered species, including the federally endangered northern long-eared bat (Myotis septentrionalis), the state endangered little brown bat (Myotis lucifugus) and tri-colored bat (Perimyotis subflavus), and the state endangered (previously extirpated) rough gooseneck moss (Rhytidiadelphus triquetrus). Other significant species documented on the property include southern redbelly dace (Phoxinus erythrogaster), which are an indicator of high-quality headwater streams, as well as the locally rare spring ladies’ tresses (Spiranthes vernalis), and twin-spotted spiketail (Zoraena maculata). The successful conservation of the Slipper Run Conservation Area ensures that the high-quality habitat supporting these rare and endangered species will remain undisturbed in perpetuity.
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