Project Summary
The 108-acre Bridge Creek Headwaters Preserve in Auburn Township, Geauga County, was once home to the Auburn Airport, a privately-owned grass field airstrip. Today, the property boasts tremendous habitat and biodiversity, including 90 acres of high-quality wetlands that provide important breeding, roosting and nesting habitat for several wildlife species. Over 167 plant and 215 animal species have been identified on the property, including at least 15 state-listed species. Some of the most notable species include: the state-threatened sandhill crane (seen with colts), the state-endangered little brown bat and tri-colored bat, and necklace sedge (a newly discovered instance of this state-endangered species in Ohio).
West Creek Conservancy acquired and permanently protected this property in 2024 to prevent any future development from impacting these sensitive and high-quality resources. Future restoration activities will be explored to enhance and protect the wetland complex on site, as well as to facilitate public access for passive recreation and nature-based education on this exceptional property.
Project Partners
West Creek Conservancy’s conservation of the Bridge Creek Headwaters Preserve property was made possible through funding from the Ohio EPA’s WRRSP program.
Expected Outcomes and Benefits
Permanent conservation of the Bridge Creek Headwaters Preserve property was not only critical to protect high-quality habitat for numerous species of conservation interest, but was essential for its water quality implications as well. The property’s wetland complex surrounds the headwaters of a tributary to Bridge Creek, which feeds LaDue Reservoir – part of the City of Akron’s primary drinking water supply. Protection of this property’s wetland resources thus protects downstream drinking water quality, with future restoration potentially further reducing sediment and nutrient runoff from the surrounding residential subdivisions.
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