Project Summary
Nestled behind rows of houses in Broadview Heights lie the headwaters of the northern branch of Chippewa Creek. While thickly wooded in some areas, the headwaters faced encroachment from the surrounding residential neighborhoods, with impervious surfaces and damaged streamside habitat threatening water quality and the headwaters’ natural hydrology.
When a roadside “For Sale” sign appeared, West Creek Conservancy jumped at the opportunity. The land in question was part of a priority conservation area identified in the Chippewa Creek Watershed Balanced Growth Plan – the first such plan to be approved by the State of Ohio back in 2008. Headwaters are essential to the health of a watershed, with healthy headwater ecosystems absorbing excess water from storms or snow melt and mitigating downstream erosion and flooding. Ultimately, in partnership with the Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District, West Creek was able to acquire a series of parcels totaling approximately 20 acres in and around the headwaters. Several blighted structures and over two acres of impervious surfaces were removed, and native streamside habitat was restored where it had been impacted by the surrounding residential development. Now, this restored streamside habitat and over 3,000 feet of Chippewa Creek headwater streams protect water quality and mitigate downstream flooding in the Chippewa Creek and Cuyahoga River watersheds.
Project Partners
The Chippewa Creek Headwaters project was completed in partnership between West Creek Conservancy and the Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District (NEORSD).
Expected Outcomes and Benefits
As a result of this conservation and restoration effort, 20 acres of Chippewa Creek headwaters have been reclaimed, restored and protected. The project area includes riparian forest, over 3,000 feet of clear-running headwater streams, two acres of high-quality wetlands, and a beautiful waterfall. West Creek Conservancy will provide ongoing stewardship to ensure continued succession of native species and healthy in-stream, wetland and riparian habitats. By advancing the goals of the Chippewa Creek Watershed Balanced Growth Plan, this project contributes to watershed-wide efforts to protect and improve water quality in the Chippewa Creek and Cuyahoga River watersheds, and to mitigate downstream erosion and flooding associated with development in the watershed.
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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.