Project Summary
In 2025, West Creek Conservancy acquired and transferred more than 100 acres of forested natural area along the Grand River gorge to Lake Metroparks for permanent conservation and stewardship. The newly protected acreage comprises properties previously owned by two separate landowners, situated along nearly a full mile of Grand River frontage in Painesville Township, Lake County. This section of the Grand River is designated by the State of Ohio as “Wild,” and supports a number of both state- and federally- listed freshwater mussel species. This successful conservation acquisition adds to nearly 4,000 acres of protected natural area along both banks of the Grand River, including more than 3,700 acres already owned and managed by Lake Metroparks.
This 100+ acre addition contains high-quality upland and lowland hardwood forest, floodplain wetlands, and a headwater tributary to the Grand River. The property contains habitat for numerous rare, threatened and endangered species, including 16 species already documented on site and over 40 species known to inhabit the adjacent natural areas, as well as shale cliffs characteristic of the Grand River gorge area.
West Creek Conservancy worked in partnership with Lake Metroparks to acquire and preserve the properties, raising over $1 million to ensure their permanent protection. The properties were transferred to Lake Metroparks for permanent ownership and stewardship in 2025. Currently, the preserved natural area is accessible by foot from adjacent Lake Metroparks land, and via the Grand River water trail. Future public access improvements including an access road, parking area and trail will provide expanded opportunities for public recreation in the Grand River corridor, popular for hiking, fishing, paddling and other nature-based recreation.
Project Partners
The Grand River Gorge Corridor Preservation Project was completed in partnership with Lake Metroparks, with funding support from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources’ H2Ohio program and the Ohio Public Works Commission’s Clean Ohio Green Space Conservation Program.
Expected Outcomes and Benefits
This project resulted in the permanent protection of over 100 acres along a critical stretch of one of Ohio’s highest quality rivers, the Grand River, preserving habitat for dozens of state- and federally-listed species while protecting water quality and preserving ecological connectivity in the lower Grand River watershed. By adding to an expansive existing block of protected natural area along the Grand River gorge corridor, the project enhances landscape-scale resilience and safeguards the unique natural features and ecological quality of the Grand River gorge for future generations.
In addition to its ecological benefits, this project expands public access to the Grand River and supports regional recreation and ecotourism. The integration of these 100 acres into Lake Metroparks’ existing park system ensures that this newly preserved land will provide lasting benefits to Lake County residents, visitors, and users of the Grand River water trail.
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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.