Project Summary
The Thompson Ledges are a geologically unique complex of rock outcroppings representing the northernmost Sharon conglomerate sandstone outcroppings in Ohio. Thompson Ledges Township Park provides an opportunity for residents and visitors alike to explore and experience these geologic wonders for themselves – and with the completion of the Thompson Ledges North project, this access will more than double.
West Creek Conservancy partnered with the Thompson Township Park Commission, which owns and manages the 58-acre Thompson Ledges Township Park, to permanently protect an additional 117 acres of land adjacent to the north of the existing park property. This expansion included nine total parcels, with acquisitions of private property from four separate landowners connected by five parcels already owned by Thompson Township Park Commission. These 117 acres – known as Thompson Ledges North – include old growth forest, high-quality coldwater springs, seeps and cave complexes that create a unique microclimate supporting a vast array of rare, threatened and endangered species. Among the endangered species documented on the property to date include Allegheny-vine, fire sedge, winged cudweed, rock ramalina, little brown bat, and tricolored bat.
With the addition of these 117 acres, the Thompson Ledges Township Park will grow to approximately 175 acres of nearly pristine natural area available for the public to explore, with several miles of trails throughout the property that will support passive recreation including hiking and nature watching. The Thompson Township Park Commission also recently celebrated the ribbon cutting of the new Thompson Ledges Park Nature Center, and is exploring other opportunities to expand and enhance recreational access to Thompson Ledges Township Park.
Project Partners
The Thompson Ledges North project was supported with funding from the Ohio Public Works Commission’s Clean Ohio Green Space Conservation Program and from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA) grant program. Additional support was provided by Ducks Unlimited and the Cleveland Foundation. West Creek Conservancy was pleased to support the Thompson Township Park Commission in acquiring and permanently protecting the project area.
Expected Outcomes and Benefits
The Thompson Ledges North project expands protections for the unique, rare and sensitive habitats found in and around the Thompson Ledges geologic complex. A report from the Ohio Natural Heritage Database indicated that the plant communities found within the Thompson Ledges North property represent some of the best remaining examples of Ohio’s pre-settlement ecosystems. The property’s diverse and high-quality habitats support at least 15 state-listed species documented on or adjacent to the property, including:
· Allegheny-vine (Adlumia fungosa), Ohio Endangered
· Yellow False Indigo (Baptisia tinctoria), Ohio Potentially Threatened
· Silvery sedge (Carex argyrantha), Ohio Potentially Threatened
· Brownish sedge (Carex brunnescens), Ohio Threatened
· Fire sedge (Carex lucorum), Ohio Endangered
· Cow-wheat (Melampyrum lineare), Ohio Threatened
· Winged cudweed (Pseudognaphalium macounii), Ohio Endangered
· Hobblebush (Viburnum lantanoides), Ohio Threatened
· Rock ramalina (Ramalina intermedia), Ohio Endangered
· Winter wren (Troglodytes hiemalis), Ohio Special Interest
· Blue-headed vireo (Vireo solitarius), Ohio Special Interest
· Hermit thrush (Catharus guttatus), Ohio Special Interest
· Cerulean warbler (Setophaga cerulea), Ohio Species of Concern
· Magnolia warbler (Setophaga magnolia), Ohio Special Interest
· Black bear (Ursus americanus), Ohio Endangered
Additionally, the property contains the Thompson Ledges North property contains approximately 2,600 linear feet of natural streams, including several rheocrene springs where cold, clean, highly oxygenated water emerges from the extensive Sharon conglomerate sandstone formations on the property. These springs converge to form headwater tributaries that feed Mill Creek, a designated coldwater tributary of the Grand River. As such, protection of these high-quality water resources support water quality and aquatic habitat downstream in watershed of the State Wild and Scenic Grand River.
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