CLEVELAND, Ohio – West Creek Conservancy is proud to announce its merger with Big Creek Connects, a nonprofit dedicated to linking communities through trail and greenway development, conservation, and restoration. This merger unites two organizations with a long-standing partnership and a shared vision for the future of Northeast Ohio’s green spaces.
“After working closely with West Creek Conservancy for many years, Big Creek Connects felt that merging operations was a natural next step,” said Bob Gardin, Executive Director of Big Creek Connects. “West Creek Conservancy has long seemed the best organization to merge our operations with due to the organization’s shared focus on greenway and trail development, its ability to acquire and conserve property, its greater financial capacity, and that the watershed it represents is adjacent to Big Creek.”
Founded nearly two decades ago, Big Creek Connects has focused on creating a 6.5-mile greenway connecting the Towpath Trail along the Cuyahoga River with Big Creek Reservation in Parma. This merger will strengthen efforts to conserve land, restore natural habitats, and expand watershed stewardship across the region.
West Creek Conservancy Executive Director Derek Schafer emphasized the value of combining resources and expertise. “This partnership is a recognition of mutual strength. Together, we’ll continue to implement greenway and trail projects, restore critical habitats, and advance stormwater and green infrastructure initiatives,” said Schafer.
Going forward, Big Creek Connects will operate as a division or program of West Creek Conservancy, ensuring its legacy and projects remain a priority within the broader mission.
“This merger gives us expanded capacity to enrich the lives of Northeast Ohio residents by conserving natural habitats, restoring ecological value, and connecting people to nature,” Schafer added. “We’re excited to amplify the impact of both organizations through this collaboration.”
West Creek Conservancy is currently working in 16 counties, leading efforts to protect and restore the region’s natural resources while creating opportunities for the community to experience the great outdoors.