March 15, 2005:
The speaker at the March meeting was Jan Rybka, the District Administrator of the Cuyahoga Soil and Water Conservation District. Since 1949, this agency has protected soil and water in the county. It has helped the 25 communities in the county with storm water management plans and prevention of pollution resulting from storm water. It provides information to cities and developers whenever soil is disturbed. It makes recommendations for management of building sites. It has prepared a Soil Survey of the entire Cuyahoga County.

The Cuyahoga Soil and Water Conservation District is assisting the City of Parma and West Creek Preservation Committee in the assessment of the Crile Landfill, named for the Crile VA Hospital. This was not a registered landfill and it appears that it has no hazardous material. Phase one of the process is an assessment and identification of materials in the landfill. The USEPA wants the information collected correctly. URS Consultants won the bid to conduct the assessment, which includes borings of the landfill, as well as gathering historical information of the site including aerial photographs.

The election of members to the Board of Trustees included one new member: David J. Gellner, who has worked for eight years in the environmental field. David has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees with a concentration in resource/environmental management and planning. David had lived in Texas, but he now resides in Parma Heights. Returning to the board are Audrine P. Finnerty, Dorothy Hazel, and Laura McShane.

Stacy Allen, Naturalist with the Cleveland Metroparks and member of the Board of Trustees of WCPC gave a fascinating talk about owls. Stacy’s widespread knowledge and expertise in handling the owl she brought to the meeting captivated the attention of everyone in attendance. The large eyeball of the owl makes it able to see in dim light. The eyes are fixed forward and hearing is an aid to visual depth perception. Owls are raptors, which means they kill their food with their feet. They have no sense of smell and their flight produces no sound. They are birds of prey protected by law and only licensed individuals can handle them. The owl common to wooded areas like West Creek Preserve are barred owls, a medium sized owl with compact wingspan.

The speaker was Micah Vieux, Outreach Coordinator of the Ohio Environmental Council. Their mission is inform, unite, and empower Ohio residents to protect and improve the environment. He stressed the need to keep in contact with Legislators and apply pressure when private interests and lobbyists convince Legislators to enact laws that are not helpful to the environment. Currently, there is an amendment to the Ohio State Budget called the “Bulldozer Amendment” which allows developers to speed through the approval process before all the environmental issues are addressed. This issue needs public response to Legislators to remove this amendment from the State Budget. Less than one penny of every state dollar is spent on protection of the environment.

Sue reported that work is in progress on the Watershed Master Plan. This will include long term goals for the watershed as well as remediation of any problems. She identified a few of the WRRSP projects and how they will improve the creek. Along Granger Road, West Creek flows through a concrete ditch. Restoration to a natural setting will improve the appearance and water quality. From Broadview flowing east, the creek passes over several broken dams. These dams are to be removed, allowing fish to swim up the creek.

November, 2004:
Ms. Karen Borland of Sandvick Architects presented plans for improvements to the Henninger House and grounds. It is designed to function as an Information and Transportation Museum and a link to the Cuyahoga Valley Tow Path. The house was built in 1849 and was renovated in 1900 when the summer kitchen was added. The barn was built in 1830. It is the oldest structure in Parma. The barn needs a new foundation, but its outside structure is historically accurate. The barn will be used for public rest rooms. The house needs to be repointed and the second floor needs to be stabilized. A small parking lot [17 cars] and a picnic area will be added. A natural amphitheater on the site will be developed to use for students and other gatherings. Access to the quarry site on the grounds will also be available. Any improvements must meet ADA requirements. The total cost of improvements to the house, barn, and grounds is two million dollars, but Mr. Dave Vasarhelyi commented after Ms. Borland’s presentation that this would proceed in stages and therefore the funds would not be needed all at once.

Report from Brooklyn Heights:

The village residents of Brooklyn Heights met on September 29 to discuss plans to further beautify the Brooklyn Heights Park. They assembled to show their support and to provide input on a proposed recreational trail system. Mayor Michael Procuk opened the meeting. He introduced West Creek Preservation Committee members and the Brooklyn Heights Trail Development Committee who have jointly developed a plan for the trails.

The volunteers presented the proposed plan, outlined design guidelines, and identified the goals and advantages of the regional trail system. The two teams directed their attention on trail development, neighborhood accessibility, recreational activities, and other site issues. The meeting continued with discussion and input from the residents.

The trail development plans continue to evolve with valuable input from citizens, technical experts, village officials, the Brooklyn Heights Trail Development Committee, and West Creek Preservation Committee. Everyone is encouraged to volunteer time to this worth while cause. The combined effort of volunteers is fundamental to the success of the project.

The Brooklyn Heights Trail Development Committee would like to extend a special thank you to Richard Allar and the engineering team at Wade Trim, who generously shared their expertise and resources. Their contributions to this project have been crucial to its development and greatly appreciated.

This joint project included the WCPC, the City of Parma, the Cuyahoga River Remedial Action Plan (RAP), the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (OEPA), and the Parma Historical Society. A natural stream curves or meanders throughout its course, but this was not the picture at Stearn’s. This collaborative project included the re-meandering of the stream, as well as the addition of coir logs for stream bank stabilization, riffles, to further oxygenate the water, and log weirs, which control and manage the flow of high water, while also creating ample conditions for multiple habitats.

One of the final steps was to plant trees, bushes, shrubs, and grasses in the cleared and reformed area. On October 7th, 8th, and 9th, volunteers of all ages joined forces with WCPC, the Cuyahoga RAP, and the OEPA to finalize this last part of the project. It ended up being a beautifully sunny day to be out working. We had groups digging holes, while others would add a little fertilizer, and the planters would follow. The work was hard, but successful, with the only drawback being the hard soil base which was more than tough to get through even with a multi-manned portable auger. The originally scheduled days for volunteer help put a good dent in the amount of work to be done, but the planting actually continued throughout the following week. The total number of plants and trees planted at Stearn’s totaled 1,750.

The grant that funded this project provided for the purchase of native plants and trees. Not only does this planting help protect the barren soil, but it also lets native species regain stability in the area, while also enhancing water quality and the ecological integrity of the stream.

For all intents and purposes, the Stearn’s Homestead Project has become a model for urban stream restoration. Not only have we been able to witness a project from beginning to end, but we now have the ability to watch the growth, development, and success of a restoration project.

A special thanks goes out to all who worked on this project.

Here are some pictures from the planting.

For more information, or updates, feel free to contact our office @ 216-749-3720

Sorry for the inconvenience and thank you for your patience.

The Brooklyn Heights/West Creek Trail Development Committee has had a productive start. Mayor Mike Procuk, Councilman Gary Suchocki, and Shellie Robb of the West Creek Preservation Committee have recruited a few enthusiastic volunteers. They are ready to start the process of trail development and connection of trails in the Brooklyn Heights Park.

The initial plan is to connect the new areas of the Brooklyn Heights Park with the existing trails in the established areas of the park. The committee plans to do this by building bridges where needed and by enhancing the established trails and neighborhood connectors. The bridges will allow for greater accessibility for residents to the new areas of the park, help beautify the park, and open pristine areas for picnicking, hiking, and other recreational activities. The new and improved trails will help guide park guests through the park while preserving this hidden treasure.

The work has only begun and there is still much to accomplish. Volunteers are needed to help in many ways and no special skills are required. Everyone is welcome. To learn more about the project or to volunteer, call Shellie Robb at 216-661-7517

Natural Resources Conservation Meeting - June 22, 2004:

Approximately 40 individuals attended the public meeting, excluding Cleveland Metroparks and West Creek Preservation staff who facilitated the meeting.

There was an introduction by Dan Petit, Chief of Natural Resources for Metroparks. The 2-hour meeting focused on small breakout group discussion of six primary questions that related to natural resources values of highest priority. Each of the six breakout groups addressed each question, then summarized those thoughts for a brief presentation before all groups at the end of the meeting.

Most groups agreed that the natural ecosystem of the creek, including the creek itself, the wetlands, mature woods, and native vegetation was most worth preserving. Restoration of West Creek’s aquatic systems and the riparian corridor was agreed as priorities. The most important environmental role for the West Creek Preserve is restore the water quality and retain a functional ecosystem safe from development. Every group listed solitude as the most important intangible benefit and five groups listed being involved with nature in addition. The principal threats were invasive species, damage from ATV use in the Preserve, excessive development, and park misuse.

Education and Interpretive Opportunities Meeting - June 23, 2004:

Approximately 25 individuals attended the public meeting, excluding Cleveland Metroparks and West Creek Preservation staff.

Dr. Robert Hinkle, Chief of Outdoor Education for Cleveland Metroparks, gave a brief PowerPoint presentation to clarify terminology, such as the differences between a nature center, a visitor center, an information center, and an interpretive center. Four small breakout groups were formed with six or seven persons in a group to address questions specific to two areas - outdoor informal education and formal education in West Creek Preserve.

The groups agreed that hikes, walks, and tours should be based on the geological history of the area. Watershed topics and issues as well as wildlife and plants common to the Preserve were suggested for nature walks. The groups agreed that interpretive signs would be preferred over self-guiding brochures, but they cautioned against the use of too many signs or the use of large signs. The groups wanted the area to be kept as natural as possible. All agreed that the Visitor or Nature Center should focus on the West Creek watershed with environmental education a priority. There was less agreement on the theme of the main exhibits. The history, geology, and geography of the area were suggested and the grassroots efforts of West Creek Preservation Committee should be included. Formal education should meet Ohio State Science Standards with environmental education for all ages and groups.

Site and Facility Planning Meeting - June 24, 2004:

Approximately 55 individuals attended the public meeting, excluding Cleveland Metroparks and West Creek Preservation Committee staff.

Patty Stevens, Chief of Park Planning for Cleveland Metroparks, presented a brief PowerPoint presentation to explain the planning process and how it fits in with the Natural Resource Management and Education and Interpretive Plans. The presentation also included information on site constraints, previous studies, and landscape character. Following the presentation, six breakout groups were organized with six or seven persons in each group to address five questions specific to guiding principles, appropriate themes, and types of uses. An outline of the Preserve was passed out to each participant in order for each person to depict where facilities should be placed.

Most of the groups favored low impact development, with minimal paving and facilities near the entrance to the park. There was also consensus on the use of natural materials whenever possible, the use of green building design and materials, and development of natural energy sources for heating and cooling.

Educational themes suggested included watersheds, water quality of West Creek, telling the story of the Preserve and West Creek Preservation Committee, the TV towers, and the landfill. The groups recommended the use of kiosks, interpretive signs, three-dimensional exhibits, and overlooks featuring natural materials and built to look like a TV tower.

Facilities most desired were loop trails, picnic shelters and tables, an education/interpretive center, winter sports such as cross country skiing, sledding, and ice skating, benches, and rest rooms with flush toilets.

Major issues included protection from the noise of the surrounding neighborhoods, loss of solitude from more recreational development, protection and restoration of natural areas, safety, and storm water management.

There was a lack of consensus on several issues including deer management, mountain biking, use of asphalt for trails, whether dogs should be on leashes, whether to provide office space for WCPC, and whether to allow horses. Other issues discussed included archery, ATV’s, paintball, and dog parks.

Participants wanted to see trails connected to other recreation trails and parks, ecologic restoration and enhancement, multiple use trails, and overlooks to take advantage of scenic vistas.

First Public Meeting - April 6, 2004:

On April 6th a public meeting was held at Normandy High School to introduce the framework for incorporating West Creek Preserve into the Cleveland Metroparks Emerald Necklace. On hand to discuss the transition was a panel comprised of City of Parma Mayor Dean DePiero, Council President Chuck Germana, Cleveland Metroparks Executive Director Vern Hartenburg, and West Creek Preservation Committee Director Dave Vasarhelyi.

Opening remarks by Mayor DePiero to the 120 attendees echoed the excitement and anticipation of the West Creek Preserve becoming the region’s 16th reservation. Mr. Vasarhelyi presented a history of the valley from the time it was proposed to be a part of the Metropolitan Park System in the early 1920s to its emergence today as a nature preserve in a densely developed landscape.

With the theme “West Creek: A Hidden Treasure, A Present Opportunity,” Mr. Hartenburg began his presentation by first congratulating residents on their accomplishment of preserving the West Creek Valley and establishing the West Creek Preserve. He noted that the transformation will not alter land ownership. Instead, to permit the development and operation of the new reservation, Cleveland Metroparks will prepare a 99-year lease with current landowners. The lease is expected to be in place by the end of 2004.

The initial Metropark designation will be confined to a 295-acre block of land south of West Ridgewood Drive and west of Broadview Road. Cleveland Metroparks expects to invest several million dollars in the park for an education center, recreational trails and related amenities.

Both Mayor DePiero and Mr. Hartenburg emphasized that the three partners in this project will play a vital and ongoing role. The city, park system, and WCPC will partner in three key areas: real estate transactions, master plan development, and community participation. All recommendations, proposed leases, and transition schedules will require approval by Parma City Council, Cleveland Metroparks Board of Park Commissioners, and West Creek Preservation Committee Board of Trustees. In addition, WCPC will continue its efforts to acquire parcels and extend the West Creek Greenway to the Cuyahoga Valley Towpath Trail and other community destinations. As land parcels contiguous to the core 295-acre reservation are secured, Cleveland Metroparks will consider their addition to the reservation and to the lease.

Mr. Hartenburg went on to outline a very public planning process over the next 12 months. This process will be organized around three major areas: natural resources, education and interpretation, and facilities. Committees made up of representatives of the three partners will lead the planning process. Several opportunities for public involvement, including input meetings and surveys, will be scheduled throughout the process.

After the presentation, attendees offered words of support and thanks during the public comment period of the forum. Audience members also inquired about design features, permitted activities, governing authorities, and park use. Mr. Hartenburg replied that each issue is open to discussion as planning continues. He encouraged all interested persons to continue their participation in the public process.

Water Quality Monitoring - 7/31/04: Once again, as we went out to conduct water quality monitoring, we had torrential rains the night before. On the morning of July 31, the creek was a fast-flowing, turbid stream. However, it did not stop us this time. Eleven people showed up for the first session of water quality monitoring training. This was a session to measure the macroinvertebrate or benthic feeder levels; chemical monitoring may soon be available for volunteers. To get these volunteers prepared, we started with a demonstration of the procedure. As soon as everyone was ready, we waded in and got wet using kick seine nets to catch the bottom feeders of the creek. Our results may not be accurate because of the heavy rains and flood stage of the creek. But despite the weather, all went well - thanks to Becky Siekkinen from the Cuyahoga Soil and Water Conservation District and Derek Schafer, West Creek’s intern. Those who attended showed a genuine interest in continuing the monitoring program throughout the year. WCPC and CSWCD will be providing equipment and scheduling meeting times and places.

Groups were escorted through the Preserve explaining various watershed management techniques, an overall evolution of the Preserve, and the future goals. Also discussed on the walks were wildlife in the Preserve and preservation efforts taken in the area. It was a muddy experience for all involved. The walks lasted up to one and one-half hours. The first group numbered about 18 people; later groups were much smaller. The tours were informal, but educational. There was a positive response from all those who participated. There were a number of people who had never been to the Preserve before.

WCPC also purchased a 2 acre parcel on W. Ridgewood, adjacent to the creek.

On Saturday, April 10th, volunteers from the community gathered at the site of the Henninger House to thoroughly clean the interior of the house. Students from St. Frances DeSales elementary school also participated.

Phase 2 of the project, consisting of the construction of an additional 1/2 mile of trail and a second bridge, will begin later this year.

West Creek Receives 2003 Clean Ohio Award: Earlier this month the West Creek Preservation Committee was awarded a 2003 Clean Ohio Award for open space land preservation in the West Creek Watershed. This award, totaling $160,500, will help finance the acquisition of approximately 20 acres of property in the watershed for the purpose of creating a continuous publicly accessible stream corridor and protecting significant open space and endangered areas. For more information, please see the Summer, 2003 Newsletter (page 2).

State Recognizes the Work of West Creek: West Creek Preservation Committee's Watershed Coordinator, Greg Kutsko, received a certificate of appreciation for the organization's work to improve the quality of the West Creek Watershed at a recent statewide conference to strengthen relationships among Ohio's watershed conservation groups. For more information, please see the Summer, 2003 Newsletter (page 3).

16 Acre Purchase from St. Columbkille Links 2 Major Sections of West Creek Preserve: The West Creek Preservation Committee and the City of Parma completed a land purchase with St. Columbkille Catholic Church in July that adds 16 acres to the West Creek Preserve. This parcel links the original 2 sections of the Preserve, creating a contiguous greenway/Preserve extending 1.5 miles along West Creek from W. Ridgewood Drive to the Thorncliffe and Dentzler Road neighborhoods. For more information, please see the Summer, 2003 Newsletter (page 10).

New Photos of the Wetlands: See updated photos of the wetlands.

New Office: WCPC now has an office staffed by Watershed Coordinator, Greg Kutsko. Located in Rockside Plaza, the office overlooks Henninger House and is centrally located in the watershed. The office address is 1440 Snow Road, Suite 329, Parma, OH 44134. The phone number is (216) 749-3720 and fax is (216) 749-3730. Please note that our mailing address will continue to be P.O. Box 347113, Parma, OH 44134. Our office hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (M-F). View some pictures of our new office.

If you are interested in being a RiverSweep sponsor, simply print out the appropriate sponsorship form (for family sponsors or for businesses). Mail it, along with your check or credit card information, to the address shown on the form NO LATER THAN APRIL 19th to have your name included on the t-shirt.

If you have any questions about RiverSweep sponsorship, please contact Tanya Stella at 216-348-1825 or via e-mail.

Henninger House update: With only hours to spare the Henninger House has been saved from destruction! Thanks to last minute efforts from volunteers of WCPC, Parma Historic Society, and The Henninger House Task Force this pre-Civil War homestead will be saved from the wrecking ball. A big thank you goes out to all the volunteers who passed out pamphlets, set up yard signs, and worked hard in many other ways to make this possible. You may read more information here.

Parma students visit the wetlands: The West Creek Urban Wetlands was visited this fall by students from Green Valley Elementary School and Renwood Elementary School as part of a learning partnership with Cuyahoga Community College Western Campus. The partnership pairs Tri-C students with the elementary school children in a program that involves "hands on learning" at the wetlands.The program focuses on science and math curriculum with students participating in several activies such as identifying plant and animal species, identifying urban impacts, calculating distances, and maintaining journal records of their observations.This program will continue through the next school year under the direction of Tri-C Professor Terry Greathouse and has been met with great enthusiam by both teachers and students. Look for updates on the project's success in upcoming WCPC newsletters and on this page.

West Creek in the news: Today's Cleveland Plain Dealer included an article entitled "Turning a wasteland into wetlands," about our wetlands planting project. You may read the article here. Courtesy of cleveland.com.

The second water control device has been installed, and soon the wetlands area will be flooded in preparation for planting.

And about those 16,000 (give or take) wetland plants... Planting days were postponed, again due to weather causing delay in preparation of the site. We appreciate your interest and patience in regards to our Community Wetland Planting Days, originally scheduled for May 30 - June 2. Please check our Calendar of Events - we hope to announce the rescheduled dates soon and we will need your help to "bring life" to our wetland!

West Creek Preserve - the Trail Begins: Engineering of the first mile trail segment and bridge in the West Creek Preserve has been completed, with construction slated to begin this summer. The trail will originate at the West Ridgewood Dr. entranceway to the West Creek Preserve and extend to Center Park as a neighborhood connection. This initial trail segment will showcase the diversity of West Creek, offering stunning views of the wetland, creek, gorge and a close up look at the technological influence in our urban Preserve - such as the presence of television transmission towers. Grant funds for this trail segment were generously provided with awards from NatureWorks and the Ohio and Erie Canal Association.

Community Partners:The West Creek Preservation Committee is proud to be a first year member of the Parma City Schools Community, Business, and Schools Partnership. This organization provides support to our schools in a variety of programs carried out through the pairing of community and business members with an individual school. The West Creek Preservation Committee is honored to serve as a partner to Parma's Green Valley Elementary School. We make for perfect partners! Green Valley is home to its own "urban wetland" - an outdoor classroom/land lab located on the school's grounds and constructed as a community/school volunteer project. We look forward to working with Green Valley students and teachers on a variety of projects in the coming school year.

The success of the West Creek Preserve Project is indisputably due to our many community partners. Watch this space as we continue to feature and acknowledge their contribution in creating our legacy park!