Outside media coverage of Mill Creek MetroParks

Mill Creek Metropolitan Park District awarded $136K in H2Ohio funding

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The Mill Creek Metropolitan Park District will receive $136,177 in H2Ohio grant funding. The funding, which will be used for stream, floodplain and wetland restoration at the Mill Creek Golf Course, is part of $3 million in H2Ohio grant funding that will be directed to nine wetland projects to help improve water quality in the Ohio River Basin, Gov. Mike DeWine and Ohio Department of Natural Resources Director Mary Mertz announced Tuesday. “By expanding the reach of H2Ohio, we are working not only toward water quality, but also to a better quality of life for all Ohioans,” DeWine said in a news release. “Water issues exist everywhere, and these new projects will ensure more communities get the opportunity to experience the benefits these wetlands provide for water quality, wildlife and recreational purposes.”

Awards will also go to projects in Athens, Butler, Clark, Delaware, Franklin, Montgomery, Pickaway and Wayne counties to create wetlands, restore wetlands on hydric soils and/or enhance water quality at existing wetlands and floodplains, the release states. This is the second round of H2Ohio grants focused exclusively on the Ohio River Basin. In 2021, the ABC District’s Forest Lawn Stormwater Park was awarded $300,000 to help alleviate local flooding and stream erosion in the Cranberry Run watershed in Boardman Township.

“It’s exciting to share the nature-based approach to water quality we have been implementing in the northern part of the state with even more communities,” Mertz said in the release. “It has always been our goal to extend the H2Ohio initiative across the entire state, and we are glad to be able to support these new projects in the Ohio River Basin.”

Read Original Article at Mahoning Matters.

Mill Creek MetroParks using fire to improve park

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Mill Creek Metroparks is using fire in Boardman Thursday for what’s called prescribed burn.

They’re doing it to make the park healthier.

WKBN was there at the corner of Tippecanoe Road and Western Reserve Road. The area is known as “Collier Preserve.”

The fire will help get rid of any unwanted invasive bugs, plus help reduce thatch build-up. It also gets rid of woody growth.

“It’s an effort to really improve the native grasses that are here to get rid of some of the thatch, to encourage the seeds that are in the soil base to really invigorate them and get a really nice native 45-acre prairie,” said Just Roberts, planning and operations director of Mill Creek MetroParks.

Organizers hope this prescribed burn will be wrapped up Thursday.

Davey Resource Group out of Kent helped with the project.

 

Read original article at WKBN.

FirstEnergy donates 300 trees to Mill Creek MetroParks for second year in a row

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FirstEnergy has donated 300 trees to Mill Creek MetroParks to celebrate Earth and Arbor days for the second year in a row.

A variety of hardwood trees were planted on Thursday by FirstEnergy employees throughout the MetroParks’ 402-acre farm in Canfield.

On Earth Day in 2021, FirstEnergy had donated 300 trees, which were planted at the MetroParks’ Collier Preserve.

In addition, FirstEnergy plans to donate an additional 400 trees to the Poland Municipal Forest on Friday, April 29 to celebrate Arbor Day. Those trees will be planted by FirstEnergy employee volunteers throughout the day on Friday and Saturday.

This initiative is part of the company’s efforts to reduce its carbon footprint, promote responsible use of natural resources and further the advancement of sustainable practices.

Since April of 2021, FirstEnergy has donated and planted over 17,000 trees throughout its five-state service territory, and is on track to plant over 14,000 additional trees this spring.

 

Read original article at WFMJ.

Mill Creek trail to get upgrade

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A trail in the Mill Creek MetroParks system is getting an upgrade.

A $175,000 gift from the John and Joanne Beeghly Family will help pay to refurbish the primitive trail system surrounding Lake Newport.

New drainage, surface improvements and wall erosion control are all part of the work that will be done. Retaining walls, borders and stone steps will also be addressed.

The Mill Creek MetroParks Foundation launched a $20 million campaign to improve the park system and pay for its long-term care and preservation.

Read the original article at WKBN.

Beeghly family donates $175K to Mill Creek MetroParks for trail restoration, enhancements

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The Mill Creek MetroParks Foundation has received a $175,000 gift from the John and Joanne Beeghly family. The funds will be used for trail restoration and enhancements at the trailheads surrounding Lake Newport, and will support a $250,000 capital improvement project for the primitive trails known as the Newport Loop, a news release states. The project, funded by donations, includes installation of new drainage systems along the trails, surface improvements, erosion control and improvements to existing retaining walls, borders and stone steps.

“The John and Joanne Beeghly family have been friends and supporters of the MetroParks for many years,” Chris Litton, director of development for Mill Creek MetroParks, said in the release. “Their philanthropic reach has touched every corner of the MetroParks system, and we are profoundly grateful for their continued support of our mission.” To contribute to the trail restoration fund, contact Litton at 330-702-3000, ext. 118.

Read the original article at Mahoning Matters.

Mill Creek Golf Course is Open

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Mill Creek Golf Course is open!

View video from WFMJ

‘Tee it up:’ Golfers return to Mill Creek Golf Course

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The longer days show you it’s spring, and you’ll see another sign this week when golfers return to Mill Creek Golf Course starting Wednesday.

Some final preparation work was being done around the course on Tuesday — a grass cutting, the golf carts were gassed up and the pro shop cleaned up.

The North Course opens at 9 a.m. and the first golfers will go out at 10 a.m.

The tee sheet is filling up. It will be the 94th year of golf at the park’s courses, which opened in 1928.

“I’m super excited just for the fact that we get to play golf again. It’s been a long winter this past offseason with a lot of snow, so I know a lot of people will have that itch to come out and cabin fever to go tee it up, and we’re certainly super happy to be able to give them a venue this spring,” said PGA Director fo Golf Brian Tolnar.

The Par-3 Golf Course opens Friday, and the South Course opens on April 11.

 

Read the original article at WKBN

Mill Creek MetroParks acquires land in Smith Twp.

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The Mill Creek MetroParks is expanding after acquiring 161 acres of land in Smith Township.

The MetroParks now owns Hawkins Marsh, which is located on W. Western Reserve Road.

“The property is of interest because of the 161 acres. Nearly 80 acres of that are forested wetlands which are category three wetlands which are high quality,” said Executive Director of Mill Creek Metroparks Aaron Young.

Young said it was the perfect opportunity to preserve unique habitats while serving a previously under-served area.

The MetroParks partnered with West Creek Conservancy in the acquisition of the property, and Young said in this instance it was very cost-effective with about 75% of the funding coming through the Clean Ohio Conservation Fund.

“But the balance — the 24% — was made available through a bargain sale, so this is an acquisition where zero tax dollars were expended,” said Young.

Young said development of the parcel of land is going to be limited due to what’s supported by the Clean Ohio Conservation Fund.

There will be no active recreation on the property. Rather it’ll be geared toward passive recreation activities like hiking, walking and birdwatching.

oung said they’re currently working on an application for another round of funding to potentially fund those improvements.

As for when the project will be complete, that will depend on the funding application.

Young said he wouldn’t expect any development of the parcel until 2023 or later.

“Any chance we can get to serve individuals or a community that we didn’t have a presence in before is a day to celebrate and today is that day,” said Young.

Mill Creek MetroParks now contains more than 5,000 acres of land, with the addition of the Hawkins Marsh area.

 

Read the original article at WKBN

Mill Creek Metroparks acquire 161-acre wetland in SW Mahoning County

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Mill Creek Metroparks has increased its footprint to more than 5,000 acres following the purchase of 161 acres of land in the southwestern part of Mahoning County.

Park officials announced on Tuesday that they have acquired land in Smith Township on West Western Reserve Road, known as Hawkins Marsh.

The property, which consists of a variety of unique natural habitats including wetlands, was obtained through a partnership with the West Creek Conservancy to acquire an $843,800 grant from the Clean Ohio Conservation Fund.

“The acquisition of this unique property is another step forward in the mission of the MetroParks serving the needs of all of Mahoning County,” said MetroParks Executive Director, Aaron Young.

Under parameters set by the Clean Ohio Conservation Fund, future development of the land will be limited to passive recreation such as wildlife observation, walking, or other activities to ensure the least impact on the wetland.

 

Read the original article at WFMJ

Mill Creek MetroParks acquires 161 acres in Smith Township

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Mill Creek MetroParks has acquired 161 acres on West Western Reserve Road in Smith Township. The MetroParks partnered with West Creek Conservancy to acquire the land, known as Hawkins Marsh, with funds obtained through the Clean Ohio Conservation Fund, which provided $843,800 of the $1.1 million cost. The remaining $299,730 came in the form of a bargain sale, a news release states. The land consists of “unique natural habitats,” including wetlands, the release states. Recreational opportunities are being planned for the property.

“Once again, we are thrilled to be able to announce this most recent acquisition thanks to the dedicated efforts of MetroParks staff, our partners at West Creek Conservancy and financial support from the Clean Ohio Conservation Fund,” Aaron Young, executive director of Mill Creek MetroParks, said in the release. “The acquisition of this unique property is another step forward in the mission of the MetroParks serving the needs of all of Mahoning County,” Young said.

 

Read the original article at Mahoning Matters