Land Conservation Fund Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Barb Holtz
216-382-3595 foecpres@yahoo.com
FRIENDS OF EUCLID CREEK SEEKS TO PROTECT STREAMSIDE GREENSPACE
South Euclid, OH, March 27, 2013 - The Friends of Euclid Creek (FOEC), a grass-roots, non-profit charitable organization which advocates for the health of its namesake watershed, has established a Land Conservation Fund to aid its efforts to protect 20 acres of woodlands in two communities on Cleveland's East Side. 

In existence since 2003, FOEC's mission is to raise awareness and preserve the natural features of the Euclid Creek watershed, which covers portions of nine eastern suburbs and the northeast corner of the city of Cleveland. Over the past 13 years, its members have undertaken numerous initiatives in support of its mission. Included among these efforts have been rain barrel workshops, stream and native garden cleanups, water quality tests, educational outreach at community events, and watershed education signage where major roadways cross Euclid Creek and its tributaries.

FOEC has also enjoyed previous success in the preservation and restoration of lands within the watershed. In 2008, the group partnered with the Cuyahoga Soil and Water Conservation District and the Mayfield City School District in establishing the 12-acre "Dusty Goldenrod Meadow" in Highland Heights - so named for the endangered wildflower which resides there. Last summer, FOEC members worked with another northeast Ohio conservation group - West Creek Preservation Committee - to clean and plant trees on a creekside property on Marcella Road in Cleveland's North Collinwood neighborhood. 

At present, the Friends' goal is to purchase and protect two wooded parcels located in the cities of Richmond Heights and Highland Heights. The eight-acre Richmond Heights property is located on Redstone Run, a tributary of Euclid Creek, and is situated just south of Cleveland Metroparks Euclid Creek Reservation. By protecting the mature forest on this parcel, FOEC seeks to maintain high-quality habitat for plants and animals, and reduce erosion on the site's steep slopes and further downstream.

The Highland Heights tract consists of 12 acres of woodlands, wetland areas and headwater streams, and sits near both the Dusty Goldenrod Meadow and the Highland Heights Community Park. If secured by FOEC, it would remain in its current state, save for signage and a trail, and would serve as both a natural filter for run-off and an ideal location for nature walks.

In order to achieve these objectives, FOEC is seeking to partner financially with local citizens and businesses who share their concern for their natural surroundings. In the short term, members are attempting to raise $20,000 to supplement grant monies received from the Clean Ohio Fund for Green Space Conservation. This would enable them to complete the purchase of the Richmond Heights parcel. They are also working to raise additional funds to secure the purchase of the 12 wooded acres in Highland Heights.

Those who are interested in this initiative are urged to contact FOEC President Barb Holtz at 216-382-3595 or Watershed Coordinator Claire Posius at 216-524-6580, ext. 16. Further information is also available on the organization's website:http://www.cuyahogaswcd.org/EuclidCreekFiles/FriendsofEuclidCreek_Support-Us.htm. 

In making a tax-deductible contribution to this fund, donors will be helping to ensure that members of our communities will be able to experience nature for themselves - not by driving to a distant park, but merely by walking or biking a short distance from their own doorsteps. They will also be leaving a wonderful gift for future generations to enjoy.