Land Acquired! The Journey Begins

Wesley Family Foundation announces the closing of its first land parcel in Ohio, marking a significant milestone in its mission of ecological restoration and stewardship.

With over half an acre of land, this property will support a comprehensive ecosystem of trees and plants, grasses, and wildlife native to Ohio's natural ecosystem for this generation and hopefully many more to come.

Active Restoration Underway

There is currently an active restoration project on the land, with seasonal work and samples completed to document what currently exists on the property. This foundational work is developing plans for the earth, plants, water flows, trees, and grasses to support existing wildlife like worms, birds, fungi, and more.

"This isn't just land acquired—it's the beginning of a restored ecosystem," said a foundation representative. "We're taking the time to understand what's already here before we move forward with our restoration plans."

Seasonal Work Completed

The winter seasonal work is now complete, establishing a solid foundation for the next year of growth and ecosystem development. During this period, the team has:

• Documented existing plant and tree species
• Analyzed water flow patterns throughout the property
• Collected soil samples for health and composition testing
• Observed wildlife patterns and habitat use
• Cataloged fungi and soil organisms
• Mapped terrain features and drainage patterns

Legal and Community Coordination

The current plan is to work with the city and county to claim this property for non-profit use, aligning the property's legal status with the foundation's conservation mission.

There are some existing title issues that must be handled, including an encroachment that requires resolution. However, these legal matters are being worked through while the ecological restoration work continues.

"We're committed to navigating the appropriate legal processes while moving forward with our restoration work," the foundation explained. "The ecosystem doesn't wait for paperwork, so we're managing both simultaneously."

Plans for the Coming Year

With the winter seasonal work complete, the property will now support the next year's growth and ecosystem development. Plans include:

• Spring Planting: Introduction of native tree species, understory plants, and native grasses
• Water Management: Enhancing water flow patterns to support diverse plant and animal life
• Soil Amendment: Building soil health through composting and organic amendments
• Habitat Enhancement: Creating specific features to support worms, birds, fungi, and other wildlife
• Ongoing Monitoring: Regular documentation of progress and adjustments based on observations

Long-Term Vision

This first parcel represents more than a simple land acquisition—it's the beginning of a long-term commitment to ecological restoration and environmental stewardship in Ohio.

The foundation sees this property as a living ecosystem that will serve multiple generations, providing habitat for native wildlife, educational opportunities for the community, and a model for sustainable restoration practices.

While the legal work continues, the ecosystem itself is preparing for its next phase of growth and development. The foundation's commitment to this land reflects its understanding that true restoration requires both patience and persistence, both long-term vision and immediate action.

This is just the beginning. The first parcel of many, the first step in a long-standing commitment to restoring Ohio's native ecosystems.