Wetland Protection
14 acres. Hand tools. Clear a path, document the ecosystem, protect the unique items, and restore with care.
Project Overview
Planned Start Date: Early Winter 2026
The goal is simple: learn the land, protect what is strong, and restore what is at risk. Work starts with a hand‑cut path to move through the site, map key areas, and document what is growing.
The approach is low‑impact: mostly hand tools, selective clearing, planting natives, and only a mini‑excavator if needed to make safe access over soggy ground. No structures. No man‑made fencing. The intent is to keep the site natural while actively caring for it.
A 50/50 design will be used at first: restore half, leave half as a control. Compare results over time. The work will include identifying native and invasive species, protecting any rare or sensitive plants, and studying light, water, and soil conditions.
Compliance: This work will follow Streetsboro’s riparian and wetland setback standards per Section 1191.13 – Uses Permitted in Riparian and Wetland Setbacks and aligns with the City of Streetsboro 2023–2024 Master Plan Update.
Access: No public access is permitted at this time. The project team is in active discussion with the City of Streetsboro on next steps within city guidance.
Key Initiatives
Access Path & Survey Grid
Cut a simple path for safe travel. Mark transects and photo points for repeatable monitoring.
Baseline Inventory
Document trees, shrubs, groundcover, amphibians, birds, and insects. Flag native vs invasive.
Unique & Wetland Species Care
Prioritize existing wetlands plants. Protect unique or sensitive plants.
50/50 Restore vs Control
Restore half the site and leave half untouched to compare outcomes. Adjust over time.
Documentation & History
Map water flow, light, and soils. Collect past aerials and land records to learn the site’s story.
Minimal‑Impact Methods
Hand tools first. Selective clearing and planting. Mini‑excavator only if required for safe access.
Field Plan
- Cut and mark a primary path. Add simple crossings where needed.
- Lay out transects and permanent photo points. Create a simple map.
- Baseline inventory: plants, trees, amphibians, birds, insects. Note invasive species.
- Identify priority individuals to protect (for example, the largest or tallest trees).
- Set 50/50 zones for restore vs control. Keep notes for any changes.
- Light study at morning, midday, evening. Record water levels after rain.
- Selective clearing and planting. No structures or fencing.
- Compare results with adjacent parcels. Adjust plan with evidence.
Current Status
Next Steps
Determine the City's interest in the property.
Assess any liabilities associated with permitting access to the property.
Confirm related land status near Beck Fen Preserve and identify any grants or trust easements in place.
Flag and clear a primary path. Add simple crossings where needed.
Lay out transects and set repeat photo points for monitoring.
Start species inventory and mark invasive patches for future removal.
Identify any unique or wetland indicator plants to protect.
Collect site history: past aerial photos, land records, and local memories.
Get Involved
Help us protect and restore these vital ecosystems. Every contribution makes a difference in preserving our natural heritage.