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Members*
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Volunteer Hours*
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336 acres of winding streams, lakes, and forests that had been closed off from the public for over 75 years. It had been farmed by the pioneer Oviatt family and then became the estate of inventor Jim Kirby.
During the 1920s Kirby constructed a patented lake, a mill to generate electric power, a house air-conditioned with spring water, and a dance hall built on springs. Upstream, the Neal family built their fairy tale houses and operated a thriving fruit farm. The land was purchased by the Cleveland Girl Scouts in 1937 and enclosed for the protection of the girls. In 2015, the property was purchased by the citizens of Richfield. It has been transformed into a park for public enjoyment. In 2020, the property was added to the National Register of Historic Places as the "Camp Crowell Hilaka Historic District". |
This pictorial history from Arcadia's "Images of America" series is now available anywhere fine books are sold. A portion of all books purchased in person at FoCH events or from this website will be donated to Kirby's Mill.
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Our Projects
Kirby's Mill restoration Historic House Stabilization Native Species Restoration / Invasive Species Removal Outreach, Education, Friendly Presence, Fundraising Trash, Latrine, and Clean Up crew (TLC) Friends of Richfield Heritage Preserve works with the governing board of the park (RJRD) to identify the areas where we can provide the greatest assistance. Projects may change from year to year depending on the needs of the the park and the RJRD. |
The Property Map - Directions
About Friends of Richfield Heritage Preserve
We are a 501c3 non-profit advocacy group partnering with the Richfield Joint Recreation District to protect, preserve, enhance and promote Richfield Heritage Preserve. Our current projects include restoration of Kirby's Mill; stabilization of Kirby House, Amity House, and North House; removal of invasive plant species and restoration of native species; and weekly cleaning and maintenance of park facilities.
We are a 501c3 non-profit advocacy group partnering with the Richfield Joint Recreation District to protect, preserve, enhance and promote Richfield Heritage Preserve. Our current projects include restoration of Kirby's Mill; stabilization of Kirby House, Amity House, and North House; removal of invasive plant species and restoration of native species; and weekly cleaning and maintenance of park facilities.
Effective January 1, 2022, Friends of Crowell Hilaka (FoCH) began using "Friends of Richfield Heritage Preserve" (Friends) as our primary name, although we retain ownership of our old name. While our name may be changing, our mission and passion remain the same. We’ve been on a 10+ year journey---beginning with our initial efforts to help save this awesome and historically significant 336-acre property from being sold by the Girl Scouts of North East Ohio for possible development. Along the way, we’ve worked with a broad variety of volunteer partners---including community members, government officials, professionals, other non-profit organizations, and you---to fulfill our dreams and accomplish our goals. We couldn’t have done any of this without all of you!
Original content on the Friends website is the property of Friends of Richfield Heritage Preserve. It cannot be used without permission. Permission can usually be obtained by contacting lynndragonwing@gmail.com and agreeing to attribute www.friendsofrhp.org as the source.
This video was produced by SkyCam.photography for the 2014 campaign to purchase former camp Crowell Hilaka.
*Current Year - Members and Volunteer Hours - Projects all time estimate.
PARTNERS
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