Come November, the Western Reserve Land Conservancy will decide if they can complete their purchase of Crowell Hilaka .  Since last Sunday’s open house, pledges have been rolling in steadily.  After just one week we are almost at $9,000 combined pledges and donations.  We will keep counting up the pledges right up until the minute the Conservancy makes their decision.  
 
 
Comments from the website:
 
from Akron: “I have been there for 1 tour and am amazed at the jewel in our midst. I commend your efforts.”
 
from Rocky River:  “In the 1960's I was a Girl Scout leader for an intermediate group of girls, grades 4 through 6.  We had many wonderful camping trips to Hilaka and Crowell.  Fond memories were resurrected when I read the article in the Plain Dealer.  Good luck in your laudable efforts to save Crowell/Hilaka.”
 
from Richfield :  “I am hopeful for the day my girls and their girls can camp there again!! “
 
from Kent: “How do I become a member of Friends of Crowell/Hilaka and to what address would I send a donation? “  

Guided Tours of Crowell Hilaka
 
 
Time is running out!  If you are dedicated to preserving the past, conserving precious green space and protecting our future, please join us on Sunday, October 20th for guided tours showcasing an irreplaceable Ohio treasure, Crowell Hilaka. Crowell Hilaka is currently for sale through Western Reserve Land Conservancy.

Formerly the estate of inventor James Kirby, this beautiful 336-acre property has two self-clarifying lakes, captivating historic homes, as well as the Kirby Mill  — recognized on the National Register of Historic Landmarks.

Western Reserve Land Conservancy and Friends of Crowell Hilaka are soliciting pledges and raising the money needed to secure the property as a community resource and a premier recreational facility. We invite you to become a funder.  Please come to our open house to learn why this land is so important to Northeast Ohio.


Sunday, October 20th 12 noon-3:00pm

South Entrance: 3771 Oviatt Road, Richfield, Ohio 44286
North Entrance: 4374 Broadview Road, Richfield, Ohio 44286 


Thank you. We look forward to seeing you next Sunday. If you have questions or need more information before then, please visit our website www.friendsofcrowellhilaka.org
or email: [email protected]
or call 216.921.8789 for more information 

On Tuesday evening, the Richfield Village council passed an emergency resolution supporting FoCH’s intent to purchase the property currently known as Crowell Hilaka from the Western Reserve Land Conservancy. The resolution acknowledges the historic, cultural, and environmental value of the property.  The formal document of Richfield Township’s endorsement was similar- not simply the short notation as I originally thought.
 
Both the Township and the Village resolutions note that the property is zoned as a Conservation District, intended to preserve historic and scenic areas, protect ecological balance, and to reduce the flooding problems associated with intensively developed areas.   Having the endorsement of both the Township and the Village gives our plan an official stamp of approval which will make it easier to attract pledges.  
 
Corey gave a great presentation to Village Council using a power point made by Kelly Clark.  The problem with any discussion of CH is that there is so much to say that it’s hard to fit it all into a short speech!  Besides the power point,  she had a large, painted map of C/H on a floor easel; and a smaller display board showing how the mill produced electricity and can be used for STEM education programs.   During her talk she touched on the topography , history, and current recreational facilities very briefly.  Then she moved on into our plans for future operations- including a very nice description of zipline networks.   Then we got into the pledge campaign and the timeline etc.  A slam dunk.   If we had more time, I have no doubt at all we’d be able to raise the full amount. 
 
Lynn