Crowell Hilaka
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Our apologies for the blank space above.  After a recent upgrade, our slideshow is no longer working.  Our web host is working on the problem.
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    Ohio's Hidden Treasure TM


 Richfield Heritage Preserve

​formerly Camp Crowell Hilaka, is 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 is being transformed into a park for public enjoyment.​
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NEWS FLASH!   Richfield Heritage Preserve is now listed on the National Registry of Historic Places as of January 21, 2020.  

  Richfield Heritage Preserve is open to the public every day, dawn to dusk.
 No admission charge.

​  The main entrance is at 4374 Broadview Rd,
just south of the Richfield Giant Eagle.

The Preserve is administered by the Park Board :
Richfield Joint Recreation District ( RJRD )

   Friends of Crowell Hilaka ( aka FoCH. pronounced "folk" ) is a 501c3 nonprofit advocacy group.  Our mission is to partner with the Richfield Joint Recreation District to preserve, protect, enhance, and promote Richfield Heritage Preserve, formerly Crowell Hilaka.  more... 
                                                           Our Projects

                                               Kirby's Mill restoration

                                             Historic House Stabilization

                         Native Species Restoration / Invasive Species Removal 

                          Outreach, Education, Friendly Presence, Fundraising
                      
                                            Trash & Latrine Logistics


Friends of Crowell Hilaka 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.  

 

NOTICE
The lovely Lake Jinelle has been drained TEMPORARILY so that the dam can be repaired. 
More...
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Above: after the soil was scraped off the dam to the correct depth, a layer of open-cell sheeting was laid down and the cells filled with gravel. photo by Elizabeth Csontos. Right: a layer of articulated concrete blocks connect to each other with loops of cable. Chain mail for the earth. Photo by Clive Fetzer 9-5-2019
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This video was produced by SkyCam.photography for the 2014 campaign.  

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​Ways to help: 
​


Join FoCH
​

Volunteer 

Donate 
​

Subscribe
to our free newsletter,
The Mill Write  

Share Your Memories

Shop



​             Upcoming

               Events


​


     March 22 – Sing Along 
  • April 19  Guided Hike 
  • April 30 FoCH Annual Meeting
  • May 9 Guided Hike with Jennifer Windus of Ohio Natural Areas and Preserves. 
  • June 28  Guided Hike ( theme TBA)
  • July 11  Mill “Work in Progress” Open House  
  • July 30  FoCH member meeting
  • Aug 23 Guided Hike (theme TBA)
  • Sept 13 Kirby Day
  • Oct 11 Guided hike ( theme TBA)
  • Nov 19 FoCH member meeting:  Fireside Chat
  • Dec 5 Winter Wonders

Shop and help!  
FoCH is part of  Amazon Smile and eBay for Charity.  A portion of your purchases or sales can be directed to FoCH. Visit the Donate page for details!

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The Property Map - Directions

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Original content on the FoCH website is the property of FoCH.  It cannot be used without permission.  Permission can usually be obtained by contacting lynndragonwing@roadrunner.com and agreeing to attribute www.friendsofcrowellhilaka.org as the source

                                                                                          Partners

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Projects

Kirby's Mill Restoration
Historic Home Stabilization
Native Species Restoration

Contact Us

Friends of Richfield Heritage Preserve/ Friends of Crowell Hilaka
100 Wandle Avenue
Bedford, OH 44146
contactus@friendsofrhp.org

​© COPYRIGHT 2020. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
  • Home
  • What's Here
    • Directions
    • The Property >
      • Google Map
    • History
    • Maps
    • Nature Sightings
    • Memorials
  • About Us
    • Reports to the Community
    • Board of Directors
    • Bylaws
    • Board Portal
    • FoCH History
    • Incorporation
  • Get Involved
    • Contact
    • Our Supporters 2022
    • Our supporters 2023
    • Kirby's Mill Restoration
    • Education and Outreach
    • Volunteer
    • Donate
  • Events