Crowell Hilaka
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Why Crowell Hilaka Is Important


  • To save the planet
  • To keep Richfield rural
  • To play outside
  • To showcase green energy
  • To honor our heritage and build our future
  • For bragging rights


To Save the Planet

"Think Globally, Act Locally"

Trees have value beyond lumber.

Having sufficient amounts of contiguous natural lands is vital to the survival of our environment. This open space is required to protect our drinking water supplies and clean air, promote healthier, active lifestyles, preserve habitat for native plants and animals species and provides nesting and breeding places for birds. Forests provide habitat, clean air, clean water and help prevent soil erosion for future generations.

Natural resource conservation. By using trees to modify temperatures, the amount of fossil fuels used for cooling and heating is reduced...  A big tree removes 60 to 70 times the pollution that a small tree does  (source: D&R Greenway Land Trust   http://www.drgreenway.org/why_preserve.html)

This study found that older trees grow faster and produce more oxygen.

There is mature forest throughout Crowell Hilaka.  This aerial view from 1937 shows large areas of thick, mature forest even way back then!

Preserving watersheds =  Flood control 

http://www.medinaswcd.org/streams.htm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Riparian_zone

http://des.nh.gov/organization/commissioner/pip/factsheets/wmb/documents/wmb-19.pdf

http://www.epa.gov/owow/protecting/restore725.pdf (Larger document – takes a few minutes to load.)

The central creek of Crowell Hilaka originates from a spring near Broadview Rd and is fed by several other springs and streams throughout the land.  They form part of the headwaters of the Rocky River.  

It is more effective to protect the natural areas that border these streams than to try to restore them later. 

Teach the Next Generation

It’s been said that “only those who love the earth will fight to defend it.”  It’s not enough for us to protect our natural resources.  We have to teach our children to  appreciate nature so that they will protect it in the future.   Kids  today have more entertainment options than any previous generation.   Developing a child’s love of nature may  need a proactive approach. (See the “play outside” section.)  

Note:  The Cost of Responsibility

One might ask why landowners or taxpayers should pay for something that benefits everyone else?     While there is certainly room for altruism, the State of Ohio recognizes its role. Local governments are encouraged to conserve nature and preserve history through matching grant programs.  

http://development.ohio.gov/cleanohio/   

https://www.ohiohistory.org/state-historic-preservation-office/certified-local-governments

http://www.preservationnation.org/resources/find-funding/#.VB7hTvldV7o

http://energy.gov/public-services/funding-financing 

A study on increased income from property taxes versus the cost of increased population:  http://www.greatswamp.org/publications/anjec.htm

"Natural lands in our area cost between $5,000 and $100,000 per acre to preserve. However not preserving them could end up costing all of us a whole lot more. Greenway Land Trust"  (source: D&R Greenway Land Trust  http://www.drgreenway.org/why_preserve.html)


To Keep Richfield Rural

Uncontrolled development in desirable regions increases  population, which eventually increases infrastructure cost.    

During the 75 years that Crowell Hilaka was a camp, the land was not available for building houses.  Therefore, protecting it does not diminish the amount of land available for additional housing.     

On the positive side: it is known that setting aside areas of particular natural beauty and historic significance contributes to the essential character of a place.   This was the reason for the founding of the national parks. http://www.nps.gov/history/history/hisnps/NPSHistory/timeline_annotated.htm

This article presents a discussion of the economic impact of parks to local Utah communities: http://www.nationalparkstraveler.com/2010/03/there-economic-value-national-monument-your-backyard5531.  

A study from New Jersey about the economic benefit of preserving open space:  http://www.greatswamp.org/publications/anjec.htm

To Play Outside


- There is infrastructure on site to support recreation programs.   The lakes, the trails,  the stables,  the shelters .   With minimal restoration, the property could  be used for boating, fishing, swimming, hiking, camping, horseback riding, sledding, & cross-county skiing.  

- There is enormous potential for enhancement.  Other programs, such as cottage rentals, shooting ranges, zip lines, and playgrounds would require additional infrastructure, and depend on the desire of the new owners.   

- The land comes with volunteers that like to arrange events and programs! 

The classic work on children’s relationship to nature is Richard Louv’s Last Child in the Woods: http://richardlouv.com/books/last-child/

http://www.education.com/topic/nature-deficit-disorder/

Additional sites:

http://www.acacamps.org/publicpolicy/NCLI

http://www.discovertheforest.org/

http://www.childrenandnature.org/

http://www.greenheartsinc.org/ 

http://einside.kent.edu/?&id=82928

Richfield Recreation survey results - 2013

http://www.richfieldvillageohio.org/Portals/0/Park%20and%20Rec%20Programs/Richfield%20Village%20Recreation%20Center%20Survey%20Additional%20Analysis-2.pdf

http://www.richfieldvillageohio.org/Portals/0/Park%20and%20Rec%20Programs/AMA_Richfield_Survey_Comments.pdf

http://www.richfieldvillageohio.org/Portals/0/Park%20and%20Rec%20Programs/Richfield_Village_Park_and_Recreation_Board_Community_Recreation_Center_Survey.pdf

To Showcase Green Energy


Kirby’s Mill is the link between environmentalists and engineers. 

Energy production represents 10% of the US economy, and close to 85% of our enegry comes from fossil fuels.

 Sources of renewable power are becoming increasingly important.   Kirby’s mill is an extremely valuable resource for demonstrating “green“ electrical production, as well as innovative problem solving.  It’s not that the country will meet its energy needs through backyard hydropower, but through the next generation having an understanding of energy sources.  

http://www.upworthy.com/theres-no-way-these-guys-gave-their-permission-to-be-in-this-video-but-i-dont-think-they-mind?c=ck1

http://energy.gov/eere/education/education-homepage

http://www.engineeringedu.com/store/index.php?route=information/information&information_id=46

To Honor Our Heritage and Build Our Future

We need to preserve the past to give secure foundations to the future.  A recent study  shows that children are more resilient when they know their family history.   Could it be that knowing the history of the broader community would also help give children this strength?    

The most historically significant portion of Crowell Hilaka is the Kirby estate.   What would it mean for children here to grow up hearing that this Richfield resident – Jim Kirby – thought that women should be able to do something more with their lives than cleaning house all day? That he did something about it?  That there was an economic benefit to observing and considering the mundane?   What will it do for children when they hear how Kirby devised his own hydroelectric power on a uniquely designed clear water lake?  And that they can see those things right in front of them?  My bet is that this story of overcoming obstacles through know-how will add to their  repertoire of knowledge to be brought out sometime later in life as inspiration.   

Heritage = resilience

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/03/17/fashion/the-family-stories-that-bind-us-this-life.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0

http://www.marial.emory.edu/pdfs/Lazarus_36_04.pdf

Economic value to preservation of historic sites:  http://www.metropulse.com/stories/features/whats-historicand-who-says-nine-practical-reasons#?cid=Facebook

For Bragging Rights


Crowell Hilaka is a unique blend of Nature, recreation, history, and technological innovation, truly Ohio’s Hidden Treasure.   If Richfield votes to preserve this land for themselves and as a tourist destination, they have bragging rights forever. 

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
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    • Board Portal
    • FoCH History
    • Incorporation
  • Get Involved
    • Contact
    • Our Supporters 2022
    • Our supporters 2023
    • Kirby's Mill Restoration
    • Education and Outreach
    • Volunteer
    • Donate
  • Events