Collaborating for Conservation: Public and Private Partners Unite to Protect Vital Ashtabula River Property

Western Reserve Land Conservancy has permanently protected a 228-acre property along the scenic Ashtabula River, securing a critical link in one of Northeast Ohio’s most significant conservation landscapes. The property, now owned and managed by the Cleveland Museum of Natural History as the Ashtabula River Preserve Extension, was protected through a collaborative effort supported by public funding from the Clean Ohio Conservation Fund and H2Ohio Rivers, alongside a generous grant from Atira Conservation.

“This project is a powerful example of what can happen when conservation partners come together around a shared vision,” said Alex Czayka, Chief Conservation Officer at Western Reserve Land Conservancy. “The Ashtabula River Preserve Extension is a keystone property that connects and strengthens a growing network of protected lands along the Ashtabula River. Bookended by existing conservation areas, this acquisition helps create a larger, more resilient landscape where wildlife can thrive, water resources can remain healthy, and people can continue to experience the natural beauty of this region. We’re grateful to Atira Conservation, Clean Ohio, H2Ohio, and the Cleveland Museum of Natural History for helping make the permanent protection of this remarkable property possible.”

While conservation successes often result from years of planning and partnership behind the scenes, this project demonstrates how public agencies, nonprofit organizations, and private philanthropy can work together to protect places that are essential to wildlife, water quality, and future generations.

Atira Conservation has played an important role in advancing land conservation efforts throughout Ohio. Through its partnership with Western Reserve Land Conservancy, the foundation has helped support seven projects that have permanently protected 977 acres of land across the state.

“Atira Conservation is proud to work with Western Reserve Land Conservancy and its partners to protect this remarkable property along the Ashtabula River,” said Nicole Adimey, Founder of Atira Conservation. “This land will provide lasting recreational opportunities for the local community, strengthen connectivity among protected lands, and safeguard important habitat for wildlife across the region.”   

Partnerships like this allow the Land Conservancy to pursue high-impact conservation opportunities that might otherwise remain unprotected. By combining philanthropic support with state conservation programs, organizations can move quickly to protect ecologically important landscapes and ensure they remain intact for future generations. 

More About the Ashtabula River Preserve Extension 

The Ashtabula River Preserve Extension expands a growing 641-acre conservation corridor in one of Northeast Ohio’s most ecologically significant watersheds. The property sits adjacent to several preserves owned by the Cleveland Museum of Natural History and complements a neighboring 43-acre private property previously protected through a conservation easement held by Western Reserve Land Conservancy.

Its protection helps connect existing conservation lands into a larger, more cohesive landscape, creating greater resilience for wildlife and the natural systems that depend on uninterrupted habitat.

The preserve contains exceptional natural features, including more than 17,000 linear feet of the State Scenic Ashtabula River, dramatic hemlock-lined ravines, eight high-quality wetlands, and multiple headwater streams that contribute to the health of the river system.

The property also supports an extraordinary diversity of wildlife. Surveys have documented the presence of the State Endangered Northern Brook Lamprey, the Endangered Silver-haired Bat, and the Species of Concern Bobolink, along with dragonflies, salamanders, and a rich variety of native trees and understory plants. Together, these features make the preserve an important refuge for biodiversity and a valuable piece of Ohio’s natural heritage.