Protecting Unique Kelleys Island Habitats

Kelleys Island is a favorite getaway for many, but it’s more than a vacation destination. Though the island is the largest American island in Lake Erie, it’s relatively small — approximately 3,000 acres in size — and it consists of a stunning combination of lakeside views and natural spaces.

The island’s protected acreage makes it truly remarkable. Nearly 1,000 acres are protected through the combined efforts of Western Reserve Land Conservancy, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, the Cleveland Museum of Natural History, and the Village of Kelleys Island. The newest addition to the island’s protected land has been a 13-acre extension to Quinn Preserve, which was protected in perpetuity by a partnership between the Land Conservancy and the Village of Kelleys Island.

Finalized in September 2024, the Quinn Preserve Extension is home to a number of rare, threatened and endangered species. Its red cedar forest habitat, for example, is an extremely rare habitat in Ohio; Kelley’s Island is the only existing location in the state where this forest type is found. While the island was once dominated by its lush red cedar forests, it was clear-cut for timber in the 19th century — making the forests that still exist especially important to the island’s unique ecosystem.

Bats thrive across the property, which provides an excellent habitat for feeding and daytime roosting areas. Four state-listed species were documented on the site, including three designated species of concern — the big brown bat, Eastern red bat, and hoary bat — and the state-endangered tri-colored bat, a species also pending being listed at the federal level.

A wide variety of bird species also reside in the extension. Not only is there an active bald eagle nest on the property, but the island is a critical stopover habitat for migrating songbirds that seek healthy forests and meadows. Several state species of concern like the sharp-skinned hawk and the bobolink make use of the island as they pass through, as well as several state species of special interest like the Northern saw-whet owl and the dark-eyed junco.

The original portion of Quinn Preserve was protected in perpetuity by the Land Conservancy in 2012, meaning that its pristine natural spaces will be forever safe. With the new extension, the preserve will now span 32 acres, which visitors and residents will be able to enjoy as a passive public park.

Protecting the extension couldn’t have been possible without our generous funders, including an unlikely donor. When the South Shores Cruising Club — a group that provided members with education on boating safety and cruises on local waterways for 66 years — shut down in 2023, members knew that they wanted to find a way to donate their remaining funds to a project helping one of their favorite boating destinations. Once they heard about the Quinn Preserve Extension, they knew it was the perfect fit. Funding was also provided by Ohio Public Works Commission through the Clean Ohio Conservation Fund, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Erie County Community Foundation, the Mylander Foundation, and the Skylar Raine Schambs Conservation Fund.

The Land Conservancy’s work on Kelleys Island spans seven properties; to date, we’ve permanently protected a total 160 acres of land. Between our efforts and the work of other organizations, the island’s one-of-a-kind features will always remain intact.