2019 Annual Report CHAGRIN RIVER WATERSHED PARTNERS Preserving and enhancing the scenic and environmental quality Mission of the Chagrin River watershed for people, plants and animals Members Auburn Township Aurora Bainbridge Township Beachwood Bentleyville City of Chardon Chardon Township Chagrin Falls Chagrin Falls Township Cleveland Metroparks Eastlake Gates Mills Geauga Park District Hunting Valley Kirtland Kirtland Hills Lake County Lake Metroparks Mantua Township Mayfield Heights Mayfield Village Mentor Moreland Hills Munson Township Newbury Township Orange Village Pepper Pike Russell Township Solon South Russell Waite Hill Wickliffe Healthy water resources that support vibrant communities where Willoughby Willoughby Hills Vision we hike, bike, fish, bird-watch and enjoy the great outdoors Woodmere A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. – Lao Tzu

Each step we take at Chagrin River Watershed Partners moves us forward in the direction of restoring our natural areas, reducing stormwater runoff, and enhancing our greenspaces for public enjoyment. Our work brings together communities, parks, organizations, businesses, and landowners to create a collective effort to protect the Chagrin River and watersheds across Ohio’s Central Lake Erie Basin.

Since our formation in 1996, Chagrin River Watershed Partners has, with vision and dedication, made a transformational impact on our waters in Northeast Ohio that keeps our region resilient for a better tomorrow. With over 24 years on this journey, each step we have taken has been made possible through the unwavering support of our members, funders, partners, sponsors, donors, and volunteers.

Throughout this report you will find images and stories of people working together to protect and restore the natural world that sustains all of us. We are grateful for our team that not only works hard for our watersheds, but also takes a moment to capture the beauty they see around them.

Thank you for continuing to make our work possible. Together, we can all take steps towards a greater Northeast Ohio. Heather Elmer William Tomko Executive Director President

To find out how you can help keep our watersheds and Lake Erie healthy, we invite you to check out our website at crwp.org and follow us on Facebook and Instagram for local news and updates.

Founding Principles 1. Natural systems provide flood control, erosion control, and water quality protection services that should be maintained as land is developed. 2. It is more cost effective for local governments to take planning and development steps to maintain these services than to pay for costly, and generally less effective, remedial solutions. Preventing Flooding, Erosion and Water Pollution

Gates Mills Riverbank Stabilization A State Scenic section of the Chagrin River that supports recreational fishing flows along three privately owned parcels in Gates Mills on Old Mill Road. Increased stormwater runoff from upstream development and lack of deep-rooted native plants to hold soil in place contributed to riverbank instability and excessive erosion on these parcels. The Watershed Partners helped the Village of Gates Mills apply for and secure $209,747 in Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Section 319(h) funds to stabilize the bank and minimize future erosion. The private property owners contributed required match to the project. Before: Eroding bank and invasive plants like butterbur and Japanese knotweed.

The Village hired Davey Resource Group to design and construct the project, secure the required Ohio EPA permit and develop a long-term maintenance plan. The construction team installed toe stone protection and a series of seven short bendway weirs on approximately 400 linear feet of riverbank and planted native vegetation along 7,500 square feet of the river to stabilize the banks, reduce scour and filter out pollutants. The Watershed Partners also helped the Village develop a request for proposals to hire the qualified consultant to design and build the project, review project plans, coordinate with landowners, conduct education and outreach related to the project, and administer the Ohio EPA grant. After: Live posts and toe stone protection help stabilize the bank.

4 CRWP 2019 ANNUAL REPORT Preventing Flooding, Erosion and Water Pollution Tools for Communities: Natural Resource Protection Codes Open space, wetlands, floodplains and wooded stream corridors provide free community services. They soak up and filter stormwater and prevent erosion, water pollution and flooding. In addition to preserving natural areas where possible along streams and rivers through conservation easements or public parks, Facility Good Housekeeping communities can keep these free services as land is developed Communities can take an additional step to or redeveloped by taking planning and development steps to prevent polluted runoff from storage and protect natural resources. One step a community can take is to vehicle maintenance areas by examining adopt and implement model natural resource protection codes their municipal or facility operations. In 2019 developed by the Watershed Partners. These codes comply with the Watershed Partners conducted good US EPA and Ohio EPA permit requirements. In 2019, we helped housekeeping walkthroughs and provided 27 communities adopt or update natural resource protection recommendations at 5 community facilities. codes. To implement these codes, member communities asked the Watershed Partners to perform comprehensive reviews of development plans as a supplement to their plan review process. We identified relevant federal, state and local regulations and provided recommendations for 12 development plans to ensure natural resource protection is considered early in the planning phase.

Model codes developed by the Watershed Partners:

• Riparian setbacks • Wetland setbacks • Comprehensive stormwater management

• Erosion & sediment control • Conservation development • Other natural resource codes such as steep hillside protection and flood damage reduction

CRWP 5 Protecting and Restoring Natural Areas

Griswold Creek Restoration Griswold Creek at Geauga Park District’s Bessie Benner Metzenbaum Park is a coldwater stream in the Chagrin River Watershed. Suburban development, stormwater runoff, and removal of native streamside plants destabilized the stream corridor, caused severe erosion, and disconnected the stream from its natural floodplain. The Watershed Partners helped Geauga Park District apply for and secure $260,765 in Great Lakes Before: Eroded stream was cut off from floodplain. Restoration Initiative funds through the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency. In spring 2019, Geauga Park District restored 1,448 linear feet of Griswold Creek by installing sandstone rock riffle weirs in the stream and floodplain pools along the stream’s edges. The rock riffles help the stream access its historic floodplain during high water events, naturalize stream flow and decrease sediment from stream erosion. The floodplain pools filter out sediment and nutrients and provide habitat for amphibians.

After: Streams access to floodplain is restored.

6 CRWP 2019 ANNUAL REPORT Forests for Our Future Protecting and Restoring Natural Areas

The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now. - Chinese Proverb

Trees provide wildlife habitat while reducing the flow of stormwater and associated soil erosion, sedimentation, and nutrient loading. Their extensive root systems stabilize streambanks and prevent pollution from entering our streams. Tree canopies along streams shade streams and keep them cool for stream-dwelling salamanders, fish, and aquatic insects. Healthy forests also improve air quality and help sequester and store carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

In 2019, Geauga Park District planted 2,473 native trees and shrubs over a 10-acre area and installed a one-acre deer exclosure to prevent browse at Orchard Hills Park. The Village of Chagrin Falls planted 485 native trees and shrubs over 1.6 acres of riparian area along 1,500 linear feet of the State Scenic Chagrin River at the Village’s River Run Park. Orange Village planted 765 trees to restore the native tree canopy over 2.6 acres at the Village’s Community Park. The Watershed Partners helped Geauga Park District, the Village of Chagrin Falls, and Orange Village obtain funding from the U.S. Forest Service Great Lakes Restoration Initiative program to plant these trees and shrubs to enhance riparian habitat, and greatly reduce stormwater runoff into our local rivers and streams.

The Watershed Partners also led a project to enhance the health and resilience of 500 acres of forests surrounding high quality, primarily groundwater-fed coldwater stream habitats in the Chagrin and lower Grand River watersheds. Many of these streams are part of steep ravine habitats with cooler temperatures that may serve as critical refugia for wildlife in our changing climate. Forest management helps ensure that these systems stay healthy for the future. Forests within portions of the following properties were managed through this project: The Holden Arboretum, Lake Metroparks Indian Point and Penitentiary Glen, Cleveland Metroparks North Chagrin and South Chagrin Reservations. The Wildlife Conservation Society Climate Adaptation Fund through the Doris Duke Foundation partially funded this effort and many local partners contributed cash and in-kind match support.

CRWP 7 Improving Parks Playgrounds Erie Road Park, Eastlake Natural playscapes are play spaces that use natural materials such as native living plants, wood, boulders, and water. They provide children and families with a connection to nature and encourage exploration, free expression, and creativity during play. Native plants provide habitat for birds, butterflies and other pollinators and their roots can grow 5 to 15 feet deep, providing drainage and erosion control benefits. The Watershed Partners helped the City of Eastlake develop and manage an Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) NatureWorks grant to build a natural playscape. The playscape is part of an effort to increase public access to the Chagrin River and Lake Erie at Erie Road Park, which also includes an Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant canoe and kayak launch installed last year. Future park enhancements for stormwater management will include a permeable pavement parking area, streamside plantings along Corporation Creek, Erie Road Park and a bioretention system to enhance public access while effectively managing stormwater. The grant provided $42,620 for the playscape project. The remaining $14,240 of donated cash, labor, materials and equipment were provided by the City of Eastlake, the Port Authority of Eastlake, Big Dig Underground Repair Services and Kurtz Bros.

South Russell Village Playground, South Russell The Watershed Partners helped South Russell Village develop and manage an ODNR NatureWorks grant to build a playground at South Russell Village Park. The playground was phase three of the South Russell Village Park Master Plan to create a park that will serve as a community gathering place. South Russell Village residents, Ike and Anne Tripp, saw the need for a public community playground and made a generous donation to South Russell Village to make this project possible. The NatureWorks grant provided $23,291 for the playground. South Russell Village Playground*

8 CRWP *Photo Credit: Eric W Jones of American Athletix 2019 ANNUAL REPORT Improving Parks

Hiking Trails Scenic River Retreat, Munson Township Munson built a new loop trail with bridges and board walks at Scenic River Retreat with funds from a $23,290 ODNR NatureWorks grant. The Foundation for Geauga Parks provided matching support totaling $8,728. The Watershed Partners helped Munson develop the grant. The approximately 1-mile loop trail starts near the pond and takes visitors through gorgeous forest with small, high-quality headwater streams that flow to the upper main branch of the Chagrin River and shrub-swamp land with skunk cabbage and other wetland plants. The far south end of the loop goes through a majestic white pine grove.

Veterans Memorial Park, Newbury Township The Watershed Partners helped Newbury develop and manage a $11,669 ODNR NatureWorks grant to improve the walkways at Veterans Memorial Park and plant native trees. Chagrin Valley Chamber of Commerce also donated $5,000 towards the project. Newbury improved pre-existing paths by changing them from an aggregate material to asphalt for better accessibility into the park.

CRWP 9 Scenic River Retreat EmpoweringEmpowering peoplepeople toto taketake carecare ofof streamsstreams andand LakeLake ErieErie

Landowner Site Visits An Educational Float The Watershed Partners offer site assistance as a service to our The Watershed Partners conducted two public canoe member communities. In 2019, we floats during Eastlake Nature Day and educated paddlers conducted 95 landowner site visits about preventing stormwater pollution at home and to address drainage, erosion and in their communities. 39 people enjoyed paddling the stream management concerns. Chagrin River thanks to a partnership with the City of Eastlake, Lake County Stormwater Management Department, Ohio Department of Natural Resources’ Scenic Rivers Program, and Chagrin River Kayak & 10 CRWP Paddleboard Rental & Repair. 2019 ANNUAL REPORT Empowering people to take care of streams and Lake Erie In 2020 , we expanded the Master Rain Gardener program Design & Build a Rain Garden and it is now open Rain gardens work with nature to collect, slow to residents and down, absorb and filter water that runs off landscapers throughout impervious surfaces like rooftops and driveways to our streams and lakes. In 2019 we started a Master all of Northeast Ohio Rain Gardener Program and taught 51 residents and through and landscape professionals how to create functional 2 online rain gardens. So far, participants have installed five 2 in-person courses. residential and two public rain gardens. Thirty new residential rain gardens are expected to be installed as a result of the 2019 courses. Additionally, nine local landscapers are now certified to create rain gardens for their clients and have the tools to market these new services. Several participants committed to leading educational opportunities on the topic of rain gardens. For example, one participant is acting as a bridge between this program and the Lake County Master Gardener Volunteers program. Four volunteers are actively maintaining four public rain gardens in Lake County “The course has exceeded my expectations going in. Your to ensure their long-term function and aesthetic whole team has done an outstanding job preparing us for value. our individual rain garden projects.” – Al Barnes, Master Rain Gardener in-person course 2019

The 2019 program was supported by The Cleveland Foundation’s Lake-Geauga Fund in collaboration with Lake County We will continue to Soil & Water Conservation District, Cuyahoga Soil & Water Conservation District, Lake Metroparks, Holden Forests & collaborate with our Gardens, and Lake County Stormwater Management Department. Special thanks to the Washtenaw County Water Resources Commissioner’s Office for providing resources and advising on this program’s development. program partners to offer these courses on an annual basis. CRWP 11 Collaborating for Healthy Watersheds

Continuing our Leadership in a Regional Partnership for Healthy Watersheds 2019 was a busy year for the Central Lake Erie Basin Collaborative! The Watershed Partners co-lead the Collaborative, a network of organizations and initiatives that work together to protect and restore natural areas and promote stormwater solutions for healthy streams and Lake Erie. The Collaborative develops regional conservation goals to address environmental threats to water resources and Lake Erie on a larger scale than could be achieved through isolated efforts. Since 2014, the Collaborative has protected over 9,000 acres of open space, restored or protected almost 100 miles of streams and coastline, and leveraged over $35 million for streams, wetlands, and parks across our region. In 2019, the Collaborative was supported by the George Gund Foundation, the Bingham Foundation, the U.S. Endowment for Forestry and Communities, and the Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District.

12 CRWP 2019 ANNUAL REPORT Collaborating for Healthy Watersheds

Collaborative Project Spotlights Green Infrastructure for Clean Water The Collaborative built five green infrastructure projects in the region in 2019 that mimic natural processes to infiltrate stormwater and lower phosphorus loads to Lake Erie. Collectively, the Collaborative installed 1,499 native trees and plants in Aurora, Munson Township, Cleveland, Euclid and South Euclid and engaged 580 people through volunteer plantings and on-site educational activities. The William Bingham Foundation awarded a $60,000 grant to Chagrin River Watershed Partners on behalf of the Collaborative to fund these projects, with additional matching support from local partners.

Watershed Planning Leads to Healthier Streams and Lake Erie The Watershed Partners led a project that developed twelve watershed plans for the Chagrin River, Grand River, Cuyahoga River and Coastal Lake Erie tributaries. These watershed plans focus on non-point source pollution such as stormwater runoff and streambank erosion. These planning efforts are already supporting the development of on-the-ground watershed protection and restoration projects! The Watershed Partners worked with Collaborative organizations, local partners, and project funders. The Plans were funded by a $62,575 Ohio Department of Natural Resources Coastal Management Assistance Grant and matched by the Watershed Partners, Lake Soil and Water Conservation District, Cuyahoga Soil and Water Conservation District, and Lake County Planning and Community Development. The grant also leveraged additional funds from the Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District through a service agreement with the Watershed Partners on behalf of the Collaborative. CRWP 13 Looking Ahead Chagrin River Corridor and Lakefront Trail Connection Plan The Watershed Partners brought together 26 community and organization partners to begin developing funding proposals to the Cleveland Foundation Lake-Geauga Fund, the Transportation for Livable Communities Initiative through NOACA, and the ODNR Coastal Management Assistance Grant Program to support development of the Chagrin River Corridor & Lakefront Trail Connection Plan. This plan will identify ways to provide new or enhanced access to fishing, hiking, and other recreational opportunities and integrate transit with pedestrian and bicycle routes to waterways and watercraft routes. We will identify connections to existing trail routes, points of interest, historical sites and planned blue and green ways.

14 CRWP In 2019, Chagrin River Watershed Partners worked with its members and partners to leverage $115 for every dollar of dues and implement projects for healthy streams, wetlands and natural areas totaling $13 million. We cannot do this work without your support.

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION STATEMENT OF ACTIVITIES As of December 31, 2019 and 2018, Accrual Basis January 1, 2019 – December 31, 2019

ASSETS 2019 2018 REVENUE Cash & Cash Equivalents $ 321,841 $ 300,532 Public Support Receivables 166,196 223,108 Governmental $ 508,078 Long-Term Receivables 40,000 - Foundations 158,942 Investments 200,000 280,000 Contributions - Membership 119,100 Deposits 2,750 2,750 Contributions - Other 20,951 TOTAL ASSETS $ 730,787 $ 806,390 Donated Services 609 Revenue LIABILITIES Program Service Fees 19,349 Accounts Payable $ 110,677 $ 47,778 Investment Return 697 Deferred Revenue 16,208 - TOTAL PUBLIC SUPPORT & REVENUE $ 827,726 TOTAL LIABILITIES $ 126,885 $ 47,778 EXPENSES NET ASSETS Program Services $ 860,109 Without Donor Restrictions Management & General 120,059 - Undesignated $ 160,933 $ 141,695 Fundraising 2,268 - Designated by the Board for Operating Reserve 200,000 280,000 TOTAL EXPENSES $ 982,436 With Donor Restrictions 242,969 336,917 TOTAL NET ASSETS $ 603,902 $ 758,612 CHANGE IN NET ASSETS $ (154,710) NET ASSETS BEGINNING OF YEAR 758,612 TOTAL LIABILITIES & NET ASSETS $ 730,787 $ 806,390 NET ASSETS END OF YEAR 603,902

Contributions & Management & Fundraising Other Income Program Service General 0% 3% Fees 12% Community/Landowner 2% Membership Engagement 15% 4% Flooding/Erosion/ Conservation & Water Pollution Governmental Preparedness Planning Prevention 5% Foundations 61% 40% 19% Natural Area Protection/Restoration 39%

REVENUE EXPENSES CRWP 15 Vince Urbanski, Lake Metroparks Executive Committee John Festa, Mantua Township Susan Sabetta, Mayfield Heights William Tomko, President, At Large Director Douglas Metzung, Mayfield Village Thank You! Mary Samide, Vice President, At Large Director Brian Ashurst, Mentor Christopher Horn, Secretary, At Large Director Randy Nielsen, Moreland Hills Kathy Mulcahy, Treasurer, Director, Orange Village Irene McMullen, Munson Township Jason Kasunick, Director, Eastlake Glen Quigley, Newbury Township Greg Studen, At Large Director Kathy Mulcahy, Orange Village Irene McMullen, Director, Munson Township Richard Bain, Pepper Pike Gary Gabram, Russell Township Dan Driscoll, Solon Staff William Koons, South Russell Christine Sherwin, Waite Hill Heather Elmer, Executive Director Joe D’Ambrosio, Wickliffe Alicia Beattie, Associate Director Steven Tyler, Willoughby Laura Bonnell, Project Manager Janet Majka, Willoughby Hills Kimberly Brewster, Deputy Director Benjamin I. Holbert, III, Woodmere Keely Davidson-Bennett, Senior Technical Advisor Chagrin River Watershed Partners’ Alison Ball, At Large Kristen Hebebrand, Senior Project Manager Mark Cain, At Large 2019 accomplishments were made Josh Myers, Senior Project Manager James Dickinson, At Large possible through partnerships with Linda Moran, Administrative Manager Roger Gettig, At Large Mackenzie Snyder, Administrative Assistant James R. Gills, At Large our members; Cuyahoga, Geauga, Kevin Saracino, NOWCorps Member Lake and Portage County Soil & Christopher Horn, At Large Madison Wisniewski, NOWCorps Member Donna Klements, At Large Water Conservation Districts; Christina LeGros, At Large County Planning Commissions Brett Rodstrom, At Large and Health Departments; Lake Timothy A. Miller, At Large Directors Mary Samide, At Large County Engineer’s Office; Lake PJ Cavanagh, Auburn Township Greg Studen, At Large County Stormwater Management Denise Januska, Aurora William A. Tomko, At Large Department; Lake County Port and Kristina O’Brien, Bainbridge Township Daniel P. Troy, At Large Economic Development Authority; Leonard Spremulli, Bentleyville Peter J. Whiting, At Large Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer John Finley, Chagrin Falls Township Greta Insolia, Chagrin Falls Village District; Port Authority of Eastlake; Jeffrey Smock, Chardon the Central Lake Erie Basin Michael Brown, Chardon Township Collaborative; Grant Funders; Jennifer Grieser, Cleveland Metroparks Sponsors; Donors; In-Kind Jason Kasunick, Eastlake Sandra Turner, Gates Mills Services Providers and Volunteers. Matthew McCue, Geauga Park District Together we are protecting, William O’Neill Jr., Hunting Valley restoring and enhancing the Douglas Davidson, Kirtland Chagrin River and Central Lake John F. Turben, Kirtland Hills Ron Young, Lake County Erie Basin watersheds for this and future generations. Funders The Cleveland Foundation Foundation for Geauga Parks $100 - $249 The George Gund Foundation Good Nature Organic Lawn Care AmazonSmile Foundation The William Bingham Foundation GPD Group Davey Resource Group Great Lakes Commission Gresham Smith & Partners Richard Iafelice Lake County Stormwater Management Halle Bros. Geranium Sylvan Long Department Holden Forests & Gardens Platform Beers LLC Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District HZW Environmental Consultants, LLC Greg Studen Ohio Department of Natural Resources Office of Mannik Smith Group Coastal Management Ohio Landscape Association, Inc. Under $100 Ohio Environmental Protection Agency Section Ohio Stream Preservation, Inc. Christine Barnes 319 Grant Program Osborn Engineering Wendy Kellogg US Endowment for Forestry and Communities Partners Environmental Consulting, Inc. Melinda Melton through the US Environmental Protection Agency Process Technology Andy Rattray and USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service RiverReach Construction Loretta Snider US Environmental Protection Agency Great Lakes Stephen Hovancsek & Associates, Inc. Restoration Initiative Strand Associates, Inc. Donated Services US Forest Service Tetra Tech Inc. Chagrin River Kayak & Paddleboard Western Reserve Land Conservancy through the TGC Engineering, LLC Rental & Repair Dominion Foundation The CW Courtney Company Christopher Horn Wildlife Conservation Society Climate Adaptation Western Reserve Land Conservancy Fund through the Doris Duke Charitable In Kind Foundation Big Creek Connects Wildlife Conservation Society Climate Adaptation Other Donations Cleveland Metroparks Fund matching funds provided by Village of Gates Cuyahoga River Restoration Cuyahoga Soil and Water Conservation Mills and Village of Moreland Hills, Cleveland $5,000 District (including Rocky River and Euclid Museum of Natural History Trout Club, Ohio Central Brian Sherwin Memorial Creek Watershed Programs) Basin Steelheaders and Lake County Stormwater Doan Brook Watershed Partnership Management Department $3,000 Geauga Park District Anonymous Geauga Soil and Water Conservation District Holden Forest & Gardens Sponsors $1,000 - $2,499 Institute for Conservation Leadership John M & Susan E FInley Jay Dorsey, The Ohio State University $250 Lake County Port and Economic Aecom $500 - $999 Development Authority Applied Ecological Services, Inc. Dickson L & Ann T Whitney Lake Metroparks Biohabitats, Inc. EarthShare Ohio Donors Lake Soil & Water Conservation District Cavitch, Familo & Durkin Halle Bros. Geranium The Nature Conservancy in Ohio Chagrin Valley Engineering, Ltd. Old Woman Creek National Estuarine Civil & Environmental Consultants, Inc. $250 - $499 Research Reserve Coldwater Consulting, Inc. Adam Zimmerman Portage Soil and Water Conservation District CT Consultants Ohio Central Basin Steelheaders Ryan Winston, The Ohio State University Davey Resource Group Ohio Stream Preservation, Inc. Tinker’s Creek Watershed Partners Environmental Design Group Process Technology West Creek Conservancy Flexible Pavements of Ohi� Progressive Insurance Foundation Western Reserve Land Conservancy CHAGRIN RIVER WATERSHED PARTNERS

Street address: 38238 Glenn Avenue, Willoughby OH 44094

Mailing address: P.O. Box 229, Willoughby OH 44096-0229

440-975-3870 www.crwp.org @chagrinriverwatershed @chagrin_river