Charitable Projects Decision Time

Thank you to our 103 wonderful members who donated to this year’s Charitable Projects fund! The committee has evaluated 12 grant proposals and enthusiastically presents to you two major requests that are particularly distinctive. Both proposals offer a strong, professional level of detail and ongoing project monitoring, providing long term value. Both will be an excellent fit with our goal of EDUCATION, CONSERVATION, SUSTAINABILITY AND GARDENING. The requests which we present for your vote are The Audubon Society of Greater Cleveland (ASGC) and The West Creek Conservancy (WCC).

The Audubon Society of Greater Cleveland's mission is to promote conservation and the appreciation of birds and other wildlife through habitat preservation and educational activities. Their proposal is two-fold. The first segment aims to remove and control woody invasive species, primarily buckthorn, on 20 acres of the Blanche Katherine Novak Sanctuary in Aurora, Ohio. The sanctuary is an important breeding area for 16 species of birds and, as bird populations have declined nearly 30% in the last 50 years, is of particular significance. The project will allow for the regrowth of native species and provides for the ongoing management of the area which is frequented by hikers and used for guided nature walks. The proposal includes educational signage. The second ASGC project is to construct "landscape timber steps" with a handrail on an eroding hillside trail in the Aurora Sanctuary. The stair construction will improve water quality, increase safety, and protect the habitat of the Red Eft, the terrestrial form of the Red Spotted Newt. Volunteers from the Hiram College Field Station and the Audubon Trail Crew will carry out the construction. The contribution of Shaker Lakes Garden Club will be acknowledged on a sign. This project serves the Memorandum of Understanding between the National Audubon Society and The Garden Club of America encouraging local chapters and clubs to collaborate on mutually agreeable projects.

The second project we submit for your consideration is from the West Creek Conservancy whose mission is “to enrich the lives of all people in NE Ohio by conserving natural habitats…and connecting people from all cultures to experience nature.” In order to steward the 4 acre Morgana Bluffs Preserve in the Slavic Village neighborhood, the WCC is requesting funds for native plantings and invasive species removal. The funding will assist with the educational programming in the preserve and offer volunteer opportunities for the annual beautification of the site. The site is immediately adjacent to the Boys and Girls Club and used by the 125 boys and girls who attend the club daily. It is also used by the students of the adjacent Mound STEM School, as well as by the community at large. The SLGC funds will be matched by gifts from the community which are already secured. While the primary target age group is the school-aged children, the audience extends to the array of proud, local residents whose community has suffered more than many others from the foreclosure crisis. The Morgan Bluff's Preserve has become a primary educational and recreational asset for this resurging neighborhood.

Should you have any questions, please contact us for clarification. Please send your vote by April 30th via e-mail to Laurel Stack at lvs_sms@yahoo.com or Jane Ellison at jane.slgc@gmail.com. Or call us with your vote. Laurel 216-403-9072, Jane 216-371-5123.