After several rounds of successful grant applications to the Clean Ohio Conservaton Fund, Mill Creek Metroparks has expanded by acquiring new property in previously underserved areas in Mahoning County.

Thanks to a collaboration with the Western Reserve Land Conservancy, the metroparks has acquired 88.38 acres located on Springfield Road in Springfield Township just north of I-76.

The new property, dubbed "Springfield Forest" is the first land holding in Springfield Township in the Metroparks' 130-year history. The Clean Ohio Conservation Fund provided 75% of the total cost of $392,575.

The remaining 25% required match was provided thanks to $62,699 in financial support from the Mill Creek Metroparks Foundation and $35,445 in the form of a bargain sale. 

Funding for future improvements to Springfield Forest has also been secured from a separate successful grant application to the Clean Ohio Conservation Fund. 

The fund will provide 75% of the total improvement cost of $242,936 with the remaining 25% coming from the financial support from the Mill Creek Metroparks Foundation and in-kind contributions from Mill Creek Metroparks.

Future improvement plans include facility signage, a new parking area, an improved trail system, trail wayfinding signage, a widened and improved entrance drive, a fishing dock and boardwalk, education signage and a kiosk and ecological restoration. 

These improvements are expected to be completed by Fall of 2022.