According to a news release, the Ohio State Conference of the NAACP Branches adopted the Environmental and Climate Justice Resolution of the Youngstown Mahoning Branch of the NAACP.

The resolution would support the restoration, maintenance and preservation of the William Holmes McGuffey Wildlife Preserve, McGuffey Family Pond and Dock within the Mill Creek MetroParks.

The restoration of the wildlife preserve is supported by at least 17 organizations and leaders, including a U.S. Senator, a U.S. Congressman, an Ohio State Senator, three Ohio State Representatives, Mahoning County Commissioners and 14 nonprofits and foundations according to the release.

The aim would be to restore "an overgrown, silted and neglected pond, wetland and dock that was completely removed in 2023, due to safety concerns," according to the language of the resolution.

All parties agree that the restoration, preservation and maintenance will ensure the historical integrity of the site, which includes 73 acres of woods, but trails that can be used for recreation, hiking, biking and bird watching.

The McGuffey Wildlife Preserve was declared a national historic landmark in 1966 by the U.S. Department of Interior (DOI) and National Park Service (NPS).

The site includes the family well, a pond, trail and a drumlin.

Download the WFMJ app for your Apple or Android smartphone or tablet to get our push alerts as news happens.

Related Coverage