The Ohio Public Works Commission has awarded nearly $651,000 in grants to Trumbull and Mahoning counties for conservation projects through its Clean Ohio Green Space Conservation Program, the agency announced on Tuesday.

Dedicated to environmental conservation through land acquisition and the protection and enhancement of rivers and streams, grant recipients commit to maintaining the properties for future generations. Projects are reviewed by regional natural resource assistance councils.

The Trumbull County MetroParks received $500,787 for the Braceville Nature Preserve Extension in Braceville Township. The funding will allow MetroParks to acquire 74 acres of undeveloped land nestled between State Route 5 and the Mahoning River.

The property, located within the Chocolate Run-Mahoning River and Mahoning River watersheds, includes high-quality forest, wetland, and floodplain habitat, featuring eight wetlands and 6,000 feet of frontage along the Mahoning River. MetroParks plans to manage the area as a nature preserve with public access, expanding the existing Braceville Nature Preserve.

In Mahoning County, Mill Creek MetroParks was awarded $150,000 for improvements to the Mill Creek Wildlife Sanctuary, located at 2650 West Calla Road in Beaver Township. The funding will support enhancements to a previously funded Clean Ohio project.

The planned improvements include the installation of an aggregate parking lot, trail upgrades, demolition of existing structures, the creation of an outdoor education space, and ecological restoration efforts such as invasive species management and native prairie restoration.

The Clean Ohio Green Space Conservation Program aims to preserve natural areas and protect water resources across the state.  Statewide, 28 projects in 23 counties received funding in March.