BIG CREEK
Big Creek is the 3rd largest tributary of the Cuyahoga River. It enters the Cuyahoga 7.4 miles above the mouth of the Cuyahoga in Cleveland at Lake Erie. Big Creek's watershed contains over 130 miles of streams and culverts. Together they drain nearly 38 square miles from 8 municipalities — Cleveland, Brooklyn, Linndale, Parma, Parma Heights, Brook Park, Middleburg Heights, and North Royalton. Over 90% of the watershed’s area has been developed and 52% of the land surface has been made impervious, making Big Creek the most heavily urbanized watershed of any major tributary in the Cuyahoga River Watershed. This degree of urbanization provides tremendous challenge … and opportunity
OUR MISSION
To conserve, enhance, and bring recognition to the natural and historic resources of the Big Creek Watershed and develop a recreational trail network that joins these resources to each other and the community.
OUR VISION
- The connection of existing greenways such as the CanalWay Towpath Trail west and south to the Big Creek Reservation at Brookpark Road.
- Improved conditions of Big Creek and the natural environment throughout the watershed.
- Improved, safe and convenient access to the natural environment throughout the Big Creek watershed with increased educational and recreational opportunities
- Successful promotion of the benefits of a healthy watershed, as well as important historical events, structures and sites within the watershed.
MAJOR PROJECTS UNDERWAY
Friends of Big Creek and the CRCPO’s Cuyahoga River Remedial Action Plan (RAP), with local funding matches from the watershed communities, were awarded an Ohio Coastal Management Assistance Grant for a Big Creek Balanced Growth Watershed Management Plan. Community based watershed planning helps reduce flood damage, decrease the loss of greenspace, reduce soil erosion and improve water quality. The plan, managed by the RAP with assistance from the Cuyahoga County Planning Commission, is due for completion in March 2009.
Friends of Big Creek, Cleveland Metroparks, and the cities of Cleveland and Parma joined the City of Brooklyn as co-sponsors for funding from a NOACA Transportation for Livable Communities Initiative grant for the Big Creek Greenway Trail Alignment & Neighborhood Connector Plan. The study, lead by the Floyd Browne Group, seeks to connect the Metroparks Big Creek and Brookside Reservations through the City of Brooklyn while identifying opportunities for interpretive exhibits and ecological restoration. This plan was completed in March 2009.
JOIN US if you have interest in—or concerns about—preserving greenspace, improving conditions of Big Creek and the natural environment, and improved quality of life for our residents. Attend a meeting or join us on a hike. E-mail us at info@friendsofbigcreek.org to be notified of future events.