Timberman Ridge property, which is mostly former farmland, also has grasslands, prairie, woodlands, a stream corridor, a bottomland floodplain and cold water springs. The Three Valley Conservation Trust will hold and maintain a conservation easement on the property, which will support conservation, education, and passive recreation opportunities.
Funding for the $1.39 million purchase came entirely from a Clean Ohio Conservation Grant program and $855,000 in-kind from the Richard J. Fitton Family Foundation, according to Susan Stretch, MetroParks community relations manager.
In 2010, the Trust for Public Land also assisted the MetroParks of Butler County in assessing the feasibility of conducting a dedicated parks levy.
“The Timberman Ridge addition to Forest Run will increase public passive recreational access in an area previously under-served by the MetroParks,” said Jonathan Granville, MetroParks of Butler County executive director.
The existing wildlife preserve area has already been enhanced with picnic areas, a new playground structure, a trail, and a wildlife observation deck.
Future improvements to the park are contingent on availability of funding through grants and donations to match public funds, according to Stretch.
“We are thrilled to support MetroParks of Butler County with the expansion of Forest Run,” said Kim Kimlin, Ohio project manager for The Trust for Public Land.
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