SOLON, Ohio — Today Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Director Mary Mertz and Mayor Edward Kraus of the city of Solon officially dedicated Solon Woods as Ohio’s 143rd State Nature Preserve, and the first located in Cuyahoga County.
“Today’s dedication of Solon Woods reflects a long-term vision to protect this beautiful forest area,” ODNR Director Mary Mertz said. “We are thrilled to dedicate Cuyahoga County’s first state nature preserve that will continue to delight visitors with the sights and sounds of nature, in any season, for years to come.”
ODNR Director Mary Mertz joins city leaders and community members for a ribbon cutting.
Located outside the city of Solon’s urban center, the preserve offers mature mixed hardwoods, beautiful wildflowers, small streams, and vernal pools. Locally called Great Blue Heron preserve, the property once harbored a great blue heron rookery with numerous nests. The woods still draw a variety of songbirds and other wildlife.
“It is an honor to partner with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources and dedicate Solon Woods as Ohio’s 143rd State Nature Preserve, the first in Cuyahoga County,” said Solon Mayor Edward Kraus, “The preserve’s vast acres offer an excellent opportunity for nature enthusiasts to observe and appreciate its natural beauty. It is my hope that this dedication will inspire more efforts towards preserving natural resources.”
ODNR Director Mary Mertz signs articles of dedication for Solon Woods State Nature Preserve.
Many of Solon Woods’ massive oak, beech, and maple trees have stood in place since before European settlement making the woodland an excellent old growth remnant. Spring offers an outstanding display of wildflowers and vernal pools and other wetlands which are ideal breeding habitat for amphibians such as frogs, toads, and salamanders.
Solon Woods State Nature Preserve will remain a place of refuge for a diversity of native plants and animals. Open for public visitation, the site will be managed by ODNR’s Division of Natural Areas and Preserves in conjunction with the city of Solon. Plans for the site include improving public access.