Gates Mills Land Conservancy
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May 25, 2022 | Newsletter Issue #1 |
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"Blush of Spring" by Jamie Morse |
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In 1988 Gates Mills Land Conservancy was created to permanently preserve and steward the woodlands, meadows, wetlands, and ravines within the 8.97 square mile area of our historic Western Reserve homestead. Today 724 acres have been preserved and protected in perpetuity. Our Map below shows Gates Mills Land Conservation properties and other preserved lands within the village. |
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A special welcome to our very first digital email newsletter, designed to update, educate and inform you of the efforts of the Gates Mills Land Conservancy. We are grateful for all the support you have given us over the years, and we hope that our newsletters will give you a sense of how your support has helped GMLC preserve and protect the treasured watershed lands of the Chagrin River Valley. These newsletters, which are expected to be tri-annual, will explain our Legacy and the strides we have made over the years. They will introduce you to our overall goals, specific objectives, and our Board members. We will update you on events taking place and how you can get involved in our fun projects. We are looking forward to building a closer relationship with everyone in our Gates Mills community. We hope that you will be as excited as we are to take this journey together and will look forward to each newsletter via your phone or computer.
Gratefully,
Rob Galloway
and the GMLC Board
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Our Board
Our Board members, who are your friends and neighbors, have a passion for conservation. Since its inception in 1988, the Gates Mills Land Conservancy Board consists of 15 dedicated villagers who help manage and conserve lands of the Chagrin River Watershed within our village. The management of these properties requires the support of volunteers and members. We hope that you will come join us for property inspections and events to learn more about conservation techniques and to enjoy nature first- hand.
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The Chagrin River & Watershed |
Residents of Gates Mills are fortunate to have the Chagrin River, which was designated a State Scenic River in 1979, and its tributaries meandering through our village. One seventh of its 50-mile length passes through our community.
Formed by glacial activity thousands of years ago, it was called the Elk River in the early 1800’s as the first settlers arrived in the valley. Later, it was renamed the "Shaguin" in honor of a French trader. A subsequent modification led to its current name of Chagrin.
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"Rainy Day" by Jamie Morse |
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Today the open and natural character of the Village is threatened by the rapidly developing areas bordering Gates Mills. Geauga County to the east and the urban sprawl of Cuyahoga County to the West. Large parcels of open space are very attractive to developers despite zoning regulations.
Our Strategic Plan identifies specific land parcels that we believe are important to preserving the ecology of our Western Reserve Village. To ensure the future viability of our planet, scientists and many conservation organizations believe that 25-30% of our land and water should be preserved in its natural condition.
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"River Road" by Jamie Morse |
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Highlight on Jamie Morse
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We would like to thank Jamie Morse for allowing his beautiful artwork to be an inspiration for our newsletter. Jamie lives right here in Gates Mills and is a regular participant in our local Gates Mills Art Show. Jamie said, "I paint landscapes on location, still life paintings from observation, and works from memory and imagination. In my paintings, I try to capture the beauty and essence of each subject". Fortunately for all of us, Gates Mills is often the focus of Jamie's work.
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Southwick House
7580 Old Mill Road
Gates Mills, Ohio 44040
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The Southwick House in the heart of Gates Mills village, serves as GMLC's "home base". We are grateful to the Gates Mills Historical Society for their generosity in sharing this wonderful facility with us. Here is a piece on Southwick House's history, courtesy of the Gates Mills Historical Society's website...
The Southwick House was built in 1834 by Lemuel Southwick on Chagrin River Road near Rogers Road at the north end of the village. According to Monroe W. Copper Jr.,
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Daniel Collister grew up in Gates Mills and has lived here his entire life. He has participated in and has observed first-hand, the growth and history of our beautiful community. Dan was our mayor from 1988 to 1996. He has participated in many community organizations including the Gates Mills Players, President of the Gates Mills Historical Society and as the President of our very own Gates Mills Land Conservancy. Dan has also written many pieces documenting the history of Gates Mills.
Click the link below to read an historical excerpt from Dan's book, The Horse.
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"The School Collaborative" initiative
at Sherman Road Preserve
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During 2020-21, several school districts approached Gates Mills Land Conservancy for permission to access the Sherman Road Preserve as part of their science curriculum for students. These schools included Hawken, University School and Westlake. These requests are in addition to our existing relationship with the Mayfield City School District for students of the environmental services program at Excel-TECC.
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We hope to expand on opportunities for the community to connect with GMLC by engaging in educational experiences, joining us on property walks, and seeking our expertise for your own properties. This spring we have started a new initiative, "The School Collaborative" with activities and lectures. Come join us!
Saturday, June 4th Property Hike - Clark Property, 10:00-11:00am
See what else is happening this Spring/Summer.
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Subscribe at:
Gates Mills Land Conservancy
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