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  Crowell Hilaka
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OHIO'S HIDDEN TREASURE
TM,

RICHFIELD HERITAGE PRESERVE

​
​formerly Camp Crowell Hilaka, is 
336 acres of winding streams, lakes, and forests that had been  closed off from the public for over 75 years. It had been farmed by the pioneer Oviatt family and then became the estate of inventor Jim Kirby.  During the 1920s Kirby constructed a patented lake, a mill to generate electric power, a house air-conditioned with spring water, and a dance hall built on springs. Upstream, the Neal family built their fairy tale houses and operated a thriving fruit farm. The land was purchased by the Cleveland Girl Scouts in 1937 and enclosed for the protection of the girls. In 2015, the property was purchased by the citizens of Richfield. It is being transformed into a park for public enjoyment.​
​
Richfield Heritage Preserve is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places 
​as the Crowell Hilaka Historic District.  

Richfield Heritage Preserve is open to the public every day, dawn to dusk.
No admission charge.

​  The main entrance is at 4374 Broadview Rd, just south of the Richfield Giant Eagle.

The Preserve is administered by the Park Board: Richfield Joint Recreation District (RJRD)

   Friends of Crowell Hilaka (aka FoCH. pronounced "folk") is a 501c3 nonprofit advocacy group.  Our mission is to partner with the Richfield Joint Recreation District to preserve, protect, enhance, and promote Richfield Heritage Preserve, formerly Crowell Hilaka.  more... 

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            Bird hike sign up here:   8 AM hike    10 AM hike

       Click HERE for Kirby's Mill video by Ethan Horacek 

             

                                
Our Projects
Kirby's Mill restoration
Historic House Stabilization
Native Species Restoration / Invasive Species Removal 
Outreach, Education, Friendly Presence, Fundraising
Trash & Latrine Logistics


Friends of Crowell Hilaka works with the governing board of the park (RJRD) to identify the areas where we can provide the greatest assistance.  Projects may change from year to year depending on the needs of the the park and the RJRD.  


NOTICE
The lovely Lake Jinelle has been drained TEMPORARILY so that the dam can be repaired. More...
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This video was produced by SkyCam.photography for the 2014 campaign.  

​
WAYS TO HELP

Become a Member 
​

Volunteer 

Donate 
​
Subscribe
to our free newsletter,
The Mill Write  

Share Your Memories
​

                EVENTS

       Limited capacity                   at all hikes. 
​  PRE- REGISTRATION 
​           Required  

(subject to change or cancellation d/t the pandemic)

Sunday, April 25
Wildflower Walk
Led by Jennifer Windus
​Register for 11 AM walk

Sunday, May 1
Bird Migration Hike
Led by Fred Dinkelbach
Register for the 8 AM hike
Register for the 10 AM hike 
​

Sunday, June 27 
History Hike
Led by Lynn Richardson

Sunday, July 25
Pre-history Hike
Led by Dr. Phil Wanyerka 

Sunday, August 22
Architecture Hike
Led by Corey Ringle, AIA

Sunday, September 19
Kirby's Marble-ous Mill

Saturday, December 4
Winter Wonders
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Kirby's Mill refrigerator magnet
​$5.00, including tax.
proceeds go toward the restoration of Kirby's Mill.
​
To purchase
​send a check to

FoCH, c/o Sandy Norris
3991 Humphrey Rd.
Richfield,OH 44286-9541

Include $5 shipping per order
​
Specify which items you are purchasing and include your phone number and email so we can contact you with any questions.  

If you have questions, contact Sandy Norris 330-715-0404
​ssnorris@aol.com

The Property Map - Directions

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Original content on the FoCH website is the property of FoCH. It cannot be used without permission. Permission can usually be obtained by contacting lynndragonwing@gmail.com and agreeing to attribute www.friendsofcrowellhilaka.org as the source.

PARTNERS

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Projects

Kirby's Mill Restoration
Historic Home Stabilization
Native Species Restoration
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Contact

Friends of Crowell Hilaka
100 Wandle Avenue
Bedford, OH 44146
contactus@friendsofcrowellhilaka.org

​© COPYRIGHT 2020. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.