Brecksville Reservation - Cleveland Metroparks

From the oak-hickory forests on the ridge tops to the cottonwoods, willows and sycamores of Chippewa Creek's flat floodplain, Brecksville Reservation is a study of contrasts. The reservation is deeply cut by seven distinct gorges which have a wide variety of soil and sunlight conditions, fostering the growth of rare, unusual and endangered plants. Chippewa Creek, in the northern section of the reservation, flows through a remarkable gorge that was left behind by the glaciers that once covered this area.

Brecksville Nature Center opened in 1939 after being constructed by federally funded Works Progress Administration (WPA) craftsmen. It is listed on the National Register

of Historic Places. Excellent examples of chestnut carpentry with carved leaves, wrought iron work and native Berea sandstone grace the nature center. On Sundays in January and February, eager chickadees will often land in visitors' hands for sunflower seeds.

 

The reservation has an excellent and extensive system of trails, including a section of the "Buckeye Trail." Squire Rich Home & Museum, managed by the Brecksville Historical Society, and Sleepy Hollow Golf Course, both on Brecksville Road, are also a part of the reservation.

Photo by Casey Batule, courtesy of Cleveland Metroparks