The Hach-Otis Sanctuary State Nature Preserve in Willoughby Hills was recently inducted into the Old-Growth Forest Network.
Mayor Chris Hallum said this is the first forest in Northeast Ohio to be inducted into the nonprofit organization, which has a mission to protect old-growth forests from logging by identifying them throughout the United States.
“Now that spring has officially arrived, residents and visitors alike can take advantage of the many beautiful parks, and recreation spaces available in Willoughby Hills,” Hallum said. “One of those amazing places is the Hach-Otis Sanctuary State Nature Preserve.”
Hallum recently participated in the ceremony to induct the sanctuary into the Old-Growth Forest Network.
“It was a very nice event to honor this hidden gem,” he said. “Brian Kane of Old-Growth spoke and presented a plaque of dedication. Accepting this plaque and speaking on behalf of Hach-Otis was Jim Tomko, president of the Audubon Society of Greater Cleveland.”
The preserve is located along the Chagrin River. John Lillich, the preserve’s caretaker and Willoughby Hills resident, will host a nature walk there at 1 p.m. May 11. During the nature walk, Lillich will share stories about the area. No reservations are necessary.
For those unable to attend that event, the nature walk will take place again on May 18. Parking for the preserve is at the end of Skyline Drive, located just north of Chardon Road beyond the former Garfield School lot.
“With the weather warming up a bit, I highly recommend taking a walk through the park,” Hallum said.
Aside from his time in the U.S. Air Force, Lillich has lived in Willoughby Hills all his life. He spent time in the same woods he now protects in his volunteer position.
“I grew up here,” Lillich previously said. “Nature was our entertainment.”
