Funk Bottoms Restoration

In restoring 30 acres of former farm fields to natural greenspace, the project provides critical habitat to the state endangered sandhill crane and other waterfowl, shorebirds, and raptors.

The Funk Bottoms West Restoration Project, located on a 130-acre property (referred to as Funk West), is adjacent to the established Wildlife Area, currently under management by ODNR Division of Wildlife (DOW). Approximately 30 acres were active row-crop farm field adjacent to a thriving wetland complex. The property was acquired/protected by West Creek in partnership with DOW and the H2Ohio Program.

The restoration converted this former farm field back into natural greenspace, with emphasis on reducing nutrient, phosphorous, and sediment loading into the local water ways/wetlands and ensuring a thriving habitat for local wildlife.

Of particular interest is the spring migration of waterfowl (23 species, including Tundra swans) and shorebirds (28 species). Several species of rare birds can be found during migrations and overwintering. Bald eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) have been observed on the wildlife area. Nesting of the state endangered sandhill crane (Antigone canadensis), a wetland dependent species, was confirmed in 1988. Now over 700 sandhill cranes have been observed in Ohio, and this wetland restoration project supports their continued recovery right where the first nesting pair was observed.

TAGS

• Design-Build
• Conservation
• Ecological Restoration
• Resilient Water Systems