18 Reserves Forest Carbon & Resilience Project

The 18 Reserves Forest Carbon Project is dedicated to preserving carbon stocks and financing restoration activities across 9,000 acres of forestland across Cleveland, Ohio. As part of Cleveland Metroparks’ larger 23,700-acres, which boasts over 300 miles of trails, eight lakefront parks, and a renowned zoo, the project serves both environmental and community-focused goals. Over the past three years, it has facilitated 19,000 recreational and nature education programs, benefiting more than 700,000 individuals from 48 diverse communities. The carbon revenue generated by the project will be instrumental in supporting the ecosystem’s health, protecting vital carbon stocks, and expanding access to outdoor education, recreation, and employment opportunities for local residents.  

Cleveland Metroparks’ commitment to forest conservation also includes the protection of endangered species, maintenance of critical habitats, and significant improvements to water quality through the conservation of mature forestland. In addition to its environmental contributions, the project plays a crucial role in supporting underserved communities by offering nature education, recreation, and job opportunities. 

 Despite the local timber market’s potential to generate more revenue, the project’s management chooses to prioritize forest protection over timber harvests, setting aside 40% of its land as no-harvest areas to maintain the aesthetic and recreational value of the forest for the community.