Natural Resources

The Community Foundation is committed to environmental stewardship and sustainability across the Toledo region. Through strategic partnerships, innovative funding approaches and community engagement, we work to preserve our natural resources, promote renewable energy and create a healthier environment for current and future generations.

Overland Solar Project

One of the most innovative and collaborative projects in northwest Ohio's history, the Overland Solar Project transformed a dormant industrial site into a sustainable energy source while supporting neighborhood revitalization.

History

The 80-acre site, once home to the historic Jeep manufacturing plant that produced over 11 million vehicles since 1910, sat dormant after closing in 2006. In a groundbreaking collaboration between business, government, and community partners, this brownfield has been repurposed as a 21,000-panel solar field that began operations in December 2020.

Impact

• The 2.5-megawatt solar array generates clean, renewable energy purchased by Dana Incorporated for its adjacent Toledo Driveline facility
• Revenue from electricity sales flows into the Solar Toledo Neighborhood Foundation, established by the Community Foundation
• The project generates approximately $300,000+ annually for community reinvestment
• The solar array reduces carbon dioxide emissions by more than 1,600 tons annually—equivalent to removing 300+ cars from the roadways each year
• First Solar's responsibly-produced solar technology, developed in the Toledo area, has the lowest carbon and water footprints of any solar technology available today

Community Benefits

The Toledo Neighborhood Foundation focuses grant support on neighborhoods surrounding the Overland site, including Old West End, Englewood, Ottawa, Five Points/Library Village, Lagrange, Totco and Warren Sherman—areas where over 32% of residents live below the poverty level. Grants support programs in:

• Land reuse
• Neighborhood improvement
• Job preparation
• Safety
• Youth engagement

Community Water Action Toledo (CWAT)

A collaborative effort to protect and monitor our region's most precious natural resource: water.

History

In 2018, the Great Lakes One Water (GLOW) partnership was created to build a sustainable water future for all Great Lakes communities. This partnership brought together 27 community foundations working in six teams. The Lake Erie consortium—including community foundation leaders from Toledo, Buffalo, Detroit and Cleveland—partnered with the Cleveland Water Alliance (CWA) to coordinate water protection efforts across the Lake Erie region.

CWAT Program

Partners for Clean Streams, Inc. received a $51,452 Community Impact grant from the Foundation to launch the Community Water Action Toledo pilot project. This program:

• Trains local citizens to use standardized water sampling protocols
• Monitors water quality in the Maumee River, Ottawa River, Swan Creek and Portage River
• Tests pH, dissolved oxygen, conductivity and temperature
• Uploads data to the Water Reporter system and shares with the Lake Erie Volunteer Science Network
• Eliminates duplication of water testing efforts
• Provides environmental organizations and community leaders with a comprehensive view of water quality

Partnerships

CWAT collaborates with:

• Metroparks Toledo
• Toledo Metropolitan Area Council of Governments
• Toledo Zoo's Zoo Teens (volunteer program)
• Cleveland Water Alliance
• 20+ groups across the Lake Erie region through the Lake Erie Volunteer Science Network

Sacred Grounds Project

Transforming church properties into wildlife habitats and native plant gardens through a unique collaboration with the National Wildlife Federation.

Program Overview

Toledo served as the pilot program for the National Wildlife Federation Great Lakes Regional Center's Sacred Grounds initiative. With support from a $50,000 Community Funds grant and a $12,790 grant from the Stranahan Supporting Organization in 2018, the program has flourished.

Impact

• By the end of 2020, 18 houses of worship created Sacred Grounds habitats
• Each participating house of worship receives a $1,500 mini-grant and mentorship
• Gardens provide critical habitat for declining pollinator species, including monarchs and native bees
• Projects include prayer gardens, rain gardens, and reclamation of adjacent abandoned properties
• Annual garden tours showcase projects to the community

Environmental Benefits

• Restores habitat for pollinators, with monarch butterfly populations having declined by 90% over two decades
• Provides native plants like milkweed and other nectar sources essential for wildlife
• Reduces urban blight through property reclamation
• Inspires neighboring congregations and the interfaith community to advance environmental stewardship

The 577 Foundation

A 14-acre environmental learning center along the Maumee River in Perrysburg that embodies sustainable practices and community engagement.

History

Long before terms like "green space" and "environmental stewards" became common phrases, Virginia Secor Stranahan envisioned a space combining learning, environment, and community focus. The 577 Foundation, established on the former Stranahan homestead, fulfills this vision.

Sustainable Programs

• Community Gardens: Provides 50 free organic garden spaces with plans to add accessible gardens. Gardeners dedicate one row to local food banks, contributing 1,000-3,000 pounds of produce annually.
• Curiosity Shop: Supported by a $10,700 grant from the First Solar Community Giving Fund, this creative reuse shop has rescued over 350,000 books from landfills and now sells houseplants raised by 577 horticulturists, honey from on-site beehives, and discounted art supplies donated by the community.
• Educational Opportunities: In 2022 alone, 577's staff and community instructors taught 598 classes with over 4,100 participants.

Ongoing Support

The Secor Fund, established by Virginia Stranahan in 1994 through the Community Foundation, provides ongoing operational support for the 577 Foundation, ensuring its continued positive impact on the community.