Grand Valley

Dogs may be off the leash, but still under control until Sunday, March 14th. Starting Monday, March 15th nesting season begins and ALL dogs must be leashed at all times. This year the lake trail will be closed during the nesting season to all visitors. The three islands will be off limits for visitors during the nesting season.

The Grand Valley Preserve, a former gravel excavation site, was acquired by the Village of Indian Hill in 2002.  Located in Camp Dennison, the 350 acre site has been the focus of a reclamation project to restore wildlife and the Preserve's natural beauty.  As the restoration continues, the results will be presented on this website.

GRAND VALLEY MISSION STATEMENT AND OBJECTIVES:

1. Develop a master plan for the property that will insure the highest level of benefits to a broad range of users while restoring Grand Valley to a pristine natural area.
2. Protect unique and important wildlife species through meaningful use restrictions and responsible site design criteria.
3. Provide for the construction of necessary recreation facilities and other low impact uses which comply with the mission statement.
4. Employ very strict standards for effluent discharge to insure the maintenance of a high quality water system.
5. Retain ownership of the property and provide for the continued operation of the facilities and uses to insure that the property remains a beneficial asset to the Indian Hill residential water customers.

Note: Only certain activities are permitted at Grand Valley Preserve. Any activity, at the discretion of the Village of Indian Hill may be suspended at any time, for a specified length of time and/or in a certain area, due to construction activities. For additional information contact Park Manager Will McQueen at 513.979.6221 or wmcqueen@ihill.org

Grand Valley is experiencing a problem with vehicles speeding. Several ducks and killdeers have been run over. It is probably a matter of time before a dog or person is struck. The posted speed limit is 15 mph. The Rangers will be assisting the staff at Grand Valley to enforce the speed limit. Visitors that are caught speeding will be subject to their access card being deactivated. Please slow down and enjoy the beauty Grand Valley has to offer. Think of the roadway as being just a long driveway.

The management at Grand Valley Preserve is requesting cooperation from all visitors of the Preserve. It is mandatory that all dogs be kept on a leash during the bird-nesting season. The Preserve not only has numerous species of waterfowl nesting, but also has woodcocks, Killdeers, and the rare Cricket Frogs that nest on the shoreline. Visitors will be given one warning. On the second violation, they will be requested to leave the Preserve. The leash restriction will be in effect from March 1st through June 30. A major part of the mission statement at Grand Valley is to protect the wildlife and the enviroment by maintaining low impact activities at the Preserve. While all other nature preserves require dogs to be leashed at all times, the staff at Grand Valley understands the desire to allow dogs to run free, but remember dogs must be under control. Please help the wildlife and honor this regulation.

The entrance gate has programmed times that allow access to Grand Valley Preserve. These times change as the daylight increases. Access cards will not activate the gate before or after the permitted entrance times to the Preserve. Please do not park vehicles outside the gate area to enter Grand Valley. Violators will be subject to a citation.

Again this year Grand Valley Preserve is currently experiencing a litter problem. Some visitors are discarding their cigarette butts and water bottles on the shoreline of the lakes and on the walking trails. Please do your part to keep Grand Valley beautiful and use the trash cans that are available or take home what you bring in. Do your part and report anyone you observe littering to the Preserve Manager or a Grand Valley employee that is on-duty. The Indian Hill Rangers are also available at 561-7000. Litter is a crime and anyone caught at Grand Valley will be cited. Grand Valley is your Preserve please keep it clean.

A new gate has been installed at the entrance to the Grand Valley Preserve and an  access card is required to open the gate. Each Indian Hill resident or Indian Hill residential water customer can receive one access card at no charge. One additional card can be purchased for $10.00. There is a limit of 2 cards per household. Access cards are available at the Indian Hill Administration Building, 6525 Drake Road, Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. A Photo ID will be required.

All fish are catch and release except the following:

Bass:  11 to 13 inches                        No Limit

White Crappie: 10 inch minimum         Limit Four

Black Crappie: 10 inch minimum         Limit Four

Bluegill: 6 inch minimum                      Limit Ten

Common Carp: Any size and no Limit

Remember boats cannot have a gasoline motor on them even if it is not in use. Electric trolling motors are permissible.

Although there is additional work required on the trail around the lakes, it is now possible to walk around the lakes courtesy of the Public Works Department.

Grand Valley now has an Osprey nest thanks to the following Public Works employees: Scott McElwee, Pat Gruber, David Yeager, Mark Rolfes and Rich Rodier.

Nest is located on the east side of the lake directly across from where the road makes the first left curve. Keep your eyes out for the Osprey!