Grand Valley

Work for the new pedestrian bridge will begin May 8^th and run through July 2. The north lake will be closed to fishing during that period. The new bridge will open up additional future walking trails along the west side of the Grand Valley Nature Preserve.

There will be no access to the North lake for fishing or boating. This is due to the construction of the pedestrian bridge. The lake will be closed until approximately the middle of July providing the weather and other factors cooperate. Signs have been posted at the construction site prohibiting fishing and boating in this lake. All other lakes are still open for fishing /boating. Pardon the inconvenience.

In November, residents and other Grand Valley pass holders received a letter from the Grand Valley Advisory Committee soliciting donations to help complete an important Grand Valley capital project.   This project could no longer be afforded by the Village’s Capital Improvement Reserve Fund (CIRF) due to the loss of the estate tax as a community revenue source.

Over the past two months, the public’s response has been overwhelming.  Through January 10, 2013, the Grand Valley Capital Improvement Fund has received over $68,000 to assist with the construction of a pedestrian bridge across the north lake. This will extend the walking trails by providing a critical east-west connection and adding more than a mile of additional trails.  The Grand Valley Advisory Committee was elated about the generosity exhibited by all who contributed.

For those who may be unfamiliar with this project, the Village purchased the 305 acre Grand Valley Preserve in 2002 as a way to pursue the Village’s vision of preserving natural beauty and providing recreational opportunities. More importantly, the purchase protected the water aquifer. Over the last decade, the Village has funded a series of capital projects which were identified in a master development plan adopted in 2004. 

The Indian Hill Village Council, Grand Valley Advisory Committee, and Village staff would like to express their appreciation for all those who have made it possible to start the next step in the Grand Valley Master Plan. Bridge construction is expected to begin this spring with a “Kick Off” Picnic to honor all those who have contributed.  Please look for updates on this “Kick Off” Picnic in upcoming Bulletins or visit www.ihill.org.

If you are interested in joining the over 270 generous donors who have made a tax deductible donation to this grand venture, please make checks payable to the Grand Valley Capital Improvement Fund, Village of Indian Hill, 6525 Drake Road, Cincinnati, OH 45243.  Donations can be in increments of $25, $50, $100, or more. All substantial gifts - $10,000+ (Eagle), $5,000 (Osprey), and $1,000 (Hawk) will be recognized at the “Kick Off” Picnic.  If you are interested in learning more about the project, Grand Valley Preserve, or the Master Plan, please contact George Kipp, Village Project Manager, at 561-6500.

Once again, the Indian Hill Village Council, the Grand Valley Advisory Committee, and Village staff extend their thankfulness to all the donors who thus far have contributed to this meaningful project.  Their support is truly appreciated. 

In the event of severe weather or other emergency at Grand Valley, the on duty staff member will cause to be activated three (3) consecutive and quick soundings from an air horn at various locations around the Preserve. Upon the activation of this warning all visitors in the Preserve will be required to leave the Preserve. This will hopefully insure your safety while visiting Grand Valley.

On December 13, 2011 a guest reported that her dog was attacked by several coyotes on the north trail of the Preserve where dogs are permitted to be off leash. It would be prudent to keep your dogs close to you particularly in the portion of the Preserve where dogs are permitted to be off leash . Please report any agressive coyote activity to the staff at Grand Valley in person or by phone (616-4723 or 615-3329). In case of an emergency contact the Indian Hill Rangers at 561-7000.

Many of the birds,ducks and geese have constructed nests and have laid their eggs. Should you encounter any of the above nesting activities please enjoy them from a distance and do not disturb them. Due to the nesting season the Lake Trail has been closed until further notice.

The Grand Valley Preserve, a former gravel excavation site, was acquired by the Village of Indian Hill in 2002. Located in Camp Dennison, the 379 acre site has been the focus of a reclamation project to restore wildlife and the Preserve's natural beauty. Due to the restoration, a few miles of beautiful walking trails have been created, and the previous separate lakes have been combined to form one large lake, great for canoeing and fishing. Bring your binoculars and camera, there are many species of birds, waterfowl, and wildlife for you to observe. Come and enjoy the beauty of nature, and the serenity that Grand Valley has to offer. 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 call 513.979.6221 or email grandvalley@ihill.org.

Dogs may be unleashed on the North Trail and the West Overlook Trail. Dogs MUST BE KEPT UNDER CONTROL. It is mandatory that dogs are kept on their leash on all other trails. NO EXCEPTIONS

All fish are catch and release except the following limits per person:

Bass:  11 to 13 inches                            No Limit

White Crappie: 10 inch minimum        Limit Four

Black Crappie: 10 inch minimum         Limit Four

Yellow Perch: 10 inch minimum           Limit Four

Catfish: 15 to 24 inches                         Limit Four

Bluegill: 6 inch minimum                      Limit Ten

Common Carp: Any size and no Limit

You can fish from the banks or from a boat. If you do not have your own boat, there are canoes on the property that you can use. Remember, boats equipped with gasoline motors are not permitted to be on the lake, even if the motor is not in use. Electric trolling motors are permissible. A fishing license is not required.

A Bald Eagle was observed on 10/10/12 at approx. 8:00 a.m. on the east side of the Preserve. The eagles are often observed at the Preserve between 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. and again between 2:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m., but may visit the Preserve at any time during the day. If you don’t see them flying over the lakes in search of a coot for lunch, then look in two of their favorite perching locations. Check out the trees located just south of the curve on the main road near the lake or the Sycamore trees just west of the north lake near Rt. 126. They are magnificent birds, so don’t forget your camera and binoculars so you can enjoy the show.

The main entrance gate is programmed to allow access to Grand Valley Preserve during the specified hours below. The schedule is changes based on the availability of daylight. Access cards will not activate the main gate before or after the permitted entrance times to the Preserve.  Current opening time for the main gate is 6:00 a.m. The main gate will not open after 8:00 p.m.(Lock-Out time). Guests are not permitted to enter the Preserve after the above Lock-Out time. A sign at the entrance indicates the time the Preserve actually closes. The current closing time for Grand Valley is now 8:30 p.m. which means all guests must be out of the Preserve by 8:30 p.m. Please do not park your vehicle outside the main gate area to enter Grand Valley. Violators will be subject to a citation for parking in a No Parking Zone.

An access card for the entrance gate is required at the Grand Valley Preserve. 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 only 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.

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. Use the trash cans that are available, or take home what you bring in. 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. Littering is a crime and anyone caught littering at Grand Valley will be cited. Grand Valley is your Preserve, please keep it clean.