Formed in 2020 in response to the potential sale of the Theiss Road property in Akron to housing developers, we are a group of impassioned Akron and Cuyahoga Falls whose goal is simple and straightforward: we want citizens to have a voice in the process of planning for the remaining undeveloped areas found in the Cuyahoga Valley — and in protecting the Valley's existing resources.

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Thankfully, the City of Akron listened to the thousands of PTV supporters who wrote letters, asked for and received PTV yard signs, made phone calls and signed petitions to the Akron and Cuyahoga Falls City Councils supporting the preservation of Theiss Woods. In June 2023, the City of Akron decided to preserve this vital green space from residential development, for now. Preserve the Valley wants to see codified protection for Theiss Woods, beyond the five-year USDA Forest Service grant funded ACORN project. 

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More recently, PTV urged the cities of Akron and Cuyahoga Falls to work collaboratively to create a Master Plan for a sustainable future for the Valley, adopt Form-Based Code for responsible development and commit to resolutions to adhere to the tenets of being Gateway Communities to the Cuyahoga Valley National Park. This work is underway.

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More notable PTV accomplishments:

 

• Lobbied and got the City of Akron to request a conservation RFP; Western Reserve Land Conservancy made a proposal that included offering $410,000 to purchase the 45 acres

• Became the local, community-based environmental presence used for local governments when they need citizen endorsement

• Provided input in curtailing some of the Riverwood development plan

• Introduced to the region the concept of Gateway Communities to National Parks, resulting in the Cities of Akron, Cuyahoga Falls and Peninsula passing resolutions in 2022

• Advocated for a sidewalk on Portage Trail, where a new multi-use path is almost complete as of August 2025

• Held five (and counting!) annual Valley Trash Cleanups in collaboration with Keep Akron Beautiful 

• Created Environmental Voters’ Guide for Akron Mayoral & City Council Candidates

• Participated in Environmental Justice Candidates Forum as part of a coalition

• Held Community Informational Meetings on: Tax abatements and alternative programs, Gateway Communities, Land Preservations options with Western Reserve Land Conservancy, Form-based Code, Riparian Setback as requested by the City of Akron

• Held Save Theiss Woods Art Contest with prizes from supportive area businesses for students K-12

• Published two thoroughly researched briefs: Riverwood and Theiss Woods​

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Have questions or want more information? 

Email us at: info@preservethevalley.com