West Geauga Girl Scout Awarded FGP Grant for Rain Garden Restoration Project Provides Project Update
- Mar 16
- 3 min read
Caroline Yeager, a member of West Geauga Girl Scout Service Unit #773, was awarded a $500 Foundation for Geauga Parks (FGP) small grant to support the Munson Township Park Rain Garden Restoration project.
The project began in 2025 and focuses on restoring a rain garden at Munson Township Park that had fallen into disrepair and become overrun with invasive plants.
“Caroline’s proposal strongly reflects our mission to support nature education and strengthen community connections to our parks,” says FGP Executive Director Christine Davidson. “We are proud to offer small grants that empower community members to create meaningful, lasting impacts in our local parks.”
Once complete, the restored rain garden will attract pollinators, filter stormwater runoff, and help reduce flooding near the park entrance. Caroline also plans to host community events at Munson Township Park to educate visitors about the environmental importance of rain gardens and the ongoing care they require. She hopes to involve local organizations in efforts to promote awareness of rain gardens and native plants while helping ensure the long-term sustainability of the garden. In addition, she will train volunteers in proper garden care as the project takes shape. The remaining hands-on work is expected to be completed by November 2026.
PROJECT UPDATE
In spring 2025, Caroline worked with a landscape architect to determine which native plants would be best suited to the site’s water levels and where they should be placed. Together, they developed a scaled planting plan featuring all native species.
“I went through the Munson Township Park Board and trustees several times for approval and project updates to keep them informed,” Caroline says. “The actual project was estimated to cost around $3,000. However, thanks to many people’s generosity, I was able to complete it for around $900.”
The garden was officially installed on October 3, 2025, and the work took three days to complete with the help of volunteers. During the process, the drain was also repaired, allowing water to flow more effectively.
“In terms of what I still have to complete, I would like to create plant markers with both the scientific and common names and possibly host a community event to connect people with what I’ve done,” Caroline says. “I also plan to replace any plants that may not have made it through the winter, keep the garden in shape, and use the funds for any additional maintenance.”
In her application, Caroline wrote, “My research taught me that knowledge is the best way to be successful. Getting people excited and informed is something I really want to share with the Munson community.”
“It is especially inspiring to support young people who are actively engaged in the stewardship of our parks and natural spaces,” says Davidson. “If Caroline is any indication of the next generation of environmental stewards, our natural spaces have a very bright future.”
BACKGROUND
The Foundation for Geauga Parks sets aside $5,000 each year for its Small Grants Program. Geauga County townships, county or municipal parks, organizations, and individuals may apply for grants ranging from $200 to $5,000 for projects, programs, and services that align with the Foundation’s mission of supporting community engagement with nature.
The Foundation for Geauga Parks helps people connect with nature by supporting conservation, outdoor education, and community-driven projects. Through grants and partnerships, the Foundation works to preserve natural spaces, enhance outdoor experiences, and inspire environmental stewardship across Geauga County.
Recent examples include grants for trail markers along the Maple Highlands Trail and the installation of a pollinator garden at Hambden Township Park.
Girl Scouts of West Geauga Service Unit 773 serves students in grades K–12 at West Geauga schools, Saint Anselm, and St. Francis of Assisi in Northeast Ohio. The group is affiliated with Girl Scouts of North East Ohio and is administered by GSNEO volunteers.
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