The West Woods is a 902-acre park that protects the historic sandstone ledges of Ansel’s Cave, Silver Creek and its watershed, extensive wetlands and mature forests. The West Woods began taking shape in 1992 when Lewis and Ruth Affelder offered the Park District 85 acres. In 1994, the Park District purchased 192 acres from Miller & Company, and in April of that same year, ASM offered the Park District the opportunity to purchase more than 500 acres.

With support from local conservationist William D. Ginn, who obtained a loan and spearheaded a successful fundraising campaign through the Foundation, the preservation of this large parcel was possible. An additional 100 acres were added in 1996 with the support of neighbors and friends of the Park District, making the park a true community treasure.

The Foundation for Geauga Parks aided in this effort by securing funding for land purchase and the building of the Nature Center over a 13 year period. The preservation campaign raised $1,084,881 for the land purchase at Kinsman Road in Newbury Township. The Nature Center was built with Foundation funding of $778,842 and opened in 2002.

The Foundation also raised funds for Nature Center exhibits in 2002 ($14,886), 2004 ($29,815), 2006 ($45,120) and 2008 ($25,486).