Grand River in Lake County, Ohio — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

From Pavement to Paradise

Headlands Beach State Park Sand Dune Marsh

Photographed by Craig Doda, May 2, 2026

1. From Pavement to Paradise Marker

Inscription.
Due to changes in seasonal weather patterns as well as shifting groundwater levels influenced by Lake Erie, many of the park's westernmost parking lots became continually flooded. Unexpectedly, native wetland plants began to thrive, attracting a wide variety of wildlife. Soon after, the idea for a restoration project took root.

Beginning in 2022, the asphalt was removed, and earthwork was performed to shape the features of the wetland. More than 2,000 native wetland plants were planted here including many sedges, grasses, flowering plants and trees.

Erected by Ohio Department of Natural Resources.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Animals • Environment • Parks & Recreational Areas • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 2022.

Location. 41° 45.235′ N, 81° 17.515′ W. Marker is in Grand River, Ohio, in Lake County. It is at the intersection of Heisley Road and Headlands Road, on the left when traveling north on Heisley Road. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 9 Odnr Rd, Mentor OH 44060, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally,

Paid Advertisement

Click or scan to see
this page online

this marker is in Greater Cleveland,

on the Lake Erie Shore,

and in the Western Reserve.

It is also in the American Midwest.

Globally, it is in North America,

on the Great Lakes,

in the Western Hemisphere,

in the Western World,

and in the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy,

the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

and the Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Restoring Wetlands for Clean Water H2Ohio (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Welcome (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Birth of Neutrino Astronomy (approx. 0.2 miles away); Spirit of Finland (approx. ¾ mile away); First Iron Warship in US Navy Foremast (approx. ¾ mile away); Life Car (approx. 0.8 miles away); Walking Tour of the Lighthouse Grounds (approx. 0.8 miles away); Lighthouse View (approx. 0.8 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Grand River.

Photographed by Craig Doda, May 2, 2026

2. From Pavement to Paradise Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on May 28, 2026. It was originally submitted on May 21, 2026, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. This page has been viewed 18 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 21, 2026, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.