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Special Announcement
EDISON WOODS PRESERVE TRAIL ADVISORY Visitors to the interior of the Edison Woods Preserve this spring may note wetter trails in some lowland locations and trail improvements in other areas. In March, MetroParks staff began a project to restore the natural wetlands environment of the South (aka Big) Meadow and the North (aka Small) Meadow openings in the forest of the Preserve. These changes will have no impact on users of the new Edison Woods Adventure Walkway. Restoration of the natural surface water flow and the regrowth of native wetlands plants is the goal of the restoration project. Recreational users of the Preserve, including hikers and those on horseback, will discover that trails on the hillside above the Meadows will be less muddy. These enhancements will result from improved drainage and a crushed gravel surface on some sections of the South Ridge Trail. Trails on low dikes crossing the Meadows will be constructed in 2007 and will then offer better access across this area than ever before. Funding for the project comes from private sources. The restoration work will be paid for by those who are required by State and federal regulations to restore wetlands where such areas have or will be damaged as a consequence of development. To find out more about how wetlands are good for the environment, go online to http://www.epa.gov/owow/wetlands/. For more information, go to www.eriemetroparks.org or contact Erie MetroParks at (419) 625-7783, DiscoverIt@eriemetroparks.org, or 3910 Perkins Avenue in Huron Township.
Erie MetroParks Presents Chairman’s Award The Erie MetroParks Board presented a special Chairman’s Award in honor of an individual who has been instrumental to the success of the park district. Bill Oldham was commended for his for his insight, initiative and contributions to Erie MetroParks. He was a Park Commissioner from 1985-1988. His wife, Vicki, graciously accepted the award on December 14. Erie MetroParks has planted a Bur Oak in memory of Bill Oldham in Osborn Park, “a special place he so enthusiastically supported and enjoyed”. Oldham passed away on August 5 after a courageous battle with lung cancer. He graduated from Perkins High School and Kent State University. He was a teacher at Perkins High School and owned and operated his own insurance agency. Besides his service to Erie MetroParks, he was also very active in the community, was past president of the Erie County Chamber of Commerce, and belonged to many local clubs and groups including the Sandusky Rotary Club, Sandusky Kiwanis Club, Firelands Fund Board of Directors and Investment Committee, Providence Hospital Board of Trustees, and many others. For more information, contact Erie MetroParks at 419-625-7783 or DiscoverIt@eriemetroparks.org.
Erie MetroParks HONORS Valued Employees 12/21/2005Erie MetroParks honored some of its valued employees on December 14 at the annual all-staff meeting. Ranger Bob Davis and Park Service Tech Jason Ross were awarded certificates in recognition of their hard work and personal time devoted to the completion of the Adventure Walkway at Edison Woods Preserve. Although a large number of MetroParks staff assisted a great deal of time with the project, Davis and Ross were the backbone of the Walkway’s quality construction through the heat and bugs of summertime. The Adventure Walkway is a raised boardwalk located on the western side of Edison Woods Preserve that provides visitors with an enjoyable walk through the woods (without the mud) that points out some interesting facts about the history and wildlife surrounding them. Reservation specialists Sandy Flittner, Jane (MJ) Ashyk and Karen Lamb were also applauded for their hard work, perseverance, and valuable contributions to the implementation of the MetroParks online Reservation and Registration software program. Thanks to a very generous donation of the software by Lorain County Metroparks, Erie MetroParks was able to offer the public this new online service that lists information about, allows reservation of, and accepts payment for programs and facilities. Switching from the longtime manual methods involving large amounts of paperwork was a complicated process that the Reservations staff successfully completed. Lois TerVeen, Supervisor of Program Services, was recognized for her ten years of service to the park district. TerVeen is a well-known face in the community, having opened up the world of nature to many Erie County schoolchildren through her programs in the schools and the parks. Lisa Toich, Maintenance Tech, was also recognized for her five years of service to Erie MetroParks. Toich is part of the hardworking crew that keeps Osborn Park looking its best year-round. For more information, contact Erie MetroParks at (419) 625-7783 or DiscoverIt@eriemetroparks.org.
Erie MetroParks featured in Cleveland Museum of Natural History's calendar 12/21/2005 The Cleveland Museum of Natural History has compiled a calendar featuring beautiful Ohio scenery. Erie MetroParks is proud to announce that one of YOUR Erie MetroParks, Putnam Marsh Nature Preserve, was selected as the featured location for the month of January in the calendar. Catch a preview of the January page here. Calendars may be purchased for $10 plus $2 shipping & handling by contacting:
EDISON WOODS WATER QUALITY PROJECT CONTINUES WITH FUNDING ASSURED 10/27/2005 * Get more detailed information here * The Auditor of State’s Office confirmed today that State funds used to maintain, restore and protect the water quality resources of the Edison Woods Preserve, were awarded according to State rules. In a letter released today, but written in August, 2005, Auditor of State Betty Montgomery confirmed that State Capital Improvement Budget dollars released to Erie MetroParks in 2002, were spent in a manner consistent with conditions imposed by the State for the purchase of the property. Upon hearing the news, MetroParks spokesman Brad Phillips commented, “This is very good news as it insures that the remaining 15 years of the 20-year Restoration Plan will be properly funded”. Phillips, Environmental Projects Coordinator, monitors the progress of the water quality restoration project at the 1300 acre Preserve. “Over the coming years, alien invasive plant species must be controlled and native hardwood trees allowed to regrow in designated parts of Edison Woods,” he noted. In 2001, Erie MetroParks began an extensive project to restore the forests, meadows and wetlands of the Edison Woods Preserve. More than 300 acres of largely wet and poorly drained farmland was planted to prairie meadows. Trails were placed in and around each meadow area and throughout the adjacent woodland. The work was first undertaken as part of an Ohio Environmental Protection Agency program (OEPA) called the Water Resource Restoration Sponsor Program (WRRSP). The overall purpose of the project was to protect and improve the water quality of streams flowing into nearby Lake Erie. The forests, meadows and wetlands of Edison Woods improve water quality by filtering and slowing surface water flow as water travels toward the Lake. Erie County residents receive about 86% of their drinking water from Lake Erie and its tributaries. The OEPA dollars paid for the purchase and some of the required natural area restoration at Edison Woods. The MetroParks applied an additional grant from the State Capital Improvement Fund to the present and future costs of the remaining restoration which was required in the OEPA-mandated Restoration Plan. In 2004, a local anti-trail group claimed that the use of the State Capital Improvement grant was improper. They persuaded State Senator Jeffrey Armbruster to request that the State Auditor review MetroParks and State records. In its 2003 regular audit of Erie MetroParks, the State Auditor’s Office found no improper spending of the State funds. Senator Armbruster requested yet another review in early 2005. The results of that recent probe were stated in the letter released today. In it, Auditor of State Betty Montgomery said expenses for maintenance and protection of Edison Woods water resources, “…do constitute costs associated with the acquisition of the land.” She stated further that after reviewing all documents that “…my office cannot make a determination that the money was misspent”, confirming the State Auditor’s earlier conclusions. The 1306-acre Edison Woods Preserve is open to the public 365 days per year during daylight hours. It offers over five miles of trails for hiking and horseback riding. The recently completed Edison Woods Adventure Walkway is accessible to people of all ages and abilities. The Preserve is located in Berlin Township on State Route 61, just north of the Village of Berlin Heights. For more information, you can view other documents including the Auditor of State's findings, or contact Erie MetroParks at buckeye@eriemetroparks.org or 419-621-4220 x22.
In keeping with its mission to conserve natural resources, while stretching local tax dollars, Erie MetroParks announced a new cost saving concept. Visitors might notice the new signs identifying some areas as “Smart Mow” program locations. These sections will be managed with a reduction in the frequency of mowing, especially in lesser used park areas. This program, initiated by Erie MetroParks Operations Staff, will result in increased wildlife habitat, greater species diversity, improved air quality and reduced maintenance time and fuel expenses. Turf and meadow grasses located within out-of-the-way sections of selected MetroParks will be allowed to grow higher before they are mowed. Additionally, the width of some mowed nature trails will also be reduced. Playing fields will not be among the areas placed in this new management program. According to Operations Supervisor Jim Lang, “Almost 30% of the grassland currently being mowed on a weekly basis will be part of the Smart Mow program. These areas will be trimmed off once or twice each growing season, depending on their specific park locations. Some areas will be replanted to tall grass prairie or cool season grasses as time and funding allows.” Erie MetroParks Naturalist Lois TerVeen noted that “taller grasses and meadows resulting from the Smart Mow program should attract ground nesting birds and increase public wildlife viewing opportunities”. For more information, contact Erie MetroParks Maple Grove Center at (419) 621-4220, buckeye@eriemetroparks.org, or 3109 Hull Road in Huron Township.
Erie MetroParks official announced that examiners from the State Auditor’s Office have reviewed MetroParks’ accounts from 2002-2003 and have found all funds accounted for and no inappropriate expenditures. Accounting practices and spending were tested in the standard two year audit process. “I’m happy to confirm that once again the State has validated our careful stewardship of public fund,” commented Erie MetroParks Director Jonathan Granville. The Auditor’s Office also closely scrutinized the receipt and use of $500,000 in capital funds awarded to Erie MetroParks for the purchase of Edison Woods Preserve. The grant had been approved by the Ohio General Assembly in 1999 and conveyed to the park district in 2001. Review of this specific item had been requested by Ohio Senator Jeffery Armbruster. Armbruster had claimed the funds were misspent and ought to be returned to the State. After close study, the State examiners found the money had been used according to the purposes for which it had been designated. Erie MetroParks Commissioner Fred Deering stated that Armbruster’s accusation was politically motivated and was designed to discredit Erie MetroParks on behalf of a small, anti-government group, some of whom are Armbruster campaign supporters. Deering also noted, “The State-controlling Board approved the release of these grant dollars for Edison Woods. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources found that the transaction was proper and the State Inspector General’s Office agreed. And now, the State Auditor’s Office has discovered no impropriety connected with their use. Senator Armbruster is simply wrong about this matter.” The State of Ohio Audit of Erie MetroParks is available online at www.auditor.state.oh.us or by clicking here. For more information, contact Erie MetroParks Maple Grove Center at (419) 621-4220, buckeye@eriemetroparks.org, or 3109 Hull Road in Huron Township.
Erie MetroParks Biennial Report to the Citizens of Erie County is now available. This report details significant accomplishments, financial information and highlights of the park district’s activities for 2003-2004. Community partners and volunteers are also included in this report. View a copy online (high speed connection recommended) or request a copy by contacting Erie MetroParks at (419) 625-7783 or DiscoverIt@eriemetroparks.org.
Erie Metroparks Rangers Start Toy Drive for Kids in IraqErie MetroParks Rangers meet a lot of kids through their work in the MetroParks. They want to help some that they’ll probably never meet though. Inspired by one American soldier stationed in Iraq, the Rangers are conducting a toy and supplies drive called Ranger Toy Round-up. An American soldier’s simple act of kindness changed his life forever. He gave a scared little girl some of his own care package items and realized what a difference they meant in her life. The soldier was the force behind the creation of Operation Give, a non-profit organization that sends toys, clothes and hygiene items to kids in Iraq. Erie MetroParks Rangers want to help Operation Give and make a difference in the lives of these young children living with war. The Ranger Toy Round-up project is collecting toys and other items for these children. Before donating, please view Erie MetroParks website at www.eriemetroparks.org, or contact Erie MetroParks by e-mail at DiscoverIt@eriemetroparks.org or by phone at (419) 625-7783 for important information on items needed. Some items are not suitable for donation due to heat, electrical and cultural differences. If you would like to donate a toy or make a cash donation to cover shipping expenses, please stop by any office in Osborn Park or bring it to Safety Stars, Erie MetroParks’ safety fair for kids, on Friday, May 20. Only donations will finance this project. Erie MetroParks will use NO taxpayer funds. For more information, contact Erie MetroParks at (419) 625-7783 or go to www.eriemetroparks.com. Erie metroparks staff member re-elected as secretary of statewide organizationErie MetroParks Program Services Supervisor Lois TerVeen was re-elected to her post as Secretary of The Ohio Lepidopterists, a non-profit organization whose goal is to promote education and information about butterflies and moths. This group, celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, was one of the first of its kind and now boasts over 470 members. TerVeen attended training at the Ohio Lepidopterist Winter Meeting in Columbus on January 15. The group gathered to hear Dr. David L. Wagner, author of the new field guide, Caterpillars of Eastern North America: A Guide to Identification and Natural History. As a naturalist with Erie MetroParks, TerVeen has taught countless nature programs to children over the years. She is always looking for new and updated information to present to the children. TerVeen said, “We’re lucky to have a statewide organization devoted to butterflies and moths. These creatures are an indicator of the health of the environment. The more we appreciate and learn about them, the better .” For more information, contact Erie MetroParks at (419) 625-7783 or DiscoverIt@eriemetroparks.org.
Erie MetroParks selected as natural resource award of excellence winnerErie MetroParks has been deemed the winner of the Ohio Parks and Recreation Association (OPRA) Natural Resource Award of Excellence. The MetroParks was selected specifically for the protection and preservation of the East Sandusky Bay Preserve MetroPark—one of the last extensive tracts of undeveloped land along the shores of Lake Erie during 2003-2004. East Sandusky Bay Preserve MetroPark was born with the vision of one landowner, Gil Steinen, who proposed that the land that had been in his family for generations, should stay undeveloped and green. Steinen partnered with Erie MetroParks to make it happen. With the collaboration of several local and national organizations, like the Sandusky/Erie County Community Foundation, Trust for Public Land, Nature Conservancy, and other private landowners, federal funds were obtained to purchase the land, therefore using no local taxpayer funds. East Sandusky Bay Preserve MetroPark is approximately 1200 acres of freshwater marsh and near-shore upland habitat, essentially the largest naturally-functioning freshwater coastal marsh in Ohio. An irreplaceable resource, the area is comprised of a hardwood forest, woodland swamp, cattail marshes and open water habitat that is home to nesting bald eagle, and migratory waterfowl and songbirds. To date, 65 species of birds, including neotropical migrant warblers have been observed. A recent biological survey of only a portion of the Preserve found over 180 species of plant, some of which are current under threatened status. For more information, contact Erie MetroParks at (419) 625-7783 or DiscoverIt@eriemetroparks.org. Erie metroparks presents chairman’s awardsOn December 15, Erie MetroParks Board Chairman Fred Deering presented two special Chairman’s Award to two individuals and their organizations that have been instrumental to the park district. Terry Seagert, owner of the local computer consulting business PeopleVision, and Mark Gross, President of the Sandusky Rotary Club both accepted the awards. Seagert has been vital in the MetroParks computer and Internet implementation and improvements. His donated time, expertise and equipment have helped educate staff with technical skills, extended the life of many computer systems to help reduce equipment and repair costs, and provided many technical and online services that would have otherwise not been accomplished for budgetary reasons. The Sandusky Rotary Club was also commended for their generous donation of the new playground equipment installed this past summer at Osborn Park. The Sandusky Rotary Centennial Playground was purchased using only donated funds from the Rotary Club and others. It was constructed by Rotary Club volunteers. The playground features a top of the line unit that has become a very popular attraction at Osborn Park that is enjoyed by both kids and parents. The Erie MetroParks Chairman’s Awards consisted of plaques that were purchased using donated funds. Erie MetroParks plans to present more chairman’s awards to honor additional citizens for their valuable services to the MetroParks and their community in the upcoming months For more information, contact Erie MetroParks at (419) 625-7783 or DiscoverIt@eriemetroparks.org. Rare warbler weighs inOn May 9, Erie MetroParks staff member Brad Phillips discovered a very rare sight, a Kirtland’s Warbler on the Huron River Greenway. The species identification was possible by its distinct plumage, and was immediately determined to be male due to the singing. Only the male Kirtland’s Warbler is known to sing. According to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, biologists, researchers, and volunteers counted 1,202 singing males during the 2003 official census period, compared to last year’s 1,050. The lowest numbers were counted in 1974 and 1987, when only 167 singing males were found. As part of his duties as the Environmental Projects Coordinator for the MetroParks, Phillips monitors the flora and fauna of each MetroPark. Phillips discovered the Kirtland’s Warbler along the Huron River Greenway, a hiking and biking trail, which after construction is complete, will run continuously from Huron to Milan. At this time, sections near Huron, Milan and Mason Road are completed and open to the public. About the size of a sparrow, the Kirtland’s Warbler has a gray-blue head and back, a conspicuous white eye ring, along with a yellow throat and black streaks down the back and flanks, and a wagging tail. The species is highly endangered, but appears to be successful increasing their number in the past several years. The Kirtland’s Warbler sighted at the Huron River Greenway apparently selected that area as his rest stop on his long trip back from his winter refuge in the Bahamas to his summer home and breeding territory near Mio, Michigan. This species and many other migratory birds need protected natural places such as the Greenway to rest and refuel on their trips annual north and south. An elusive creature, the Kirtland’s Warbler breeds only in northern Michigan. Sometimes known as the “Bird of Fire”, their unique breeding habits literally make them dependent upon fire. Warblers only appear in a habitat abundant with northern Michigan’s Jack Pines about 9-13 years after a fire because they prefer pines that are about 5 feet high. Historically, this ideal habitat was created by natural wildfires that frequently swept through northern Michigan. Modern fire suppression programs altered this natural process, reducing the Kirtland’s warbler habitat. A management plan is in place to ensure their survival, which includes prescribed burns to foster new jack pine groves, trapping of cowbirds to reduce parasitism, and restriction of public access to the nesting sites. For more information about area migratory birds, contact Erie MetroParks at (419) 625-7783 or DiscoverIt@eriemetroparks.org. A new section of Huron River Greenway opened near Mason RoadErie MetroParks has opened another portion of the Huron River Greenway for public pedestrian use. The access points to the newly available section are on the north and south side of Mason Road just west of River Road. The approximately one mile long unimproved section has been cleared of brush and is now available for to the public during daylight hours, (¼ mile north and ¾ mile south of Mason Road). Erie MetroParks staff have constructed new small parking lots on both sides of Mason Road which may be used by visitors to the new trail sections. Bicycle riding and motorized wheelchair use is not yet recommended as the trail surface here is rough and has not yet been covered with crushed compacted stone. This section is similar to much of the trail section that opened in July 2003, which can be accessed at Milan. Another more improved section of the Greenway is available and accessible for additional activities at the DuPont Marsh Nature Preserve parking area off River Road in Huron Township. Visitors to the new sections of the trail are urged to use caution since trail bridge improvements are ongoing and construction equipment will be periodically present on the trail. Directions are available at www.eriemetroparks.org or at the Southwoods Office in Osborn Park. The newly opened trail area offers scenic views of the Huron River Valley far from human habitation. It follows remnant sections of the Old Milan Canal which have become naturalized wetlands in the years since the 1860s when lake schooners last plied the waterway. Early morning and evening, spring, summer and fall trail visitors often encounter deer, wild turkeys, nesting waterfowl and migratory birds also enjoying the peace and quiet of the Huron River Valley. Visitors are requested to respect the privacy of neighboring land owners and to remain on the elevated former railbed during their visit.
For more information about the Huron River Greenway, please
contact Erie MetroParks at (419) 625-7783 or
DiscoverIt@eriemetroparks.org. Historic marker dedication at the huron river greenwayErie MetroParks is proud to announce a ceremony to dedicate an Ohio historical marker at the site of historic Lock # 1 of the old Milan Canal. The marker will commemorate the abandoned schooner Idaho. The Idaho was a 135-foot long steam-powered schooner built during the Milan Canal era in 1863. On Friday, October 31 at 4 pm, the event will be held on the Huron River Greenway Trail just north of Mason Road. The public is welcome to attend and may use the trail parking areas just north and south of Mason Road. Access to the Huron River Greenway for this ceremony can be found on Mason Road between River Road and SR 13 in Milan Township. Administered by the Ohio Historical Society; the Historical Markers program enables Ohioans to commemorate and celebrate local history and to learn more about the state. Placement of new historical markers has been encouraged throughout the state in celebration of Ohio's Bicentennial in 2003.
For more information, please contact Erie MetroParks at (419) 625-7783 or
DiscoverIt@eriemetroparks.org. New horseman’s parking lot constructed at edison woods preserveErie MetroParks has opened a new horseman’s parking area at Edison Woods Preserve. Park visitors that bring their horse trailers to Edison Woods are may now utilize this new lot which is located on Smoky Road just south of its intersection with Driver Road and the railroad track crossing. Directional signs have been posted on Smoky Road at the new lot. Unlike the current horseman’s parking area off of SR 61, the new parking area has facities to water and/or hose off horses. The new parking area is turf and should be used only in dry weather conditions. Horses and their riders utilizing the new parking area can follow Smoky Road ¼ mile southeast to the Big Meadows trailhead. Erie MetroParks has plans to build trails accessed more conveniently from the new lot as well. Those who wish to volunteer to assist with the construction of new trails should contact the MetroParks Volunteer Coordinator. For more information, contact Erie MetroParks at (419) 625-7783 or DiscoverIt@eriemetroparks.org. Another Portion of huron river greenway now openErie MetroParks has opened another portion of the Huron River Greenway for public pedestrian use. The access point to the newly available section is in the village of Milan at the north end of Main Street near the bottom of the hill. Erie MetroParks staff are currently constructing a small parking lot near this access point. A 1.8 mile long unimproved section has been cleared of brush and is now available for pedestrian traffic during daylight hours. Bicycle riding and motorized wheelchair use is not yet recommended as the trail surface is rough and has not yet been covered with crushed compacted stone. Another more improved section of the Greenway is available and accessible for those activities at the DuPont Marsh Nature Preserve parking area off River Road in Huron Township. Visitors are urged to use caution since trail bridge improvements are ongoing and construction equipment will be periodically present on the trail. Directions are available at www.eriemetroparks.org or at the Southwoods Office in Osborn Park. The newly opened trail area offers scenic views of the Huron River Valley far from human habitation. It follows remnant water filled sections of the Old Milan Canal which have become naturalized wetlands in the years since the 1860s when lake schooners last plied the waterway. Early morning and evening, spring, summer and fall trail visitors often encounter deer, wild turkeys, nesting waterfowl and migratory birds also enjoying the peace and quiet of the Huron River Valley. Visitors are requested to respect the privacy of neighboring land owners and to remain on the elevated former railbed during their visit.
For more information about the
Huron River
Greenway, surf our site. Edison woods preserve restoration project moving forward
Area conservationists and Erie MetroParks worked for nearly a decade to conserve the Edison Woods Preserve and achieved success with its purchase in March 2001, due to an innovative funding process with the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (OEPA). This unique area of about 1300 acres is an asset to Erie County, as it harbors rare plants and provides excellent habitat for wildlife such as, raptors, songbirds, mammals, amphibians, reptiles, and invertebrates. Recently, contractors completed the bulk of the planned restoration work on the prairie by completing the seeding of native vegetation.
The Preserve consists of forested and wetland habitats, including headwaters to Cranberry Creek and a tributary to Old Woman Creek, which flow into Lake Erie. Edison Woods performs many natural hydrologic functions including water filtration, improved water quality, flood and erosion control, and groundwater recharge. For these and other water quality related factors, OEPA deemed it worthy of protection and restoration.
Historically, wetlands covered the area, but most recently about 350 acres were utilized for agricultural purposes, the production of corn and soybeans. Under the provisions of the OEPA approved plan, the farm fields are being restored to close to their original condition. Rather than trying to let the land revert to a forest, an expected natural process, Erie MetroParks has taken an ecologically appropriate and cost effective step—restoring the acreage to native prairie meadows, which were found in wide bands across Erie County at the time of European settlement. The natural re-growth of native forest on the land is unlikely, due to the pressure of invasive, aggressive weeds, and the planting of native species of trees is prohibitively expensive.
With 20-30 species of native prairie seeds gathered from throughout the Midwest, the project is being supervised by Envirotech Consultants, Inc., an organization that specializes in projects such as this. In November and December, all the fields at the Preserve were planted by Meadville Land Services using Truax seed drills. Specialized equipment must be used to properly plant prairie seeds, which are very small and lightweight.
Prairie seedlings are most successful when they are subjected to a period of cold temperatures as they sit in the ground for the winter. They can handle extreme drought, due to their roots growing 5-7 feet deep. Generally, prairie grass plants grow mostly downward in the first year, then up and out of the ground in later years. Next spring, the seeded areas at Edison Woods will look like weeds in rough, mowed field. Extensive mowing by Erie MetroParks staff will control the competing weeds until the grass is established, a process which may take three to four years.
In the spring of 2004, the plants will no longer be seedlings. Over time, they will also thicken their roots, pulling nutrients and moisture to themselves. Restored prairies are known for shading themselves out, allowing woody brush to invade. However, meticulous mowing and controlled burns by certified professionals in the spring of years three and four will ensure proper growth, and maintenance of the meadows at Edison Woods.
In order to prepare the fields for planting prairie, about 43,000 linear feet in the agricultural area was trenched to cut artificial drainage. This action restored natural soggy fields like those found on the site in the early 1800s. Project managers were careful not to disturb adjacent privately owned farm fields and drainage.
In addition to prairie grasses, prairie wildflowers will be planted to attract a wide variety of birds, insects and butterflies. After many years, a forest may also grow in parts of the area as well, with some native tree species allowed to naturally seed themselves into the field edges. This combination of prairie habitat and forested floodplain recreates an historic regional landscape. It will allow visitors to gain an appreciation of the native American landscape present during frontier times in Ohio.
The Preserve holds tremendous habitat and biological diversity, and creates many educational opportunities. The site can be used by area schools for comparison studies of different plants and animals within the varying habitat. It can also be used to learn about the natural and cultural history of Erie County.
Additionally, the Preserve offers citizens a chance to enjoy the fresh air on its existing seven miles of trails. Park visitors can choose trails specialized for hiking, cross country skiing or horseback riding. Bird, butterfly and leaf watchers can enjoy the viewing opportunities on the trails, especially on the planned additional paths through the future prairie.
Organized interpretive and recreational programs are also offered by Erie MetroParks throughout the year. Interesting educational programs to learn about plant and animal life within the Preserve, as well as fun activities like horseback riding and hayrides, are local favorites.
Erie MetroParks EARNS YET ANOTHER excellent auditThe Auditor of the State of Ohio recently completed a regular audit of Erie MetroParks' accounts for 2000 and 2001. Every political subdivision of the State is reviewed by representatives from the Auditor of State's office, every year or every two years, depending on the size of the political subdivision. The State's representatives examine many budgetary and financial records, as well as insurance, legal, retirement, and other various documents and records. This, the most recent audit of Erie MetroParks, produced no negative items. It found:
These results generally mirror the Audit reports for the last 14 years. Erie MetroParks Director, Jonathan Granville, commented, "Yet another excellent audit report could not be accomplished without the hard work and attention to detail by the Erie MetroParks Accounting Department, the Erie County Auditor and his staff, as well as all Erie MetroParks employees. We’re all very careful with how we spend the taxpayers’ money and it shows . . . again." Copies of the Audit Report are available at the MetroParks office at Osborn Park and online at www.auditor.state.oh.us. For more information, please contact Erie MetroParks by calling (419) 625-7783, or stopping by the Southwoods Office at 3910 East Perkins Avenue in Huron Township.
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