News from the Portage Park District, adapted from their newsletter:
Earth Day has just passed, but it’s still a perfect time to take a moment to reflect on the value of the natural world in our lives, which we often take for granted. It is our life support system, providing food, shelter, clean air, clean water, and places of beauty and spiritual renewal.
See what Mother Nature has to share with you. Join us on our guided nature hikes; get out the bike or walking shoes and explore the area trails; fish our ponds and streams; introduce a child to the wonders of nature. Make memories that will last a lifetime….
Ultimate Towner Obstacle Course Race
Saturday, April 26
Ready for little challenge and lots of fun for a good cause? Sign up for this creative race and have a blast racing solo or as a team to overcome 25 obstacles at the Streetsboro City Park. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Portage Park District Foundation. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED! Learn more and register by clicking here.
Portage Parks conserves critical natural areas while providing places to enjoy with your family and friends through healthy recreation and nature education. But we can’t do it alone–we need your support now more than ever to keep going.
Guided Hikes Continue
The Park District has been fortunate to acquire several hundred acres of parkland around the county, thanks to many partners, grants and donations over the years. These properties are referred to as “preserves” because the Park District doesn’t yet have the funding to develop, open, and manage them.
These guided hikes will count towards the 2014 Wild Hikes Challenge. Since there are no trails, the hiking could be rough. Contact the Park District for more information 330-297-7728 or email info@portageparkdistrict.org
April 27, 2:00 pm
Morgan Preserve
504 acres of high quality woods, fields, stream and wetlands; Shalersville Township. Park at the lot on Nicodemus Road, approx. 1/2 mile east of SR 44.
May 4, 2:00 pm
Franklin Bog Preserve
58 acres of woods, a kettlehole lake and sphagnum bog; 6872 SR 43, Franklin Township.
May 14, 6:30 pm
Dix Park (open year round, dawn to dusk)
Join the Native Plant Society of Northeast Ohio in exploring the spring wildflowers of Dix Park. 7318 SR 44 Ravenna Township.
Important Date!
Issue 10 is the proposed 1/2 mill, 10 year operating and improvement levy to support the Portage Park District that voters will decide on May 6.
The Park District does not have a levy now, and after severe budget cuts, 2014 revenues are projected to be only $99,500. The levy would cost the owner of a $100,000 home $17.50/year–less than $1.50/month!
Levy funds would be used to repair and maintain parks and trails; develop and open over 800 acres of parkland that is already owned, but not open due to lack of funding; pursue new conservation and trails opportunities and provide nature education programs for all ages.
For more information, visit the Park District website www.portageparkdistrict.org, or the Citizens for Portage Park District website at www.citizensforportageparks.com.
24th Annual River Day
Saturday, May 17
Experience and learn about the gorgeous Upper Cuyahoga State Scenic River. Portage Park District and partners are hosting RiverDay activities and opening the newest public access to the river.
RiverDay Activities at Buchert Park Mantua
10:00 am – 1:00 pm
Fish surveys by the Division of Wildlife; Guided State Nature Preserve hike; stream biology sampling by the Ohio EPA and a variety of educational displays and activities by allied conservation organizations. Food available for purchase from Jake’s food cart.
Cuyahoga River Paddle to Red Fox
Noon to 3:00 pm
(limited canoes and kayaks available with reservation)
Join us for a free, guided 6-mile paddle trip from Buchert Park to Red Fox take out in Shalersville, followed by the dedication of the new Red Fox Boat Access at 3:30.
(weather and water level permitting).
Reservations:
Contact Elaine Marsh, Friends of the Crooked River [http://www.cuyahogariver.net/], 330-666-4026 or ohgreenway@gmail.com.
Featured Property: Morgan Preserve
(open only for guided hikes due to lack of funding)
This beautiful 504-acre preserve on SR 44 in Shalersville was acquired in 2009 from the estate of Burton D. Morgan through a partnership with the Western Reserve Land Conservancy and several other partners. Located on the boundary between the Cuyahoga and Mahoning River Watersheds, this property includes high quality wetlands and forests important for water quality protection and habitat for several rare and endangered species.
Funding for the purchase came from the Water Pollution Control Fund, sponsored by the Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District. The State’s Clean Ohio Conservation Fund and the Burton D. Morgan and Margaret Clark Morgan Foundations provided additional grant funds. The Northeast Ohio Native Plant Society, the Cleveland Museum of Natural History and Davey Resource Group volunteered natural resource inventories which were necessary for grant funding.
Grant funds used to acquire the property restrict certain activities in order to protect the conservation values. Agriculture has been replaced by wetlands and forest restoration and management techniques to improve wildlife habitat. Hunting is currently prohibited, although wildlife populations will be monitored and managed if needed. The site is being used as a field research area by Kent State University who assisted with wetlands and stream restoration. The Park District plans to create trails and other facilities and open the park for regular public enjoyment once operating funds become available.
330-297-7728
ccraycroft@portageparkdistrict.org
705 Oakwood Street
Suite 4
Ravenna, OH 44266