Preserving Our Natural Heritage
As I bent down to pull a weed in the strawberry patch, a toad jumped, as surprised as I was after seeing none for many years. I would like to think this the result of not using pesticides to control insects. Perhaps the spring pools in the back of our lot provide a breeding place for them in the spring. I have visions of hungry toads flicking out their tongues to catch mosquitos, and other insects next summer.
We enjoy watching the birds at the feeders and marvel at the boldness of chipmunks that scurry across the patio right in front of us. The squirrels are fun to watch now that we have succeeded in keeping them out of the feeders most of the time. This summer since we planted flowers that attract butterflies, we have seen more of them.
All of this leads me to think about the many possibilities that people of Tiffin have available to them to leave their public and private lands in better shape for the generations who come after them. The Tiffin Park System is outstanding and the Sisters of St. Francis are using their land as a laboratory to demonstrate environmentally friendly practices. Each year they expand their Environmental Education programs. In the county volunteers have been helping the Seneca Soil and Water Conservation Service create a natural environment for all to enjoy at the Miller Conservation Farm. Collier Woods and Springville Marsh in the south end of the county are state owned properties which have trails for hiking. Many citizens feel that other possible scenic and unique natural resources in the county should be preserved.
In l998 the County Commissioners, in response to citizens throughout the county, established the Seneca County Park District to help preserve our natural heritage and provide areas in the county where everyone could enjoy the natural beauty of our part of the country. Since that time the Seneca County Park District commissioners have attempted to do this on donations alone.
One particularly unique site is the Garlo Farm just south of Bloomville. This property, which has been donated to the Seneca Park District by the late Dr. Garlo and his daughters Alma and Dolly, has ponds, woods, wetlands and farmland. It joins a wetland owned by the state. A pair of bald eagles nest there and seem to have become accustomed to sightseers.
It is the plan of the Seneca County Park District to maintain scenic and natural areas for the protection of the land and the wildlife there. In order to maintain the delicate and often rare habitats and wild plants and animals within these areas, visitation will be limited to non-consumptive use. The park district intends to work with local and state professionals to ensure these areas are preserved.
The Garlo property of 250 acres has some land in agricultural production. The Seneca County Park District intends to use this income to repair the dikes and maintain the lake. This income is not sufficient to do more than that over several years time with volunteer help.
This is one of the reasons the Seneca County Park District is asking voters to approve a ½ mil property tax levy for a period of ten years. The levy would generate enough money to possibly renovate a house on the Garlo farm as a meeting place and park office. Also it would be possible to build an eagle observation tower. This would be the only public eagle viewing place in Ohio. It would establish a small capital fund for the purpose of purchasing additional park properties. When other properties are donated, it would provide money to establish hiking trails. The Seneca County Park District Commissioners also plan to set aside a percentage of income to assist local villages. Some smaller communities do not have income or personnel for providing park facilities.
The district also is dedicated to providing educational programs that promote appreciation for our natural environment. Tom Bartlett, one of the three commissioners of the park board, is also on the boards of the Franciscan Earth Literacy Center and the Miller Conservation Farm so there should be coordination between these groups. Tom Corner, another commissioner has a connection with the Sheriff’s office which will help in patrolling park areas. The third commissioner is Linda Anderson of Fostoria. She handles the legal aspects of the district
Both Hancock County and Sandusky County have had county park districts for several years. We are most aware of their districts because of the many programs they offer throughout the year. programs each year. On Thursday, October 7th, they will sponsor an activity to identify leaves and collect items to make seed pictures at White Star Park Barn. Tuesday, October 12, small children and adults will explore the trees at Spiegel Grove. The deadline for a photo contest of outdoor subjects is October 14 and the entries will be displayed on October 17 at the Park District Office on Sunday, October 17. A nature hike at night will allow families and friends to prowl for owls on October 23. This is an annual event.
The Hancock Park District sponsors fall color canoeing on the Blanchard River, Autumn Hayrides and Fishing at Giertz Lake at Riverbend Recreation Area. On October 16th and 17th the annual Autumnfest will kick off with an outdoor performance of “Captive Heart” by the Mad River Theater Works, followed by a lantern walk of period encampments.
It would be great if over time the Seneca County Park District could develop its own properties and programs. Instead of traveling to other counties, more local citizens could spend their leisure time locally, saving themselves time and keeping their recreational dollars, as well as tourist dollars, at work in the local economy.
The top six activities of the population in the Midwest are walking, bicycling, bird watching, running and jogging, camping, and hiking, in that order. Parks, recreation and open space are an investment of the future well being of individuals as well as the community.
Give the 1/2-mil levy for the Seneca County Park District careful consideration when you go to the polls on November 2nd.
- Mary