BEAVER CREEK State park to have nature center

A former residence was converted to a place where visitors can learn more about the environment.
By NORMAN LEIGH
VINDICATOR SALEM BUREAU
EAST LIVERPOOL -- Beaver Creek State Park's natural history will be displayed at a new center.
Park officials have spent the last year converting the former park director's residence into a nature center that will feature mounted animals, a reptile room and an indoor pond.
Finishing touches are being put on the Echo Dell Road center, which is open to the public from 11 a.m. until about 4 p.m. today.
Regular weekend hours will be announced in the next few weeks, said Jim Tillman, park director. Admission will be free.
A primary goal: Tillman set creation of the nature center as one of his primary goals when he took over operation of the park early last year.
The plan received a major boost when Jim Kerr of Rogers, a biology teacher for the Beaver school district, donated his collection of more than 100 nature displays.
Kerr's donations include a stuffed black bear, coyote, fox, mounted snakes and birds.
Most exhibits are of species that inhabit the park, or once did.
In the reptile room, visitors can see live snakes, toads and other cold-blooded creatures.
A bird observation section lets patrons watch birds visiting feeders.
An indoor pond with a waterfall and aquatic life will be housed in a converted garage.
Creating the center has cost about $6,000, which came from donations and state money, said Tillman, who commutes to work and doesn't need the house.
Park manager houses are becoming a thing of the past at many state parks, he said.
Staff guides: Once the center opens regularly, plans are to staff it with park employees and volunteers.
Arrangements may be made for group visits. The center will also have environmental workshops and programs.
Plans include a computer-equipped resource section where visitors can research environmental matters.
Eventually, patrons may be able to buy nature books and related items, Tillman said.