Nature's secret

By Ashley Luthern

aluthern@vindy.com

NORTH LIMA

Tucked away on state

Route 165 is an 81-acre plot filled with trails where deer, turkey and rabbits roam.

The only thing missing at the Beaver Township Nature Preserve is people.

“It’s a big secret,” said Cliff Mead, who works part time at the township parks.

“A lot of people don’t even know it’s here.”

That was what led Park Administrator Scott Conway to plan an open house at the nature preserve from 3 to 6 p.m. next Saturday. The open house will feature free hayrides, refreshments, camp fires, a petting zoo and live music. A rain date is set for Oct. 9.

The preserve is located on state Route 165, near New Buffalo Road.

“We consider it a giant classroom. We want to educate people to respect and understand nature,” Conway said.

Conway often collaborates with Mill Creek MetroParks to plan guided nature hikes and educational programs, such as expert talks about mushrooms and birds.

This summer, Mead and park volunteers worked to install nine pods of plants. The pods are home to sunflowers, pumpkins, wildflowers and other labeled plant species.

This fall, pumpkins will be handed out to area children during Kids’ Halloween Party at Woodworth Park on Oct. 28.

The seeds from the pods will be saved to plant next year, said Larry Kerr, park board chairman.

The nature preserve also is home to a nursery, where tree saplings grow until they are sturdy enough to be transplanted along the trails.

About six years ago, the township bought the land from Ohio Edison Co. using a $167,544 grant from the Ohio Department of Public Works Clean Ohio Conservation Fund.

Volunteers, particularly local Boy Scout troops, have done much of the labor in the park to construct trails, picnic tables and foot bridges.

“We want folks to come out for the open house and see the preserve and give it a shot,” Conway said.

For more information about the preserve, call the park office at 330-549-9552.

UPCOMING EVENTS

These events are planned at the Beaver Township Nature Preserve, located on state Route 165 near New Buffalo Road.

What: Open house with hayrides, campfire and refreshments

When: 3 to 6 p.m. next Saturday (Rain date Oct. 9)

Admission: Free

What: Mushroom expert Walter Sturgeon

When: 3 p.m. Oct. 16

Admission: Free

Source: Beaver Township Park Board