Metroparks Magazine Fall/Winter 2013

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METROPARKS
M A G A Z I N

E

Metroparks of the Toledo Area Fall/Winter 2013

Rather Be Roving Curiosity Leads to Historical Journey

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METROPARKS
M A G A Z I N E
FALL/WINTER 2013 VOL. 20, NO. 2 published by

Metroparks of the Toledo Area
5100 West Central Avenue Toledo, OH 43615-2106 419.407.9700

n eason I S
The Value Of Metroparks
“Parks make money.” That’s the bottom line of 40 years of research by Texas A&M Distinguished Professor John Crompton, who spoke at Wildwood Preserve in October. In a staff workshop and a discussion with community leaders, Dr. Crompton stressed that since their beginning in the early 1800s in the United Kingdom, parks were created to add value to surrounding properties. “We are central to economic development,” he said. Crompton, who authored a book about his “proximity principle,” explained that private golf community developers allocate large amounts of land for open space because they can sell the surrounding residential lots at a premium. In the same way, he said, parks add value to the communities around them. Homes within close proximity to a nature park enjoy up to 20 percent greater property values than the same home located elsewhere, he said. “There are no great cities in this world that do not have a great park,” said Crompton, a native of Liverpool and a former city councilman and deputy mayor of State College, Texas. He also discussed the value of parks and open space for recruiting and retaining talented workers and “footloose” companies – small businesses that can locate anywhere. “CEOs (of small businesses) want to locate where they want to live,” he said. And small businesses, he said, are responsible for most of the net job growth in the country. His advice to cities: amenities such as parks are as important as other factors, such as business costs, to any economic development plan. “It is key: Make it a nice place to live,” he said.

Board of Park Commissioners
Scott J. Savage, President Fritz Byers, Vice President Lera Doneghy, Vice President Staff: Stephen W. Madewell, Executive Director [email protected] Denise Johnson, Director, Visitor Services [email protected] Patty Morgenstern, Membership/Customer Service Manager [email protected] Scott Carpenter, Public Relations Director/Editor [email protected] Valerie Juhasz, Production Manager [email protected] Amy Cieply, Designer
© Metroparks of the Toledo Area 2013

On the cover: A bur oak tree in the prairie at Secor Metropark is shrouded in snow during the first snowfall of the season in early November. Opposite page: A stream cuts a path through snow and reflects the winter trees overhead. Photos by Art Weber

“We are central to economic development.”
–Dr. John Crompton

See videotaped discussions with Dr. Crompton and other experts in their fields at MetroparksToledo.com. Type "Value of Metroparks" in the search box.

Rather Be Roving
By Patrick T. Johnston

A new program, with the support of Metroparks Members, brings nature interpretation to Wildwood visitors
athrin Mason-Wolf loves Wildwood. “I find it fascinating to see buildings once used as cabanas or stables, and now repurposed to serve the public. I love the grounds and the Shipman garden. I even love how the bathroom stalls have horses on them.” The excitement in her voice is unmistakable. “The parks have done such a nice job preserving nature, but also keeping the history alive.” Mason-Wolf has volunteered at Wildwood for three years. During that time, she often wondered if the preserve’s thousands of visitors fully appreciated what they experienced there. She was not alone. Trish Hausknecht, Metroparks Volunteer Services Manager, dwells on the riddle of how best to connect casual park visitors to passionate, knowledgeable volunteers like Mason-Wolf. “We have this great core of people who really understand what makes each park special,” Hausknecht said. “These wonderful volunteers take time to learn about the parks and meet with the community to share what they know.” Connecting these enthusiastic, knowledgeable volunteers with casual park visitors is the idea behind the new Volunteer Roving Interpreter program, which started this summer at Wildwood Preserve thanks to the financial support of Metroparks Members. For decades, volunteers have carefully interpreted each park’s unique features through public programs, school tours and other events. However, not all visitors attend scheduled programs. Men or women who work near a park may only experience it through a brief lunch break. Many parents’ only contact comes from impromptu visits to park

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Roving Interpreters take their message to children at the Wildwood playground.

playgrounds so the kids can burn some energy during a long day of running errands. “A public program is a commitment that a visitor must plan; we wanted something more spontaneous…a 10-minute interaction that brings a Metroparks program to a new audience,” Hausknecht said. Earlier this year, a diverse group of naturalists, volunteers and visitor services staff worked on a solution. The result was the new Volunteer Roving Interpreters, a concept still in its infancy today, but with the potential to mature into one of Metroparks most effective and engaging communication tools. Pulling bright yellow wagons, teeming with animal furs, skulls or even puppets, the roving interpreters debuted at Wildwood a few months ago. A small pilot group of highly trained volunteers target high-use park areas like shelters and trailheads. At eye-level and full of a variety of wonders, children found the wagons irresistible. 5

“We went out in the evening and found a lot of families at the playground; the kids were all over that wagon,” Mason-Wolf explained. Kim High, a Metroparks naturalist/ historical interpreter for more than 30 years, remembers a time when staff roamed the park carrying natureoriented objects like taxidermy owls or foxes, to engage visitors. “It is an incredible way to reach people. I always thought it was a wonderful idea to have volunteers do it,” High said. “The wagon makes them even more approachable… when people see that, they really want to talk.” Everything about the new program is flexible. Volunteers choose items to include in their wagon before setting off into the park and, as the program expands, so will the number of items available to share. The goal is to rotate materials at least four times every year to correspond to what is in the park at any given time.

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In autumn, wagons may carry greathorned owls or sassafras leaves. During summer, a groundhog might be spied peeking over the side. After briefly interacting with visitors, volunteers guide them to a trail or park area where they might find the subject in its natural setting. The “rovers” use current Metroparks resources, with minimal financial investment. The idea was to run a small-scale experiment in the first year, to test ideas about reaching casual visitors and determine whether to expand the program. “We have gotten really enthusiastic responses - the reaction has been just great,” Mason-Wolf reported. In fact, the response was so positive that Metroparks recently decided to invest

Members funds to support the program. These funds will expand the interpretation kits that volunteers load into the wagons. They will support the design and creation of large visual panels to help visitors understand what is special about Wildwood and how it relates to other parks. Funds will also contribute to the design of unique uniforms that visitors will easily recognize. Ultimately, Metroparks intends to expand the program to additional sites. “One of the program’s real values is that whichever park it is at, we will be able to teach specifics about that special park and how it corresponds to the system at large,” High explained. The goal is to have wagons at every park, with unique kits available. Hausknecht is even researching small vehicles, like golf-carts,

that could accommodate multiple items and travel throughout the parks or to community events. High sees limitless potential of this program. “We are going to reach a lot of people. These might be first time users and that contact will bring them back to the park - that is the whole goal. Someday, people driving into the park will see that wagon and make a point to go back to see what they have that day.” The roving interpreter concept promises to spread the incredible treasures and heritage of the Metroparks to a new segment of visitors. Member funds are playing a critical role in supporting this innovative and effective program, ensuring it benefits visitors throughout the district for years to come.

Maumee Corps Partnership Restores Natural Areas, Creates Jobs
277 acres of rare Oak Openings habitat. As part of the project, Metroparks used 27,000 native plant seedlings and 2,500 lbs. of seed. “Forty years ago, plans were unveiled to develop the land that you see here into a large residential subdivision,” Scott Carpenter, director of public relations for the park district, said at a news conference in November to update the media on progress made under the grant. “But local citizens had a better idea. They first convinced the Metroparks, then the voters, to levy a tax to buy this former estate and preserve it for future generations. One newspaper article at the time referred to it as ‘Land as Good as Gold.’ Today, nearly 1 million people a year visit Wildwood Preserve.” “I also want to point out that we are standing in a prairie several miles from the Lake Erie shore, talking about work being done here to help restore the health of our Great Lakes,” Carpenter added. “Both of these points help illustrate the value of parks and open space, not only to the communities directly surrounding them, but to the larger region downstream.”

Roving Interpreter Vehicle Planned
In addition to the yellow wagons that the Volunteer Roving Interpreters pull when greeting visitors in the Metroparks, they will soon have a new tool at their disposal. A “Rover” vehicle built on a golf cart platform will be an animated attention-getter when used in the parks or elsewhere. Among other uses, you may see the vehicle in local parades next year.

The Wildwood prairie had become overgrown. Below: Media were invited to the prairie in November to see how it is being restored.

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Artist's drawing of the future Rover vehicle.

artners for Clean Streams, Metroparks and The Nature Conservancy are working together with partners in the region and with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to restore local natural areas and create jobs. NOAA awarded $800,000 to Partners for Clean Streams through the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative to help fuel the economy by creating local jobs. The team of workers is focused on habitat restoration in the Maumee Area of Concern—primarily the Ottawa River and Swan Creek Watersheds. The partnership, called the Maumee Corps, is modeled after work programs such as the Civilian Conservation Corps that put people to work during the Great Depression on public projects. Many examples of the CCC’s work are still in

use today, such as bridges and shelters in the Metroparks and structures at the Toledo Zoo. The Maumee Corps uses a variety of techniques to restore floodplain forests and habitat along streams. One example is the prairie restoration work being done at Wildwood Preserve. The workers also plant and harvest native species, including replanting areas devastated by the emerald ash borer. Work began in early 2013 and will continue into 2014. In total, the team has conducted restoration activities on more than 1,400 acres of land, created 29 jobs and fueled the economy with more than 19,500 working hours. Metroparks has employed 17 people, two as full-time crew leaders, to help restore 1,280 acres of land, including 7

New Program Wins Award
The Ohio Parks and Recreation Association has recognized Metroparks for the new Volunteer Roving Interpreter program in the 2013 Awards of Excellence contest. The program will be awarded first place in the environmental and interpretive programs category at the OPRA annual conference and trade show in Sandusky in February.

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Curiosity Leads to Historical Journey
by Dick Kaverman
ack Mayer has been walking Metroparks trails for the past 10 years as a member of the Volunteer Trail Patrol. While on a walk in Swan Creek Preserve two years ago he saw an old concrete retaining wall that he had not noticed before. “I asked myself,” Mayer said, “Why is this wall here and what was this area like before it became a Metropark? No one at the Metroparks could tell me why that retaining wall was there, so I asked if I could try to find the answer myself and they told me to go for it,” he said. “I don't have a background in history, archaeology or geology and I'm not a naturalist," Mayer said, "so I wasn't quite sure how to start or what to do." He began by asking questions. After all, he assumed his two simple questions could be answered fairly easily and quickly. But each time he asked a question the answer only raised others. Each detail and fact he uncovered seemed to be connected to dozens more. Every person he interviewed suggested additional people and sources to him. During his two-year quest (family, friends and park staff might say "obsession") he paged through old maps and information in the archives of The Blade, the Toledo-Lucas County Public Library, as well as deed records in county and Metroparks archives. He even found records at the Register of Land Office in Detroit. What he discovered was that the first parcel of land purchased to form the park could be traced all the way back to 1808 and the Treaty of Greenville, which resulted from the Battle of Fallen Timbers.

Swan Creek Turns 40
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wan Creek Preserve is often referred to – appropriately – as “an oasis in the city.” Situated in south Toledo along its namesake stream, with entrances on Airport Highway and Glendale Avenue, the Metropark is a nature preserve and a popular place to run, picnic or look for migrating songbirds without leaving the city. In the 1950s, the city of Toledo created the first concept for a public park along Swan Creek, one of northwest Ohio’s three largest streams. Mayor John W. Potter was an influential champion of the idea. In the early 1960s, money was finally raised to preserve one of the last pieces of property in the city limits suitable for a Metropark. Some of the funding came from the federal government as reimbursement for city parkland impacted by the development of the I-75 corridor.
Photos: Tom Duvendack, retired park manager, at the opening of Swan Creek and, below, at Jack Mayer's presentation on the 40th anniversary. Top photo courtesy of The Blade.

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Jack Mayer, where he can often be found: At Swan Creek Preserve.

Mayer read stacks of archaeological surveys and reports about the park, and met with the people and companies who had completed the work. Those included Mannik and Smith Group and Dr. G. Michael Pratt — a well-known archaeologist who has done extensive work in northwest Ohio and Swan Creek in particular. He even contacted the Ohio Historical Preservation Office. Details in the survey reports noted the discovery of a variety of artifacts, some classified as prehistoric, including a large stone scraper and fragments of a flint preform. During his pursuit of answers, Mayer was connected with several local people who lived and played in the Swan Creek area before it became a Metropark. “My most valuable conversations were with 8

Tom Duvendack and John Jaeger, two of the first managers at Swan Creek,” Mayer said. “They both had great stories and anecdotes about the personalities and homeowners whose properties made up the park.” What Mayer has uncovered as a result of his persistent, patient and detailed search, is invaluable information and insight into the early formation and creation of the park. In the process Mayer has helped craft a new picture and story about Swan Creek itself. But what about the wall that started it all? Truth be told, no information about it has been uncovered — yet. “Talk about hitting your head against a wall,” Mayer says. “But the search goes on.” 9

On October 27 – the 40th anniversary of the dedication of Swan Creek Preserve – volunteers Jack Mayer and Dick Kaverman gave a public presentation in the park’s Yager Center. (See related story, page 8)

Field Notes

access these parks, there is a tremendous opportunity here to have a significant economic impact on the region through tourism. In my eyes the Metropark system is a treasure that will benefit the greater Toledo area for generations.” In the five years since the initial accreditation, Metroparks has had two new directors and an interim director. “In spite of this administrative turnover, we have been able to perpetuate a level of service and a commitment to excellence that is found in the best park agencies in the country,” said Madewell, who was named executive director in April 2012. “We are so appreciative of the support we receive from our users, volunteers and citizens of the Toledo Area,” Madewell said.

decided that Clara doesn’t have to live in Germany,” Davies said. “We are bringing her home and moving her into the Manor House. This is a wonderful way for Toledo Ballet to partner with the Metroparks.” The new set was funded largely by Bill and Margaret Foster and The Anderson Fund Supporting Organization of the Toledo Community Foundation. Toledo Ballet’s Nutcracker is the community’s original Nutcracker and is accompanied by the Toledo Symphony. Ft. Miamis Event Honors Bicentennial Of First Siege On the bicentennial anniversary of the First Seige of Fort Meigs in May, Metroparks honored the British, American and American Indian soldiers who fought for control of the Maumee Valley. The event at Ft. Miamis Park in Maumee included the presentation of a new historical marker by the Ohio Historical Society and remarks by Dr. Roy Norton, Consul General of Canada.

Ft. Miamis is a Metroparks property overlooking the Maumee River on River Road at Michigan Avenue. The fort was used by the British in the frontier battles of the late 1700s, including the Battle of Fallen Timbers, then rebuilt and used again in the War of 1812. The historical marker pays tribute to the 41st Regiment of Foot stationed at the fort in May 1813. Historical reenactors from the U.S. and southern Ontario portrayed 41st Regiment soldiers. Fort Miamis was built by the British in 1794 as an outpost to stop U.S. General Anthony Wayne’s march north through the Ohio Valley. After a series of peace treaties, the Fort transferred to American control in 1796 and was abandoned before December 1798. In April 1813, British forces under the control of General Proctor took residence near the dilapidated Fort Miamis. The forces included British regulars, Canadian Militia, and warriors of a pan-Indian confederacy loosely led by Tecumseh.

The Manor House appeared onstage in the Toledo Ballet’s 73rd production of The Nutcracker. See story, page 11.

Metroparks Re-accredited By National Commission
etroparks has been recertified by the Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies, making it one of a select few park systems – and the first in Ohio – to receive the national designation. Metroparks was first accredited five years ago, and recently underwent an extensive audit to determine if the park district still met the standards for accreditation. The re-accreditation was announced in October at the National Recreation and Park Association Congress in Houston. In Ohio, six city parks departments have earned the accreditation, but Metroparks was the first regional park system to receive the CAPRA stamp of approval. Cleveland Metroparks earned the accreditation for the first time this year.

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“When Metroparks attained CAPRA certification five years ago, that was a very big deal,” said Steve Madewell, executive director of the park district. “No other regional park district in Ohio had attempted to meet these rigorous standards.” Madewell said the standards were designed to measure comprehensive recreation and park departments, such as those operated by cities, and not for nature conservation agencies like Metroparks. “For our park system to attain and maintain such a high level of performance speaks volumes about the agency’s commitment to service,” he said. CAPRA recognizes park and recreation agencies that meet national standards for excellence in operation and service. Agency accreditation is available to all entities administering park and
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recreation systems, including municipalities, townships, counties, special districts and regional authorities, councils of government, schools and military installations. “I was amazed at the size, beauty and ecological diversity found throughout the Metroparks system,” said Andre Pichly, recreation superintendent for the city of West Sacramento, CA, and leader of the team that conducted the assessment of Metroparks. “There are so many opportunities to exercise, explore, and connect with nature. Trails, woodlands, wetlands – not to mention wildlife, environmental education and historic sites – all add to the value these spaces have for local residents. Pichly added, “And while people living throughout the area can

Toledo Traditions Unite: Manor House, The Nutcracker In celebration of its 75th anniversary, Toledo Ballet debuted a new Nutcracker Act I set, which will look quite familiar to Wildwood Visitors. It’s the Manor House! The new set, designed by Thomas Umfrid, a professor of scenic and costume design at College Conservatory of Music at the University of Cincinnati, replaces a set that was over 30 years old. “After replacing the Act II Land of Sweets set in 2010, we knew that the Act I set had to follow suit,” said Mari Davies, Toledo Ballet executive director. “I wanted the new set to debut this year in celebration of Toledo Ballet’s 75th anniversary. But I also wanted a way to celebrate our own local community which has supported us over the last 75 years. “The wonderful thing about Nutcracker is that it is a universal tale of the magic of childhood, so we

Reenactors helped bring the story of Ft. Miamis to life at the bicentennial event.

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Visitors to the site will see new interpretive signage featuring original artwork by local artist Richard Reed, which was commissioned by the park district. Visitors can even hear dramatic readings of letters written by American and British soldiers in an audio kiosk. Deer Management Program Underway This Winter As part of a comprehensive wildlife management program, Metroparks is allowing bow hunting for deer on several park district properties where public access is limited. “The dramatic growth of the whitetailed deer herd in Ohio has resulted in increased impacts on habitat,” said Steve Madewell, executive director of Metroparks of the Toledo Area. “With an ever-increasing deer population and limited natural predators, deer are adversely affecting plant populations across the park system.” Deer over-population can result in damage to natural areas, reduce desirable food sources and adversely affect habitat for ground-nesting birds. As populations continue to grow they can create a health risk to the deer themselves. For several years, all of the other major park districts in Ohio have used hunting, culling or a combination of the two as a deer management tool to reduce local deer populations. “The park system has a responsibility to find a balanced, sustainable approach to resource management,” Madewell said. “Deer are incredibly beautiful, however nearly anything in excess can have negative impacts.” As a pilot program, bow hunting

Photo Exhibit Features Owls, Woodpeckers

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new exhibit at the National Center for Nature Photography in Secor Metropark, The Owl & the Woodpecker, introduces visitors to the most important species of owls and woodpeckers in North America. The exhibit uses spectacular photos, informative text and evocative audio recordings to illustrate how these birds define and enrich the specific habitats on which they depend, and to highlight the critical importance of conserving those habitats. The Owl & the Woodpecker, a traveling exhibit from the Burke Museum, Seattle, is now on view through February. Admission is free. The Owl & the Woodpecker is based on a book of the same title by Seattle photographer and author Paul Bannick. Bannick is known for his intimate wildlife photography, which supports environmental conservation efforts. His work has appeared in Audubon magazine, the National Wildlife Federation Guide to North American Birds, Smithsonian Guide to North American Birds, and in many other books, magazines, parks, refuges, and other places in North America and Europe.

Mr. Bannick traveled from the Pacific Northwest, where he works, to attend opening receptions for the exhibit November 1 and 2. The Owl & the Woodpecker exhibit includes:
• Twenty-five large-format, framed

color prints by Bannick
• Text descriptions of each bird,

Bark In The Park: MetroBarks, a festival for dogs and their owners, celebrated its 10th anniversary in June by moving to a new venue – Swan Creek Preserve. Visitors enjoyed meeting vendors of dog-friendly products and services, animal welfare organizations and breed-specific rescue groups. MetroBarks will return to Swan Creek again in June, 2014.

written by the photographer, plus several thematic text panels that highlight the conservation issues affecting different owl and woodpecker habitats across North America
• Audio recordings of the calls and

is being permitted on properties that Metroparks has acquired for future parkland, but currently have limited public access. Most the properties are in a corridor between Oak Openings Preserve and Secor Metroparks in Western Lucas County. “We have monitored deer browse and conducted aerial surveys for some time now, and it’s obvious that the deer population has continued to grow across the state, including both the urban and agricultural areas of Lucas County,” Madewell said. “The results of the archery program will be closely monitored and evaluated for its efficiency as a population control.” Bow hunters who qualified submitted applications and were selected on a lottery basis for a permit to hunt one of the properties for three weeks during bow hunting season, September 28 through February 2. Each hunter is permitted to bring a hunting partner.

Running Events Grow: The annual Happy Trails 5K run/walk, held in June at Wildwood Preserve, had a new course and a large turnout. The event, co-sponsored by Toledo Roadrunners, has become one of the Toledo area's premier 5Ks, and will return to Wildwood in June, 2014. Metroparks is expanding the number of running events it hosts. In October, the first Under the Moon run/walk was held at Secor. In March, a running festival, with several events, is being planned for the Wabash Cannonball Trail. Watch the Program Guide for details.

drumming sounds of the birds featured in the photographs The Owl & the Woodpecker: Photographs by Paul Bannick was organized by the Burke Museum, University of Washington, created with Paul Bannick and Braided River, a partner of The Mountaineers Books. Sponsorship of the local presentation of The Owl & the Woodpecker was provided by Metroparks. Photos by Paul Bannick
Hairy woodpecker

Ferruginous pygmy owls

Yellow shafted northern flickers

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Progress in your Metroparks
that they not only can enjoy playing outdoors, but will also learn a little about the natural surroundings when they are there.” The Farnsworth play area was paid for from the park system’s capital improvements fund. The total cost of the Pearson playground was offset by donations from the community. The BP-Husky Refinery awarded an initial gift of $25,000 then gave an additional $25,000 as a challenge grant, with Metroparks raising another $25,000 through donations from the France Stone Foundation, Friends of Pearson and the Eastern Maumee Bay Chamber of Commerce. To enhance the monetary donation, BP-Husky employees and their families contributed volunteer time over two days to remove the existing playground. Graphite Design + Building was commissioned to create the interactive sculptures after Metroparks consulted the Arts Commission of Greater Toledo. “When we have the new playgrounds in place, they will be unlike anything else around,” Zenk said. “They won’t be just playgrounds – they will be Metroparks playgrounds, with designs that inspire kids to discover nature.”
Plans Made For New Park: Public meetings in August and November in the Jerusalem Township fire station and hall gave people the opportunity to learn about plans and make suggestions for a future Metropark near the Lake Erie shore. The 1,000-acre Howard Farms property, adjacent to Metzger Marsh State Wildlife Area on State Route 2 at Howard Road, was the largest land acquisition in the park district’s history. It is being restored as a wetland where visitors will enjoy birding, canoeing, hiking, hunting and fishing.

Bob Jacksy at River Hallow Farms in Perrysburg. Farm owners Larry and Nancy Hutson donated coat hooks made from horseshoes for an added, authentic element. Sinks that look like troughs, faucets reminiscent of rustic pumps and accents made from materials such as fencing and weathered barn wood complete the theme. The renovated restrooms have been a hit with park visitors. “I’m told that they’ve become destination bathrooms,” Wendt laughed. “People have told me it’s so fun that they brought friends or family back just to see it.”

Photo Center To Get ‘Reboot’
The National Center for Nature Photography will get a “reboot” this spring, when it closes for several months for renovations. When it reopens late in 2014, it will have a fresh look and new ideas for programming, exhibits and other ways to further its mission to use photography as a way to engage people with nature. During construction, programming will continue at various sites and traveling exhibits will continue to showcase the works of local and nationally-known nature photographers.

contractor, met the deadline and got her “wows.” The former limo garage from the Stranahan Estate, Metroparks Hall has been used for offices, meeting space and a venue for events such as the Holiday Café and Craft Show for nearly four decades. Today, it is headquarters for Nature Camp and other summer camp programs, and thanks to Wendt’s design, it now looks the part. Using photos taken in the Metroparks by Art Weber, director of nature photography for the park district, she and graphic designer Kent Illenden created wall coverings from the vinyl material used to wrap commercial vehicles and buses to illustrate the variety of habitats that make up the

First Of New ‘Signature’ Playgrounds Open At Farnsworth and Pearson

natural landscape of the region – from trees to sand barrens to ponds and other habitats. Carpet squares with blended graphic designs helped define spaces on the floor and carry out the theme. “We made it so the kids will feel like they are outside when they’re inside,” Wendt said. Cutouts of animals and framed wildlife photos from the Curious Critters series by photographer Dave FitzSimmons add to the interpretive theme and provide creative elements for young campers to discover. Destination Bathrooms Interpretation with an element of fun was also the goal of another project Wendt worked on at Wildwood – the Visitors Center restrooms. The bathroom stalls of the men’s and women’s rooms at the former horse stable now look like horse stalls, thanks to the designer, a local farm and the photography of a Metroparks naturalist. Enter either of the restrooms and you’ll see horses staring out from the stall door. And what will you see inside the stall? The other end of the horse, of course. The horses, donkeys, roosters, a cat and country scenes designed into the rooms began as photos taken by naturalist

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he first example of the new Metroparks ‘signature’ playgrounds opened at Farnsworth in Waterville this summer and a second, larger playground opened late in the fall at Pearson in Oregon. Volunteers from the BP-Husky Refinery, Oregon, helped remove an existing playground to begin preparing the Pearson site in late August to make room for the new play structures. Artists Doug Kampfer and Jeremy Links, of Graphite Design + Building, Toledo, have created detailed, natural-looking pieces of art that also function as play equipment. The first piece — a slide in the shape of a downed tree complete with a great horned owl nest — was installed at Secor Metropark two years ago. The first of the completely new playgrounds opened at the Boat Launch entrance to Farnsworth, on the Anthony Wayne Trail. It also uses a tree as the basis for the playground, but adds

sculptures of a turtle and a great blue heron, as well as soft surfaces in blue and green, to capture that park’s riverside theme. At Pearson, an even larger tree is the centerpiece of a “playscape” reflecting that park’s natural history as the Great Black Swamp. At both parks – and others in the future – children will find typical play structures, such as swings, slides and climbing walls, as well as custom-made, functional sculptures based on the natural surroundings. “The new playgrounds go right to the heart of our mission as a preservation and educational organization,” said Dave Zenk, deputy director. “The first goal of a playground, of course, is to attract children by giving them places to explore, challenge themselves and have fun,” Zenk said. “A lot of research shows the importance of outdoor play for a child’s development. We are adding additional elements so

Renovations Include Interpretation, Fun
The assignment: “Design a space where parents are comfortable leaving their kids – a place where, when you walk in, you say "Wow, what fun!” And do it in six weeks. That’s how Jeri Wendt describes the task she was given this spring to redesign Metroparks Hall in time for the start of summer camps, which is based in the building at Wildwood Preserve. The president of Jeri Wendt & Associates, a commercial interior design and construction management

Visitors Center restrooms

Manor House Makeover: On its 75th anniversary year, the Manor House at Wildwood Preserve got a new slate roof and 97 refurbished windows. The house closed for construction at the end of September and reopened for Holidays in the Manor House. During the closure, plumbing, flooring and other projects were completed inside the 32,000-square-foot house.

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Giving Tree

portunities and forums for citizen-board members to interact. That leadership extended beyond Metroparks to the state, regional and national levels. He served on the OPRA Board for more than 10 years as the Chair of the Citizen Board Member Section. He served as Ohio’s citizen representative to the National Recreation and Park Association Great Lakes Regional Council for three years, and as a member of the board of the NRPA Citizen Board Member Branch for six years. He also represented Ohio at the NRPA Legislative Forum for more than a decade. One of his many legacies is a Board and Staff Development Institute at OPRA, which is named in his honor. “Jack was known around the state and across the country for his leadership, and for his many of accomplishments. Scott Savage mentioned some of them,” said Steve Madewell, executive director of Metroparks. “His reputation as a fighter for the rights and dignity of all people extended beyond his law practice. He believed that parks belonged to all people to enjoy.” Upon his retirement from the Metroparks board in 2009, the Red Trail at Wildwood was named the Jack Gallon Trail because of his passion for creating and maintaining trails. Mr. Gallon was often seen walking at Wildwood with a newspaper carrier’s bag and a pole, picking up any litter he found along the trails.

February 2013 through October 2013 General Funds The following made donations to support current expenditures at Metroparks: BP Fabric of America Fund Robert and Sarah Brown Nancy Crandell Martha Jane Doriot Fund of the Toledo Community Foundation Eagle Scouts, Troop 199 John Kroll Joshua and Wendy Kulpa Linda S. Garrison Fund of the Toledo Community Foundation David Pio Chad Robinson Arthur and Constance Smith Margaret Upton Trumbull Soon Won Wilson gave a donation to support the general fund in honor of Ranger Paul Black.

Other Recent Donations The MLM Charitable Foundation gave donation to support Nature Camp. The Stranahan Foundation funded a grant to support the roof replacement project at the Manor House. The John and Virginia Hankison Foundation made a contribution to support the John and Virginia Hankison Endowment Fund. David FitzSimmons donated 12 Curious Critter prints. Richard and Penelope Reder donated a blade to repair a paper cutter. Gift for Land Acquisitions Jane M. Rose Trust Owens Corning gave a donation to support the Pearson Playground Project. Volunteers In Parks donated proceeds from their spring

carnival to support the playground project at Wildwood Metropark. Gifts for Oak Openings Ronald and Martha Butcher made a donation to purchase trees. Gifts for Pearson Flora Poad donated an historic trundle bed for the Johlin Cabin. Gifts for Wildwood Toledo Section of the American Chemical Society made a donation to purchase trees. Steve Shawaker donated a bag of bird seed for the Window on Wildlife. The Tiffany Elise Staelin Fund of the Toledo Community Foundation funded a grant to upgrade the trail entrance at the Visitors Center.

Helen Walch made a donation to support the bench program. Gifts for Side Cut Eagle Scouts, Troop 199 Nature Photography Center Support American Frame mounted and assembled 30 exhibit prints. Matching Gifts Donations by an individual may be matched by the donor’s business or employer. Frederick S. Upton Foundation Margaret Upton Trumbull The Lubrizol Foundation Sally Lenhart Owens Illinois Harmony Bryan Microsoft Steven Straub

Jack Gallon

$1 Million Gift Caps Board President's Metroparks Legacy Scott J. Savage, president of the Board of Park Commissioners, announced late this summer that the park system had received a $1 million bequest from the estate of former board president Jack Gallon. A noted Toledo attorney and civil rights advocate, Mr. Gallon was a member of the Board of Park Commissioners for 20 years and was inducted into the Ohio Parks and Recreation Association Hall of Fame in 2010. He died March 9 at age 82. “Jack Gallon’s many contributions to the community as an attorney, philanthropist and advocate for civil rights are well known,” Mr. Savage said. “His record of service to the Metroparks is also part of that legacy. Jack has now made one final gift to the park system that he cared so much about.”

Winter stroll, Side Cut

Mr. Gallon devoted most of his life to advancing parks and recreation at the local, state and national level, starting as a playground leader for Toledo City Parks as a teen in the 1940s. From 1989 to 2009, he served on the Board of Park Commissioners, as president for most of that time. One of his major accomplishments as a board member was the creation of the University/Parks Trail, one of the first multi-jurisdictional trail partnerships in Ohio. With Mr. Gallon’s leadership, Metroparks later added the 16

Wabash Cannonball Trail. He was also instrumental in starting the Volunteer Trail Patrol, which his law firm has supported financially. The Fallen Timbers Battlefield and Blue Creek Conservation Area were acquired under his Board leadership, and a land levy was approved by voters, leading to 10 years of unprecedented growth for the park district. Among Mr. Gallon’s many passions were improving the effectiveness of boards, providing educational op-

Make memories in the Metroparks, in any season.

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Welcome… New Members
February 20, 2013 through November 12, 2013 James Adams Michael and Carol Anderson Samantha Anderson Shannon Anderson Tom and Jennifer Antonini Ken and Monica Armstrong Eric and Michelle Bachar Gabor Balazs Bruce Bauer Michele Beach Regina Beagle Sarra Beam Nancy Becker Lindsay Potts and Dave Beckwith Mark and Jane Gay Bell James Betz Wanda Bielski Eric J. and Gail E. Bocian Rebecca A. Bodeman Louis Boehk Earllene Bond Arthur S. Brecher Sandra Briggle Beth Brown Mark Brunsman Kathleen C. Brunt Les and Deb Buker Kim Burkholder-McNutt Cathy Burson Lisa Buschmann Carroll and Mary Ann Cannon Thomas and Robyn Carr Debra Casteel Dawn Christen Leslie Cisneros Kristiana Clark Kim Connors Robinson E. Cope Renae Cotton Frank Cousino Adrienne Barchard Couts Mary Cowie Curtis Crawford Susie Crawford Christine Creque and Family Kathryn Cummings Christina Daugherty Kelly Davis Sharon Barnes and Gabrielle Davis Sue Dawley Lindy Defrank Mary DeLauter Diane F. Delventhal Dr. and Mrs. Dale E. Derick Judy Diaczun Melanie Dickerson Ron Dodge

Members

Long-eared owl Anna Domanowski Margaret E. Doresco Shawn Dowling Dennis and Patricia Duffer Robin Duffin Marilyn Berry DuFour Mary Dunne Nicholas M. and Judy Dye Erin Eash John Eberly Ruth Eby Michaelle Edwards John Eikost Brad and Marjorie Eldridge Su Elliott Robert Etchen Michael Fall Mary and John Fedderke Mike Fesh Tim and Kathy Fisher Patrick France Melinda Franco Debra Fricke Jennifer Friend Kenneth Gallaher James Garbers Dawn Gardner Hal and Maureen Gardner Lorie Gater Dr. Michael Glinka Marshall and Jodie Goldstein Wendy Goldstein Larry and Mary L. Gomoll Mark Gorey Renee Goubeaux C.J. Graham Mark and Jane Graybell Ruth Griffin Kelly Grover Peggy J. Hall Harry L. Handley, Jr. Denise Hauden Hallie Heigel-Williams Barbara J. Henkel

David and Susan Hertz Marcel Hesseling Cheyenne Hilding Joanna Hinton Debra Hoffman Michael Horvath Pamela Hugill David Huhn Matthew Hungli James W. and Marian Hyland, Jr. Ellen Ingram Wilfred Jack Jacobs Rodolphe Jamet David and Tanya Jensen Terry Johnson Merl and Joan Kardatzke Victoria Kavalick Carrie Kerber Gerard and Sue Kincade Erik Knapp Tim Korhumel Evans Koukios Itzel Krauss Jeff and Pam Kreft Margaret Kuebbeler Lisa Kuhl Barb Kunkel Cindy and David Lange Sandra Lass Joseph W. and Claramae R. Leonard Margaret A. Lesle Harold and Carol Leupp John W. Lewandowski Stanley Lewinski Kate Lindon Cheryl Locker Jim Lowry Charlotte Lusk Lynn Lyons James MacHarg Carol Mason Jennifer and Kyle Mauk Beverly Maunz Mary Jo Maurer Shawn Maurer Myra McClure Patrick and Mary McNamara Margaret Meehan Dr. Thomas E. Meiring Rev. John O. Meloy Nancy Merriam Michael Metzger Ana Meyers Karen Mitchell Scott Molitor Patricia Momenee Jim Moran Lisa Morrison Sunyoung Nam Megan Naves Roz and John Needham Lois Anne Nelson Pearl Neuhaus Mary Nyitray Nicholas Oancea Thomas L. and Mary A. Oess

Yussef Olive John Pantel Thomas Passero John and Terri Payak Joyce R. Perkins Renee Peters Stephen and Barbara Peterson Mr. and Mrs. Edwin Phillips John Leslie and Kay E. Pither William J. and Martha J. Pituch Meredith Sue Potts James and Barbara Ray Reed A. and Dianna L. Reamsnyder Professor David Reed Thomas and Mary Therese Reuss Kevin Ricker Kimberly Rogers Ronna and Bruce Romstad Wendy Bertolina and Greg Roszczipka Chris Rowe Jessica Rowlands Jan Ruma Thomas and Phyllis Rutter Rebecca Sanford Connie Molnar and David Saygers Robert A. Schaefer Carrie Schemine Judy Schneiderbauer Jacqueline Schonter Christine Schramm Diana L. Schwind Anne Seikel Fiona Shea Nancy J. Shea Ronald and Marilyn Sheck Adele K. Shelton Brent and Jessica Shimman Fred Shiple Janet Shoviak Susan Shull Tom Silva Michele Simpkins Andrea Smith Kevin Smith Tom Smith Joe Sparks Kathryn L. Sperling Erica Spino Arthur Squires St. Pat's Brownie Troop 10294 Allison Staccone Kimile Steinmiller Mark V. and Barbara Stender Ciara Stewart Patricia Stewart Jessica Stiles Robert L. Storer and Alvera J. Brandt Walter Stotz K. Elizabeth Stover Frances Strohl Douglas Sweet George Sydlowski Stanislaw and Helene Szczerba

Lee Teare Paul and Elaine Tecpanecatl Jean R. Thieroff Bernard I. Thomas Kevin Thomas Michelle Thomas Mary A. Thompson James E. Tierney Eric Tijerina Audrey Tischinae Vicki Tower Bill Tucholski and Rochelle Fleming Sally Vallongo Teresa Vamos Sientje Vanderhoeven Bobbi Vaughn Theresa Victor Barbara M. Vining Kristin Wacha Cornelia Bishop Wagener Jennifer Wagner John Warnke Joel Washing Rebecca Weghorst Patricia S. Weis Ruth Weiss Sue West Nancy Widman Mary Wiezbenski Loretta Willey Linda Wills and John Koontz Leslie and Lee Woldenberg John L. Wolff Richard and Cheryl Wolff Tracie and Dodd Yoder Janet Yonke Gregory D. and Denise M. Zeller

Renewals
February 20, 2013 through November 12, 2013 Ann Abate Samir and Lucy Abu-Absi Marjorie A. Achinger Sharon and Ed Ahlfors Richard and Loviah Aldinger Kevin and Stacy CuppsAlexander and Family Edward and Joann Allen John F. and Rosie E. Allore Richard Bryan and Regina Amidon Carl P. Anderson Joan and Patrick Anderson Judith A. Anderson Susan J. Anderson Joe B. and Antonia W. Andrews Paul and Carol Anspach Dean N. and Andrea M. Applin George F. Archambault Douglas and Christine Ardley Michael and Laura Armstrong Dr. Harvard L. Armus Amir and Augusta Askari Susan Assi Robert R. and Mary Ann Atwood Leonard and Laura Augustyiak Wonsup Edwin and Sunmi Yun Auh Darla Austermiller Carolyn and Tim Austin B. Hill'z Excavating, Inc. John and Lynn Bachelor Jeanne Baehren

Constance Baker Dr. and Mrs. Roger Baker Nancy A. Ballinger Ellen L. Bambrick Andrew S. Bamford and Tamera Wales Louise N. Bankey Mr. and Mrs. Jerald B. Bannister Melvin and Loraine Barger Marjorie S. Baril Catherine and Scott Barnes Gabrielle Davis and Sharon Barnes Julie A. Barnes Naomi Baron Albert L. and Jacqueline M. Bartels Philip Basquez Donald Bauman Reemt and Joan Baumann Gerald and Ellen Bazer Bruce Beaudry Terry L. Beaver Lowell V. Beaverson Willis L. Beck Christopher and Stacey Beck and Family Larry A. and Rebecca B. Becker Joyce Behner Lisa Behrendt Diane Belle David, Heather, and Drew Bellian Bend of the River Magazine Mike and Debbie Bercher Ellen E. Berry Carol and Neil Bersticker Elizabeth Bethany Susan Bibish Thomas C. Biebesheimer

Ice piles, Maumee River

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James A. Binkley Michelle L. Birdwell Bishop Leonard P. Blair Ruth E. Blankerts Sue Blevins Maureen G. Ireland and Jonathan Blinn Ed Bloedow Gerald A. and Linda Bloomer David W. and Sandra S. Blumfeldt Katherine Blystone Patricia Bockert Jeffrey T. and Claren E. SheckBoehler Russell and Cathi Bohland James and Elizabeth Boldt Patrick R. Bolger Richard and Suzanne Bond Dorothy J. Bowe Janice E. Bowman Mary F. Boyd Rosemary Boyd John and DeAnna Bradley Ann and Ralph Bragg Kim Brasher Mark and Sarah Bratt Virginia L. Breese Linda Brenner Mark and Constance Briel Carol A. Brockett Carol F. Brown Brandon Bruno Gary Bryan Harmony Bryan Doris R. Buchanan James W. and Juliann M. Buchele Nancy Bucher Dale Buchner Bonita Buckley James and Lee Buerk Dr. and Mrs. Raymond Buganski Betty Jo Buggie Reuben F. Bumpus

Herman Burmeister Kenneth and Corrine M. Burress Waldo Bush Frank J. Butwin Dorothy Byers Fritz and Katie Byers Donald and Susanna Cadaret Craig Cairns Constance Cameron Ellen Broido and Jo Campbell Ronald and Gay Cappelletti Jan and Michael Caron Alan D. and Darlene A. Carpenter Doug and Wendy Carr Elizabeth Carr Philip, Kendra and Bristol Carroll Lorraine J. Caserta Ford B. and Phyllis C. Cauffiel Kathleen A. Chamberlain Janis Chamberlin James R. and Barbara M. Charvat Robert J. and Kathleen A. Chirdon Katherine Chowdhary and Family Robert G. and Elaine M. Chrismas Marlene P. Christen Gloria Christin Patricia L. Ciborowski Tim and Kathy Clark Timothy and Felica Clark and Family Lindell S. Clemens Dr. and Mrs. Philip E. Cochran Angie Cole Robert D. Conley Jack and Susan Conner William and Linda Connolly Martin and Jan Connors Thomas J. and Barbara J. Contos Darlene Cook David F. and Candace C. Cooper

James and Kimberly Ann Cooper and Family Robert J. and Molly B. Cooperider Richard B. and Nathalie Corado Paul C. and Janet R. Cothrel Carolyn C. Coven Ellen S. Cramer James A. and E. Maxine Crawford, Sr. Richard and Mary Crayon Judith M. Cremean Dr. Patricia Criswell Albert H. and Sharon L. Croci Jon and Susan Cross Richard P. and Lola Crouse Stuart and Denise Cubbon Terry and Linda Dachenhaus Thomas M. Daley Charles S. Davis Curtis W. and Phyllis C. Davis Roger B. and Marilyn P. Dean Kathleen Deanda William and Sara Jane DeHoff Barbara DeLand Diane L. Denis William V. A. and Jeanne S. Dennler William J. and Judith A. Desana Jonna McRury and Dan Dessner Jonathan Detrick Hazel Marie Deuble Thomas Burkstrand and Michele Devereaux Carolyn Sue Dickes Rose Marie Diem Deborah Dolgin Kathleen J. Dollman Eleanor Dombrowski Patrick and Katie Dougherty Michael D. and Elizabeth R. Doyle Jack L. Dubler Timothy Duffey Thomas C. Dumas Sledding, Side Cut

Marie and David Dunaway Thomas A. and Sue Dunn Thomas and Nancy Durnford James and Mary Ellen Durst Rosemarie Duszynski Shirley A. Dwyer William and Sheila Earp Elizabeth A. Eberly June M. Eding Alice and Richard Edwards Jimmie Edwards Karen J. Eighmey Paula C. Ellinger Randy and Maria Ellingson Marie Emery Elizabeth H. Fackelman Ann M. Fago Paul and Irene Fago Richard and Kathleen Faist Rick and Martha Fansler Rickie and Kathy Feeback Jerry and Agnes Finfera Irene H. Fink James Fish John and Abigail Flahie Richard and Ruth Flaskamp Randy and Vicky Foeller Diane E. Folsom Elizabeth S. Ford Louise Fought Scott and Jennifer Fought Zella R. Fought Russell and Jean France Donald L. and Catherine M. Franks Ronald and Linda A. Frastaci Charles and Michele Free William and Gayle Freitag Frederick C. Friess Donald Fritz Richard and Lynn Fuchs Thomas M. Gainsley Samuel E. and Sheila A. Gamble Mary J. Garrison Clarence A. and Mary Gartz Crista Gaudiello Rick Geithmann Jeannie Geppert Annette Gernheuser Sally A. Giauque Eleanor Gibbs William F. and Mary Lou Gilbert Brenda Gillespie Barbara H. Gilmore Audrey P. Gingras Mere E. Girkins Dr. and Mrs. Gerald Glassberg Rick Goheen Edward and Mary Goldberger Gary, Patty and Grace Golden Mary Golkiewicz Lucy Goodenday Donald W. and Barbara L. Gorrell Inez E. Gorsuch Judith Gorun Dr. James and Mrs. Mary Ellen Gosman

Sandra Grady John K. and Julie M. Graham Paul Graham Anthony F. and Marianne R. Gramza Al and Jan Grant Brian and Judith Gribble John and Diana Griffin Nancy Griffin Russ and Vicky Griggs John and Michelle Grigore Gary Grime and Cindy Siefert Stevin Groth Sarah E. and Bruce W. Groves Betsy Gschwind George and Suzanne Gusses Anthony and Carol Guzzo James Hagan Charles and Elisa Huss- Hage Pamela Haggood James V. and Kathleen M. Hahn Karen Hakel William and Vickie Halsey Susan Hamen Steven and Joy Hammer Tony Hammer Scott and Melissa Hamner Paul Hamrick Peter and Claudia Handwork Judith Hanes Jodi Haney Brenda A. Hannan Judy D. Hansen Dick and Pat Hanusz Elaine Hardman Everett Hargrove Jean C. Harler Richard L. Harner Julius Hartwig Robert G. and Peggie L. Hausch Dorothy M. Haverbusch James and Diane Hawkins Robert C. and Bonita Hay, Sr. Marilynn Hazard Gloria Heacock Lyle Hecklinger Richard D. and Agnes Heckman Jerry Heer Sharon Heinrichs Roy A. and Joan Heinz Friedel W. and Ursula L. Helms Fran and Jim Hendren Warren E. and Leann R. Henry Clay P. Hepler Robert and Pamela Herman Jean Hersland Mary J. Hertzfeld James W. and Rhoda M. Hess Marianne S. Hewlett Peter Heydinger and Virginia Keil Duane and Laurel Heyman Patricia A. Hilfinger Charles and Rosalie Hinde Lizabeth J. Hirzel Elaine Hoefflin Kenneth J. and Phyllis J. Hoepfl

Herman and Judy Hoerig Janice Hohenbrink Paul and Pamela Hollenbeck Glenn and Lora Holmes Martin and Kathleen Holmes, Sr. Jean Holzscheiter Kathleen R. Horrigan Donald J. and Carole P. Housholder Dallas and Linda Howard Patricia R. Howard Jim and Karen Hoyt Barbara Hricovsky Carla Hughes Robert Hull Dr. James and Catherine Hunyadi Lucille C. Hurm John R. Husman Diane Huss Theodore and Laura Hutchisson Marjorie M. Hutton Jeanne Y. Hylant Tim and Yvonne Hyma Nancy D. Ibarra Judith Infalt Patricia A. Jackson Anna H. James Bradford C. and Lorraine James Thomas and Jane Janicki Tom and Karen Jennings David and Jori Jex and Family Carolyn K. Johnson Jerry Johnson Patrick and Jean Johnson Ralph H. Johnson T. Scott Johnston Zella Jones-Leventhal Donna J. Jordan Dolores and Mel Kaitaniak Marjorie Kane E. Arlene Kantner Jim and Evelyn Kanzelmeyer Mary M. Karazim Judy Kasper David S. and Nancy Kelly Brian and Shay Kennedy Roger G. and Joanne S. Kennedy Farrukh Khan James and Anne Kimble Robert W. and Rebecca S. King Harold and Linda Kinker Charlotte H. Kirk Michael P. and Jamie Klear Tom and Mary Klockowski Don Klotz Denise A. Knox Jim and Kathie Koenigseker Sharon K. Kohler Robert and Jill Kohntopp Janice Konoff James and Jacqueline Konwinski John Koontz Ellen D. Kraft Paul and Carol Kraus George F. Kreft Timothy N. and Joan Kreps Marvin Miller and Kathleen Kress

Every season brings something new to see Chuck Kreutz Lee J. and Bette A. Kreuz William and Arlene Krosky Mark Gentry and Janice Krumel Mark and Susan Kruse Katherine L. Kuhn Ronald P. Kustra Paulette and Melvin Kwiatkowski Michael J. and Gale A. Lacey Ann Lampkowski Herbert and Karen Landis Richard D. and Sally R. Lane Lynn M. Langel Kay Langlois Jim and Janet Lankey Margretta Laskey Marilyn Klar and Steve Lauer David Lechner William J. Leddy Linda L. Leffingwell Mary Lou Leonard Gary E. Levey and Cynthia Poe Anita Levin and Ken Lempert Malinda B. Lewis Richard Lewis Allan J. and Suzanne R. Libbe Shereth L. Lichtenwald Theodore and Pat Ligibel Cheryl Linke Jana Lintz Gary A. and Kathy A. Loeffler Bonnie K. Loeser Donna Long Sam and Anna Lovalenti Kenneth W. and Jean M.S. Lovejoy The Ludwig Family Richard W. and Sharon A. Luedtke Ronald E. Lukasiewicz Carl and Andrea Lundgren Wilma Lupe Arlynn H. Lyle David J. Lymanstall Alex Lytten John F. and Patricia A. MacDonald Donald and Wendy GibsonMacLean Constance J. Maguire James Maier James and Jane Maiolo Gary M. and Margaret Majeski Megan Malczewski Thomas and Susan Malone Renzo J. and Carolyn Maraldo Catherine and Pete Marinelli David H. and Susan C. Markle Bridget Ann Marlow Glen D. Marquis Benjamin and Martha Marsh David and Pam Marsh Kathy and Kevin Martin Robert J. and Carol A. Mason DiAnne Masztak Susan Matz Clinton and Pat Mauk Laurie S. Mauro Kenneth R. Mauss Shirley J. Mayer Donald C. and Florine M. McCain Kenneth E. and Carlene A. McCartney David and Diane McClellan Ruth A. McClurg Ann McCormick Daniel and Teresa McCormick Denise M. McHue Michael and Nancy McKelvey Jacalyn K. McMahon Linda A. McMahon Dr. and Mrs. Roger McNichols Valerie McVicker Andrea J. Meadows Cathy Meek Karen Menard Kenneth Mennell Norman J. and Susan D. Merkel Phil and Carol Meuser Tom and Teddy Meyer Paul V. and Charlotte A. Michalak Willard Middaugh Barbara Miller Jeanne K. Miller Norman and Nancy Miller

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Kristina Moazed Carl and Judy Mock Paul J. Molnar Beverly A. Mominee Raymond Montague Thomas L. and Christine Moore Robert A. and Ruth E. Morgan Joanne Morgenstern Betty Jean Moser Peter and Janet Mosqueda Marilyn Mossing Barbara Muir Jeanne M. Murphy Nicholas F. and Susan Hartman Muska Anand and Barbara Mutgi Jack H. and Doris M. Myers Walter D. and Susan D. Myers Virginia E. Nagy Barbara J. Narewski Nap and Donna Nasser Dawn Ostrand Naujock Gene and Patty Naujock Donald M. Navarre Barbara Navarro Ralph Naveaux Kathryn and Richard Nelson Lois Anne Nelson Michael Nester Carol J. Neuber Alan and Heidi Newell Harry E. and Nancy Brown Nicholson Kay R. Nickelsen Robert J. and Mary A. Niedzielski Nancy K. Nielsen Anne Oliver Niner Randy and Susie Nissen James F. and Joan Nofzinger Lois Nofzinger Chet and Nora Nowak Dorothy D. Nunemaker James and Mara Oess Joan Osborn Van Gunten John R. and Mary Clarke Ostberg Dorothy R. Otis James and James Garbers Overmyer Rex and Lucinda Palmer Dave and Helen Palochko Elizabeth G. Paren Gloria Parker James Parsons Roger and Margaret Passuello Marty and Lisa Pauken Deborah Perlmutter Ruth Ann Petroff Carolyn M. Pietrzak Carol Pletz Patricia O. Polca Dan and Julie Pompa Joan Posadny Maria A. Povsic Lester G. Powell

Janet L. Preston Robin L. Prettyman Diane R. Pribor Charlotte A. Price Gregory and Vanessa Prince Rose A. Pruszynski Jack and Sarah Puffenberger Curt and Pat Pulcini Robert J. and Paula M. Pulhuj Linda Rakowski Ronald and Jane S. Randall Bob and Judy Rank Doug and Kristina Rasik Norman and Nancy Rasmusson Dave Rassenfoss Dr. and Mrs. James Ravin Ann Ray Jane F. Rayman Vivian R. Reardon Marjorie A. Reas Richard and Penelope Reder William Bruce Redpath Barbara A. Reed Dr. and Mrs. David Reid Steve and Lori Reinbolt David and Carole Reinhardt Adam and Nina Rettig Donald R. and Barbara A. Rettig Gregg M. and Susan J. Rice Marian A. Rice Donna Riley Chris and Natalie Rilling Stanley and Deborah Rinda Patricia Rizzi Carol Roach Brian and Laura Robinson Norman Robinson Wilma M. Robinson Dr. Nancy Robon Geneva D. Rodgers Sarah Rodgers Harold D. and Marilyn A. Roesti Timothy Romano Sandra F. Romanoff Howard and Ann Rosenberg Ronald J. and Sandra M. Rosene Rebecca S. Roth Cindy and Marv Rotondo Keith and Sue Rottman Catherine Rourke Kelli Routsong Stanley Rubin Brad and Julie Rubini David and Veronica Ruch Robert S. and Gladys R. Rudolph Michael and Karen M. Rudy Steve L. and Diane Rueter Peter and Patricia Ruma Louella L. Rupp Robert L. and Joanna Russ Virginia E. Ryan James Rybarczyk Robert and Abigail Sadowy Nancy K. Saffer Dorothy M. Saloff James E. and Margaret M. Sander

Scott and Julie Savage Uma Savanoor Lester E. and Ana F. Savory, Sr. Ann B. Sawyer Eileen L. Sawyer Paul D. Epstein and Barbara Sayers Kathleen and Michael Sbrocchi Patricia M. Scharf Keith and Shirley Schlender Warren and Rosemary Schlievert Dennis M. Schmedlen David Schnapp Dorothy A. Schoell Thomas J. and Nancy L. Schreiber Matthew Schultz Russell G. and Judith A. Schultz Julie Schwartz Joseph Seay Robert R. Seeman and Karin A. Jacobson Mae S. Seretsky Debra Shaffer Dina Shaffer Dr. Rama Shah Michael and Janet Shaink Sandy Sharpless Stephen B. and Joyce P. Shawaker Thomas and Margaret Sheehan Michael P. and Sandra K. Sheehy Marilyn Shefferly John H. and Lois B. Shelly Sara J. Sherick Glenn E. and Betty L. Sherman Mr. and Mrs. Thomas B. Shirk Kay E. Showman Calvert and Marilyn Shuptrine Scott Sibley Marsha Siglow Kathryn A. Silk Janet and John Simmons John and Rona Simon Richard and Mary Jane Simon Shirley Simon Geraldine M. Simpson Margaret I. Sinkey Ann M. Sisinyak Patricia Siwajek Michael and Kathy Skaff David Smigelski Angus J. and Joyce Smith Connie Smith Jan Smith Stephen E. Smith Douglas A. and Terry L. Snider Marlene J. Snyder Arthur M. and Barbara J. Sobczak Mary Sochacki Barbara Sochocki William A. Sohnly Eleanor Sonntag Carol S. Spaulding Donald L. and Sue Speck Naomi M. Spencer

Christine L. Spetka Robert and Sharon Squire Beverly J. St. Clair Quinton and Margaret St. John Timothy M. and Mary A. Stapleton Romaine M. Stawowy David S. and Judy Stead Stuart W. Stearns Ann Steck Paul and Dorothy Steedle Howard and Dagmar Stein Susan F. Steinert Randall and Rose Stephenson Lynda Lee Stern Janet Sternfeld Gary Stoll John H. Strand Steven Straub and Family Wayne and Barb Strayer Robert F. and Carol F. Streight Keith and Rori Mason Suhr Paul Sullivan Enid and Robert Sullivant Mr. and Mrs. Lionel Sully Roger W. and Kathleen A. Sund Superior Uniform Sales, Inc. Sally Sussman Richard L. and Marilyn Suter Patricia Sutherland Mary B. Sutphin Samuel and Judy Szor Guy and Joan C. Szuberla Luann M. Takats Deborah S. Tassie Pauline R. Tate Jill Taylor Mary B. Taylor Sanford Taylor, Jr. Howard and Teresa Teifke Douglas Swiatecki and Mary Templin Connie Terry Norman R. Thal, Jr. The Lady In White Donna Therkelsen Robert Thomas Katherine M. Thompson Jim and Peg Tichy Mary Anne Tigges Dr. and Mrs. James A. Tita Doris Titgemeyer Michael F. and Suzanne J. Torsok Robert J. Towles Kenneth R. Trachsel David and Karen Trautlein Barbara Treuhaft James Troknya Jason and Deanna Truitt and Family Kathleen Trumbull Scott and Margaret Upton Trumbull Ronald G. and Pamela D. Tumblin Lisa Uhrman Anton and Tamara Urbas Phyllis A. Ustaszewski

New MetroBarks Members
February 20, 2013 through November 12, 2013 Michelle Bartkowiak, Stormy, Gracie Daphne Beczynski, Brutus Kimberlyn Brooks, Eddie, Haskell, Chauncey, Gardner, Shadow, Missy Stephen Brown, Monty, Winston, Myles Marcella Dillin, Jake Christopher Elliott, Oliver Isabel Escobar, Butters, Peanut, Piper Christina Fitzgerald, Pippi Deborah Geyer, Gus, Sam Elizabeth High, Fitzwilliam, Tobi Katie Hoepfl, Telsa James and Paula Hofmann, Maxx David LaGrange, Gucci Cheryl Lockard, Diamond Teresa S. Mawer, Riley Wayne Mumford, Casey Thomas and Suzanne Ogdahl, Berwyn, Murphy Joel Retholtz, Paxton Danielle Schick, Lucy Edie Scott, Rascal Shari Sontchi, Gracie Carol Stansfield, Jody, Paula Rachel Vail, Emily, Natasha Gary M. and Diana F. Waugh, Harley, Patch Janet and Dave Wilhelm, Heiki, Zoie

Sarah Schroeder, Alfie Dave and Sue Spiess, Brandi, Daisy Cathy Szymanowski, Jackson, Zosia Mark Zydel, Gidget

Trail Donations
James Adams Tom and Jennifer Antonini Philip, Kendra and Bristol Carroll John and Martha Corcoran Kathryn Cummings Marge Dembowski Eleanor Dombrowski Kyle Douglass Lori and Paul Fenton Firelands Winery John and Abigail Flahie Sandra Grady Richard and Alix Greenblatt Brian Hammer Jodi Haney Krystal Hays Ann Hillard Katie Hoepfl Charles Ide Steve Johnston Elizabeth Jones Michael and Amy Jones Ellen Kang David LaGrange Cindy and David Lange Anita Levin and Ken Lempert Dan Lewis Darin Lockert Michael Lynott Joseph Madigan Stefanie Matyas Tim McGinnis Kelly Meinhart Ann M. Milkie Lori Miller Elsa Nadler Lisa Parisien Robert Reifert Andy Rogers Kelli Routsong Joseph Seay Walter Stotz Andrew Stough Patrick Flahie and Jennifer Kay Strandberg Jackie Vannuyen Beth Vollmar Richard Waltjen Jeffery A. Watts Cara Whiteman Jenifer Wiles Andria Wisniewski Phillip Worley Mark Zydel

The 2014 MetroBarks Festival will be June 7 at Swan Creek Preserve Joan Valentine Thomas and Joan Van Auken Kathleen Van Der Veer Theresa Van Koughnet Nicholas K. and Mitzie A. Vance Clement J. and Elinore L. Vascik William L. and Anna Jean Vaughan Roger and Sharon Veitch Joan Haskell Vicinus Joanne Vick Mary J. Villegas James V. and Julie A. Vitale Lillian Vogel Thomas R. and Jacqueline Wagener, Sr. Gary and Deborah Wagner Steven Wagner Jill Wainwright Russell C. Waite Hardress J. and Gertrude G. Waller Eileen Walsh Tanna Walsh Paul E. Ward Richard D. and Linda S. Ward Thomas V. and Ruth A. Warnka Ernest W. Weaver, Jr. Donald E. and Barbara Weber Janet Weiden Julie Weidner Mathias P. and Sonja E. Welker Suzanna Wells Beth Welter Karen Welter Charlie Wendt Henry C. Wente Faye E. Wenzlick Kay and Bob Weprin Chris S. and Jayne M. Werbylo Heather and Andy Westmeyer Peggy Westmeyer Ralph O. and Natalie M. Wheaton Martha Wheeler Morris C. Wheeler Donald White James R. and Lois S. Whiteman Robert and Debra Whiting Sue Wiegand Carol Wiemken Keith and Barb Wilkowski Angie Williams Charles E. Williams Thomas G. and Joan E. Williams Audra Wing Constance J. Winslow Jeanne Winzeler Glenn D. Wise James and Janice Wisniewski Dave and Sue Woolford William A. Woolridge Rebecca L. Worthen Lee Alfred Wright Margaret Wroblewski Roger E. Wyman Helen M. Yglesias N.T.H. Yoas Robert and Joanne P. Youngen Dr. Richard S. Youngs Joan Yurko Jon Zabowski Keith Zeisloft Kathy Zeller Bob and Gerry Zemenski Norman G. and Connie Zemmelman Joseph V. and Cheryl Zielinski Peggy Zientara Dr. Joel P. and Mrs. Nancy J. Zrull Scott and Dawn Zura Mark and Gretchen Zyndorf

MetroBarks Renewals
Valerie Adamski, Simon and Josie David and Kris Bottles, Mindy Laurie Burnard Gary L. and Ilene D. Damrauer, Max Douglas Dibble, Fenway Gary E. Duden Linda Franklin Elizabeth Gorski, Tosca Joseph A. and Maricarol Hrabovsky, Norton, Rocky Joseph and Glenda Kane, Jackie Jennifer Kesler, Lilly Pad Louis McLove and Beverly J. Wolcott, Toby, Riley Heather H. Mosqueda, Lola, Pedro Gail Peery, Suzy Martin Roidl, Zelda Clair Ruckman, Leia, Jay-Jay

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February 20, 2013 through October 28, 2013

Memorials
Donald Carmin Bernard and Sandra Dube Michelle Jacob Jennifer and Gerald Lagger Barbara Pollard Elizabeth Wagoner Jack Weber Adolf and Anita Witt Jeanne Frances Hollowed Carroll Cheryl Deutsch Scot Caventer Esther J. Neff Susan Earl Tamara Corisis District Track Official Association Rex and Kathryn Fiske Larry and Lynn Golba James W. Muhn Joellyn Opfer Roy C. Start High School Janice Schemenauer Dr. and Mrs. Richard A. St. John Frank and Barbara Wallace Thomas and Elizabeth Wray Gary Ford Jim and Joyce Campey Jack Gallon Associated General Contractors of Northwest Ohio, Inc. Rick Baum

The Bennett-Smith Company Eastman & Smith LTD. Daniel and Deborah Farbrother Brian Harrod William and Susan Horvath Frank and Latendresse Local Union No. 8 International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Gary and Beverly McBride Michelle A. Park Donald G. Pennell Rachel Reight Robert and Donna Robaszkiewicz Spitler & Williams-Young., L.P.A. Timothy and Mary Stapleton Jody L. Stowers The Trust Company of Toledo Mark and Jill Young Angela Hinton Dr. Joanna Hinton Betty Kowalka Doreen A. Trent Matthew J. Lanane Esther J. Neff Majorie Laumann Bob and Barb Fenicle Robert and Josephine Kneisley James and Margaret Lesle Mark and Marla Mears Phil and Audrey Milbrodt Richard and Penelope Reder Pat and Bill Sauer Robert L. Storer Nancy Strohscher Jack Prettyman Eva, Judy, Laura, Jenny

Betty Wright Smith Marjorie L. Hartkopf Delores Ann Smith Susan Coburn Thomas and Margaret Sheehan Gary Spoonmore Campbell, Inc. Mechanical Services Jim Lamm Mary Johnell Wagoner Mary-Ellen Theisen The Children’s Theatre of Mason David Westmeyer JoAnn Achor Jack and Patricia Anderson Judith Westmeyer Peggy Westmeyer Ruth Westmeyer Robin Prettyman gave a donation to support the Annual Fund in memory of Jack R. Prettyman. The following donations were made to benefit Side Cut Metropark in memory of Ruth Keirns. Judy Fegley Mary and James Foote Linda Salyer TelecomPioneers Ohio Chapter #2 Ann Milkie made a donation to support trail maintenance in memory of Susan Earl. Dick and Alix Greenblatt gave a donation to support the trail endowment fund in memory of Jack Gallon.

June 15, 2012 through October 18, 2013

Pearson Memorial Bricks
Russell E. Allan Barbara Haydock Robert C. Glass Sr. Connie Duncan John Kutsch. Sr. Laura Kapela Joan Savage Friends of Pearson Donald Scheiba Friends of Pearson Carolyn L. Ward Dr. and Mrs. Richard Ward

Wildwood Honorarium Lamposts
Roger and Hattie Kate Howell Dave, Lauren, Marcia, Katie, Lauren, Emily, Duncan, Wiley and Little Audrey Ed and Betty Lishewski Marc, Michael, Forrest, Missy, Jennifer and Richard

Janet Waller Michelle Ward Donald Pack Kroger - Pharmacy Department Saturday Morning Men Brad Surface Tom Solly Joanne Morgenstern Patty Morgenstern Betty Spohn Oscar Spohn Gary Spoonmore Barbara Duraine John and Carolyn Kern Suzanne Smith Ruth Barger Mary Johnell Wagoner Christine McVay Kathy Yarberry Laura, Skip, Christina, Pat, Lauren, Brendan and Logan Sue Futey Thomas and Shirley Grzecki Debbie Ketcham Judy Williams

Memorial Plaques
Nashton James Hood James Clouse Tristine Smith Jill Lipinski Chester and Caroline Krall Tom, Cathy, TJ, Jenny, Matt, Sue, Tim, Allison

Covered Bridge, Wildwood Preserve Jim MacHarg Billy and Blaire MacHarg Frank and Ruth Miller Hostelling International Lindsay Miller Ann M. Murnen Sharon Heinrichs Alan Newell and Heidi Schultz Steve and Marsha Boice Elizabeth Schuster Leslie Woitgna Oscar Spohn St. Pius X Cross Country Teams 2012 Sue Wilson and Ron Toneff Ronald Toneff Toledo Section American Chemical Society Joy and Donald Whitt Donald Whitt Joe Skowronek Greg and Lesley Peckham Toledo Orthopaedic Surgeons made a donation in honor of referring physicians to support the Nature Express Children’s Environmental Education Fund. Michael Whitney Metroparks of Toledo Area Wildwood Maintenance Department

Pearson Honorarium Bricks
Alex Lytten Rose Marie Diem

Wildwood/ Visitors Center Memorial Bricks
George S. Athanas The Sullivan Family Fran Cahoo Jack Mayer James Fuerst Florence Fuerst Jack Gallon Doris and Norm Libman Carolyn and Floyd George Hostelling International Kenneth John Gralak Peggy Stewart Angela Hinton Dr. Joanna Hinton John Kutsch, Sr. Laura Kapela Patricia Ann Nutting Cherl Adkins Mary Kay Bunge Debbie Campbell Terry Freeman LeeAnn Helvey Debbie Nichols Chris Reneger Debbie Thanasiu

Wildwood Memorium Lamposts
William H. Chidester Sharon Chidester Bob Nichols Thomas Baker Charles Creech James Flynn Kevin McQuade Donald Mewhort Robert Mix John Monoky Dennis Pawlecki Stan Sanders George E. Williams Debra Cully and Friends Skip and Lee Freeman Bill and Joan Freeman David and Deborah Freeman Rob and Cindy Freeman Julie Weidne

Wildwood/ Visitors Center Honorarium Bricks
Mike and Laura Antoszewski Jennifer Foster Gary and Whitney Bryan Vicki Kroll and Laurie Flowers Bret Davis Danielle Davis Roe CJ & J Davis, Inc. Health Care Agency Jolly Davis J and L Decker Lori Decker Marc B. Dielman David and Kathryn Effler Steve and Marsha Boice John and Carole Forte Kimberlyn Forte Jamie Klear Michael Klear

Wildwood/ Schoolhouse Honorarium Bricks
Clara and Ella David Swemba Logan and Noah David Swemba Nate and Sara Ellis Sara Spencer Ed and Rick Meadows Dennis and Shirley Taylor Dan and Jessica Russell Cheryl and Marc Hand David and Shirley Spitznaugle Hostelling International Scott, Diane, Drew and Brooke Taylor Dennis and Shirley Taylor Steve Lawrence Taylor Dennis and Shirley Taylor

Honorariums
Ruth Morgan made a donation to support Metroparks Windows on Wildlife in honor of Hazel Deuble. Eleanor Dombrowski made a donation to support Metroparks trail project in honor of Jack Mayer. Louella Rupp Jason and Melanie Moser Sue Wilson Marilyn Klar Steve Lauer Sand dunes, Oak Openings

Wildwood/Schoolhouse Memorial Bricks
Bob Nichols Tod Kowalczyk Bradley and Laura Rieger Cliff Lafayette The Rug Hookers Pauline Connell Nowicki Karen Connell

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Weddings in Beautiful Settings
Can You Solve The Mystery At The Manor House?
Consider Metroparks For Your Special Occasion
• Outdoor wedding sites •

Valentine’s Day Chocolate and Candlelight
Rejuvenate your passion for the outdoors…

Make a difference... become a volunteer!
Learn more about how to get involved. call 419-407-9703. elp preserve and protect the natural heritage of northwest Ohio – a rewarding way to contribute to the community. What you’ll get in return is a greater understanding of the area’s nature, history and culture. The view is pretty good, too!
Administrative Opportunities | Volunteer Trail Patrol | Manor House | History | Nature Programming | Special Events | Stewardship & Beautification

H

Dinner is served Friday, January 17, 6 to 10 p.m. Saturday, January 18, 6 to 10 p.m. or join us for Saturday Brunch, January 18, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wildwood Preserve Manor House

Indoor and outdoor facilities for weddings, receptions, showers Choose your own caterer For reservations, call 419-407-9710 or visit MetroparksToledo.com

…and each other.
A romantic, self-guided winter walk along a wooded, candlelit trail at Oak Openings Preserve, followed by chocolates and cocoa by a fireplace in the Lodge. 7 to 8:30 p.m. Friday, February 14 or Saturday, February 15 $15 (Metroparks Members $12)

• •

T

he elegant Manor House makes the perfect backdrop for an entertaining who-done-it mystery. Relax, enjoy a fine meal and test your detective skills.

Now available: Weddings in the stately Wildwood Manor House
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$55 (Metroparks Members $45) Reservations: 419-407-9701
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Metroparks of the Toledo Area 5100 West Central Avenue Toledo, OH 43615-2106

PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID Toledo, Ohio Permit No. 727

oud Member r P

TM

METROPARKS
T O L E D O A R E A
Your Clean, Safe, Natural Places To Be

Members Make a Difference
Become a member. Call 419-407-9723.
Join Today! By becoming a member, you place yourself in the fields and forests protecting wildlife; help restore natural areas; assist naturalists in classrooms and workshops to educate children and teachers. Memberships make great gifts. Metroparks members receive two issues per year of Metroparks Magazine and four issues of the Program Guide mailed to their home, plus discounts on facility and program reservation fees and invitations to special members-only events.

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