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Knox County Park District

Knox On The Outside

The 12x24 picnic shelter, recently constructed by Rotary Club of Mount Vernon at Big Run Access on the Kokosing, was upgraded further in late October, thanks to a donation of concrete by Small’s Sand and Gravel.  Small’s donated the concrete to the friends of the Park District, which was used to form the picnic shelter floor.  A sidewalk was poured at grade with the remaining extra concrete to facilitate accessibility. Ralph Spray and Roger Hite lent their concrete pouring expertise, resulting in a professional finish to the floor and sidewalk.  Special thanks is also extended to Garrett Ressing, Rotarian and friend of the Park District, for arranging the concrete gift.  The friends of the Park District are seeking donations to erect a picnic grill for the site.  Call 740/392-7275 to donate.

KCPD Awarded Operation Round Up Grant

Vol. 1, Issue 9 November 07

November brings a sense of stillness (and a time zone change) across the landscape.  Most birds have migrated south, and the wooly bear caterpillars have found a home in which to spend the winter.  This issue of Knox On The Outside features status updates on projects of interest and recent grants received by the Park District.

Approximately 40 hikers joined local history buff David Greer on a hike to the Devil’s Backbone in Jefferson Township on October 14.  The hike served as the latest event in the “Nature of Knox County” series.  The series is a collaborative event between the Park District, Ramser Arboretum, Brown Family Environmental Center and Owl Creek Conservancy.

Here are updates with regards to the Knox County trail system:

Kokosing Gap Trail:  Kenyon College recently razed several maintenance buildings along the trail in Gambier and installed a berm.  This action has greatly enhanced the aesthetics of the Gambier staging area of the trail.  Gap Trail volunteers will plant hardwood saplings in the area to further improve the site.  The Gap Trail volunteers will hold their annual dinner on December 4th at the Alcove Restaurant.    

Mohican Valley Trail: Visitors from far away continue to make the Bridge of Dreams a destination.  More than 700 visitors, representing 11 countries and 32 states, have signed the log in the past 35 days. 

Heart of Ohio Trail: The Heart of Ohio Trail volunteers will hold their annual meeting at ThePlace@TheWoodward (South Main St., Mount Vernon) on November 8th, 7pm.  Trail volunteers hosted a meeting of the Knox Partners in Tourism group in October, to showcase the trail and associated tourism activities in Centerburg.

Kokosing River Water Trail: The Smallmouth Alliance held a successful fishing outing on the river in early October.  Water levels are good for a fall foliage float!

KCPD has entered into a partnership agreement with the US Fish and Wildlife Service to restore an approximately 2.7 acre emergent wetland on our newest acquisition site, Bat Nest Road Access.  The US Fish and Wildlife generously agreed to fund the restoration project in total, which will include a tile break.  US Fish and Wildlife has developed a wildlife habitat management plan for the site, to increase resting/nesting cover and food production for upland and grassland bird species.  When completed, the wetland and habitat created on the site will result in increased consumptive use recreation opportunities on the site.  The 102-acre Bat Nest Road Access is now open to hunting, and the property is posted with KCPD signs.  Park in the small grassed lot along State Route 715 near the Knox/Coshocton County line.

KCPD would like to thank Burch Tree Care of Howard for their donation of mulch this summer and fall at Wolf Run Regional Park.  Cub scouts and Kenyon college students used the mulch to enhance trail entrances at the park.

 

The Friends of the Park District is a group dedicated to sustaining the KCPD long-term.  Call (740) 397-7954 or send an email to fbaldesc@columbus.rr.com to join.  The Friends of the Knox Park District also accepts cash donations, which are tax-deductible.

To remove your name from our mailing list, or if you have questions or comments, E-mail us at info@knoxcountyparks.org or call 740/392-7275

KCPD on the web: http://www.knoxcountyparks.org

Due to an increase in email/spam filters, we ask that you add these email addresses to your email address book to ensure that our newsletter reaches you appropriately:

info@knoxcountyparks.org

kimmarshall@co.knox.oh.us

KCPD Board Commissioners:  Dave Beck, Mark Bennett, Susan Ramser

KCPD Director:  Kim Marshall

KCPD has received word that our grant application submitted to the Operation Round Up Foundation has been funded in full.  Monies received from the Operation Round Up Foundation will result in the purchase of a 12x6 foot utility trailer, chainsaw, gas trimmer, pole trimmer and hand tools, much needed items for our operations and maintenance staff. 

According to the Energy Cooperative website, “Operation Round Up is a community service program of the Members of The Energy Cooperative.  By rounding up their monthly utility bills to the next dollar, they are able to pool their donations and return them to organizations in the communities The Energy Cooperative serves through the Operation Round Up Foundation.”  Click the logo below for information concerning Operation Round Up.

KCPD “Floored” by Donation

On Sunday, December 16, Wolf Run Regional Park will serve as the site of a holiday celebration modeled after a traditional Swiss celebration of Christmas in the Forest. The outdoor program will take place at 5:30 p.m. in one of the park’s towering stands of native timber, near the parking lot on Yauger Road, one mile east of Mount Vernon.

Luminaries will guide visitors to a holiday tree where a lighting of candles on the tree will mark the beginning of the celebration. The lighting of the tree and caroling will be followed by a bonfire and hot chocolate. 

Switzerland’s Christmas has been influenced by the many nations surrounding the small mountainous nation. Many of these traditions have come to America and are commonly practiced in all parts of the country. The Park District celebration will give area residents a chance to experience the forest just as darkness descends and to sing out with the joy of the season.  A feeling of tranquility envelops the park during this auspicious time of year, offering the visitor a chance to reflect on the past year and to briefly escape the frenzied pace of the holiday season.  Dress warmly for this outdoor program.

Big Run Picnic Shelter, showing a newly poured concrete floor and sidewalk

Park Management: Bat Nest Road Access Wetland Restoration Project

Wolf Run Park photo, submitted by Katherine Clifton