Volume 3, Issue 1 • January thru March • 2014
Friends meetings held at the Davidson Interpretive Center at 7:30 p.m. on these dates:
Mon., Jan 20 • Mon., March 17 • Mon., May 19 • Mon., July 21 • Mon., Sept. 15 • Mon., Nov. 17
Winter Musings...
by Mike and Connie Stewart, Ohio Certified Environmental
Educators & CCPD Volunteer Naturalists
The first day this year that there was a nice dusting of snow, our younger
granddaughter called her grandma and said, “Grandma, it snowed.” She and her
grandma Connie are snow buddies. Both love winter and playing outside.
We must look at the snow and winter through the eyes of the child we once were, not through
the eyes of an adult filled with the fear of sliding off the road and the work of shoveling snow.
With the sense of excitement and awe, we will see the beauty and tranquility of the winter.
If we hike out into the park and dig down in the snow, adults will be surprised by the myriad of things
that are growing and alive down in the snow. Winter is not a time of death and loss, but a time of refreshment
and peace and renewal of both the Earth systems and our own well-being. At least today it is.
It is a time for us to slow down and take time to reflect on the hectic, hustle and bustle time that the rest of the
year forces us to live. There is a stark beauty in the winter woods. Once at the Clark County Fair, a man was
painting pictures to sell. He was working on one of a winter woods of deciduous trees, those that lose their
leaves, and painted every one of them with leaves. When I asked him why, he said he did not like trees without
leaves. They depressed him. I thought he was missing the beauty of the true shape of the tree without its cover
up. To see the real tree shape and that beauty was being missed. This winter look at the true beauty of the bare
tree while enjoying the evergreens as well.
continued on page 2
Index...
Winter Musings................................................... 1, 2
Message from the President & Photo Contest........ 3
George Rogers Clark Heritage Association............ 4
Estel Wenrick Wetland Nature Preserve................. 4
Daniel Hertzler House Museum.............................. 5
First Mad River Light Artillery............................... 5
Little Miami Scenic & Prairie Grass Trails............. 6
George Rogers Clark Park...................................... 7
How You Can Help!................................................ 8
Calendar of Events.................................................. 9
Friends of the Clark County Park District • www.fccpd.org
The Park Bench • Volume 3, Issue 1 • January thru March, 2014
Winter Musings...
(continued from pg. 1)
The explanation for the reason for the seasons is explained in the myth of Demeter and Persephone (see below).
All myths and folk tales used to explain some natural event has a basis in fact. Myths add a beauty and sense of
awe to the factual scientific explanation for things in our natural world. All of this winter musing has made me
feel like writing a poem, a haiku.
Silvery snowflakes
Dancing in the pale moonlight
Fills the winter woods
The Reason for Seasons: Ancient Greek Myths for Kids
Zeus was the king of all the gods and Hera was his wife. Zeus had three sisters, but it was his
sister, Demeter, who was most important to the lives of the ancient people.
Demeter was in charge of the harvest. All the gods’ jobs were important. But Demeter’s job was
very important. If she was upset, the crops could die. Everyone, gods and mortals alike, worked
hard to keep Demeter happy. What made her happy was enjoying the company of her daughter,
Persephone. Persephone had grown into a beautiful young woman, with a smile for everyone.
One day, while picking flowers in the fields, Hades, her uncle, the god of the underworld, noticed
her.
Hades was normally a gloomy fellow. But Persephone’s beauty had dazzled him. He fell in love instantly. Quickly, before anyone could interfere, he kidnapped Persephone and hurled his chariot down into the darkest depths of the underworld, taking Persephone with him.
Locked in a room in the Hall of Hades, Persephone cried and cried. She refused to speak to Hades. And she refused to
eat. Legend said if you ate anything in Hades, you could never leave. She did not know if the legend was true, but she
did not want to risk it in case someone came to rescue her.
Nearly a week went by. Finally, unable to bear her hunger, Persephone ate six pomegranate seeds. It seemed her fate was
sealed. She would have to live in the Underworld forever.
Meanwhile, back on earth, Demeter was miserable. She missed her daughter. She was not able to care for the crops. She
was not able to do anything much except cry.
Zeus, king of all the gods, was worried about the crops. The people would die if the crops failed. If that happened, who
would worship Zeus? He had to do something. Zeus did what he often did. He sent Hermes, his youngest son, the messenger, to crack a deal, this time with Hades.
Even as a baby, Hermes was great at making deals. Everyone knew that. But this deal might be the challenge of his life.
His uncle Hades, king of the underworld, was really in love. This was no passing fancy.
When Hermes heard that Persephone had eaten six pomegranate seeds, he had to think quickly. The deal he made with
Hades was that if Persephone would marry Hades, she would live as queen of the underworld for six
months out of the year. However, each spring, Persephone would return and live on earth for the other
six months of the year. Hades agreed. Zeus agreed. Persephone agreed. And finally, Demeter agreed.
Each spring, Demeter makes sure all the flowers bloom in welcome when her daughter, Queen of
the Underworld, returns to her. Each fall, when Persephone returns to Hades, Demeter cries, and
lets all the crops die until spring, when the cycle starts again.
The periods of anticipation are our transition seasons of Fall and Spring. The ancient peoples
told these stories to try to explain the reasons for the things in the natural world. Somehow and
somewhere along the way, Demeter has metamorphosed into Mother Nature.
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Friends of the Clark County Park District • www.fccpd.org
The Park Bench • Volume 3, Issue 1 • January thru March, 2014
Message from the President...
Happy New Year! Can you believe its 2014? We were so busy this past year,
time just flew. We’ve launched a new website, grown our membership, held
fundraisers, hosted events, gatherings, fishing contests, our 5K run “The Gantlet”,
the Second Annual Photography Contest and so much more. I am so excited to
ring in the New Year. Thanks to your support, 2013 was a thoroughly successful
year and 2014 is already shaping up to be our best year yet!
Your participation in Park activities continually raises awareness in our community and beyond of just
how amazing Clark County Parks are. My New Year’s resolution is a commitment to you: building a
happier, healthier community. Join us. Walk with us. You will be so happy you did. See you in the Park!
Bradley Campbell, President
Friends of the Clark County Park District • [email protected]
2013 Second Annual Photography Contest Award Winners
Landscape
People
Historical
Wildlife
Open
First Place
C.A. Smith
Mike Scarberry
Kristen Shultz
Marlies Hemmann
Jeffrey Kampman
Second Place
Michelle Nau
Kristin Shultz
C.A. Smith
Jim Hulzeiser
Phillip Jones
Third Place
Kristin Shultz
n/a
n/a
Kristin Shultz
James Landis
Best of Show Phillip Jones
People’s Choice Award: Carol DeVore
Friends of the Clark County Park District • www.fccpd.org
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The Park Bench • Volume 3, Issue 1 • January thru March, 2014
George Rogers Clark Heritage
Association
Mark your calendars for Saturday, August 30 and
Sunday, August 31 of this year’s annual Fair at
New Boston.
The Estel Wenrick Wetland
Preserve
Join us for A Winter Hike in the Wetlands!
Saturday, January 18, 10:00 -11:00 a.m.
The George Rogers Clark Heritage Association
has already begun planning for the 2014 Fair at
New Boston. Held on Labor Day every weekend
at George Rogers Clark Park, this re-creation of an
18th-century market and trade fair sets the national
standard for authenticity.
Enjoy walking in a winter wonderland! Listen for
birds, search for animal tracks and discover how
plants cope with winter temperatures. We hope to
have snow so we may enjoy the quiet of a snowfilled forest. Dress for the weather - this program
will take place if temperatures are above 20º.
This organization is also planning for growth and
expansion. The triangular stockade, originally
built in 1984, the 200th anniversary of the Battle
of Pickaway, is in need of maintenance and repair.
Any assistance you would be interested in providing for this project will be greatly appreciated.
There are always opportunities to volunteer to help
with maintenance and restoration. Invasive species
such as Japanese Honeysuckle continue to threaten
the health of our ecosystem. A workday will be
planned in the spring for continuing the maintenance of this valuable ecological sanctuary.
For more information about the
George Rogers Clark Heritage
Association, visit their website at
www.grcha.org
For details on helping to improve the quality of
this wetland and preserve this valuable ecosystem
contact the offices of the Clark County Park district or B-W Greenway at www.bwgreenway.org.
Take a Hike!
Tuesday Morning History Chat & Walk, 10:00 a.m.
Thursday Morning Hike, 9:00 a.m.
Tour the Interpretive Center and learn about the Battle of
Peckuwe. Discover the life of Eastern Woodland Indian
culture and events leading up to the battle.
Meet at George Rogers Clark Park on the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd
Thursday morning of each month (parking lot below the
dam). On the 4th Thursday of each month, stroll through
the Estel Wenrick Wetland Nature Preserve at the Union
Road parking lot.
Tuesday Morning during January and February;
1st and 3rd Tuesdays in March
Davidson Interpretive Center, 5638 Lower Valley Pk.
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George Rogers Clark Park, 930 S. Tecumseh Road
Estel Wenrick Wetland Nature Preserve, 2855 Union Rd.
Friends of the Clark County Park District • www.fccpd.org
The Park Bench • Volume 3, Issue 1 • January thru March, 2014
First Mad River Light Artillery
The First Mad River Light Artillery operates an
educational program surrounding a reproduction 6
pound cannon from the Revolutionary War similar
to the one used by General George Rogers Clark
at the battle of Pickaway in 1780.
Programming and demonstrations are available for
your organization regarding artillery and warfare
during the Revolutionary War as well as important
events regarding the history of early Ohio.
For more information about the First Mad River
Light Artillery, please contact the Clark County
Park District offices.
Little Miami & Prairie Grass
Trails
Our two signature multi-use trails are in winter
mode. It is likely that debris is accumulating and
smooth cycling unlikely. However, the trails are
always available for a brisk walk. We encourage
you to get off the couch, take a walk, and enjoy
what these trails have to offer.
Your assistance is welcome on various projects
along the trail including a spring trail cleanup to
remove winter and storm debris you are likely
to find along the trails, as well as promoting safe
use of trails through the trail watchers program.
For more information, contact the Park District
offices.
Daniel Hertzler House Museum
The 1854 Hertzler House is officially closed for the winter.
However, anyone can schedule a tour by calling 937-8826000. We welcome school groups, home schoolers, scouts,
and the general public. Just let us know.
If you know of any 4th or 5th grader interested in history,
make note - scholarships for the annual Living History Day
Camp will be available in early April. Ten students can write 200
word essays about George Rogers Clark or Clark County and attend the
Photograph by James Campbell
camp for free. Thirty students will be able to take part in the June 23, 25,
27 Day Camp. Applications will be available April 15 for $25. Camp is limited to 10 students per day, so
early applications are a must. Call 937-864-1046 for more information.
The first Open House for 2014 is scheduled for May 3-4. Special tours can be arranged at any time of the year
for special groups or occasions by contacting the offices of the Clark County Park District.
Friends of the Clark County Park District • www.fccpd.org
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The Park Bench • Volume 3, Issue 1 • January thru March, 2014
Photograph by Michelle Nau
George Rogers Clark Park & Davidson Interpretive Center
Join us at George Rogers Clark Park and the Davidson Interpretive Center for year-round events regarding the natural and historical features of our community!
The Calling of the Owls (Free)
Small Animals of the Forest (Free)
Learn about owls in Ohio, where they live and why they
are important to the Ohio environment. We will also try
to get them to check us out by making their “call” sound.
Each person will receive a free “Owls of Ohio” guide and
“Owl Sounds” CD. Dress for the weather - this program
will take place as long as the temperature is over 20º.
Meet animal ambassadors from the Boonshoft Museum
of Discovery. Please pre-register for this program by
Wednesday, March 12. We hope to see you there!
Fri., February 7, 6:30-8:00 p.m. George Rogers Clark Park
A Valentine’s Day Night Out (kids only!)
Fri., February 14, 6:0009:30 p.m., Ages 6-10
Davidson Interpretive Ctr.
$10.00 per child or 3 for $21.00 (from same family)
Bring your kids to spend the evening with us. They will
learn about Ohio wildlife and how they show their “love”
for each other. If it is clear, we will go outside, view the
night sky and listen to the sounds of the night. Includes
crafts, games, cool facts, and a Valentine’s Day snack!
Sat., March 15, 10:00 a.m., Davidson Interpretive Ctr.
Stargaze (Free)
Sat., March 22, 9:30-11:30 p.m., Davidson Interpretive Ctr.
Discover and observe the evening’s constellations, satellites, planets, galaxies and other sights in the sky. Please
bring binoculars (if you have them), a blanket and chair so
you can sit back and enjoy the show. A telescope will be
available to offer a closer view. This program is weatherdependent - watch our Facebook page for notifications.
Mark your calendars for our Fireside Chats. Enjoy presentations relating to history and
events from around our area as well as topics regarding natural features and wildlife.
Check the Park District website to learn more about specific programs and dates.
• January 14, 7:00 p.m., Davidson Interpretive Center: “From Fort Recover 1791 to
Fallen Timbers 1794” by author and historian, John Winkler.
• February 11, 2014, 7:00 p.m., Davidson Interpretive Center: Local historian and former county prosecutor Darnell Carter will present this program about Springfield’s history in the early 1900’s.
• March 11, 2014, 7:00 p.m., Davidson Interpretive Center: Retired Wittenburg professor Robert Morris
will present a fascinating talk concerning the varieties of flint/chert used by prehistoric Indians in Ohio.
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Friends of the Clark County Park District • www.fccpd.org
The Park Bench • Volume 3, Issue 1 • January thru March, 2014
Ways You Can Help
Volunteers have been the lifeblood of the Clark
County Park District since its inception some
35 years ago...
The Park District staff is putting together plans for this year’s
programming. Feel free to let us know about the kinds of activities
that you think would make our Park District parks a better place to spend your time.
We are always looking for new and exciting activities to offer at our parks and trails. If you are interested in
presenting a program, let us know.
As always, we always welcome new Friends who are looking for ways to take an active role in the Friends of
the Clark County Park District. Our list of annual events keeps growing and every hand can be helpful in making these events fun and informative for every member of the family. Please consider joining the Friends and
offering your time and talents to the benefit of the Clark County Park District.
You can learn more about the Clark County Park District by visiting their website at www.clarkcountyparkdistrict.org. Executive Director Jim Campbell can be reached at 937-882-6000 or at [email protected] . You may also visit our offices at the Davidson Interpretive Center located on Lower Valley
Pike near George Rogers Clark Park.
Interested in learning more about the Friends of the Clark County Park District? Like us on
Facebook at “Friends of the Clark County Park District” for up-to-date information.
Interested in learning more about the Friends of the Clark County Park District?
Please complete the information below and mail to:
Friends of the Clark County Park District, 930 S. Tecumseh Road, Springfield, Ohio 45506.
Name:__________________________________________________________________________________________________
Street Address:_ __________________________________________________________________________________________
City:______________________________________________ State:__________________________ Zip:___________________
Email Address:_ __________________________________________________________________________________________
Telephone Number:________________________________________________________________________________________
Friends of the Clark County Park District • www.fccpd.org
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CALENDAR
Of EVENTS
Monthly Meetings:
The Friends of the Clark County Park District
The George Rogers Clark Heritage Assoc.
3rd Monday of each month
1/20, 2/17, 3/17
7:30 PM, Davidson Interpretive Center.
1st Wednesday of each month
2/5, 3/5
7:00 PM, The Gathering House located in GRC Park
Clark Co. Park Dist. Board of Commissioner
The Hertzler House Committee
2nd Monday of each month
1/13, 2/10, 3/10
7:30 p.m., Davidson Interpretive Center.
4th Thursday of each month
1/23, 2/27, 3/27
7:00 PM, The Hertzler House
Special Events:
Tuesday, January 14, 7:00 p.m.
Fireside History Chat
Friday, February 14, 6:00-9:30 p.m.
A Valentine’s Day Night Out (ages 6-10 only)
Author and historian John Winkler. Davidson
Interpretive Center
Davidson Interpretive Center
$10/child or 3/$21 (from same family)
Saturday, January 18, 10-11 a.m.
A Winter Hike in the Wetlands
Tuesday, March 11, 7:00 p.m.
Fireside History Chat
Estel Wenrick Wetland Nature Preserve
Retired Wittenburg professor Robert Morris,
Davidson Interpretive Center
Friday, February 7, 6:30-8:00 p.m.
The Calling of the Owls
George Rogers Clark Park
Tuesday, February 11, 7:00 p.m.
Fireside History Chat
Local historian Darnell Carter
Saturday, March 15, 10:00 a.m.
Small Animals of the Forest
Davidson Interpretive Center
Saturday, March 22, 9:30-11:30 p.m.
Stargaze
Davidson Interpretive Center
To subscribe to this electronic newsletter please send an e-mail to:
[email protected].
Please feel free to forward this newsletter to everyone you know who is interested in the Clark County Park District and shares your vision that this is a
valuable resource in our community that demands our support.
Layout & design of The Park Bench provided by Julie Nau, Nau Graphics.