METROPARKS

M A G A Z I N E
Fall-Winter 2010

M e t r o p a r k s o f t h e To l e d o Area

My Metroparks 4
Visitors Share Their Memories


METROPARKS
M A G A Z I N
Fall/Winter 2010
Vol. 17, No. 2
published by
Metroparks of the Toledo Area
5100 West Central Avenue
Toledo, OH 43615-2106
419.407.9700
Board of Park Commissioners
Scott J. Savage, President
Fritz Byers, Vice President
Lera Doneghy, Vice President
Staff:
Donald R. Rettig, Jr., Director
don.rettig@metroparkstoledo.com
Denise Johnson, Director, Visitor Services
denise.johnson@metroparkstoledo.com
Patty Morgenstern,
Membership/Customer Service Manager
patty.morgenstern@metroparkstoledo.com
Scott Carpenter, about their Metroparks memories. With up to 15,000
Public Relations Director/Editor
scott.carpenter@metroparkstoledo.com
Jesse Mireles, Art Direction become part of many people’s holiday tradition.
jesse.mireles@metroparkstoledo.com
Valerie Juhasz, Production Manager memories for generations of area families.
valerie.juhasz@metroparkstoledo.com
© Metroparks of the Toledo Area 2010
On the cover:
Nature, naturally, figures prominently
into people's Metroparks memories.
Fall in particular makes a lasting
impression on visitors.
photo by Art Weber
Opposite page:
Pearson has been making memories for
75 years. Now, a new generation will
remember the opening of Pearson North
and the Johlin Cabin.
n eason
I S
E
Holidays, Memories & Metroparks
C
heryl Kraemer, the mother of four daughters,
has been bringing her family to Holidays
in the Manor House for 15 years. “It is an
opportunity for us to wander the home,
admiring the decorations, spending precious time
together.”
In this special issue of Metroparks magazine,
tradition and treasured memories are on display.
Through MetroparksToledo.com, Facebook and
radio announcements, Metroparks has invited
visitors to share their fondest memories and
favorite places in the parks.
Holidays in the Manor House is one of the annual
events most often mentioned when people talk
people visiting the house each year over an eight-
day period, the decorations by volunteers have
The event has endured for 34 years, making lots of
In these days of rapid change, it’s nice to know that
some things remain the same so new generations
can make memories of their own.
Did You Know
The first time the Manor House was decorated was
actually in the summer – August 1975. It was called
the Decorator’s Showcase and it was many people’s
first look at the new park.
The event was so popular that a year later,
volunteers held the first Homespun Holidays,
attracting 10,000 people. The park wasn’t even open
to the public yet that first year, and visitors were
shuttled from the former Woolco Store on Central
Avenue and Holland-Sylvania Road. The name of the
event was later changed to Holidays in the Manor
House.
photo by Art Weber
 My Metroparks
Visitors Tell Their Stories

photo by Ted Bowman

4
We Asked, You Answered
M
aybe it’s the sum total
of many childhood
visits with your parents
that gives you a warm feeling
of familiarity. Or it could be
a single, magical moment
frozen in your mind that you
remember most about the
Metroparks.
Perhaps it’s a park you
frequent often, or one you’ve
only visited once. Or even a
specific place within a park –
a favorite spot you think of as
your own.
We heard it all when we asked
Metroparks visitors to tell
us what makes Metroparks
personal to them. We asked
the question in different ways
at different times and places,
looking for a wide array
of responses. Fortunately,
technology gives us many
ways to connect with people
today, from the radio airwaves
to the Internet – even good,
old fashioned in-person
interviews.
We call it MyMetroparks, an
ongoing quest to find out who’s
coming to the parks and what
keeps them coming back.
Some of the replies we
received are printed on these
pages. You can read more, or
tell us your own MyMetroparks
story, at MyMetroparks.com.
Scott Carpenter
Director of Public Relations
Metroparks of the Toledo Area
‘Couldn’t Have Asked
For A Better Proposal
Story’
I 'm from Toledo and grew
up going to the Metroparks.
Wildwood was the park I visited
most often, mostly to run.
After high school, I went off to
college at Ohio State and have
been in Columbus ever since.
Many times when I'd come
back to Toledo, whether it was
for college breaks or now to
visit family and friends, I still go
running at Wildwood.
Last year, my boyfriend Tim (who
is also from Toledo) and I were
in town for the holidays. We
decided we were going to get up
early on Christmas Eve and go
running before all the Christmas
events begun. It was a pretty
morning; cold, but there was still
snow on the ground. Tim, Jayna
(our chocolate lab) and I headed
to Wildwood and went off on
our run. We finished at the main
trailhead and walked over to one
of the picnic shelters to stretch.
Trails are frequently mentioned when people
talk about their favorite places. Left, Tim and
Betsy with their dog Jayna.
We started talking about how
nice it was to wake up and get a
run in and how much we had to
look forward to in the next few
months.
That's when Tim said, "There's
just one thing that would make it
better." That's when he got down
on one knee and pulled out this
sparkly ring! I was completely
surprised, in the best way of
course! I said yes. It was a bonus
being able to share the news with
our friends and family over the
holidays. I couldn't have asked
for a better proposal story. It was
very us.
I have many fond memories of
the Metroparks, Wildwood in
particular, but I have to say this
one is my favorite one!
Betsy Marlow, Columbus
photo by Jesse Mireles
 Picnics At Side Cut
M y fondest memory of the
Metroparks would be when
we had our family reunion at
Side Cut. We do this every year
with my mom's side of the family
and it just holds such great
memories of family members. I
look back on pictures and realize
- although some of the family
have died or moved away - we
will always have the memories of
our get-togethers at Side Cut! It
truly has something for everyone
to do!
Susan McDonald
Fishing with her grandfather at Pearson is a treasured memory for Lucy Laderach.
photo by Mary Pencheff
Fishing With Grandpa
Take me back to my childhood,
some 40 years ago. My grandpa
would take me fishing at Pearson
Park. He taught me how to skip
stones on the pond – “three
jumps in a row, make a wish.”
My grandparents would hold my
fragile hands walking over the
bridge. I always remember them
saying, Support the parks, they
bring families together.
Lucy Laderach
Working For Wildwood
B ack in the early 70s, I worked
for the Metroparks when
the administrative offices were
downtown. The office staff was
composed of Director Robert
Metz, his secretary Ann Green,
Assistant Director Jean Ward, his
secretary - me - and Elizabeth
Hovan. We worked long into the
night, many nights, on the levy to
acquire the Stranahan property.
So Wildwood holds a special
place in my heart.
My husband and I had the
privilege of attending a thank-you
event at the Manor House [this
fall]. We were very impressed
with everything. The staff was
so cordial and friendly. Our
outside tour guide was very
well-informed as was our guide
through the house. The whole
evening was wonderful. Only
reinforces why we support the
Metroparks.
Thanks for the memories!
Cathi Bohland
6
photo by Jesse Mireles
Start Of A Tradition?
I can remember my parents
loading up the van and me and
my two brothers on Saturday
afternoons and taking us to
the Metroparks for picnics and
hikes through the trails. We
always loved collecting leaves
and finding rocks. Just listening
to stories my dad would tell
us, etc. Now I load up my kids
on Saturdays and off to the
Metroparks we go. I hope they
continue this tradition with their
own kids down the road.
Christina Doda
Pearson Wedding
M y fondest memory is of
my wedding reception at
Pearson Park in January, five
years ago. We had my family
from all over there so it was a
family reunion, too. The park was
beautiful with the snow on the
ground and we got to see some
deer and other little woodland
creatures. The pavilion was
just wonderful and the park
personnel couldn’t have been
kinder and more helpful.
Dianna Myers
Great Times

I remember going to Oak

Openings with a friend who is
no longer with us. I have pictures
so the memories will be with me
forever. I remember taking my
daughter here also when she
was much younger. She loved
running and seeing all about
nature - chasing butterflies. Great
memories, great times. Love
going here on nice weekends.
Thanks, Toledo, for having such
excellent Metroparks. We love
them.

Tammy Rikard

Family Time - Unplugged

I took my wife, two daughters

and three grandchildren to
Side Cut Park and we had the
most relaxing barbecue ever. We
watched the kids play and just
had time to talk, no computers, photo by Jesse Mireles
TV's or phones. Just good old
fashioned talking. We caught up Above, for Tammy Rikard, Oak Openings represents fond memories. Below, visiting Side Cut
on each others’ lives and bonded Metropark has become a family tradition, said Susan McDonald.
so much better.

Charles Dewese

photo by Art Weber 7

What Is Your Favorite Place?
W e put the following question
to fans on the Metroparks
Facebook page:
What’s your favorite place in the
Metroparks? Not your favorite
park, but a specific place. Is there
a best time of year to visit your
favorite spot? Is there a special
memory associated with it?
Here are a few of the replies
that represent various
Metroparks, but you can read
them all at facebooks.com/
mymetroparkspage.
Amy VanderVlucht Travis: There
are so many areas in Wildwood
that I have enjoyed over the
years, it really is difficult to
narrow down just one spot.
However, my family and I do
have a specific tree in the perfect
setting that we love. The tree is
a huge oak, perfectly rounded
when covered with leaves, but
just as beautiful when bare.
We love watching it change
throughout the year. It stands
alone, which is another aspect
we find so intriguing. As you
enter the park from Central, look
to the right, it is in the grassy
clearing. You can not miss it. It
is imposing and magnificent. It is
"our tree." We love it.
photo by Art Weber
Barbara Schermbeck Linebrink:
The bench that is in my mother's
memory, Eunice Schermbeck,
in Swan Creek Park. That park
meant a lot to my mother.
DiAnnwn Magdalene: Favorite
time of year to be in the parks....
absolutely autumn! Crunchy
leaves under your feet, autumn
smell in the crisp air, and oh, the
colors! Winter is pretty neat too,
because you get nature all to
yourself pretty much…
Holly Newman DeWitt: The
photo by Mary Pencheff bridge at the bottom of the locks
at Side Cut. My husband and I got
married on that spot May 2001! In
Collene Oatley: Pearson Park
the spring it is so beautiful there.
by the pond in the Fall; you can
feel the cool weather and see the
Toni Fraide Talley: The big
colors of the leaves. Very pretty.
rock just across the road from
the National Center for Nature
Photography [Secor Metropark].
We taught our dogs to jump up
there and sit.
Cathy Minard O'Shea: I really
love the dunes area in Oak
Openings. So interestingly
different from the rest of the
photo by Mary Pencheff area.
Joshua Colvin: I love them all,
but Toledo Botanical [Garden],
the whole thing is the best spot
in Toledo besides the zoo.
Shaun Nitschke: On the Towpath
trail at the shelter that you
can only walk to [Bend View photo by Jesse Mireles
Metropark]. It is between two
parks on the Maumee River and
Jewel Davenport: Wildwood's
has a great view of the river. I
Manor House garden is where
think anytime of year is great in
my husband and I were married
this spot.
seven years ago. It was a simple
ceremony on a beautiful day at
Megan Ashenfelter: I have
the park. We stop in the same
two favorites: My most fond
spot and kiss every year.
childhood memory is playing on
the playground at Wildwood. I’m
20, and I still have to go sit on the
swings and run down the ramp
on the play structure. Wildwood
is also where I went on my first
date with my fiancée three years
ago. We like to go find a bench in
the middle of the trails and we
just sit and enjoy the sounds of
photo by Jesse Mireles
nature.
8
 Trails Are Top Draw For
Metroparks Visitors

T rails are the stars in the

Metroparks. More people – by
far – say they come to walk or
It doesn’t matter which of the
Metroparks you’re talking about,
trails are No. 1.
photo by Jesse Mireles run the trails than for any other
activity. Several visitors, who were all
interviewed at Wildwood, agreed.
Chris Ferree: Campbell's Prairie
“The walking trails are what keep
[at Oak Openings], early fall,
me coming back to this park,” “My home is located right next
when all the native grasses
said Margaret Kayak of Toledo, to the park so I come here
are tall and the gentians are
who was visiting Wildwood on a every week to walk,” said Gloria
blooming.
Shortridge, a Wildwood neighbor.
Beth Stritzel Kunz: I love going
over to the island from Side More people say they visit the Metroparks for the trails than any other activity.
Cut when the water is low. That
whole area is breathtaking.
Please check out my group
"toledo trail walkers" on
Facebook. I am hoping it turns
into a place for everyone to go
and find friends to walk the trails
with.

Erin Baumgartner: The short,

curvy paved trail in Swan Park
(Airport Highway side) has the
most amazing golden leaves in
the fall. I love walking along that
path when the leaves are in all
their glory! All of the Metroparks

rock!

photo by Jesse Mireles

sunny, first weekend in October.

“I really like the Red Trail and the “I walk all over using the various
prairie. I have been coming for 20 trails. It’s wonderful to have this
years now.” close to where I live.”

When Metroparks surveys the “I really like the non-paved trails

photo by Jesse Mireles
community, walking or running
the trails is the top reason people
give for coming to the parks
(68 percent in the most recent
survey this summer). The answer
is the same for the general
community and frequent visitors,
who are surveyed separately.
or the soft trails,” added Pam
Longworthy. “They are great to
walk on and it’s nice to admire
nature and the trees.”
Teresa Siebenaller also
mentioned the soft, sandy trails
at Wildwood: “There is so much

9
beauty here and we have great
memories of my son having his
birthday parties here. We have
been coming for probably 15
years.”
Other reasons frequently cited
for coming included picnicking,
enjoying the scenery and visiting
the playgrounds. But the network
of more than 100 miles of trails at
10 Metroparks is the main draw,
whether for exercise, socializing
or just enjoying the view.
“For me, the park has been a
place where I have bonded with
my son and volunteered,” said
Mary Elliott. “I walk the same
route all year long, which is four
miles a day, and began inviting
my son to come when he would
photo by Larry Shuman
come back from OSU. I was
surprised he wanted to since he
is more into music, but it gave us
mother and son bonding time.
We walked 15 miles once at Oak
Openings and then packed a
lunch.”
“If it weren’t for the parks,
my family and I wouldn’t get
outdoors as much or be able to
exercise this often,” added Ben
Miller. “When walking on the
trails, we feel safe.”
(Hilary Thompson, a student at
Bowling Green State University,
conducted the interviews for this
story. See all of the comments
from Wildwood visitors at
MyMetroparks.com.)
photo by Jesse Mireles
Retired Naturalist
Leaves A Legacy Of
Outreach
B ees, buses, canoes and
cameras are some of the
tools naturalist Mark Plessner
has used to introduce people to
nature.
Mark has tended to the beehive
in the Window on Wildlife at
Wildwood Preserve, led canoe
floats at Farnsworth and Full
Moon walks at Swan Creek,
connecting with hundreds of
people.
He also has communicated on
a regular basis with thousands
of people on the Nature Now
blog on MetroparksToledo.
com and the park district’s
Facebook Page. His online photos
and descriptions of seasonal
highlights have ranged from rare
occurrences such as a visit from
a mountain bluebird to sightings
as common as a cardinal.
10
Plessner retired in late October
after a career that began as a
volunteer in the 1980s. He later
joined the staff part-time and
has been a full-time member of
the Program Department since
2000.
One of the innovative ways the
naturalist reached out to the
community was a program called
TARTA Tuesdays. He would go to
TARTA’s Park Station downtown
toting large photos of nature
and a bus schedule to talk to
people about how to get to the
parks. He once expanded on the
idea to transport a group from
the Aurora Gonzales Center by
bus to Swan Creek Preserve for
a bilingual nature adventure,
complete with Spanish field
guides. For that idea, he was
honored by his peers with a
Diversity Champion Award.
While Plessner’s presence has
been felt across the park district,
it’s the river parks where he
says he feels most at home. “I
was always drawn to the river,”
the Waterville native said. “I
probably caught my first fish
in Silver Lake (at Side Cut). I
literally grew up on the Maumee
and I always tell people I didn’t
have dry feet until I was 16 and
could drive.”
Of his many fond memories, one
standout is working with fellow
naturalist Bob Jacksy installing
bluebird boxes at Oak Openings
and enjoying the fruits of their
labors when they witnessed more
and more bluebirds returning to
the preserve. “It goes to show
that you can make a difference,”
he said.
Another highlight was meeting
his wife, Sherry, who had
previously worked with him as a
Metroparks naturalist.
Designs On Exhibit:
Celebrating 25 Years
25 Years 25 Logos: A
Retrospective Of Logo Designs
By Jesse Mireles, a new exhibit
at the National Center for Nature
Photography, will highlight some
of the artist’s favorite – and
award-winning – designs.
A free public reception to
meet the artist and learn more
about the logo design process
will begin at 2 p.m. Sunday,
January 23. Refreshments will be
provided.
Park visitors are familiar with
Mr. Mireles’ work, from logos
to publications (including this
one). Through his career, he has
amassed numerous awards and
honors, including having designs
featured in international journals
read by professional designers
around the word. For this exhibit,
he had the unenviable task of
selecting just 25 of the hundreds
of original designs he has created
over two and a half decades.
The exhibit is one of three
opening Saturday, January 8
and continuing through Sunday,
March 27 during regular gallery
hours, Saturdays and Sundays,
noon to 5 p.m. Also opening are
two photos exhibits: “Orchids of
Oak Openings” and “The Fragile
Nature of the Lake Erie Islands.”
11
Toledo Botanical
Garden Appoints
New Director
T he Toledo Botanical Garden
Board, the non-profit
organization that manages the
Garden, announced in October
that Karen Ranney Wolkins was
appointed executive director.
With more 25 years of
professional experience, Ms.
Ranney Wolkins has served
in a variety of leadership,
development and marketing
positions for several local
organizations including The
Toledo Symphony, and most
recently as Vice President of
Marketing and Development for
Sunset Retirement Communities
in Toledo. She has served on the
Board of Directors of the Toledo
School for the Arts, Sunset House
and the Catholic Family Center in
Rochester, New York.
"It's a privilege to be working
at Toledo Botanical Garden
and I am thrilled to be here,”
she said. “There is a wonderful
opportunity to increase TBG's
relevance in this community and
to build on the great work that
has already been accomplished."
Karen Ranney Wolkins
photo by Jesse Mireles
Oak Openings by Art Weber

12
13
 Sledding Hill
Welcome Addition To
Side Cut
A sledding hill set to open
at Side Cut this winter will
be the beginning of a new
tradition in Maumee.
The 24-foot hill is the start
of a winter recreation area,
thanks to the contributions
of the Wagener family,
Volunteers in Parks and
others.
In honor of their late father,
Al, the Wageners have held
an annual golf outing since
1999, with the proceeds
being designated for use
at Mr. Wagener’s favorite
park, Side Cut. They recently
agreed that the hill would be
an appropriate use for their
generous donation.
It was announced in the
last issue of Metroparks
magazine that Metroparks
Members donated $10,000
toward the sledding hill,
among other projects.
The new feature at the
oldest Metropark began to
take shape in September
thanks to the Side Cut
staff, especially Jim Shaw,
who was instrumental in
planning and coordinating
the project. DK Excavating
donated approximately 1,000
yards of soil and trucking
services, while Ramlow Bros.
Landscaping donated labor
New sledding hill: just add snow.
photo by Mark Plessner
Field Notes
photo by Art Weber
and equipment to hydro-seed
the hill.
Still a work in progress,
the new winter destination
will eventually include
an extension for smaller
children and seating areas.
Locations where sledders can
warm up beside a fire are
also envisioned.
14
Contributions are still being
accepted for the project,
which is expected to be in
use this winter.
The new hill will be similar
in size to the popular
sledding hill at Pearson.
The Side Cut sledding hill
will take the place of the
rolling landscape of Ft.
Miamis, formerly a Maumee
City Park where children
went to sled. As part of the
Metroparks, Ft. Miamis now
has a new purpose – to tell
the story of the American,
British and Native American
combatants who fought and
died on the soil in the Battle
of Fallen Timbers and the
War of 1812.
An act of Congress
designated the Fallen
Timbers Battlefield and Ft.
Miamis National Historic
Site, and requires that the
property be cared for in a
way befitting the important
historical events that took
place there. The mounds
that attracted sledders are
actually the fabric of the fort
itself, which has eroded from
use over the years.
Planning Moves
Ahead For Reynolds
Road Farmland
Metroparks held a public
meeting September 27 to
give an update on plans for
a future Metropark at the
corner of Reynolds Road and
Hill Avenue.
A committee had been
meeting periodically the
previous seven months to
create a sketch of what may
be included in the new park,
using comments collected at
a February 23 public meeting.
The committee is completing
a General Management Plan
for the land, which will guide
the development of the park
and fundraising efforts.
Currently, there is no date
set for the park to open to the
public.
The Trust for Public Land
purchased 51 acres of the
property, known as Keil Farm,
in 2008 and immediately
transferred the property
to Metroparks, adding to
40 acres the park district
purchased in 2008. The
total acquisition to date has
been made possible through
$3.5 million in federal
funds secured by U.S. Rep.
 Marcy Kaptur. Plans call for
purchasing 23 additional
acres of the 154-acre farm.
Keil Farm provides a link
to the rich agricultural
heritage of Lucas County,
which contains one of the
largest concentrations of
greenhouses in the nation.
The land also is an important
green oasis within the city
of Toledo and helps protect a
tributary to the Ottawa River.
New Access Opened
At Bend View On over the summer building a
US 24
A new entrance and 42-car
parking lot at Bend View
on US 24 just west of Box
Road is now open as work
continued this fall on grading
and seeding. When the
entire project is completed,
a trail will lead from the
parking lot to Bend View,
a small Metropark that
was previously accessible
only by walking two miles
from Farnsworth along the
Towpath Trail.
Bend View overlooks a
90-degree bend in the
Maumee River that is often
referred to as one of the most
scenic locations in Lucas
County. With the opening of
the trail, the view will now be
accessible to more people.
Young explorers spent a week in the Metroparks this summer at Nature
camp.
photo by Maggie Overholt
Tornado Damage
Area Undergoing
Clean Up
A logging company this fall
has been removing damaged
and hazardous trees in
Oak Openings Preserve
as a result of a June 5
tornado that tore through
the preserve. Approximately
150 acres of forested area
were affected by the storm,
leaving trails, roadways
and recreation areas closed
because of poor or hazardous
conditions.
Wood products removed from
the damaged area will be
used in the lumber and paper
industries. Money raised
from the sale of the wood
will go back into managing
the damaged areas and
repairing trails and roadways
impacted by timber removal
operations.
During the logging
operations, parts of the trail
system will be closed for
safety. Metroparks intends to
reopen trails each weekend
during this operation to
accommodate park visitors.
Volunteers
Introduce Kids To
Wonders Of Nature
Volunteers, such as Lori
Fenton and Julie Hoch, youth
15
photo by Art Weber
The storms in June left massive devastation in a 150-acre area at Oak
Openings Preserve.
Counselors in Training and
college interns, helped make
Metroparks summer camps a
success this year. Volunteers
gave hundreds of hours
geodesic dome, running the
Egg Olympics and teaching
kids to fish at Pearson. First
year CIT McKenzie Smith
completed her school’s
service hour requirement
while receiving an armload
of notes of appreciation from
campers.
Volunteer Walk Leaders also
give their time throughout
the year to introduce area
children to the wonders of
Metroparks – the sights, the
smells, the sounds.
If you’re interested in
sharing your knowledge of
and passion for nature with
others as a walk leader or a
member of the summer camp
staff next year, call 419-407-
9703 for information.
Trails Set To Open
At Pearson North
Two projects related to
Pearson began the same
week in late summer and will
be open to the public this fall.
The City of Oregon extended
the Starr Avenue bikeway
from Lallendorf to Wynn
roads. The bikeway, which
begins on Starr near
Wheeling Street, will connect
with the existing bike lane
on the Starr Extension north
of Wynn, which continues
through the city’s recreation
complex and the campus of
Clay High School to Corduroy
Road. Plans call for the route
to eventually continue to
Maumee Bay State Park.
At the same time, Metroparks
installed a 1.7-mile trail that
loops through Pearson North,
a 300-acre addition opened
just over a year ago. An
observation tower behind the
Johlin Cabin, benches and
picnic areas are also part of
the project.
Ash Tree Removal
Continues In Parks
More than 1,100 hazardous
ash trees have been removed
this year, thanks to $1.3
million in funding from
the American Recovery
and Reinvestment Act. The
program also resulted in
the creation of six full-time-
equivalent jobs.
The trees were killed by the
emerald ash borer infestation
and had to be removed before
they posed a danger to people
or property. Thousands
of other ash trees in the
Metroparks will fall on their
own in the woods, where
they will provide habitat and
nourishment for plants and
animals.

Annual Fund Donors
June 18, 2010 through
October 1, 2010
Dr. and Mrs. Robert Hartwig
Helen Hornack
Kenneth J. and Patricia D.
Mauer
Ray and Sheila Otto
Richard and Susan Szempias
Donations for
Capital Projects
The Rose Trust Fund made
a donation in support
of Metroparks capital
improvements.
For the Native Seed
Nursery at Blue
Creek Conservation
Area
D.J. Mears donated a
refrigerator.
Frogtown Water Gardeners
made a donation in support
of the native seed nursery.
Gifts to Special
Projects and
Programs
Anne Palmer gave a donation
to support the playground
project at Wildwood Preserve.
Ohio Specialties donated 20
wood transport boxes for the
Lathrop House.
Medical Mutual/Healthy
Ohio Cities donated t-shirts
and printing for the Autumn
Adventure fall walking
program.
photo by Mary Pencheff
Giving Tree
For Swan Creek
Preserve
Mark Plessner donated a
Finder Scope for the Yager
Center.
Volunteers In Parks donated
three handicap-accessible
picnic tables.
For Pearson
Friends of Pearson donated
birdseed for the Window on
Wildlife.
For Providence
The Reuben Company
donated concrete flooring
and gutters for renovations
and repairs at the
maintenance shop.
For Wildwood
Preserve
Joanne Beede made a
photo by Mark Plessner donation in support of the
Window on Wildlife.
For the birds: donors help keep the feeders full.
Sharon Bernhoft donated
Donations Help Make For the Nature framed historical photos of
Memories For Campers Campers Wildwood.
Summer camps provided Sunoco/PS Food Mart donated
memorable experiences for 2,440 Rice Krispie Treats. Stephen and Joyce Shawaker
dozens of local children this donated shovels, rakes
summer, from pre-school Edy’s Grand Ice Cream and hoes for maintenance
age to teens. Among the donated ice cream. projects.
gifts that helped make these
popular programs special was Gifts for the Manor National Center for
a generous donation from House Nature Photography
the MLM Fund at the Toledo The following donations were Helen Palochko donated
Community Foundation. made to support the Manor memory cards for the “Lotts
You can help introduce House at Wildwood Preserve. of Nature” photography
youth to the wonders of program.
nature – and memories Teresa De Jesus Avilae
they’ll treasure a lifetime – Arthur and Brenda Michaelis Karen Pugh donated 15
with your gift to Metroparks in memory of Phyllis A. Talley bottles of Metroparks wine
summer camps. for an exhibit reception.
General Support
Matching Gifts The following made Educational
Donations by an individual donations to support current Programs
may be matched by the expenditures at Metroparks: Michael Jasinkowski made
donor’s business or employer. a donation in support of
Erica King educational programs at the
Libbey Inc. matched Judge and Mrs. William J. Metroparks.
Greg Sparks’ gift to the Skow
membership program. Ronald G. Tumblin
16
Make a difference...
become a volunteer!
Learn more about
how to get involved. H elp preserve and
protect the natural
heritage of northwest
Call 419-407-9703.
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 Pro-
gramming | Special Events |
Stewardship & Beautification

17
Welcome ... Membership
New Members
June 3, 2010 through October 1,
Members Renewals ...
June 3, 2010 through October 1,
2010 2010 00

Amy Andecover Deborah and Duane Ackley

Steve and Barbara Armacost Amy Adamczak
Michael and Laura Armstrong Frances Amison
Susan Augustyniak Charles N. Amonette
Bert and Sharon Barnett William Antoszewski
Casper Stephen Barraco Kyle Armstrong
Judith Bee Harvard L. Armus
Vicki Beers Nancy A. Ballinger
Joelle Behnfeldt Paul and Kathleen Barber
Marney Belli Catherine and Scott Barnes
Susan Bertram Naomi Baron
Bradley Bloomer Debbie Barrow
Blue Water Communications LLC Dr. Reemt and Mrs. Joan
Claudia Boyd-Barrett Baumann
Suzanne M. Brickey Gerald and Ellen Bazer
Christie Burnett Willis L. Beck
Sue Capur Larry A. and Rebecca B. Becker
Philip, Kendra and Bristol Carroll Joanne M. Beede
Cathy Cathers Bend of the River Magazine
Jody Chamberlain John E. and Mary Berger
Lisa Clark Susan Bibish
Angie Cole James A. Binkley
James and Kimberly Ann Cooper Lillian Bird
and Family Michelle L. Birdwell
Jeff and Sherri Cousins Jon E. and Karen Bjorkman
Diane Daney Curtis D. and Marilyn C. Black
Todd DeBruin Margie and Baron Black
David Derlik Ruth E. Blankerts
Marci Firsdon Ed Bloedow
James Fish Margaret M. Blood
Janet Frederick Mary E. Boellner
Lisa Gathard Rey and Rosemary Boezi
Gilmore Jasion Mahler Patrick R. Bolger
Rick Goheen photo by Bob Jacksy Dorothy J. Bowe
Sylvia Gonzales Janice E. Bowman
Neil and Patricia Green and John and DeAnna Bradley
Family Dr. and Mrs. Thomas Brady
Christine Greulich Andrew Lyke John H. Strand James H. Brennan
Becky Grogg Lisa Mains Keith and Rori Mason Suhr Carol F. Brown
Sara Guiher Joanne Malikowski Mary Rose Takacs Mary Elizabeth Brown, Esq.
Bhaskar Gundabolu Gabriel Mendoza Kathy Taylor Jacquelyn G. Bruno
Nancy Hayden Robin Mobley Patricia Tebbe James W. and Juliann M.
Leola Haynes Dennis Mortemore Sharon Thomas Buchele
William Horvath II Jeanne M. Murphy Victoria Thompson Nancy Bucher
Diane Howard Nicole Myers Marilyn Vannak Dale Buchner
Jan Hunter Erin Nichols Hermann Von Grafenstein Raymond Buganski
Diane Huss Tammy O'Leary Brad Walch Reuben F. Bumpus
Elisa Huss-Hage Nancy Pahl Ariana Wascher Kenneth and Corrine M. Burress
Theodore and Laura Hutchisson Holly Lynn Palmer Mary Weiss Waldo Bush
Charles and Betty Hyre Madonna A. Pauken Tom and Corinne Welch Frank J. Butwin
Pat Jarvis David and Carole Reinhardt Kaitlin Wertzgaugher Dorothy Byers
Michael Jasinkowski Brad Rosebrook David Westmeyer Craig Cairns
Patrick Johnston Joel J. and Benet S. Rupp Carol Wiemken Tom and Jo Ann Callanan
Kristin Kiser Anna Lee Samson Tina Willett Stuart P. and Elizabeth A. Carl
Deb J. Lengel Hannelore Schueler Karrie Wills Cloyce and Joan Carlen
Libbey Inc. Michael Sido Becky Woodcock Scott and Beth Carpenter
Lynn Long Aaron Smith Christina Young Martha J. Carver
Sourisack Luangrath Sarah Speer and Family Lorraine J. Caserta

18

photo by Art Weber
Christina Castle
Richard and Tomlyn Chambers
Barb Chappell and Ace Acebedo
Robert J. and Kathleen A.
Chirdon
Marlene P. Christen
Patricia L. Ciborowski
Philip E. Cochran
Norman Conrad
Abraham Conteh
Alvinia R. Costilla
Sandra Cotton Sliker
Charles L. and Florence J.
Cromly
Richard P. and Lola Crouse
Richard S. and Doris Currie, III
Terry and Linda Dachenhaus
Bill Davis
Charles S. Davis
Douglas H. and Nancy A. Davis
Roger B. and Marilyn P. Dean
Diane L. Denis
Thomas C. Denman
Edward P. Descamps
Joanna McRury and Dan
Dessner
Carolyn Sue Dickes
Michael D. and Elizabeth R.
Doyle
Terese I. and Timothy G Drewyor
Jack L. and Barth Dubler
Rosemarie Duszynski
Philip Myers and Martha Early
June M. Eding
Karen J. Eighmey
Clair and Sally Emerson
Mike and Kathy Essi
Elizabeth H. Fackelman
Rick and Martha Fansler
Irene H. Fink
Daniel J. Fisher
Bob and Pat Fitch
John and Abigail Flahie
Richard A. and Mary F. Flasck
Vicky Foeller
Nancy L. Foley and Jim Harris
Diane E. Folsom
Gladys I. Ford
Arthur, Corinne and Elliot
Ingmire
Alice H. James
Anna H. James
Theodore G. Jenkins
Stanley W. and Dolores A.
Joehlin
Denise and William Johnson
Patrick J. Johnson
T. Scott Johnston
Donna J. Jordan
Sakari T. and Shirley Anne Jutila
John and Eileen Juvinall
Jim and Evelyn Kanzelmeyer
Kim Kaseman
Jim and Joan Keeler Family
Roger G. and Joanne S. Kennedy
James and Anne Kimble
Michael P. and Jamie Klear
Darrell H. Fox Tom and Mary Klockowski
Ronald and Linda A. Frastaci Sharon K. Kohler
Samuel E. and Sheila A. Gamble Robert and Jill Kohntopp
Mary J. Garrison Patricia Kosnikowski
Patricia Gast Don and Laurie Kowalski
Annette Gernheuser George F. Kreft
Dr. Pacifico S. Geronimo Timothy N. and Joan Kreps
Eleanor Gibbs Lee J. and Bette A. Kreuz
William F. and Mary Lou Gilbert John A. Kroll
Ted C. and Patricia R. Gillespie Irene Kruse
Mere E. Girkins Katherine L. Kuhn
James Gloth Julie Kurtz
Margaret Graber Paulette and Melvin Kwiatkowski
Mary C. Greisiger Steve Latsch
John and Lena Grigore Steve K. Lauer and Marilyn F.
Dorothy A. Grove Klar
Allen D. Gutchess, Jr. Linda L. Leffingwell
John R. and Susan Hadley Jerald and Lydia Lenning
Barbara Ann Hall Margaret E. Leonard
Ron and Kitty Hall John W. Lewandowski
Brenda A. Hannan Allan J. and Suzanne R. Libbe
Jean C. Harler Cheryl Linke
Tom and Toni Harms Noryne Lockwood
Dorothy M. Haverbusch Bonnie K. Loeser
Thomas R. and Patricia C. Hays Kenneth W. and Jean M.S.
Marilynn Hazard Lovejoy
Earl C. and Dolores M. Heath The Ludwig Family
Albert and Jean Henderson Wilma Lupe
Warren E. and Leann R. Henry David J. Lymanstall
James W. and Rhoda M. Hess Alice F. Lynch
Charles and Rosalie Hinde
Lizabeth J. Hirzel
Kenneth J. and Phyllis J. Hoepfl
Harold G. and Nancy J. Hoffman
Bill and Marie Hoover
Kathleen R. Horrigan
Donald J. and Carole P.
Housholder
Dallas and Linda Howard
Patricia R. Howard
Joseph A. and Maricarol
Hrabovsky
Randal R. and Juli Lynn Huber
Martha L. Huepenbecker
Katherine M. Hunter
James W. and Marian Hyland, Jr.
Tim and Yvonne Hyma
Judith Infalt
19
photo by Art Weber
Donald W. and Wendy Gibson-
MacLean
James and Jane Maiolo
Mark and Rose Makulinski
Renzo J. and Carolyn Maraldo
David H. and Susan C. Markle
Glen D. Marquis
Benjamin and Martha Marsh
Linda G. Martz
Kenneth J. and Patricia D.
Mauer
Clinton and Pat Mauk
Laurie S. Mauro
Kenneth R. Mauss
Shirley J. Mayer
Kathleen McCarthy
Kenneth E. and Carlene A.
McCartney
Allene M. McHenry
George F. and Sharon McKisson,
Jr.
Lou McLove and Beverly J.
Wolcott
Linda A. McMahon
Patrick and Mary McNamara
Mary Lou Measles
Norman J. and Susan D. Merkel
Tom and Betty (Teddy) Jo Meyer
John and Margaret Michalak, Jr.
Susan A. Middendorf
Jay H. and Gail S. Mirrow
John and Ruth Mizerek
Shirley A. Monto
Marilyn Mossing
Olivia A. Murphy
Jane B. Musgrave
Stephen and Irene Nagy
Barbara J. Narewski
Gene and Patty Naujock
Carol J. Neuber
Patricia Newman
William V. Nichter
Anne Niner
James F. and Joan Nofzinger
Chet and Nora Nowak
William M. and Dorothy D.
Nunemaker
Charles and Mary Nyitray
Joan Oberle

photo by Jesse Mireles
Bill and Barbara Oliver
Elsie J. Olszewski
Ruth Ormsby
Peter R. Orser
Dorothy R. Otis
James and James Garbers
Overmyer
Dan and Patti Owen
Billy and Mary Ann Parker
Paul Parrick
Richard L. Parrish, Jr.
James Parsons
John and Terri Payak
Jeffery and Dana Periat
Pauline A. Polderman
Dr. G. Michael and Mrs. Patty
Pratt
Robin L. Prettyman
Charlotte A. Price
E. David Proudfoot
Joseph and Linda Rakowski
Kyle J. and Laura Randall
Bob and Judy Rank
Ann Ray
Jane F. Rayman
W. Bruce Redpath
Margot M. Reichert
Donald R. and Barbara A. Rettig
Douglas P. and Mary R. Ricci
Marian A. Rice
Kevin Ricker
Jackie Riley
Mark M. and Jeannette R. Rohr
Timothy J. Romano
Gwen Rome
Rebecca S. Roth
Catherine Rourke
Louella L. Rupp
Robert L. and Joanna Russ
Jay and Sue Ryno
Dr. Kathleen M. Salyers
Scott and Julie Savage
Ernest R. and Virginia B. Saylor
John C. and Marilyn Scarlett
Patrick and Barbara Fox Schad
Russ and Denise Schifferly
Warren W. Schlievert
Bob Schneider
Howard and Teresa Teifke
Bob and Connie Terry Welcome New
Robert and Jo-Ann Teufel
Norman R. Thal, Jr.
MetroBarks
Nancy Thiel
Steve and Julie Thomas
Members…
Mary Anne Tigges June 10, 2010 through October
Doris Titgemeyer 1, 2010
Robert J. Towles
Lynda Trabbic-Odum Pilar Athaide, Victor
Gregory A. Troemner Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Bly, Piper,
Greta Ullman Newton
Theresa Van Koughnet Larry and Diane Friedmman,
Nicholas K. and Mitzie A. Vance Sidney
Bobbi J. Vaughan Sandra Grady, Tamu
Roger and Sharon Veitch Michelle Keip, Detroit
James and Joanne Vick Beth Kunz, Meiko
Barbara M. Vining Pamela Langdon, Caramel
Steven Wagner Darin Lockert, Bailey, Savannah
Dorothy A. Schoell Paul J. and Darlene Wahr, Jr.
Russell G. and Judith A. Schultz Robert Miller, Nikki
Russell C. Waite Laurie and Katelyn Peth, Travis
Teri Schwartz Elizabeth A. Warren
William H. and Joan Searles Ashley Pryor, Pepper, Bo
Mary Louise Waterfield Samuel L. Rayner, Sadie
Paul L. and Elaine A. Sellers Donald E. and Barbara Weber
Mae S. Seretsky Debbie Rump, Nilla, Robby
Mathias P. and Sonja E. Welker Catherine Slabaugh, Jack
Michelle Sestak Georgia Welles
Michael P. and Sandra K. Sheehy Evan Straub, Cyrus, Cisco, Chloe
Faye E. Wenzlick
Douglas A. Shelton Chris S. and Jayne M. Werbylo
Kay E. Showman
James P. Sigrist
Ralph O. and Natalie M. Wheaton
Lois A. White MetroBarks
Kathryn A. Silk
Jean M Simon
Robert and Debra Whiting
Melvyn E. and Annette W. Wicks
Member
Nancy J. Simon
Geraldine M. Simpson
James E. and Lenora E. Wilkie
Michael D. and Diane L.
Renewals…
Jeffrey and Oliver Sims Williams
Ann M. Sisinyak June 3, 2010 through October 1,
Thomas G. and Joan E. Williams 2010
Brian Skotynsky Glenn D. and Mary M. Wise
Janet L. Smith James and Janice Wisniewski
Ronald R. and Myrtle M. Smith Valerie Adamski, Simon and
Robert E. and Karen Woods Josie
Douglas A. and Terry L. Snider William A. Woolridge
Arthur M. and Barbara J. Cheryl Bodedain, Winston
Rebecca L. Worthen John and Pam Conway, Willie,
Sobczak Margaret Wroblewski
Barbara Sochocki Hershey, Eddie
Robert and Joanne P. Youngen Elizabeth Gorski, Tosca
Maria Sodd Goretti Dr. Richard S. Youngs
Eleanor Sonntag Dee Keough, Ember, Dreama
Bob and Gerry Zemenski Teresa S. Mawer, Parker
Greg and Arlene Sparks Sam Zyndorf
Roger Spurgeon Sanford Taylor, Annie
Jennifer Sader and Jesse Squire Constance J. Winslow, Maggie
Wilma Steele
Kenneth and Diane Stein
Randall and Rose Stephenson
Lawrence W. and Thelma
Stoeckley
Ione Stough
Enid and Robert Sullivant
Ruthie and David Summers
Roger W. and Kathleen A. Sund
Timothy A. and Barbara A.
Sundling
Superior Uniform Sales, Inc.
Sally Sussman
Jeffrey Swartz
Guy and Joan C. Szuberla
John and Yolanda Szuch and
Family
Deborah S. Tassie
Pauline R. Tate photo by Jesse Mireles
20

photo by Mary Pencheff
Honorariums
June 19, 2010 through September
30, 2010
Honorarium Brick at
Pearson
Jim and Rosemary Riley
Honorarium Brick at
Wildwood Preserve
Molly and P.J. Wolf
Jeanna Romine and Friends
Memorials
Regina (Jeanne) Bowerfind
Lyle Hecklinger
Norma M. Cadaret
Bettie Donovan and Family
Tom and Karen Jennings
Donald and Carime Kellermeier
John and Alice Hoff
Richard and Betty Pool
Kathy Smalley
Rodney and Ruth Smalley
David Lott
Jane Neff
Pat Moses
Kirk and Patricia Kovas
Dave and Kyle Heinl
Jane Neff
Kim and P.J. Wood
Robert Schwab
Jane Neff
Now Available
For Rent
The Farmhouse
At Wildwood
Memorials
June 19, 2010 through September
30, 2010
Memorial Benches
Jakob Sensenstein
Christine Mercier
David Yanez Jr
Clara Yanez
Memorial Bricks at
Pearson
Alvira Windisch Bitter
Judith Dailey
Arnold H. Bitter
Judith Dailey
Julia S. Johlin Bitter
Judith Dailey Rent this historic Farmhouse
Diane Lynn Lau
at Wildwood Preserve
Susan Lackner for your special occasion.
David J. Ondrus
Maricarol and Joe Hrabovsky Available for weddings,
Patricia and Gary Lee
Jackie and Jerry Timm showers, parties, meetings,
Michael and Sue Torsok
family get-togethers.
Bob and Mabelle Thompson
Judy Beard For prices and availability,
or to arrange a tour,
call 419-407-9784.
21
Events For
Members
Holidays in the Manor
House
Special Members Preview
December 3 from 2 to 7 p.m.,
Wildwood Manor House
Join us for a sneak peek at
the over 30 decorated areas
at this year’s Holidays in the
Manor House.

Winter Solstice
Celebration
December 21 from 6 to 8
p.m., Farnsworth, Indianola
Shelter
Witness A stunning view of
the Maumee River and kick
off winter with Metroparks, Sunday, December 5 - Sunday, December 12
a cozy fire, s’mores and good
company. RSVP to 419-407- 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
9723.
Wildwood Preserve, Manor House | Free
Members Photo Gallery
Reception
Ring in the holidays this year by taking part in one of northwest
January 30 from 3 to 4:30 Ohio’s most festive celebrations. For over 30 years, community volunteers
p.m., Nature Photography have decorated the Manor House at Wildwood.
Center at Secor
Join Metroparks Director Walk through the home and see why over 10,000 of your neighbors
of Nature Photography Art have made this an annual holiday event.
Weber for this members-only
program featuring the fragile
nature of the Lake Erie
Islands, plus images from his
other recent travels. Light
Holiday Café & Craft Show
refreshments will be served.
RSVP to 419-407-9723 or Sunday, December 5 - Sunday, December 12
register. 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
For a complete list of Wildwood Preserve, Metroparks Hall | Free
members programs, or
to register for the Winter Complete your visit to Wildwood Preserve at Metroparks Hall,
Solstice or photography just down the sidewalk from the Holidays in the Manor House.
events, please visit
MetroparksToledo.com. Look for the singing snowmen. Bring your family and friends to
warm up and enjoy hot or cold beverages, hot dogs, cookies
and snacks while browsing for that special hand-made gift offered
for sale by area crafters.
Sponsored by Metroparks Volunteers-In-Parks. Proceeds are used for Metroparks projects.

22
 Nature Shots
Stunning Scenery Captured by Local Photographers
Stunning Scenery captured by local photographers

Barn Owl, Nature's Nursery Photo by Scott Carpenter

Photos selected by the National Center for Nature Photography at Secor Metropark.

Visit the center Saturdays and Sundays, noon to 5 pm.

23
Metroparks of the Toledo Area PRST STD
5100 West Central Avenue US POSTAGE PAID
Toledo, OH 43615-2106 Toledo, Ohio

Permit No. 727

roud Member
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. Join Today! By becoming a member, you place yourself in the
Call 419-407-9700. fields and forests protecting wildlife; help restore natural areas; as-
sist 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 invita-
tions to special members-only events.