04-20-2010, 11:10 AM
COLUMBUS, OH - Successful volunteer efforts in the Cowan Lake State Park region, which includes Cowan Lake, Caesar Creek and Little Miami state parks, were recognized with the Volunteer Park of the Year Award for 2009, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR).
"The variety and quality of volunteer projects in these parks is impressive," said John Hunter, acting chief of Ohio State Parks. "Millions of boaters, bicyclists and campers benefit from the park improvements and programs these volunteers have helped to provide."
Regional Manager Tim Carr and Assistant Manager Alan Ferguson accepted the award on behalf of the 601 volunteers who contributed more than 16,300 hours in 2009. Among the volunteer groups in the Cowan Lake region are the Cowan Lake Sailing Association, the Friends of Caesar Creek and the Friends of the Little Miami Trail. The Cowan Lake Sailing Association, which has been active at the lake for more than 55 years, recently helped the park expand and improve dock facilities.
The Friends of Caesar Creek built a new playground at the park's popular campground, and have worked hard to provide more events for campers. Graduates of the Ohio Certified Volunteer Naturalist Program, who are also active at the park, assist with programs at the nature center, and participated in the development of a 2-mile interpretive nature trail linking the Caesar Creek Nature Center and Pioneer Village with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Visitor Center at Caesar Creek Lake.
The Friends of Little Miami State Park was organized in December 2008, and within six months, the group had raised several thousand dollars to spur repaving and restoration work on bridges along the 50-mile bicycle and pedestrian path. So far, 11 bridges along the stretch of state park trail from Hedges Road in southern Greene County to Morrow in Warren County have been resurfaced.
State park volunteers donate their time in many ways including providing campground host services, assisting park staff with building and maintaining trails, litter pickup and beautification projects, aiding naturalists with programs and animal care. Volunteer programs offer opportunities for people of all ages and interests to participate. To become a park volunteer, contact a nearby state park.
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR web site at www.ohiodnr.com.
-30-<br />
For more information contact:<br />
Jim Henahan, Ohio State Parks<br />
614. 265. 6549<br />
Heidi Hetzel-Evans, ODNR Media Relations<br />
614. 265. 6860
"The variety and quality of volunteer projects in these parks is impressive," said John Hunter, acting chief of Ohio State Parks. "Millions of boaters, bicyclists and campers benefit from the park improvements and programs these volunteers have helped to provide."
Regional Manager Tim Carr and Assistant Manager Alan Ferguson accepted the award on behalf of the 601 volunteers who contributed more than 16,300 hours in 2009. Among the volunteer groups in the Cowan Lake region are the Cowan Lake Sailing Association, the Friends of Caesar Creek and the Friends of the Little Miami Trail. The Cowan Lake Sailing Association, which has been active at the lake for more than 55 years, recently helped the park expand and improve dock facilities.
The Friends of Caesar Creek built a new playground at the park's popular campground, and have worked hard to provide more events for campers. Graduates of the Ohio Certified Volunteer Naturalist Program, who are also active at the park, assist with programs at the nature center, and participated in the development of a 2-mile interpretive nature trail linking the Caesar Creek Nature Center and Pioneer Village with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Visitor Center at Caesar Creek Lake.
The Friends of Little Miami State Park was organized in December 2008, and within six months, the group had raised several thousand dollars to spur repaving and restoration work on bridges along the 50-mile bicycle and pedestrian path. So far, 11 bridges along the stretch of state park trail from Hedges Road in southern Greene County to Morrow in Warren County have been resurfaced.
State park volunteers donate their time in many ways including providing campground host services, assisting park staff with building and maintaining trails, litter pickup and beautification projects, aiding naturalists with programs and animal care. Volunteer programs offer opportunities for people of all ages and interests to participate. To become a park volunteer, contact a nearby state park.
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR web site at www.ohiodnr.com.
-30-<br />
For more information contact:<br />
Jim Henahan, Ohio State Parks<br />
614. 265. 6549<br />
Heidi Hetzel-Evans, ODNR Media Relations<br />
614. 265. 6860