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GO NUTS! Calendar of Events

Sept – Oct – Nov – Dec 2010
Monarch Butterfly Tagging,
Sat, Aug 28, 1:00 pm,
Meet at Park Office, 1970 Countryside Place , Fremont

Assist local researcher, Tom Kashmer with Monarch migration studies by netting, tagging, and releasing butterflies. In 2003, three of Tom's tagged Monarchs traveled over 1800 miles to Mexico . How far will your butterflies travel? Nets and instruction provided. Open to ages 6 and up. Registration required by calling 419-334-4495.

Canoe with Eagles
Mon, Aug 30; Wed, Sept 1; Fri, Sept 3;
Mon, Sept 6; Wed, Sept 8; Fri, Sept 10

All programs meet at 4:00 pm at the Park Office, 1970 Countryside Place , Fremont , then travel to launch site. Registration required and you must register with a partner, at least 12 years old. Canoes provided to travel along Green Creek, a prime eagle watching area. Register by calling 419-334-4495 or toll free 1-888-200-5577.

White Star Log Cabins Open
Sat., Sept. 4 - Sun., Sept. 5, 1:00pm-5:00pm

During the SCRAP Show (Sandusky County Restorers of Antique Power), stroll through the cabins to see what pioneer life was like. White Star Park is located south of Gibsonburg on SR 300. Walk the trails from the main entrance parking to access cabins or enter the SCRAP Show by car on CR 60.

Puddle Jumpers: Creek Walk ,
Fri, Sept 10, 10:00 am, Mull Covered Bridge

Ages 5 and under with adult companion are invited to put on old shoes or boots and join us for a creek walk as we search for water critters. Mull Covered Bridge is located west of Wolf Creek Park on County Road 9. Registration required by calling 419-334-4495 or toll free 1-888-200-5577.

Monarch Butterfly Tagging,
Sat, Sept 11, 1:00 pm,
Meet at Park Office, 1970 Countryside Place, Fremont

Assist local researcher, Tom Kashmer with Monarch migration studies by netting, tagging, and releasing butterflies. In 2003, three of Tom's tagged Monarchs traveled over 1800 miles to Mexico . How far will your butterflies travel? Nets and instruction provided. Open to ages 6 and up. Registration required by calling 419-334-4495 or toll free 1-888-200-5577.

Hike the Swamp,
Mon., Sept 13, 4:30pm-7:00pm,
Shelley Wetland

Meet at the Park Office in Fremont for a ride to the swamp in the Bellevue area, or call for a meeting point near the wetland.  Wear boots or shoes that can get wet and bring the bug spray. Binoculars and cameras are a good idea, too as we explore the wetland for birds, insects, and plants. Registration required by calling 419-334-4495 or toll free 1-888-200-5577.                

Old Fashion Rug Braiding
Wed, Sept 15, 6:00-8:00 pm,
White Star Log Cabin

Ever wonder how rugs were made years ago? Well, here is your chance to learn how to make your own rug. Bring scissors, needle and thread, and scraps of old material that can be cut into strips. The cabin is located on County Road 65, south of White Star Park 's main entrance. Registration required by calling 419-334-4495 or toll free 1-888-200-5577.

Saturday Stargazing, September 18, Sunset,
Wolf Creek Park Campground
All ages are welcome to view the night sky with telescopes set up by Sandusky Valley Amateur Astronomers. You are invited to bring your own binoculars, telescopes, and questions about astronomy. The campground is the southern entrance to Wolf Creek Park , located on S.R. 53 south of Fremont.

Monarch Butterfly Tagging,
Sat, Sept 25, 1:00 pm,
Meet at Park Office, 1970 Countryside Place , Fremont

Assist local researcher, Tom Kashmer with Monarch migration studies by netting, tagging, and releasing butterflies. In 2003, three of Tom's tagged Monarchs traveled over 1800 miles to Mexico . How far will your butterflies travel? Nets and instruction provided. Open to ages 6 and up. Registration required by calling 419-334-4495 or toll free 1-888-200-5577.

Tree Huggers-Bug Mania,
Tues, Sept 28, 5:00-8:00 pm,
Steyer Nature Preserve

For ages 6-12, through a variety of activities discover the interesting insect world. Light supper provided. Co-sponsored with Seneca County Park District. Steyer Nature Preserve is located Seneca Co Rd 33, east of Fort Seneca . Registration required by calling 419-334-4495 or toll free 1-888-200-5577.

Leopold's Legacy-The Choral Copse
Thurs., Sept. 30, 7:30am-9:00am,
Blue Heron Reserve, north of Clyde on County Road 260 at U.S. Route 6

Spend the morning listening to the end-of –the-season musical conversations of migratory birds as author Aldo Leopold described in 1947. Registration required by calling 419-334-4495 or toll free 1-888-200-5577.           

North Coast Inland Trail Wagon Ride-Fremont to Clyde
Tues., Oct 5, 2:30pm-4:30pm & 5:30pm-7:30pm

Hop on the shuttle wagon for an informative & fun ride to Clyde and back on the bike trail. Meet at East Side Biggs-Kettner Park , located on St. Joseph Street , Fremont . Registration required by calling 419-334-4495 or toll free 1-888-200-5577.

Silhouette Hike, Wed, Oct 6, 5:00 pm,
Wolf Creek Park Campground

Walk the trails looking for hidden silhouettes to see how great your observational skills are. All ages welcome. The campground is the southern entrance to Wolf Creek Park , located on S.R. 53 south of Fremont . Registration required by calling 419-334-4495 or toll free 1-888-200-5577.

North Coast Inland Trail Wagon Ride-Fremont to Lindsey
Thurs, Oct 7, 2:30pm-4:30pm & 5:30pm-7:30pm

Hop on the shuttle wagon for an informative & fun ride to Lindsey and back on the bike trail. Meet at Walter Avenue , Fremont . Registration required by calling 419-334-4495 or toll free 1-888-200-5577.

Puddle Jumpers - Falling Leaves , Thurs, Oct 14, 10:00 am, Spiegel Grove, Fremont

Ages 5 and under with adult companion are invited to join us for a walk through the grove as we learn about leaves in the fall. Registration required by calling 419-334-4495 or toll free 1-888-200-5577.

Photo Contest
Deadline for entries: Thur, Oct 14, Park Office or Dumminger Photo

Display of Entries: Fri, Oct 15, 2:00-6:00 pm; Sat, Oct 16, 8:00-10:00 am, Multipurpose Room of Fremont Community Recreation Complex, St Joseph St , Fremont . For contest rules and description of the five nature and outdoor categories, contact 419-334-4495 or check “What's New – Photo Contest

Saturday Stargazing, October 16, Sunset, Wolf Creek Park Campground

All ages are welcome to view the night sky with telescopes set up by Sandusky Valley Amateur Astronomers. You are invited to bring your own binoculars, telescopes, and questions about astronomy. The campground is the southern entrance to Wolf Creek Park , located on S.R. 53 south of Fremont .

Track & Trail for Teens: Pumpkin Scavenger Hunt & Challenge

Thurs, Oct 21, 5:00-8:00 pm,
Tiffin University Nature Preserve, Miami St , Tiffin

Given clues, you must find the pumpkin before going on to the next challenge. Dress to be outdoors. Light supper provided. Co-sponsored with Seneca County Park District.

Registration required by calling 419-334-4495 or toll free 1-888-200-5577.

Farm Days,
Sat, Oct 23, 12:00-5:00 pm,
Creek Bend Farm

It's time to celebrate the harvest season.  Enjoy a visit to the farm park including tours of the house, the barns, wagon rides, corn harvest and more. Creek Bend Farm is located south of Lindsey on S.R. 590.

Leopold's Legacy - Smoky Gold
Thurs, Oct 28, 4:00pm-5:30pm,
Wolf Creek Campground

Enjoy a walk on the crunchy fallen leaves and a hear a story of conservation. Registration required by calling 419-334-4495 or toll free 1-888-200-5577.

Creek Bend Farm-Book Club
Mondays, Nov. 1, 15, 29, 9:30am-12:30pm,
Creek Bend Farm House

Come to the farm to enjoy one of the older books from the Roush Family library.  Relax and read on your own while enjoying coffee, tea and muffins.  No registration required.  

Creek Bend Farm is located south of Lindsey on S.R. 590.

Puddle Jumpers-Awesome Owls,
Tues, Nov 16, 10:00 am,
Countryside Park

Ages 5 and under with adult companion are invited to learn about the owls of Sandusky County as we read stories and look at owls up close.

Countryside Park is located at 1970 Countryside Place , Fremont in the County Office Complex. Registration required by calling 419-334-4495 or toll free 1-888-200-5577.

Full Moon Hike,
Sun, Nov 21, 8:00-9:00 pm,
Creek Bend Farm

Walk the trails with Naturalist Linda Rose, as we learn about the moons, skies, and folklore of days gone by. Creek Bend Farm is located south of Lindsey on S.R. 590.

Registration required by calling 419-334-4495 or toll free 1-888-200-5577.

Leopold's Legacy-If I Were The Wind
Tues, Nov.30, 10:00-11:30am,
White Star Trail by the Tracks, CR 65

Wind can make music, make trees bend, and change the landscape.  Join us at this prairie habitat for a lesson on Aldo Leopold's conservation ethics. Registration required by calling 419-334-4495 or toll free 1-888-200-5577.

Puddle Jumpers-The Night Sky,
Wed, Dec 1, 6:30 pm,
White Star Log Cabin

Ages 5 and under with adult companion are invited to dress for the weather as we watch the night sky and learn about the stars and moon. The cabin is located on County Road 65, south of White Star Park 's main entrance. Registration required by calling 419-334-4495 or toll free 1-888-200-5577.

Creek Bend Farm-Book Club
Mondays, Dec. 13, 27, 9:30am-12:30pm, Creek Bend Farm House

Come to the farm to enjoy one of the older books from the Roush Family library.  Relax and read on your own while enjoying coffee, tea and muffins.  No registration required.

Creek Bend Farm is located south of Lindsey on S.R. 590.

Yo Yo Christmas Tree,
Mon, Dec 13, 5:00-7:00 pm,
White Star Log Cabin

Create your own Christmas tree decoration from yo yos. Bring a yard or two of green material, scissors, needle and thread, a styrofoam cone, and straight pins. The cabin is located on County Road 65, south of White Star Park 's main entrance. Registration required by calling 419-334-4495 or toll free 1-888-200-5577.

White Star Park - Christmas at the Cabin

Experience dinner 1800 style. Your group will enjoy a meal, the history of Christmas, and create an ornament. Suitable for ages 8 and older. Reservations begin Monday October 4. All dinners are from 6:00-8:30 pm.

Groups of up to 12 in the Schlea Swartzlander Cabin: Saturday November 27, Sunday November 28, Thursday December 2, Friday December 3, Wednesday December 8; Cost: $180 county Residents , $190 non-residents.

Groups of up to 8 in the Reineck Cabin: Thursday December 9, Friday December 10, Thursday December 16, Friday December 17, Saturday December 18; Cost: $120 county residents, $130 non-residents.

Leopold's Legacy-Home Range , Thurs, Dec 30, 10:30am-12:00pm, White Star Barn

Animals leave us all types of clues about their daily and nightly activities.  The question is: Are you as observant as Aldo Leopold at reading these “wild” stories? The barn is located on County Road 65, south of White Star Park 's main entrance. Registration required by calling 419-334-4495 or toll free 1-888-200-5577.
 

“THERE'S NO PLACE LIKE HOME”
2010 PHOTO CONTEST
 

Entry Deadline:  Thurs, Oct 14, 2010

Entries accepted beginning Oct 1
at Dumminger Photography, 901 E. State St.,
-and -
Fremont and Sandusky County Park District Office,
1970 Countryside Place , Fremont .

AWARDS

  • *Best of Show Award from Dumminger Photography
  • *$25 for First Place from Sandusky County Convention & Visitors Bureau
  • *1st, 2nd, 3rd, & Honorable Mention Ribbons
  • *Door Prizes

 - Public display of entries will be Fri, Oct 15, 3:00-6:00 pm and Sat, Oct 16, 8:00am-10:00am in the Multipurpose Room of Fremont Community Recreation Complex, 600 St Joseph St, Fremont.

CATEGORIES

1) Park District Scenes - photos taken at White Star Park , Wolf Creek Park , Mull Covered Bridge , Countryside Park , Blue Heron Reserve, North Coast Inland Trail, Creek Bend Farm, Ringneck Ridge Wildlife Area

2) Wildlife - animals, birds, insect photos taken in Ohio

3) Flora - plants, flowers, tree photos taken in Ohio

4) Recreation & Humor - photos of sports, festivals, fishing, & fun in Ohio

5) The Sky's The Limit - any subject or location & may be digitally enhanced
 

ENTRY INFORMATION

  1. Color prints only - taken in Ohio . Photos from outside Ohio , or any digitally manipulated photos must go in The Sky's The Limit category.
  2. Photo size must be at least 5”x7”, no larger than 11”x14”.
  3. Photos should be matted or mounted and unframed.
  4. Limit of 2 entries per category.
  5. Amateur photographers only.
  6. The following information must appear on the back of each entry:
    Name,  Address/City, Phone #,  Name of Category,   Photo Title & Location

Sponsored by:

Sandusky County Park District

Dumminger Photography

Sandusky County Convention & Visitors Bureau

Fremont Parks & Recreation Department

      For more information: 419-334-4495, Toll Free 1-888-200-5577

 

White Star Park Beach Party - July, 2010

Kids Fishing Festival in Clyde

The cloudy sky and cool morning temperatures didn’t discourage kids from coming out to the Kids Fishing Festival on June 17 at the Clyde Reservoir on S. Main. Plenty of bluegill and crayfish were caught, along with a walleye, and one nice size perch. Sponsored by the Sandusky County Park District and Clyde Recreation Department, special thanks also go to Wendy’s, Arby’s, and OSS Solid Waste District.

Fishing with Ranger Dan

AJ smiling as his son, also named AJ, caught his first fish ever while at White Star Park, at the Fishing with Ranger Dan program on June 8.

 

Neighbors Make a Difference

Sandusky County Park District agrees that “Neighbors Make the Difference”. 

Keybank employees closed their door at noon on May 25, rolled up their sleeves, and spent the afternoon painting at Countryside Park. 

The community service day is now in it’s 20th year. Keybank employees participating include Doug Brisendine, Melanie Mischler, Pat Schaaf, Carrie Willis, Vicki Shiets, Keith Priddy, and Kim Willinger.

  

Scout Camporee at Creek Bend Farm

To celebrate 100 years of scouting, members of Eagle Bay District held their Spring Camporee at Creek Bend Farm May 14-16, 2010. The location was appropriate since many scout outings have been held on this property through the years, as shown in this 1944 photograph.

   

Doug Haubert Wetland

On April 10, 2010 the Board of Park Commissioners recognized Doug Haubert’s 35 years of service and declared that the restored wetland at White Star Park be known from this date forward as the “Doug Haubert Wetland”. Upon hearing the declaration, Doug’s humble response was, “They couldn’t have given me a better gift for my years of service with the Park District.”

In 1975, Doug Haubert was one of the first employees to join the fledgling Sandusky County Park District, which was founded in 1973. The popular beach at White Star Park wasn’t even open to the public until 1980. Doug was an integral part of the team that transformed the 236-acre site from an abandoned quarry operation into the 800 acre, award winning park we know today.

Today, thanks in large part to the service of Doug Haubert, the Park District protects 10 properties containing more than 2,300 acres. Besides providing endless environmental benefits, these local outdoor recreation areas are annually visited by hundreds of thousands of visitors as well as being home to more than 350 educational programs.

The Doug Haubert Wetland at White Star is located on C.R.66, north of C.R. 65. It is open daily, year-round. For more information contact the Park District at 419-334-4495 or toll free 1-888-200-5577.

Park District Information

PARK DISTRICT INFORMATION   (as of 1-26-09)

 

The Sandusky County Park District was created on December 7, 1973.

 

Park District’s ten facilities cover approximately 2200 acres and include White Star Park, Wolf Creek Park, Mull Covered Bridge, Blue Heron Reserve, Countryside Park, North Coast Inland Trail, Creek Bend Farm, Green Creek Twp Property, Shelley Wetlands, and Ringneck Ridge Wildlife Area. Total park attendance is approx. 150,000 visitors per year with over 300 programs & presentations annually.

 

Parks open everyday, year-round, 8:00 a.m. - dark. Dogs must be on a leash. No snowmobiles, no alcoholic beverages. Cross country skiing permitted in all parks. Administrative Office at Countryside Park open M-F, 8:00am-4:30pm.

 

The Park District is governed by a three member volunteer Board of Park Commissioners who have been appointed by Probate Judge.

 (2009: Sharon Wilson, Jim Fails, Brad Lawrence)

 

Income: derived from 1 mill property tax levy, 10 year levy passed in 2007 which brings in $1,000,000. Additional income from user fees, grants, donations.

 

Public Programs are listed in newsletter "The Nutshell" available three times a year on website: www.sanduskycountyparks.com  or by calling the Office: 419-334-4495, toll free 1-888-200-5577.

 

Programs for Request are listed in "Nature's Classroom" and are available free of charge to classes, clubs & organizations in the Sandusky County area.

 

Reference Library - misc. reference books, activity ideas, field guides, videos, slide shows and teaching kits available for public use.

 

Grant Program - Started in 1990, up to $30,000 per year is used as grant money for parks and recreation in townships, cities, and villages in Sandusky County. Applications received in October, recommendations made by a three member panel of professionals from outside the county. Recipients are recognized by green and white Park District grant signs. Since its inception, over $421,000 has been provided for outdoor recreation improvements in neighborhood parks. Park District also provides technical assistance for park planning, playground safety, and programming.

 

Nature’s Classroom
Sandusky County Park District Presentations and Reference Materials
Free of charge (unless noted)

419-334-4495
Toll Free 1-888-200-5577        
www.sanduskycountyparks.com

Nature Programs
Programs may be adapted to fit location, audience size, and age level

Animal Adaptations - explore differences between amphibians, reptiles, birds, mammals

Animal Tracks - identify specific tracks and make an edible “scat” snack

Bicycle Safety - Ranger Bike Patrol Officers demonstrate proper attire, bike maintenance, explain proper safety and bike trail etiquette

Bird Basics - explore the sights & sounds of our feathered friends

Bugology - discover the diversity of insects, learn life cycles, hunt for insects

Cookie Baking at the Cabin - history lesson & homemade cookies

Forest & Woodland Studies - identify trees, see how a forest is created

General Nature Walk - guided walks available year-round, highlighting sensations of the season, in Park District facilities or on a site near you

History of Apples - learn the importance of apples to early settlers, enjoy apple crisp in the cabin

History/Log Cabin Life - learn about the life of a pioneer, cooking, clothing & more 

Instincts for Survival - an outdoor game to discover carnivores, omnivores, herbivores & how they survive, good large group activity

Naturalist Chat - learn about a Naturalist’s job and discover area flora & fauna

Night Hike - hike after dark exploring nature’s night life

Ohio Wildlife - history of wild turkey, bald eagle, river otter, deer, coyote, beaver

Raptors - how raptors are different from other birds, their adaptations & calls

River Walk - wade in the Sandusky River, monitor stream quality, explore water habitat

Pioneers & American Indians - crafts & toys of Ohio’s early inhabitants

Wetlands - discover an interesting habitat and learn about area aquatic wildlife

Wild Turkeys - discover the life history of wild turkeys

World Travelers - migration of hummingbird, monarch butterfly, purple martin, osprey

Reference Materials
A variety of resources are available including field guides and hands-on activity guides such as Project WILD & NatureScope. Numerous slide shows, videos, nature sound CD’s, and cassettes are available on a limited loan basis.

Loaner Boxes
These teaching kits contain posters, supplies, and activities to educate about the topic or supplement a science lesson. Great resources that may be reserved in advance, loaned for 2 weeks at a time and require a $25 refundable deposit.

  • Amphibians/Reptiles
  • Birds  
  • Endangered Species      
  • Geology: Earthquakes, Volcanoes, Glaciers
  • Geology: Rocks, Minerals, Fossils
  • Insects
  • Mammals
  • Trees/Plants   
  • Water/Fish

RULES AND REGULATIONS OF THE SANDUSKY COUNTY PARK DISTRICT (8-15-08)

  • 1.0 Littering, dumping of garbage, sewage and noxious material is prohibited

  • 1.4 Possession of aerosol paint containers is prohibited

  • 2.0 Possession of firearms, weapons, and explosives of any type are permitted only within specially designated areas for specially designated purposes within the parks

  • 3.0 Soliciting, unlawful sales, and advertising of commercial enterprises is prohibited

  • 3.3 A special use permit from the Director is required for the sale of any articles by any business or commercial enterprise within the parks

  • 4.0 Alcoholic beverages are prohibited within all areas of the parks

  • 4.3 Obtaining, use of or possession of narcotics and other controlled substances are prohibited

  • 5.0 Obscene or indecent acts or behavior are not permitted within the parks

  • 6.0 Camping is permitted in designated areas only, and subject to the rules and regulations posted at that particular site

  • 7.0 Fires are permitted only in picnic grills and fire rings provided for that purpose

  • 8.0 Park hours are from 8:00 am to dark, except in campgrounds and areas where special permit has been granted

  • 9.0 Hunting*, trapping, and the molesting of wildlife is prohibited within the parks. A non- collection policy including plants, flowers, fruits, leaves, rocks, minerals, etc. is in force in all parks.
    * Hunting is permitted only in specially designated areas for those sportsmen obtaining proper permission and adhering to established rules and regulations.

  • 10.0 Pets must be kept on a leash, and not be left unattended. Attaching leashes to trees is prohibited

  • 11.0 Boating is permitted subject to the statutes of the State of Ohio. Restrictions on size and power vary with locations

  • 12.0 Non-registered motor vehicles may not be operated on any roadways within the parks

  • 13.0 Traffic regulations pertaining to right-of-way, speed limits, parking, etc., shall be as posted

  • 14.0 Sledding and skiing are permitted only in those areas which have been designated for that purpose

  • 15.0 Swimming is permitted only at designated swimming areas and subject to all rules and regulations pertaining to that specific area

  • 16.0 Possession of a permit is necessary for the use of many park facilities

  • 17.0 Scuba diving is permitted only in those areas designated for that purpose and are subject to all rules and regulations pertaining to that specific area

  • 18.0 Vandalism, defacement, destruction, removal or disturbance of park property is prohibited

  • 19.0 Disorderly conduct is prohibited

  • 19.3 Disturbing the Peace with a sound-producing device is prohibited

  • 20.0 Unauthorized access or presence without proper permit shall be considered trespassing

  • 21.0 All persons must adhere to the rules and regulations of the Sandusky County Park District and the laws of the State of Ohio, and comply with the orders of Park District Rangers

  • 22.0 Smoking is prohibited in all Park District buildings and on the beach.

For more information, call the Park District at:
(419) 334-4495 or 1-888-200-5577
Ranger Cell Phone: (419) 355-7066
e-mail: scpd@sanduskycountyparks.com


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