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Get Out and Explore Your... |
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Knox County Park District |
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Knox On The Outside |
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The Knox County Park District continues to increase recreational access for local residents and regional tourists. The Buckeye Grove Loop Trail was recently completed at Hellbender Preserve near Howard. The preserve, named after the “Hellbender,” a state endangered and very large amphibian in Ohio, consists of 15 acres of floodplain forest and is accessed through the Kokosing Gap Trail. Hellbender amphibians (see photo below) live in the clean waters of Jelloway Creek and the nearby Kokosing River. The nature trail begins at the bike trail bridge north of the bike trail parking lot in Howard, and offers streamside access to beaches along beautiful Jelloway Creek. Buckeye trees, Ohio’s state tree, are numerous throughout the site. Bicyclists will enjoy a quiet respite from their travels on the bike path, a chance to stretch their legs and an occasion to take in the scenery of this preserve. View a park map for more details. |
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Hellbender Preserve—Hit The Trail! |
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Volume 1, Issue 4 June 07 |
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Park Management - What’s In A Name? |
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We hope you have enjoyed the last few newsletters, brought to you by your Knox County Park District. This issue of Knox On The Outside features upcoming KCPD-led programs and status updates on projects of interest. |
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Trail volunteers and park district staff continue their best efforts to make Knox County the premier trail destination in central Ohio: Kokosing Gap Trail: The Village of Danville recently received a NatureWorks grant from ODNR to construct a picnic shelter, water fountain, signage and asphalt parking lot at the Danville terminus of the trail. Congratulations to Mayor Dile and local civic supporters of this worthy project, which will result in needed amenities for trail users. Also, see our lead story above regarding the Hellbender Preserve nature trail construction project, a nice compliment to the Kokosing Gap Trail. Mohican Valley Trail: The Tiger Valley Arch, a spectacular archway under the trail comprised of hand-hewn sandstone blocks, was recently rehabilitated by local craftsman, Mel Troyer. While working on the arch, Mel constructed a pathway down to the stream that flows through the arch to create a needed watering spot for horses. Maintenance activities are in full-swing on the trail, and users will notice the rehabilitation of the perennial bed at the Bridge of Dreams. Download a new Mohican Valley Trail brochure with updated mapping of trail amenities. Heart of Ohio Trail: The Knox County Commissioners recently purchased large signage to discourage all-terrain vehicle usage on the recently cleared trail. Heart of Ohio Trail volunteers are busy installing the signs. Final grubbing of the trail is nearly complete, and the Centerburg section of the trail is open for use. Ohio to Erie Trail Update: Since all three Knox County trails comprise portions of the Ohio to Erie Trail, a press event will be held in Mount Vernon on June 6th (11am) with the Ohio to Erie Trail Fund, a statewide group who advocates the development/completion of the trail. According to a press release, riders sponsored by Waste Management will bike the entire Ohio to Erie Trail from Cincinnati to Cleveland in just three days and map the exact trail route as they travel with GPS devices. The riders will start in Cincinnati on June 5, bike through Xenia, Columbus, Mount Vernon and Akron, and complete their bike adventure in Cleveland on Thursday afternoon, June 7. The Bike Team consists of Waste Management Landfill Manager Erick Palmer (who successfully climbed the summit of Mt. Rainier in 2006) and team member Nick Harpster. Executive Director of the Ohio to Erie Trail, Jerry Rampelt, will also be biking most of the trip and showing support of the project. According to Rampelt, “The ultimate benefit will be the mapping of the Trail and putting it on a website, becoming a valuable tool for trail users everywhere.” The park district is proud to support the endeavors of the Waste Management Bike Team and Ohio to Erie Trail Fund. |
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Fledgling red-wing blackbird |
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Recent upgrades to the Millwood Road access on the Kokosing River have resulted in increased use at the site, according to Doug McLarnan, Operations Manager, with KCPD. New signage, parking lot, picnic table and information kiosk will greet visitors at the access. Swimming, wading and picnicking seem to be favorite uses of this shady site, perfect for cooling off during the hot days of late spring/early summer. |
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Millwood Access, Kokosing River Water Trail |
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One of the most important aspects of developing a new park or access area is the naming of the site. A name must describe a particular feature (historic or natural) or geographic location and must by distinct enough so as not to confuse users. The park district will likely close on 102 acres (Knox & Coshocton counties) of Kokosing River floodplain property in June. After driving themselves “batty” with discussions relating to the history, archeology and natural features of the site, the park board decided upon a name for the new park: Bat Nest Road River Access. Stay tuned for future updates regarding the site. |
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Visit staff from the park district and enjoy water-based recreational activities at the annual Rotary/Kiwanis Family Regatta at the City of Mount Vernon’s Foundation Park. Held from noon until four pm on Sunday, June 17th, participants can fish, try out a canoe or participate in a treasure hunt. An electro-shocking demonstration on the river and a fly fishing demonstration will occur at this free event as well. |
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Kokosing Scenic River Day |
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Join park district staff and the Brown Family Environmental Center on Saturday, June 16th for the annual Kokosing Scenic River Day event. Held from noon until four pm, celebrate the beautiful Kokosing River with nature demonstrations, Ohio wildlife, information from natural resource organizations, a canoe float (first come first serve), river walk and garden tour. |
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The Friends of the Park District is a group dedicated to sustaining the KCPD long-term. People who are interested in joining the Friends group or attending future meetings are encouraged to call (740) 397-7954 or send an email to fbaldesc@columbus.rr.com. The Friends of the Knox Park District also accepts cash donations, which are tax-deductible. |
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To remove your name from our mailing list, or to provide comments, please send an email to info@knoxcountyparks.org or call 740/392-7275 Due to an increase in email/spam filters, we ask that you add these email addresses to your email address book to ensure that our newsletter reaches you appropriately: info@knoxcountyparks.org kimmarshall@co.knox.oh.us |
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KCPD Board Commissioners: Dave Beck, Mark Bennett, Susan Ramser KCPD Director: Kim Marshall |
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The Free Fishing Days event at Wolf Run Regional Park resulted in all participants catching fish! Click here to see some of the anglers in action. |
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Free Fishing Days Weekend Deemed a Success |
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Kenyon students launch a tubing trip from Kokosing Gap Canoe Access |
