TuscParks Homeschool Wednesday – May Event

TuscParks Homeschool Wednesday in May will be at the  Norma Johnson Center, May 11, 2022 from 9:00am to 11:00am. This free event will start at the Conservation Drive Kiosk by the parking lot near the red barn (off Old State Route 39 between Dover and Sugarcreek).

May is upon us and we will be back out on the trails for another spring hike.  This time at the Norma Johnson Center.  We will be hiking the trails and ending at the wetland for some pond dipping.  Macroinvertebrates and amphibians galore. Click on the link below to register. 

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/tuscparks-homeschool-wednesday-spring-hike-at-norma-johnson-center-registration-332756191727

All participants are encouraged to dress for the weather. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Please check with the TuscParks or the Norma Johnson Center Facebook page for updates or call TuscParks at 330-365-3279 for more information. This event is free of charge, but donations will be accepted.

Birding With Kramer

Join Dan Kramer and TuscPark staff as we go birding at all of our TuscParks locations. 

Friday, May 13, 8-10am  Norma Johnson Center Conservation Dr., Dover

Friday, May 20, 8-10am   Trenton Heritage Park   State Dam Rd, New Philadelphia

Friday, May 27, 8-10am  Canal Lands Park                8645 Dover-Zoar Rd., Zoar

For more information, call Marsha Freeland at 330-365-3279 or parkedu@co.tuscarawas.oh.us.

 

“It is not uncommon to be in the outdoors and come in contact with a tick.  Tick populations and types of ticks are rising in our county and across the state of Ohio.  What surprises most people is that their own backyard is perfect habitat for them.  It is important to take precautions prior to spending time outside.  Upon returning check yourself, your pets and your children.  Everyone is vulnerable.” says Marsha Freeland.

Ticks and Tick Borne Illness

on the Rise in Tuscarawas County

New Philadelphia− The number of ticks and Lyme disease cases in Tuscarawas County is on the rise.  To help understand the types of ticks and tick borne illnesses we have in our area, TuscParks and Ohio State University Extension have put together an event to educate our community.  A panel of experts will help answer questions and share information about these disease spreading arachnids.

The event “Exploring Ticks and Discovering Tick Borne Illness” will be held on Wednesday, April 13, 2022 starting at 6:30pm in the Tuscora Park dining hall. Our panel will be presenting and answering questions concerning tick biology, tick ecology, tick prevention and tick safety. The panel will consist of Tim McDermott (OSU State Specialist and Veterinarian), Kip Brady (New Philadelphia High School Tick Research Project), Jeffery Burrier (Physician) and Dana Fischio (New Philadelphia Health Department). Ashton Mullet-Moon along with Kerry (County Commissioner) and Karen Metzger will share their personal experiences with tick-borne illness.

This event will be held at the Tuscora Park Dining Hall, 161 Tuscora Park Avenue, NW New Philadelphia, OH 44663.

Pre-registration is preferred so handout materials can be prepared. To register go to the link shown below or click on the register button below.  http://go.osu.edu/tuscticks2022

TO REGISTER CLICK HERE

For any questions about the event, contact TuscParks at 330-365-3278 or visit the TuscParks Facebook page for more information. 

Please note that TuscParks does not manage Tuscora Park. It is managed by the city of New Philadelphia and RTY, Inc.

Winter Hike success 2.12.2022

Even though the trails were icy community members were ready to get out on the trails at the Norma Johnson Center on Saturday February 12th.  Over 125 attendees chose to walk/skate the icy trails, slide to their destination and have soup and hot chocolate at the picnic shelter.  The children were having a ball sliding down the hills and trails.  Definitely, a memorable day for all.  We are so thankful for the United Way sponsoring our event to allow us to provide soup choices from Ginger’s Luncheon and Bakery in Uhrichsville and hot chocolate.  Volunteers and staff greeted visitors and kept an eye on our trail hikers.  

“What an amazing day to be on the trails!  We are thankful so many chose to come out and experience nature’s outcomes on the trail.  The icy trails weren’t for everyone but the soup and hot chocolate made everything okay.”

TuscParks Winter Hike at Norma Johnson Center

TuscParks will be hosting a Winter Hike at the Norma Johnson Center on Saturday, February 12, 2022 from 10:00am to 12:00pm. This free event will start at the Conservation Drive parking lot near the red barn (off Old State Route 39 between Dover and Sugarcreek).

There will be three marked trails with different levels of difficulty, with hot chocolate and soup available to warm you up after your hike. Pets are permitted, but must be on a leash. The 2022 TuscParks Winter Hike is endorsed by Healthy Tusc and sponsored by the United Way.

All participants are encouraged to dress for the weather. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Please check with the TuscParks or the Norma Johnson Center Facebook page for updates or call TuscParks at 330-365-3279 for more information. This event is free of charge, but donations will be accepted.

2022 February Homeschool Event 

The Tuscarawas County Commissioners and Park Department (“TuscParks”) welcomed two new
employees towards the end of 2021. Marsha Freeland and Craig Howell will be joining Jesse
Rothacher, Park Manager, and Jane Clay, Park Coordinator, in the development of TuscParks
properties. Marsha Freeland, the former Director of the Norma Johnson Center, was hired as the
new Programming/Education Manager and Craig Howell was hired as Maintenance Manager.

Marsha Freeland can be reached at 330-365-3279 or parkedu@co.tuscarawas.oh.us and maintenance
issues can be reported to Craig Howell at 330-365-3288.

The Tuscarawas County Commissioners also received a donation of 63 acres of land at the Norma
Johnson Center from the Tuscarawas County Soil & Water Conservation District. The
Commissioners now own the entire 303-acre Norma Johnson Center and have placed it under the
management of TuscParks.

TuscParks would like to thank the Tuscarawas County Commissioners, the Tuscarawas County Soil
& Water Conservation District, and the Norma Johnson Conservation Center Foundation Board for
their ongoing support in this process.

Cancelled Event

“Luminary Trail Walk at the Norma Johnson Center”

We are saddened to report that we will need to cancel the Luminary Event scheduled for January 22, 2022 again due to trail conditions.  With the snow and the cold temperatures that are predicted the family friendly event would not be so.  We will not reschedule this event in the near future but encourage the community to attend our Winter Hike that will be on February 12^th from 10-Noon at the Norma Johnson Center.  More details to follow.

Dover, OH –TuscParks will be hosting the rescheduled “Luminary Trail Walk” at the Norma Johnson Center, located off of State Route 39 between Dover and Sugarcreek on Saturday, January 22, 2022 from 5:00-7:00pm.  The luminary trail walk will begin at the Preservation Loop Kiosk next to the yellow pole barn located at 4033 SR 39 Dover, OH 44622.  The lit trail will be a quarter mile in length. Visitors can walk along the accessible trail through the forest and out to the Preservation Pond guided by luminary.  Paper lanterns will be strewn amongst the pine forest for the return walk to the parking area.  Starting at 5:00pm, hot chocolate and will be served to welcome guests before and after their walk.  There is no charge for the event but donations will be accepted. 

This event will be held weather permitting.  Please check with either the Norma Johnson Center or the TuscParks Facebook page for updates. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

Questions about the event can be directed to the TuscParks Department office at 330.365.3279 Monday through Friday from 8am-4:30pm.