Author: normajohnsoncenter

EXPLORING TICKS AND TICK-BORNE ILLNESS IN TUSCARAWAS COUNTY

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Exploring Ticks and Tick-Borne Illness

in Tuscarawas County

TuscParks, New Philadelphia High School, Ohio EPA and The Ohio State University Extension have put together an event to educate our community about ticks, the diseases they carry, and ways you can prevent tick-borne infections.  A panel of experts will help answer questions and share information about these disease spreading arachnids.

On Wednesday, April 12, 2023 starting at 6:00pm at the New Philadelphia High School. Our panel will be presenting and answering questions concerning tick biology, tick ecology, tick prevention, tick safety and the local tick research project.

The panel will consist of Dr. Megan Meuti (OSU Assistant Professor – Department of Entomology), Kip Brady (New Philadelphia High School Tick Research Project leader), Jeffery Burrier (Physician) and the New Philadelphia High School Lyme Disease Research Team (NPHS Science Students).

Informational tables and demonstrations will be offered after our panel discussions for attendees to gather information and see demonstrations of the research project. Karen and Kerry Metzger (personal experience with tick-borne illness), New Philadelphia Health Department (handouts), NPHS Lyme Disease Research Team (demonstrations), TuscParks (handouts), Caitlin Karl (Town and Country Veterinary Clinic), Summit Chemical Company and Sawyer Company (giveaways).

 

Concern about ticks and tick-borne illness in Tuscarawas County has intensified as the number of cases of human and animal infections rise. Most notable among these illnesses is Lyme disease, which is the most common vector-borne disease in the US, representing over 400,000 human cases each year. 

Pre-registration is preferred so handout materials can be prepared.  This link will not be active until 3.27.23

To register go to http://go.osu.edu/tuscticks2023

This event will be held at the New Philadelphia High School, 343 Ray Avenue, Front Entrance New Philadelphia, OH 44663. 

 

2023 Spruce Up the Trails at the NJC

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TuscParks will be hosting “Spruce Up the Trails” on Saturday, April 22, 2023 from 9:00am to 12:00pm at the Norma Johnson Center (Yellow Barn – 4033 SR 39, Dover OH 44622). We will be doing general spring cleaning along the trails by collecting litter, cleaning up fallen branches, etc. TuscParks will provide basic hand tools, but volunteers are welcome to bring their own.

Groups and organizations interested in helping year-round should contact TuscParks about our Adopt-a-Trail program.

“Volunteers make a huge difference,” says Marsha Freeland. “The  Norma Johnson Center always need sprucing up after the winter months and it is so helpful to have community members help with this effort.”

 

This event will be held rain-or-shine, but will be cancelled in the event of severe weather. All volunteers must sign a volunteer waiver form. 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.

NJC 5K “Follow the Flock” Trail Run & Walk

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2023 5K Norma Johnson Center “Follow the Flock” Trail Run & Walk

May 27, 2023 9:30am
TuscParks is excited to offer a 5K race/walk through the trails of the Norma Johnson Center located outside of Dover Ohio on May 27, 2023 at 9:30am. Cost will be $40 for ages 13 and older and $30 for ages 12 and under. Proceeds from the event will benefit maintenance and development of the TuscParks trail systems.
Parking for the event, registration, check in, awards ceremony will all take place at the Yellowbrick on 39, an adjoining community business. Check in and day of registrations for the race will be from 8am to 9:15am. There will be a table located near the stage and barn at our host venue Yellowbrick on 39. Racers will walk a short distance to the starting line at the Norma Johnson Center Preservation Kiosk near the yellow barn.
The course will be mostly grass with some mulched, rooted or dirt areas. The terrain will be flat, a few steps, on a grade or up and down hills. Participants will be guaranteed a free t-shirt if registered through mail or online by April 28, 2023. Those who register after this date will not be guaranteed a free t-shirt.
Overall race winners will be presented an award along with age category winners. A $5 food truck/craft vendor voucher will be given to each registered racer. A drawing for door prizes will also occur during the awards ceremony. Yellowbrick on 39 will be hosting a Vendors Market that offers handmade, homemade vintage and upcycled items from 10 am to 4 pm. Food trucks and music will be on site at the end of the race.
Online Registration…

https://runsignup.com/njc5k23

Mail in Registration…

https://www.co.tuscarawas.oh.us/park-news-and-events/ to download a PDF of 5K flyer.

Presently, sponsors for the event are being pursued. If you would like to help sponsor the event please contact the office at 330.365.3279.

 

 

2023 Winter Hike February 11th, 10am to Noon

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TuscParks Winter Hike 2023

February 11 from 10am to Noon

These young ladies pictured above have been coming to the Winter Hike for many years.  Making memories!

Dover−TuscParks will be hosting a Winter Hike at the Norma Johnson Center on Saturday, February 11, 2023 from 10:00am to 12:00pm. This free event has been funded by the United Way of Tuscarawas County.  Parking and marked trails 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.
“It is always amazing to explore the trails during the winter months,” says Marsha Freeland. “The forest is still very active at this time of year. If it snows, bring your sled or make snowmen along the trails.”
After hiking guests are invited to hot chocolate and soup by Gingers Home Bakery under the picnic shelter.
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.

 

Upcoming Luminary Trail Walk at NJC

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Upcoming Luminary walk at NJC

December 10, 2022 from 4:30-7PM

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, December 10, 2022 from 4:30-7:00pm.  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 4:30pm, hot chocolate and cookies 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 or Norma Johnson Center 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 330.365.3278 Monday through Friday from 8am-4:30pm.

“This is a magical trail experience for the whole family.  This is one of the few opportunities to experience the Center at night and take in the outdoors on a brisk wintery evening.”

 

2022 Family Fishing Day

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Free Family Fish Event June 18! Bring your family to any of the Preservation Ponds located at the Norma Johnson Center behind the yellow pole barn off of SR 39 to participate in our family fish event.  This event will be cancelled if it rains.  

Registration will take place at the event from 9-9:30.

See below for official Rules:
-The Family Fish event on June 18 and will be from 9:30-11.
-This is a catch and release event. All park rules and fishing guidelines must be followed for this event.
-Fishing may only occur at the Preservation Pond located on Norma Johnson Center property.
-Observe and respect other people around you.
-PLEASE PICK UP ALL TRASH AT THE END OF YOUR VISIT
-All Family members may fish.
-One fishing pole per person.
-All fish must be released back to the pond that they were caught in after any optional documentation is completed.
-Fish must be caught from shore or fishing dock/deck. Boats, floats and rafts of any kind are not permitted.
-Staff will run a check in table at the event where participants will register and be offered selected giveaways while supplies last. 
-Photos of fish caught and the participants can be submitted by tagging the Norma Johnson Center on Facebook and using the #NJCFamilyFish. The photos taken must have an indicator that the photo was taken at the Norma Johnson Center. 
-Prizes will be awarded randomly throughout the event period as well as after the event.
-Prizes will be divided into different categories at the staff’s discretion.
-All ties will be subject to a random drawing.
-All prizes must be accepted as awarded and have no other surrender value.
-All decisions made by event coordinators are final.
-The organizers reserve the right to amend, add to, remove or otherwise change any of the rules and regulations for this contest, without prior notice, if it is deemed by them to be in the best interest of all parties involved in the NJC Family Fish event.

This event is made possible with the sponsorship of the ODNR Step Outside Grant.  First round of worms are donated by JWS Worms. Call the office for details 330.365.3279 or email questions to info@normajohnsoncenter.com.

 

May – Homeschool Wednesday

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“I love being in the woods during the Spring.  So much is happening and can be discovered.”

Above is a damselfly nymph that was taken from the wetland.

 

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

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Local birder, Dan Kramer will be our host during the “Birding with Kramer” three part series.  We will meet at the different areas of TuscParks throughout the county.  At the different sites we will hike the trails to explore the birds who live there!  Binoculars are strongly suggested but not required. 

 

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.

Ticks and Tick Borne Illness on the Rise in Tuscarawas County

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“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.

 

 

 

We need your help!

Posted on by normajohnsoncenter
The Trails need your help! 
Winter is coming to an end and the trails could use some sprucing up.  While hiking, if you come across debris on the trail go ahead and move it to the side of the trail.  If you are unable or an issue needs to be brought to our attention, reach out to our staff
by calling the TuscParks office at 330.365.3279.