Author: normajohnsoncenter
‘Follow the Flock’ 5K Trail Run
Memorial Day
RACE TIME WILL BE 9:30AM
RACE DAY REGISTRATION & CHECK IN BEGINS AT 8:30AM
Click here to Sign Up today
Join other community members on Memorial Day as they tackle the hills of the Norma Johnson Center in the ‘Follow the Flock” 5K Trail Run/Walk. This event is our second annual race and leaves participants with a sense of accomplishment when they cross the finish line. Working with Yellowbrick on 39 our racers will check-in for the race near Norma’s family home. Racers will head over to the NJC yellow pole barn to embark on the race. The Finish line will bring them back to the Yellowbrick where they can enjoy the Yellowbrick Market.
2024 Spruce up the trails
at the
Norma Johnson Center
April 27, 2024 9am to Noon
TuscParks will be hosting “Spruce Up the Trails” on Saturday, April 27, 2024 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. Gloves and a litter grabber would be helpful to bring if you have them.
Groups and organizations interested in helping year-round should contact TuscParks about our Adopt-a-Trail program.
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.
“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.”
“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.”
Join us!
Dover−TuscParks will be hosting a Winter Hike at the Norma Johnson Center on Saturday, February 10, 2024 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.
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.
Winter Hike
Luminary Walk
TuscParks will be hosting the “Luminary Trail Walk” at the Norma Johnson Center on Saturday December 2, 2023 from 5:00-7:30 PM. The luminary trail walk will begin at the Preservation Loop Kiosk next to the yellow pole barn located along SR 39. 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. Starting at 5:00 hot chocolate, hotdogs and cookies under the side porch of the yellow barn will be served to welcome guests before and after their walk. There is no charge for the event but children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Donations will be accepted.
This event will be held weather permitting. Please check with our Facebook page for updates.
The Norma Johnson Center is located off of State Route 39 between Dover and Sugarcreek. Questions about the event can be directed to the TuscParks Department office at 330.365.3279 Monday through Friday from 8-4:30.
sponsor a bench to Support the NJC
NJCC Foundation Board Bench Fundraiser
The Norma Johnson Conservation Center Foundation (NJCCF) is offering a unique opportunity to honor a special person or organization with a commemorative bench. These benches will allow visitors to sit and enjoy the beauty of NJC while funds raised assist the NJC Foundation
mission to support the conservation of natural resources through education, community outreach and personal experience.
These high quality 4 foot recycled plastic and steel benches include installation in cement, a commemorative plaque and 50 year manufacturer guarantee for a minimum donation of $2000. Bench location and plaque wording will be mutually agreed upon by the donor and TuscParks. The donation period will last 10 years. Within this time, the NJCCF will maintain the bench and in the event of damage, replace the bench at no cost to the donor. After 10 years, the bench
will be available for renewal for the cost of $1000 for the life of the bench. This tribute gift is 100% tax deductible, and the transaction does not constitute a “purchase” of the bench by the donor.
For more information, and order form, please contact a NJCCF Board member or
online at normajohnsoncenter.com
A plaque will be placed on the bench to show others who sponsored the bench.
Download the NJCCFB Bench Policy
Fall FEst, October 7, Noon to 5PM
The Fall Fest is a family friendly event that TuscParks offers at the Norma Johnson Center. This event will be held October 7, 2023 from Noon to 5PM. A donation of $5/car will be taken at the entrance.
Activities listed below are free during this event: pumpkin painting, face painting, hiking trails, scavenger hunt, straw to stuff a scarecrow (you bring the clothes), children friendly craft, educational and snack tables. Special visitors will be Blathmac (magic and live reptiles) and Balloon Twisting.
The Norma Johnson Center Board will be offering a donation-based concession stand. All A Flutter will be releasing Monarchs to fly to Mexico for $5/release. Proceeds from the gate entry, concession and release will benefit NJC events and projects along with TuscParks equipment needs.
A huge thank you to our sponsors: First National Bank of Dennison, Tastee Apple, Hope Hills Mission, Kimble Company and NJC Foundation Board.
Dates
- Second Wednesday of the Month
- Fall Hike, NJC October 11, 9-11AM
- Hike, Fort Laurens, Nov. 8, 9-11AM
- December/January no programming
- Winter Hike, NJC, Feb. 14, 9-11AM
- March 13, program TBA, 9-11AM
- April 10, Canal Lands Park, 9-11AM
- Spring Hike, May 8, NJC, 9-11AM
2023-24 Homeschool Wednesday
join our staff and other homeschooling families
as we explore the TuscParks trails. Our staff will offer programming during our hikes in a laid back approach. We welcome families to participate and share during the programs. The programs are set up in a way for families to also fellowship and make connections with other homeschool families in the area. Registration can be found at the eventbrite.com website and searching for TuscParks. Homeschool events are normally released a month in advance of the event. Any questions can be directed to the TuscParks staff at 330.365.3279.
New: Fall Walkabout dates
Fall Walkabout dates for 2023 have been added. TuscParks is excited to offer Fall hikes for those interested in hiking in a group along the trails. The type and length of the hike will be dependent upon those who are in attendance. Hiking sticks are optional. Please note date, time and location.
Fort Laurens: September 6, 10AM to Noon, Meet at Fort Laurens picnic shelter
Fort Laurens: 11067 Fort Laurens Rd, NW Bolivar, OH 44612
Norma Johnson Center: October 2, 10AM to Noon, Meet at yellow pole barn, Preservation
Norma Johnson Center 4033 SR 39, NW Dover, OH 44622
Canal Lands Park: November 1, 10AM to Noon, Meet at picnic shelter at Canal Lands
Canal Lands Park: 8645 Dover-Zoar Road Dover, OH 44622
Attending hikers were asked, if Fall Walkabouts would be of interest? The answer was YES. So, we aim to please.
Questions:
Contact Marsha at 330.365.3279
Hanging Around in Nature
August 28 from 9 to 11AM
Norma Johnson Center
4033 SR 39 NW Dover, OH
Come join our staff and enjoy nature while hanging around in your hammock.
Join staff as we relax and take in nature
Park at the yellow pole barn. We will be setting up hammocks in the pines behind the cottage in the woods. Follow the signs to the event location posted along the trail. Bring your own hammock or a chair. We do have a few extra hammocks if needed. Call the office to register 330.365.3279 or just come to the event.
If you miss this event feel free to hang out along the trails anytime.