Luminary Walk

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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 at the NJC

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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

 

 

 

October 7 – Fall Fest – Noon to 5PM

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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.

 

Upcoming Homeschool Wednesday Dates 2023-24 school year

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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.

 

Fall Walkabouts New to 2023 schedule

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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

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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. 

 

 

Summer Walkabout

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tuscparks summer walkabouts

Join staff as we explore the different trails of TuscParks.  This activity also invites those who have never hiked the trails a chance to go with a staff person so they would feel comfortable in returning. 

AUG.

16

 

8:30 – 10:30am

8645 Dover-Zoar rd.  dover, OH

canal lands Park

Meet at picnic shelter.  This is a Dover address but located outside of Zoar.

Register

 

TuscParks Dog Day Event at the NJC

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“We are excited to bring this event back to the NJC trails this summer.”

 

2023 Take a Stroll with your Pet at the Norma Johnson Center 

TuscParks will be hosting a Summer Dog Day event at the Norma Johnson Center on August 26, 2023 from 9-11AM. Many of our visitors bring their pets with them while taking advantage of the trails at the NJC. We would love to see you at this event. Register from 9-10:30AM and be entered in our door prize give away. Door prizes will be awarded between 10:30 and 11AM. Registration table will be set up near the Conservation Drive Kiosk.

 

 

 

 

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.