Turkey Vulture!

We ask that you continue to use the trails at the Norma Johnson Center. We are amazed by how many of you have continued to come out to the trails and the fishing ponds. We would like to remind everyone continue to practice social distancing. A friend of mine shared this picture the other day which wants me to say “Turkey Vulture” and spread out my arms when I am around others to remind all of us that I like you but we must keep apart.

As a reminder here are a few friendly trail reminders:
1. Please stay on the trails
2. If you bring a pet please clean up after it and keep it on a leash.
3. Our ponds are open to fishing, but it is catch and release and we ask that what you bring with you – leaves with you. For example fishing line and worm containers.
4. Our restrooms are closed. A port-a-john has been placed at the yellow pole barn parking area near the the Preservation Loop parking area.
5. Trail construction is going on – we are working on increasing the length of the accessible trail so some parts of the trail between the Preservation side and the Conservation side by SR 39 is muddy and exposed. A trail closed sign is posted but we have noticed hikers still using this trail. There are no hazards other than mud.
6. At the beginning of Conservation Drive staff have cut down dead pine trees and are now de-limbing and getting them ready to be taken away. We plan to plant bald cypress in this area.
7. No mobile vehicles shall use our trails except for our maintenance department. As a reminder, during this wet time we ask that visitors stay off the grass to keep from leaving muddy ruts along the drive way and in the parking areas.
8. More users sometimes means a possible increase of vandalism which we never like to mention or see at the Norma Johnson Center. If you witness other visitors breaking our rules please feel free to call the office 330.339.7976 or send us a message through Facebook. Increase use sometimes leads to others not taking care of our facility like we would like them too.
9. We continue to offer free public use to our facility. If you like what you see and would like to become a member of make a donation to our facility check our our website or trail maps for more information. Checks can be made to Norma Johnson Center and sent to 85 E Iron Avenue Dover OH 44622
10. It is tick season. So please take precautions and check yourself, fellow hikers and pets.

Lost and Found…Peacock

This may sound strange but…is anyone missing a peacock. Yes I did say peacock. Today our staff noticed this guy wondering the grounds. Please contact the office if you are the proud owner of this cute bird. On a side note this bird should be harmless when left alone.

 

 

“Start by doing what is necessary then what is  possible and suddenly you are doing the impossible.” ~St. Francis

A New Norm for Now

This week has been crazy for everyone.  Our norms have been changed without our consent.  Everyone is trying their hardest to find normalcy at home with their spouses, children and work.  Thinking about the positives of the week-the trails at the Norma Johnson Center have hikers galore.  Social Distancing is happening, families are exploring and memories are being made OUTSIDE.   Experts have been telling us over the last few years to get outside and play.  I can say that has been happening at the NJC.  Stay tuned for nature topics to be shared with your family.  Keep up to date on our Facebook page Norma Johnson Center and watch for us to go Live.  Otherwise, keep hiking, keep planning your adventures, stay safe and healthy. 

 

 

 

The Norma Johnson Center trails are open to the public dawn to dusk.  Dogs are welcome too but MUST be kept on a leash.  If seen off the leash the pet owner will be asked to leave.  Please be considerate of all users of the trails.

Trails Open

 

We will be following our local, state and countries guidelines due to the Covid 19 virus.  These guidelines could change at a moments notice and must be followed as the changes occur. 

That being said, the Norma Johnson Center trails are still open!

However, we asking that trail users try to keep 6 feet from others to promote good social distancing. 

Our restrooms are closed at this time. 

We ask that visitors  try to avoid touching communal surfaces if you can. 

We also encourage proper hand-washing techniques before and after your visit.  

Stay safe and stay healthy.

 

 

Public Announcement March 16, 2020


At this time the trails at the Norma Johnson Center are still open dawn to dusk every day. The restrooms are still closed. As for the future, we will follow the guidelines that are set forth by our county, our governor and our President.  

Our office hours have changed:
In light of the current events in Ohio, we will be open for business M-F from 8:30 am to 3:00 pm. Staff will be sanitizing prior to office hours and after closing. Please call our office for assistance during this time at 330 339-7976. Thank you for your patience and cooperation as we all safely continue to serve Tuscarawas County.

 

 

 

 

Join us on Friday, April 17 at our first inaugural Food Truck Friday and Open House from 4-9 pm. 

 This open house event will feature food trucks from Miller’s Creamery, 3 Lil Piggies BBQ, and Bahler Street Pizza, as well as live music from Elizabeth White and Levi Jameson. Event admission and parking is free, though donations will be accepted for several projects, and memberships will be available for purchase throughout the event.

Throughout this family-friendly event, guests will have the opportunity to explore the Center on a self-guided hike. Highlights include planting a pollinator plot, birding activity, photo slideshow, scavenger hunt, and other nature-oriented games throughout the newly constructed accessible trail. Pollinator seeds will also be available for distribution in the Center’s pollinator area or to bring home. A spring film will be shown in the red barn on Conservation Drive at 7:00.

If you are interested in volunteering for this event, please fill out this form

We can’t wait to see you there!

Our annual dinner occurred on February 27 at the Union Hill Methodist Church.  Through the event, we were able to raise over $1300 for the Norma Johnson Center. Check out some photos from the silent auction and presentations above. Kortlynn Miller won the essay contest and read hers to the room. We heard about the completion of three Eagle Scout projects. Shirley Everhart presented the Golden Oak Award to Randy and Koral Clum. The purpose of the Golden Oak Award is to recognize a group or individual that has, in some outstanding way, given to the Norma Johnson Center. The Clums have been involved with the Norma Johnson Center since its inception, and are seasoned Ohio tree farmers. 

Essay Contest WInners

Congratulations to our essay contest winners. Our first place winner is Kortlynn Miller, who is homeschooled. Our second place essay is Arizela Tecum-Box, from Dover Avenue Elementary School. Both winners will be invited to the Norma Johnson Center Annual Dinner to read their essays and enjoy the night. 

 

It is hard to believe that 2019 has come and gone and we are once again ever so grateful for the outstanding support from our community members and area foundations.  

  • We continue to search for funding for the accessible trail and by doing so have made strides in our efforts to complete this great addition to the Norma Johnson Center.  We are thankful for the community members who supported this project in 2019 as well as the following community organizations:
    • Doris and Floyd Kimble Foundation
    • Ruth Carlson Starlight Foundation
    • Muskingum Watershed Conservancy Foundation
  • Two young men, Nathan Ruggeri and Casey Rowlands, who were working to attain Eagle Scout honors helped place two lifelong structures to the Conservation Pond area that thousands of people will enjoy for years.  The bridge over the spillway and the accessible fishing deck will allow visitors to enjoy the Conservation pond area with ease.  
  • Three grants were received to help with new equipment along with one community supported resource
    • New Holland Front End Loader – Tuscarawas County Community Foundation
    • Cub Cadet Pro Z 972 SD Mower – Reeves Foundation
    • Pond Dipping Nets in partnership with Rural Action-Reeves Foundation
    • Wildflower, Tree ID, Insect ID, Bird ID guides and games – John Quimby
  • Several grants and funding sources were attained in 2019 to help with events.
    • United Way of Tuscarawas County – Winter Hike
    • Dover Hydraulics and Sugar Valley Meats-Chicken Barbecue
    • Kimble Company and ODNR Step Outside Grant – Family Fishing Day
    • O’Donnell Family Charitable Foundation- Butterfly Exhibit
    • Kimble Company and ODNR Step Outside Grant – Adventure Camp
    • First National Bank of Dennison- Fall Fest
    • Farm Bureau – Fall Fest
    • Dover Phila Federal Credit Union-Celebrate the Season and Luminary Walk

We cannot express how grateful we are for the community support of our organization.

Winter Hike 2020

Join us February 8 from 10-12 and hike the marked trails at the Norma Johnson Center.  We will have 3 trails marked to help you along your adventure.  Join us after your hike for hot chocolate and soup.

The Basic Loop (pink) – Enjoy a leisurely stroll around the pond and through the pine trees.  The ground is mostly level and starts and end near the picnic shelter on Conservation Drive.

Vista View (blue) – Intermediate walk will take you up a steep incline to walk along the ridge for a spectacular sightline across the valley.  The trail starts near the picnic shelter on Conservation Drive and ends near the kiosk near the restrooms on Conservation Drive. 

Adventurous (orange) – Explore our network of wooded trails.  Check out the wetlands and the suspension bridge.  Some ups and downs but nothing too major.  

This event is sponsored by United Way of Tuscarawas County. 

Winter Hike Flyer

Trail Options for Winter Hike

 

Winter Hike flyer

Winter Hike

2020 Flyer

Red barn- meeting place

2019 meeting area

Conservation Drive

Hiking with Animals

2018