2017 FoCH partnership projects click here for photos of all the park work days - 2017
Earth Day - Saturday, April 22
Helping with the RJRD tent site re-foresting. First step: removing the old tent platforms. This is the crew at the Beechcliff site. Photo by Ivy
FoCH provided an Earth Day lunch for the morning's volunteers. .................
photo by Chris Naizer
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Chef Barb Starr at the grill! photo by Chris Naizer
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Emmett and Corey destroying garlic mustard on Pine Lake Trail. Photo by Ivy
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Lynn and Joannie : surrounded by garlic mustard- yet not quite overwhelmed. Photo by Joannie Gottschling
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18 bags of garlic mustard- ELIMINATED! .............. photo by Rob Richardson
Richfield Community Day 2017
The focus is on the park: Richfield Heritage Preserve is represented by RJRD, FoCH, OHC, and Baldwin Wallace University
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Tour guide training - September 13, 2017
First class training for leaders of organized hikes
After three years of proposing, planning, designing, & revising, the historic signboards for the central Kirby estate portion of the park are installed by Northcoast Signworks on November 19, 2017. Several hikers were observed reading reading them almost as soon as they were posted. Success!
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Inspired by my many Friends of Crowell Hilaka
If Richfield Heritage Preserve at Crowell Hilaka could write everyone letter, I do believe this is how it would read on this very Thanksgiving Day.
My Dear Leap Friends,
Whose big hearts are so selfless, I relish that you love me with all your hearts and have given me my last chance. I am beyond grateful that all of you value and enjoy my inner beauty. Many thanks for conserving my unique ecosystems, tributaries, and secret waterfall. I have great respect and I cherish the reveal of all of my layers of history and amazing stories. Thank you for sharing my story book forest. On my grounds I encourage you to escape often, visit your imaginary place and create your own Ithilien. My green cathedral forest is a magical sanctuary for those who believe. Sincere gratitude for making me a public park which is Innisfree to all who wish. My spirit will find you every full moon trail if your heart is pure and your aim is true.
If these old walls could talk they would say, I am relieved that I won't be diminished in haste. I have so much more to give. Much gratitude for my friends who are taking the time to find a re-purpose for my many special historic dwellings. Many memories have been lived here with hopes of more to follow. I embrace the positive energy that continuously flows and surrounds me; like rays of warm sunshine that fall on the highest point of Summit county. Many thanks for building and maintaining my winding trails; with the future of discovery that connects people, horse and place. I have deep appreciation for the time that has been taken to tend my historic gardens and understory of my old growth forest. Tonight many woodland creatures find home and peace at Crowell Hilaka. I stand tall, look up to the starry filled sky with a clear mind, a strong heart and a wide smile I breathe deep with contentment. .........that all is well at Ohio's Hidden Treasure! My future is bright and I will continue to teach wisdom and emulate beauty to my many friends. This is my forever gift to all of you on this Thanksgiving Day!
- Beth Sanderson
Vice President, Friends of Crowell Hilaka