2018 FoCH projects and events
As I write this compilation on the last day of December 2018, I realize that while FoCH sponsored many programs ( 14 lectures, 6 organized hikes, 5 community booths, 2 large scale events - Kirby Day & Cozy Up to Winter Wonders), projects ( invasive plant removal, wayfinding signs, park brochures), and fundraisers ( plant sale, garage sale, murder mystery ) in this past year; it may be that our day-to-day, behind-the-scenes activities have just as much impact on Richfield Heritage Preserve.
Many of us walk the trails on a regular basis, either informally or in our yellow FoCH volunteer vests. We keep an eye on things, tidy up, provide direction to lost hikers, and sometimes tell the park story to those visitors who seem interested.
Private tours were provided to large and small groups on request ( or sometimes spontaneously ).
Kitty Antalvari and Sandy Norris emptied the trash and re-stocked and cleaned all the outhouses every week.
Cynthia McWilliams and her crew provided beautiful live floral arrangements at building entrances around the park. She brought her water tanks to the park weekly to water and maintain them.
FoCH crews frequently cleaned Gund Hall before and after guest group events.
FoCH members participated in the weekend work crews coordinated by Susan.
FoCH members assisted with the transformation of the camp manager's house on Broadview Road into the park office.
Beth Sanderson set up RHP-related display windows at Richfield Library with the help of Sandy Norris.
Beth and Cynthia create bulletin board displays at the three park entrances.
FoCH representatives attended RJRD board and committee meetings as well as FoCH organizational meetings.
We met with our architect and structural engineers on site, and participated in a conference call to coordinate their work with RJRD and dam engineers Gannet Fleming.
We have hired a roofer for Kirby's Mill ( the work unfortunately delayed by the early onset of winter, but on the schedule for spring)
We have purchased and installed a dehumidifier in the basement of Kirby House.
It's all been a labor of love. In spite of the occasional growing pains, FoCH is an ever-widening circle of friendship and dedicated to Ohio's Hidden Treasure, Richfield Heritage Preserve.
Please scroll through the photo album below to witness the enthusiasm!
- LSR
Decmber 2018
FoCH president Corey Ringle selected as the 2019 winner of the prestigious Mark Fergusen Award for architecture
Corey Ringle with Mark Ferguson - photo and caption from the ICAA journal ( institute of classical architecture and art)
Editor's note: Corey Ringle was the winner of the 2019 Mark Ferguson Award, which allows a student or emerging professional the opportunity to attend the eight-day Intensive in Classical Architecture in New York City.
For a description of Corey's experience at the Intensive, see the 2019 FoCH projects & events page
Editor's note: Corey Ringle was the winner of the 2019 Mark Ferguson Award, which allows a student or emerging professional the opportunity to attend the eight-day Intensive in Classical Architecture in New York City.
For a description of Corey's experience at the Intensive, see the 2019 FoCH projects & events page
Winter Wonders. December 1

The genesis of Cozy Up to Winter Wonders came from RJRD trustee Meg Slifcak in late October 2017. She suggested that FoCH move their annual cookie sale to Gund Hall as the nucleus of a spectacular winter event that would showcase the buildings. The resulting event was a spectacular kick-off to the Advent season. It also featured RHP history, a display of the innovative reconfiguration of Lake Jinelle dam, and a winter hike around Lake Linnea sponsored by the Western Reserve Land Conservancy. Proceeds from the event will support FoCH projects at RHP in 2019 and beyond.
A rare break in cold wet weather of the last month, hike day was dry with only the slightest brisk chill in the air. A cheerful crowd enjoyed commentary by Joanie and Elizabeth.
And at the end of the evening, as darkness fell- moonbeams and ember glow. Photos by Beth Sanderson
September 27 Moving the George Ringle Bridge. A Tale of Hope and Love
September 27. You have to know the backstory to appreciate this event....
In 2014, when the Richfield Together campaign was working with FoCH and the Western Reserve Land Conservancy to encourage Richfield citzens to vote to protect the park, the land was still owned by the Girl Scout Council. GSNEO gave permission to WRLC to allow FoCH to conduct four open houses, but that permission did not grant unlimited access. Therefore, all the preparation after the initial clean up day had to be done off-site. During the first open house, Corey observed that the visitors could really benefit if they had the option of crossing the the main creek at the Gas Cut and the creek at High Lea Shelter. On her own, she decided to build such bridges. But they would have to be built off site, using estimated measurements, and carried in on the morning of the next open house because no one was allowed into the former camp except for the open houses. Corey asked her dad, George, for help. The two of them built the bridges in George's garage and trucked them in on the morning of the second open house. Corey organized crews to install them. The High Lea bridge was just a shade too short and had to be propped up on cinder blocks at the edge of the creek bed. Nevertheless, both bridges provided sturdy crossings for the rest of the open houses - and beyond. For those who knew the story they were also a testament to resilience and determination. Corey asked the RJRD if the larger bridge could be named for George.
A year later, an enormous storm washed George's bridge downstream. it was re-positioned, but washed out again. A year passed. An Eagle Scout candidate built another bridge over the stream at the gas cut. George's bridge was pulled out of the creek bend where it had lodged. Corey asked if it could be used to replace the short High Lea bridge. Jeff gave permission & Pat organized the work crew. George's sudden death this year made the re-positioning of the bridge a memorial to him and a tribute to all the contributions the Ringle family has made to the park.
In 2014, when the Richfield Together campaign was working with FoCH and the Western Reserve Land Conservancy to encourage Richfield citzens to vote to protect the park, the land was still owned by the Girl Scout Council. GSNEO gave permission to WRLC to allow FoCH to conduct four open houses, but that permission did not grant unlimited access. Therefore, all the preparation after the initial clean up day had to be done off-site. During the first open house, Corey observed that the visitors could really benefit if they had the option of crossing the the main creek at the Gas Cut and the creek at High Lea Shelter. On her own, she decided to build such bridges. But they would have to be built off site, using estimated measurements, and carried in on the morning of the next open house because no one was allowed into the former camp except for the open houses. Corey asked her dad, George, for help. The two of them built the bridges in George's garage and trucked them in on the morning of the second open house. Corey organized crews to install them. The High Lea bridge was just a shade too short and had to be propped up on cinder blocks at the edge of the creek bed. Nevertheless, both bridges provided sturdy crossings for the rest of the open houses - and beyond. For those who knew the story they were also a testament to resilience and determination. Corey asked the RJRD if the larger bridge could be named for George.
A year later, an enormous storm washed George's bridge downstream. it was re-positioned, but washed out again. A year passed. An Eagle Scout candidate built another bridge over the stream at the gas cut. George's bridge was pulled out of the creek bend where it had lodged. Corey asked if it could be used to replace the short High Lea bridge. Jeff gave permission & Pat organized the work crew. George's sudden death this year made the re-positioning of the bridge a memorial to him and a tribute to all the contributions the Ringle family has made to the park.
The changing seasons reflected in flowers by Cynthia
The arrangements at the park entrance ( above) and at Amity porch and at Gund Hall ( below) were place in honor of Earth Day and to encourage Defenders of the Forest who were arriving to do battle with garlic mustard.
Volunteering continues all year round at the FoCH office - or anywhere that a laptop will work. Upkeep on the the website, the Mill Write, Facebook & other social media, meeting minutes, proposals, internal policies & external speeches, grant applications, correspondence, fielding questions. Research can be on line or on location, source documents are filed at the office whenever possible. Committees meet at homes, libraries, restaurants, or at the park. |
Clive single-handedly dismantled the deteriorating tent platforms at Wonken Tonken
Nancy cleared out excess water lilly from fishing areas at Lake Linnea ( sometimes assisted by Clive)
RHP information booth at Hudson Green on the Green. Saturday, September 22 9 am - 1 pm. Staffed by Donna Spiegler and Clive Fetzer
What a great event we had last night! I can't thank each of you enough for all your creative ideas and hard work!! The centerpieces and decorations were fabulous! The appetizers, desserts and those root beer floats were all delicious! And the luminaries added the perfect finishing touch!
I feel so blessed to be part of FoCH and to be able to work with all you extremely talented and hard-working individuals!!! You are all truly the best. A 'professional' event planner could not have done a better job than you all did with the murder mystery and as FoCH always does with all its events!
That all being said, I wanted you to know we took in $730 last night through tip money ($46), the 50/50 raffle ($142 -- our 50% share) and the silent auction ($542). Not too shabby! Registrations brought in $2,325 -- for a total income of $3,055. I don't have the entire income/expense summary finalized as I'm still waiting to find out if anyone has expenses to submit.
Thank you all again for helping to put on such a wonderful event!!!!
Karen
I feel so blessed to be part of FoCH and to be able to work with all you extremely talented and hard-working individuals!!! You are all truly the best. A 'professional' event planner could not have done a better job than you all did with the murder mystery and as FoCH always does with all its events!
That all being said, I wanted you to know we took in $730 last night through tip money ($46), the 50/50 raffle ($142 -- our 50% share) and the silent auction ($542). Not too shabby! Registrations brought in $2,325 -- for a total income of $3,055. I don't have the entire income/expense summary finalized as I'm still waiting to find out if anyone has expenses to submit.
Thank you all again for helping to put on such a wonderful event!!!!
Karen
RHP information booth at the Mexican Fiesta and Clinic sponsored by the Ohio Horseman's Council. Saturday, August 4th. Staffed by Clive Fetzer
RHP information booth at Day in the Life of the Rocky River on Saturday, July 21 from 9 am to 1 PM. Event sponsored by Cleveland Metroparks and Rocky River Watershed Council. Staffed by Clive Fetzer & Barbara Starr
Volunteers keep on working at their tasks:
A report on the Invasive Species Managemtn Task Force
by Beth Sanderson
The RHP Invasive Species Management Task Force had a great day on July 10 working out in the field mapping the high quality areas at RHP. There were three ONAPA* Stewardship Assistants: Randy Mitchell, a biologist at UA; and Jennifer Windus of the Ohio Invasive Plant Council, working on defining the HQ map boundaries. I am happy to report we have at least six areas that have higher quality habitat. While exploring, we gazed at many beautiful fungi, plants, and mature hardwood trees. Richfield Heritage Preserve has a diversity of assets that we cherish and are responsible for protecting.
Our park is alive and well. While hiking the trails, we saw Phil Wanyerka's archaeological students from Cleveland State University doing research and sifting soil near the Buckeye Trail. A big thank you to Bob Becker for the communication about the lower lake being drained so that work on the dam can begin and the lake dredged. We need to remain as flexible as possible because things all around us seem to be changing by the moment.
Everyone noticed that the building stabilization process is in full swing. This park is loved. Jeff Deluca is doing amazing work! With all the time and effort, we put in at RHP, it is hard to believe that so many of the volunteers also have full time jobs and families. I heard many positive comments about our beautiful up-cycled signs. I have to admit they are works of art and set us apart from other parks.
Together we (FoCH & RJRD) have accomplished such great achievements. It is good to embrace our camp heritage as it makes our park unique and memorable. During our park tour, grass was being mowed by Russ. We saw Lynn Richardson, FoCH’s talented historian, and a small group of dedicated volunteers pulling barberry and hanging it in trees to die. I saw small piles of brush, which is perfect habitat for small animals, in the woodland areas. Keeping it clean and green is also being mindful of supporting the wildlife that people come to see in our park. I ran into one of very own RJRD board members, Pat Norris installing grills at Waterfront shelter. The grills had been damaged and Pat made them usable again by adding new stands. This guy can fix anything! Trash to treasure is smart but does take some creativity. In general, this type of dedication is pure and priceless! Cynthia McWilliam's beautiful pots of floral arrangements strategically placed throughout the park and a well-maintained bulletin board speak volumes to park guests. The park office was being worked on by Pella Windows and is getting closer to the finish line. One building down, ten to go!
All of these physical and visible projects taking place simultaneously in the park are amazing in themselves and create a positive synergy. I would not do justice, however, if I failed to mention all the behind the scenes efforts such as Judy Soroczak’s work for the park board and the countless hours volunteers spend attending park board meetings, writing articles, as well as planning and executing events.
I am amazed at what a small group of like-minded people can accomplish together! The more unified and organized we become, the stronger we will be in moving the project forward.
With Gratitude!
-Beth
* Ohio Natural Areas and Preserves
by Beth Sanderson
The RHP Invasive Species Management Task Force had a great day on July 10 working out in the field mapping the high quality areas at RHP. There were three ONAPA* Stewardship Assistants: Randy Mitchell, a biologist at UA; and Jennifer Windus of the Ohio Invasive Plant Council, working on defining the HQ map boundaries. I am happy to report we have at least six areas that have higher quality habitat. While exploring, we gazed at many beautiful fungi, plants, and mature hardwood trees. Richfield Heritage Preserve has a diversity of assets that we cherish and are responsible for protecting.
Our park is alive and well. While hiking the trails, we saw Phil Wanyerka's archaeological students from Cleveland State University doing research and sifting soil near the Buckeye Trail. A big thank you to Bob Becker for the communication about the lower lake being drained so that work on the dam can begin and the lake dredged. We need to remain as flexible as possible because things all around us seem to be changing by the moment.
Everyone noticed that the building stabilization process is in full swing. This park is loved. Jeff Deluca is doing amazing work! With all the time and effort, we put in at RHP, it is hard to believe that so many of the volunteers also have full time jobs and families. I heard many positive comments about our beautiful up-cycled signs. I have to admit they are works of art and set us apart from other parks.
Together we (FoCH & RJRD) have accomplished such great achievements. It is good to embrace our camp heritage as it makes our park unique and memorable. During our park tour, grass was being mowed by Russ. We saw Lynn Richardson, FoCH’s talented historian, and a small group of dedicated volunteers pulling barberry and hanging it in trees to die. I saw small piles of brush, which is perfect habitat for small animals, in the woodland areas. Keeping it clean and green is also being mindful of supporting the wildlife that people come to see in our park. I ran into one of very own RJRD board members, Pat Norris installing grills at Waterfront shelter. The grills had been damaged and Pat made them usable again by adding new stands. This guy can fix anything! Trash to treasure is smart but does take some creativity. In general, this type of dedication is pure and priceless! Cynthia McWilliam's beautiful pots of floral arrangements strategically placed throughout the park and a well-maintained bulletin board speak volumes to park guests. The park office was being worked on by Pella Windows and is getting closer to the finish line. One building down, ten to go!
All of these physical and visible projects taking place simultaneously in the park are amazing in themselves and create a positive synergy. I would not do justice, however, if I failed to mention all the behind the scenes efforts such as Judy Soroczak’s work for the park board and the countless hours volunteers spend attending park board meetings, writing articles, as well as planning and executing events.
I am amazed at what a small group of like-minded people can accomplish together! The more unified and organized we become, the stronger we will be in moving the project forward.
With Gratitude!
-Beth
* Ohio Natural Areas and Preserves
Defending the Forest of Richfield Heritage Preserve takes on a challenging aspect when the target species is barberry. The elite crew of dedicated defenders became known as "Barberrians". Small quantities of other invasives such as Japanese knotweed, Buckthorn, Autumn olive, and Multiflora rose were taken out when they were spotted in a worksite especially in the high quality areas. But the focus was barberry. Volunteers logged over 300 hours digging it out.
May 17 - Get to Know your Park lecture series: "Photographs preserve our memories of Richfield Heritage Preserve, and of the joy we have found there. The better the photographs, the stronger the memories and the greater the joy. Join two of RHP's most avid photographers, Jim McClintock and Rob Richardson, as they discuss their (sometimes conflicting) ideas on how you can improve your photography. And you won't have to spend any money to do it!"
May 12 Revere Health & Wellness 5K Family Fun Run Thanks so much to those FoCH members who volunteered at the May 12 Revere Health & Wellness 5K/Family Fun Run. Your help and patience, in somewhat chaotic conditions, is appreciated more than I can ever tell you! You were truly our salvation on Saturday. You went above and beyond to try to keep everyone, literally, on course.
My eternal gratitude to: Barb, Clive, Corey, Joanie, Nancy and Sandy! I owe you all big time!!!
Karen
My eternal gratitude to: Barb, Clive, Corey, Joanie, Nancy and Sandy! I owe you all big time!!!
Karen
Wayfinding signs - a collaboration between RJRD & FoCH.
Using recycled wood, Elizabeth Csontos organized the project of making and posting new wayfinding signs throughout the park

Welcome Garden at Oviatt Rd pedestrian gate
RHP story told by request for the Buckeye Trailfest during the Keynote address April 28. Presented by Corey Ringle
Garlic mustard has been slow to appear due to the cold spring, although there are some small patches starting to poke up. The garlic mustard orientation will go on as planned, followed by "reconnaissance" hikes to look for new outbreaks.
OTHER OPTIONS: any volunteers on April 21 will have the opportunity to join a fence clearing project in the morning only - bring your own clippers & loppers. There may be trail clean up projects available- bring your own rake. There may be indoor light construction work available at the new park office. Bulletins will be arriving to Command Central hourly.
OTHER OPTIONS: any volunteers on April 21 will have the opportunity to join a fence clearing project in the morning only - bring your own clippers & loppers. There may be trail clean up projects available- bring your own rake. There may be indoor light construction work available at the new park office. Bulletins will be arriving to Command Central hourly.
Additional opportunities for garlic mustard removal training and action took place throughout May and June with the result that 244 volunteer hours were logged removing 635 pounds of garlic mustard.
Spring Sing Along
Assisted with the RJRD Education Summit, March 10 at Gund Hall.
Inspired by Beth's comprehensive management of the RHP Invasive Species Management Task Force, Meg Slifcak proposes the RHP Education Summit: part board orientation for newer RJRD members, part review of park assets. FoCH members logged 69 hours off- site organizing the event and preparing presentations, plus 96 hours of on-site preparing and cleaning the hall, gathering supplies, setting up the potluck lunch, and participating in the event.
Inspired by Beth's comprehensive management of the RHP Invasive Species Management Task Force, Meg Slifcak proposes the RHP Education Summit: part board orientation for newer RJRD members, part review of park assets. FoCH members logged 69 hours off- site organizing the event and preparing presentations, plus 96 hours of on-site preparing and cleaning the hall, gathering supplies, setting up the potluck lunch, and participating in the event.
Hello All,
As one person told me, it is easy to ask people for money because it can be replaced. Asking for their time is hard, because time is finite and cannot be replaced.
On behalf of RJRD (and RHP), the board and myself wanted to say "Thank You" to each and everyone of you.
We know there was a lot of time spent in planning and preparation, well before the presentations!
What an information packed day, a lot to digest...
We are extremely fortunate to have such a wonderful group of experts helping us!
Sincerely,
Bob Becker
As one person told me, it is easy to ask people for money because it can be replaced. Asking for their time is hard, because time is finite and cannot be replaced.
On behalf of RJRD (and RHP), the board and myself wanted to say "Thank You" to each and everyone of you.
We know there was a lot of time spent in planning and preparation, well before the presentations!
What an information packed day, a lot to digest...
We are extremely fortunate to have such a wonderful group of experts helping us!
Sincerely,
Bob Becker
February 22 "Richfield Heritage Preserve", a presentation to the North Olmsted Garden Club
A " Thank You" to FoCH from RJRD for $20,000.00 donation to Park Office renovation
"Captain Blue" Andy Niekamp greets FoCH fans and signs books after his presentation
The Elusive Jim Kirby
Wednesday, January 10, 6:30 pm. Richfield LIbrary
Join local historian Lynn Richardson for a presentation about the founder of Kirby’s Mill. Mr. Kirby was a whimsical genius and famous inventor who did more than anyone else to shape the land now known as Richfield Heritage Preserve. But during his lifetime he kept a low profile and left few personal records. Here is as much of his story as we know to date and the story of how we tracked his elusive footprints through history. Presented by The Friends of Crowell Hilaka.
Invasive Species Management Task Force holds first planning meeting under direction of Beth Sanderson. Saturday, January 6, 2017 from 1:00 pm - 3:30 pm
Principal Advisor is Jennifer Windas of the Ohio Invasive Plant Council with assistance of Heather Steihle of Crane Hollow Nature Preserve.
Principal Advisor is Jennifer Windas of the Ohio Invasive Plant Council with assistance of Heather Steihle of Crane Hollow Nature Preserve.
January Sing Along
Songs were an important part of camping, and for many years, a signature tradition of the Girl Scouts. The Crowell Hilaka Sing Alongs sponsored by FoCH are an important way of re-connecting with camp alumni as well as inviting new friends into an increasingly rare activity. The Sing Alongs provide a venue for sharing information; inviting participants to share their stories and updating them on the many ways they can continue to support Richfield Heritage Preserve.
The sing along was a great success!
- Rachel and Joanie, we had a great turn out and folks had a great time!
- Lynn, your presentation was wonderful!
- The soup, cookies, and hot beverages were delicious!
- And last, but certainly not least, Barb, those song books were BEAUTIFUL!!!
- Well done everyone