ERIE METROPARKS - Biennial Report 2019-2020
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ERIE METROPARKS
Biennial Report
2019-2020
Letter from the Executive Director
Amy Bowman-Moore
The following pages contain an overview of the activities and accomplishments of YOUR Erie
MetroParks for 2019 and 2020. We continue to strive for excellence in being stewards of YOUR
funding and, more importantly, YOUR lands.
Both 2019 and 2020 were outstanding years for your Park District. Even though 2020 was a trying
year for all, record attendance was experienced at Erie MetroParks while people were coping with
COVID-19.
The following pages highlight notable improvements, efficiencies, statistics of interest and changes
realized in 2019 and 2020.
The staff continues to improve and evolve the Park District by concentrating on the following areas:
capital improvements, policies, planning, programming and natural resource management.
The following listed highlights are mentioned in the upcoming pages:
· Many capital improvements have been made to enhance the park district. One special
project was in partnership with Erie County Community Foundation for the ‘Mindfulness
Project’, different areas throughout the Park District, where the public of any age, can go to
reflect or simply be in nature.
· New social media platforms were designed and implemented to serve the residence and
viewers of our many new and improved forms of programming since 2020 eliminated face to
face interactions.
· The Operations Department continues to care for all park areas to a level of excellence.
They provide outstanding fields for sports play and maintain natural areas. Support for this
department continues through equipment replacement schedules.
· Marketing excelled in keeping the Park District information available and relevant. Pre-
pandemic, hundreds of viewers were reached. In 2020 that literally changed to thousands as
our media methods expanded.
· Visitors and Erie County residents alike, continued to use Erie MetroParks for recreation,
education, and conservation services at record levels.
The staff continues to bring outstanding programming and stewardship to your Park District. The
Erie MetroParks staff is a very qualified group. With degrees and certifications varying from Marine
Biology to Wildlife Management, from Recreation Administration to Environmental Policy, most
members of the staff are CPR/AED and First Aid certified and some are First Responders for their
communities.
Please review and enjoy the following pages recounting 2019 and 2020. The staff of Erie
MetroParks and I are proud to serve you.
Once more, the Board of Commissioners, the staff, and I thank you for your support and
participation. Please come out and see what your Erie MetroParks has to offer.
2
Erie MetroParks
3910 Perkins Avenue, Huron, OH 44839
Phone 419-625-7783/ Fax 419-621-4217
Web: www.eriemetroparks.org E-Mail: behere@eriemetroparks.org
Commissioners
Don Miears, Chairperson
Troy Wisehart, Vice-Chairperson
Margaret Murray, Vice-Chairperson
*Commissioners meet the second Wednesday- 1PM at Osborn MetroPark
in the Maple Grove Center, 3109 Hull Rd. Huron, OH.
Executive Director
Amy Bowman-Moore
419-625-7783 ext. 226
E-Mail: amoore@eriemetroparks.org
Erie MetroParks Mission Statement
Erie MetroParks mission is to conserve natural resources while connecting the community with
nature through education and exploration.
3
Meet our staff-
Our staff is a diverse group, ranging in service from eight months to three employees
with twenty plus years of service to the residents of Erie County.
Administration-
Amy Bowman-Moore, Executive Director
Melissa Price, Deputy Director
Sue Daniel, Administrative Coordinator
Beth Ferback, Accounting Clerk
Sandy Flittner, Visitor Service Coordinator (& Volunteer Coordinator)
Operations-
Jay Yochem, Park Manager/Ranger
Derek Siesel, Park Manager
Mark Malone, Park Manager– Capital Projects
Rob Dunn, Park Maintenance Technician
Troy Nemitz, Park Maintenance Technician
Mike Wheeler, Park Maintenance Technician
Natural Resources-
Tara Kauffman, Natural Resources Manager
Brad Phillips, Environmental Projects Coordinator
Programs-
Melissa Bauman, Program Manager
Cheryl Kilmer, Naturalist
Mike Hensley, Naturalist
Open, Digital Media & Information Technology Coordinator
4
2019-2020 ADMINISTRATION
Erie MetroParks is largely supported by two general property tax levies that allow us to serve our
local community. Erie County property taxes made up $2 million of an approximately $2.5 million
dollar operating budget each year, approximately $36.31 annually for a homeowner with a valued
home of $100,000.
Last year, Erie County voters renewed the 10-year 2010 levy by an unprecedented and decisive
78%. As the COVID-19 pandemic brought challenges to our local community, parks across the
country saw an increase in visitors. Requirements to maintain social distancing highlighted the
importance of open spaces. According to an August Google Mobility report, Erie County park
usage increased by an astounding 124%. Erie MetroParks is grateful for the public’s support and
will continue to provide all county residents with unique educational and recreational
opportunities rooted from our mission statement.
In the last two years, Erie MetroParks received ODNR grant monies that funded projects such a
new shelter at Osborn MetroPark, a new fire pump for prescribed burns, and a Maple Sugar
Shack for public programs. Additionally, Erie MetroParks was the proud recipient of $25,000 from
the Erie County Community Foundation! This money went towards a countywide Mindfulness
Project to promote mental health for both children and adults.
Additionally, the park district awarded $59,794 to smaller government entities for park
improvements across the county. Recipients included Groton Township, Margaretta Township,
Milan Township, Oxford Township, Perkins Township, the City of Vermilion Parks Department,
the City of Huron, the City of Sandusky, The Village of Castalia, and the Village of Kelleys Island.
In 2020, Erie MetroParks improved the security of vendor payment procedures by implementing
the Positive Pay automated cash-management service to deter check fraud. This implementation
further ensures responsible, proper, and secure money handling.
The Erie MetroParks Employee Guide underwent its biennial audit. Existing policies were
reviewed, evaluated, and updated, if necessary and according to state laws.
Finally, park team members worked diligently to remain within the budget established by the
Board of Park Commissioners. Erie MetroParks’ staff members supported local vendors with
park purchases; pouring revenue back into our local economy.
5
See the breakdown of Erie MetroParks’ revenue and expenditures over the biennium from the
General Fund below:
General Revenue 2019 2020 Total
1-410 PROPERTY & LOCAL TAXES $ 2,140,857.93 $ 2,288,908.50 $ 4,429,766.43
1-420 CHARGES FOR SERVICES $ - $ - $ -
1-430 FEES $ 36,058.00 $ 9,416.00 $ 45,474.00
1-440 INTERGOVERNMENTAL $ 173,139.51 $ 232,566.16 $ 405,705.67
1-450 EARNINGS ON INVESTMENTS $ 10,195.69 $ 5,207.30 $ 15,402.99
1-460 MISCELLANEOUS INCOME $ 61,543.62 $ 71,879.17 $ 133,422.79
1-470 OTHER FINANCING SOURCES $ - $ - $ -
1-480 GENERAL FUND DONATIONS $ 7,970.18 $ 11,011.00 $ 18,981.18
1-CC2 UNENCUMBERED CASH CAR- $ - $ - $ -
TOTAL REVENUES $ 2,429,764.93 $ 2,618,988.13 $ 5,048,753.06
6
General
Fund Expenses 2019 2020 Total
EMPLOYEE SALA-
1-511 RIES $ 718,432.29 $ 710,195.51 $ 1,428,627.80
1-512 FRINGE BENEFITS $ 370,638.16 $ 371,130.31 $ 741,768.47
PURCHASED SER-
1-520 VICES $ 244,640.76 $ 285,001.72 $ 529,642.48
SUPPLIES & MATE-
1-530 RIALS $ 72,775.45 $ 71,321.29 $ 144,096.74
1-540 OTHER EXPENSES $ 47,826.89 $ 89,857.22 $ 137,684.11
1-550 CAPITAL OUTLAY $ 536,971.56 $ 302,361.95 $ 839,333.51
NATURE WORKS
1-604 GRANTS $ 20,043.07 $ - $ 20,043.07
TOTAL EXPENSES $ 1,991,285.11 $ 1,829,868.00 $ 3,821,153.11
7
DONATIONS
2019 Donor Names
Various Visitors Heritage Society of Erie County
Kingston Residence of Vermilion Firelands Pioneer Power Association
LLC. Friends of Old Woman Creek
Paul & Cindra Mielke Laurel School
Marjorie Jensen Daughters of the American Revolu-
Richard & Joyce Rupert tion: Martha Pitkin Chapter
Sandra & Terry Lewis Mr. and Mrs. David Clark
The Lucky Clovers 4-H Club Jerry Eakin
Providence Care Center Sandusky Bonsai Club
Jon Dutton Mrs. Laurie Bartlebaush
Tyler Meyers
2020 Donor Names
Mr. and Mrs. David Clark Sandusky Yacht Club Auxiliary
Various Visitors Steve and Kitty Smith
Civista Bank Loretta Peugeot
Providence Care Center Thomas & Cynthia Ziegler
Christopher James Catherine Meyers
David & Linda Horan Sandra & Lee Jewett
Patricia Wilson Paul & Alea Dahnke
Lucy Braun Family Don & Patricia Galliers
Charles & Carolyn Rainger Carole Dreffer
Sally Burger Pat & Elaine McGuinn
Payne, Nickles & Company AW & Charlene Hargrove
Judith Porterfield Douglas & Dorothy Grubola
Linda Litz Current Review Book Club
Robert & Martha Sawicki David & Carol Michaux
Jack & Dorothy Girard PNC Wealth Management Dept.
Carol Steuk Bruce Niehm
8
The donation of labor and volunteer service time comprised a large portion of our donations in
both.
Summary of 2019 Donations
Cash Donations $ 7,970.18
In-Kind Donations $ 50.00
Service/Labor Donations $ 195,556.70
Cash-Grant Donations $ 24,498.34
2019 Donations Grand Total $ 228,075.22
9
Summary of 2020 Donations
Cash Donations $ 11,011.00
In-Kind Donations $ 75.00
Service/Labor Donations $ 116,946.40
Cash-Grant Donations $ 95,544.99
2020 Donations Grand Total $ 223,577.39
GRANTS
Erie MetroParks received a Grant from the Ohio Department of Transportation through the Ohio
Parks & Recreation Association in 2020 for resurfacing the parking lot and the drive near
Shelter #3 at Osborn MetroPark. The value of the grant was $44,903.
102019 OPERATIONS DEPARTMENT
Various Parks
• Mowed back trails at all of the parks.
• Bird boxes maintained and new ones were installed.
• Parking lot lines were painted with the help of Erie County Highway Department.
• Prescribed burning with Natural Resources Department.
Birmingham School MetroPark
• Re-established the ball diamond, added new
safety toppers on fence.
Castalia Quarry MetroPark
• CQR Observation Deck was pressure
washed and re-stained.
• Large failing tree was removed.
• Memorial bench was installed.
•
James H. McBride Arboretum
• JMA mowing of special areas with Fecon mower.
• Provided 441.25 hours of horticultural assistance in the maintenance of the Arboretum grounds.
Osborn MetroPark
• Installed new carpet in the Frost Center lobby and
reservation office area.
• Children’s Forest upgrades including: sodding the slide
hill and building and installing the “Flintstones” car.
• Fixed the Dog Park mud hole issues.
• Fixed broken pipe under the Dog Park.
• OPK barn roof repaired due to weather damage.
(Replaced in spring 2020).
• The baseball backstop was removed due to the poor
condition and underutilized.
• Shelter #4 culvert was repaired.
• A new soccer kick wall was installed near the pickleball
area.
11• The water line at the Barnyard was repaired.
• Installed new pad for horses at the Barnyard.
• Painted the Executive Director’s office.
• Improvements made to the Perimeter Path including opening the path to original width, raising
the elevation and resurfacing the entire trail.
• Electric line from The Maple Grove Center was replaced. It supplies the electric to the Dog Park
parking lot lights.
• Unused bleachers and goals were removed by Bay Area Soccer League.
• Installation of new water fountains and grills at Shelter #1 and #3.
• Public garden plots were plowed and prepped for the season and cleaned up afterwards.
East Sandusky Bay MetroPark
• Site work to fill holes left by tree extraction at the Steinen Life Estate.
• Fecon mow the black locus plot at the Steinen Life Estate.
• Food plot was planted on Parcel A at the Steinen Wildlife Area.
• Seven acres seeded of bird, buck and brood mix and a cool season grass mix was planted at
the Steinen Life Estate.
• Eagle Point rental property: Prepped for a new renter. Improvements included: new carpet
installation, new appliances, and cleaning and painting the interior.
Wakefield Beach MetroPark
• New swing, bench and table were installed on the property.
CAPITAL PROJECTS
Osborn MetroPark
• Installed a new shelter, Shelter #5. It was purchased with the help of an ODNR NatureWorks
Grant and was built by EMP staff.
12Discovery Trail
• Staff planned, designed and submitted grants to create a Discovery Trail within Osborn
MetroPark. The operations staff was responsible for the installation of the concrete pads for the
structures, installing the equipment and signs, as well as the mulch and the edging for the
safety fall zones. Now children can learn and discover interactive play pods along the nature
trail.
Pickleball Court Expansion
• Erie MetroParks installed four new pickleball courts with an ADA accessible court to allow more
participants to play simultaneously.
DuPont Marsh/ Huron River Path MetroPark
• New fence installed for safety and esthetics.
13Edison Woods MetroPark
• Ohio Horseman’s Council worked all summer and repaired the East Oak Hickory Trail.
• The spillway was repaired.
• The Mason Road Parking lot was completed for horse trailer parking.
The Coupling MetroPark
• New bunk house installation project
The old box car was removed and the site was prepped, including tree removal and
installing a base for the bunkhouse. A new prefabricated shed was purchased and moved into
place. The interior of the bunkhouse was outfitted with electric, heat and air conditioning, and new
bunk beds were added. This new ADA accessible overnight rental is currently available for
reservations.
14The Coupling MetroPark
• Renovated The Depot and up-graded the park grounds.
• Fixed the rotten areas of the Depot and two train cars, prepped and painted the Depot and
caboose, resided and painted the red train car, repaired the deck by the red train car and bunk
house, added new lights to the exterior of the Depot, installed a new floor, installed a new grill,
and replaced and stained the deck and fence.
• Cleaned the pond area of overgrowth and invasive species, installed a new spillway, and
performed extensive cleanup after the July storm.
• Installed a new canoe rack, added new matting to the launch area for slip safety, purchased and
installed a new canoe equipment shed with signage and maps showing river access.
15IN-HOUSE WORK/ PROJECTS
Which resulted in substantial cost savings to the Park District.
• New trailer deck was installed on the heavy Hudson trailer.
• Manufactured trash cans.
• Welding training for staff.
• Repaired mower decks for the season.
16The Operations Staff
17EQUIPMENT ACQUISITIONS FOR 2019
• 2019 Woods Blade
• 2019 John Deere 5065 E Utility Tractor
• 2019 John Deere MX10 mower/cutter attachment
• 2019 John Deere TX Gator
2019 TRAINING, CONFERENCES AND SEMINARS
• Ohio Parks and Recreation Association Conference and Trade Show
• Woodland, Wildlife and Water Conference
• Two staff completed Ohio Prescribed Fire Manager Training
• In-house EMP safety training (including seasonal employees)
SPECIAL EVENTS THAT OPERATIONS STAFF PROVIDED PREP AND SUPPORT, HOST
PARK
From 2019
• Ohio Parks and Recreation Association Conference and Trade Show-Kalahari Resort
• Friends of Erie MetroParks Annual Gathering-Frost Center, Osborn MetroPark
• Earth Day Extravaganza-Osborn MetroPark
• Bay Area Soccer League Spring/Fall leagues-Osborn MetroPark
• Run the Rock 5K-Castalia Quarry MetroPark
• ODNR Waterfowl drawing-Osborn MetroPark
• Friends of Erie MetroParks work nights for “Go Take a Hike” The Coupling MetroPark
• Friends of Erie MetroParks “ Go Take a Hike event”-The Coupling MetroPark
• Harvest Happenings Community Festival-Osborn MetroPark
• EMP Natural Resource Management’s Annual Deer hunt- Edison Woods MetroPark
• Ohio Horseman Council’s annual Poker Run and camp out’s- Edison Woods MetroPark
• Partnership with West Huron Youth Club
18Tracking of Hours Spent On Each Task in 2019
1920
21
2020 OPERATIONS DEPARTMENT
Various Parks
• Mowed back trails at all of the parks.
• Bird boxes maintained and new ones were installed.
• Parking lot lines were painted with the help of Erie County Highway Department.
• Prescribed burning with Natural Resource Department.
Birmingham School MetroPark
• Added a volleyball court.
• Re-mulched playground.
Castalia Quarry MetroPark
• CQR Observation Deck was pressure washed and
re-stained.
• Large failing trees were removed.
• Removed graffiti from structures.
James H. McBride Arboretum
• JMA brush cut mowing of special areas with MX 10 mower.
• Provided 351.5 hours of horticultural assistance in the maintenance of the Arboretum grounds.
Osborn MetroPark
• Fixed the Dog Park mud hole issues.
• OPK barn roof replaced due to weather
damage.
• Planted new trees to replace dead and
declining trees around park.
• Meadow Fecon mowing.
• Rented a bark blower and re-mulched
playground, exercise equipment and
Discovery Trail areas.
• Rented stump grinder to remove large
amount of stumps.
• Disc golf sink hole repairs.
• Improvements made to the Perimeter
Path including opening the path to original width, raising the elevation and resurfacing the entire
trail.
• Public Garden Plots were plowed and prepped for the season and cleaned up afterwards.
22East Sandusky Bay MetroPark
• Site work to fill holes left by tree extraction at the Steinen Life Estate.
• Fecon mow the black locus plot at the Steinen Life Estate.
• Food plot was planted on Parcel A at the Steinen Wildlife Area.
• Several acres seeded of bird, buck and brood mix, and a cool season grass mix was planted at
the Steinen Life Estate.
• New parking lot installed at the Steinen Wildlife Area.
• Established new trail system at the Steinen Wildlife Area.
• Eagle Point rental property: Repair of chimney for renter use.
CAPITAL PROJECTS
Osborn MetroPark
• Installed a new structure– a sugar shack for housing maple sugaring equipment and host public
programs.
23Mindfulness Project
Staff planned, designed, and submitted grants to create mindfulness areas at several park sites.
These included a mindfulness trail at Castalia Quarry MetroPark, family mindfulness including a
bird’s nest hammock and yoga signs at the Enchanted Cottage, and mindfulness hammocks at
Wakefield MetroPark.
Birmingham School MetroPark Volleyball Court
• Erie MetroParks installed a new volleyball court for community enjoyment.
24Edison Woods MetroPark
• A new enclosed shelter was installed with electric at the SR 61 archery area, to be used for
upcoming archery programs.
• Site work was done on Mason Road for a new restroom project to be completed in 2021.
• Ongoing maintenance work is being done at the Smokey Road office building.
Steinen Life Estate
• New parking lot was installed and work was done on the trail system.
25Daily life in the Operations Department...
26IN-HOUSE WORK/ PROJECTS
Projects which resulted in substantial cost savings to the Park District.
• Manufactured trash cans.
• Welding training.
• Repaired mower decks for the season.
• New bracket fabricated for front of gator to
hold supplies.
• New shop sink and base installed with added
hot water.
27The Operations Staff
28Tracking of Hours Spent On Each Task in 2020
2020
Task BRM CQR TCR DPM/HRP ESB-EP ESB-EC ESB-PM ESB-SWA ESB-Wy ESB-BarnesEWP HFM JMA MTM OPK
1 Invasive Species Control 0 3 2 1 0 2 0 24 2 0 125 0 10.5 0 35.5
2 Landscape Maintenance 0 0 4 2 6 12 0 0 0.5 0 0 0 46.5 0 217.75
3 Lawn Fertilization 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 43.5
4 Lawn/Weed Control 2 7 3 0 3 9 1 2 1 0 4 2.5 28 1 82.5
5 Facility Maint./Repairs 14.5 125.5 64 100.5 9 90 0 4 11.5 0 18 3 0 7 714.5
6 Mowing 69 37.5 61 59 11 15.5 18.5 60 60.5 14.5 282.5 41 167.5 32.5 905
7 Lot/Driveway Maint. 0 7 0 5 2.5 0 3.5 0 4.5 0 4 0 0 0 43.5
8 Office Work/Mtgs. 0 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 1167
9 Restroom Maintenance 0 11 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1937.5
10 Snow Removal 0 5 1 1 3 3 0 0.25 1 1 2 0 0 0 77
11 Trail Work 0 340 31.5 25 30 15 0 22 0 0 130 36 0 26 147.5
12 Training 0 0 0 0 0 21 0 0 0 0 9 0 0 0 104.5
13 Tree Work 8 8 19 9 4 10 0 1.5 0 0 25 3 28.5 8 247
14 Spring/Fall Cleanup 15 30 20 6 2 28 0 3 0 0 37 4 70.5 2 145.5
15 Safety Ins/ Service Chks 1.5 3 26.5 7 2 4.5 0 0.5 1 0 8 3.5 0 1 41.5
16 Vehicle/ Equip Maint. 0 4 0 8.5 0 7 0 0 0 0 10 13 0 0 1391.5
17 Spec. Ev./Prog Asst. 0 1 1 0.5 0 3 0 6 0 0 4 0.5 0 0.5 42
18 Imp. Of Sites 21 31.5 1 4 0 184 0 42 0 0 115.5 0 0 0 697
19 Other 0 2 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 6 0 0 8
20 Offsite- purch, del, pick up etc. 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Totals 131 615.5 237 228.5 74.5 404 23 165.25 82 15.5 774 112.5 351.5 80 8048.25
292020
TOTAL HOURS SPENT AT EACH PARK
Hours Labor Cost
1 Birmingham School MetroPark 131 $ 2,751.00
2 Castalia Quarry MetroPark 615.5 $ 12,925.50
3 The Coupling MetroPark 237 $ 4,977.00
4 DuPont/Huron River Path Met. 228.5 $ 4,798.50
5 ESB- Eagle Point 74.5 $ 1,564.50
6 ESB- Enc. Cot/ Stockdale 404 $ 8,484.00
7 ESB- Putnam Marsh 23 $ 483.00
8 ESB- Steinen Wildlife 165.25 $ 3,470.25
9 ESB-Wyandot Meadows 82 $ 1,722.00
10 ESB- Barnes Ext. 15.5 $ 325.50
11 Edison Woods MetroPark 774 $ 16,254.00
12 Hoffman Forest MetroPark 112.5 $ 2,362.50
13 James H. McBride Arboretum 351.5 $ 7,381.50
14 Milan Towpath MetroPark 80 $ 1,680.00
15 Osborn MetroPark 8048.25 $ 169,013.25
16 Offsite 419 $ 8,799.00
17 Pelton Park 37.5 $ 787.50
18 Wakefield MetroPark 115 $ 2,415.00
19 T. Willams MetroPark 0$ -
Totals 11914 $ 250,194.00
30Not a bad view from “the office” !!!!
312019 NATURAL RESOURSES DEPARTMENT
Controlled Burns/ Meadow Management
The burn season in 2019 was again hampered by wet spring conditions. Burns were
completed at Edison Woods and McBride Arboretum. Three fields near SR 61 at Edison Woods
MetroPark burned well. The prairie planting areas as well as the north east meadow at McBride
Arboretum burned fairly well. Overall burns totaled 37 acres.
In 2019 we continued our mowing rotation with the Fecon unit (a brush cutting
attachment) at Osborn MetroPark. This is a continuation of work that was started in 2015. The
meadows are cut on a 3 year rotation so there is a variety of growth levels on the landscape for
wildlife. 15 acres were mowed in 2019.
MetroPark Property Projects
Lakeside Daisy monitoring continued in 2019 on the North Rim, West Cove and Upper
South Rim at Castalia Quarry MetroPark. Seedlings and flowering plants were found at all three
locations and are increasing and spreading each year. U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service dispersed 2
pounds of Lakeside Daisy seed on the North Rim, and Quarry floor in December 2019. Red
Cedars were cut on the upper South rim to reduce encroaching and shading on the population.
The Inland Sea Rocket (Cakile edulenta) was once again abundant in 2019. The plants
are still found a little higher on the beach as the sand has moved higher up to the grass area with
weather patterns and beach grooming in past years. Common milkweed is still abundant around
the areas the sea rocket is growing. These plants were flagged so they would not get mowed
down as it is an important source for Monarchs.
32A monarch waystation was created in 2016 at Osborn MetroPark behind the Frost Center
and by the parking lot at Wyandot Meadows MetroPark. Several pollinator species are well
established, including Ironweed (Vernonia sp.), Goldenrod (Solidago), Smooth Ox-eye (Heliopsis)
and Wild Bergamot (Monarda). The waystations have been monitored throughout the season to
inventory what pollinator plants appeared from our seed mix. Milkweed seeds were dispersed at
both pollinator patches in late fall.
Bee, butterfly, and dragonfly activity on the pollinator patch were submitted through
iNaturalist statewide programs to help with research projects. Monarchs were also tagged and
released to help track butterfly movement to Mexico.
Property Updates
The land clearing project at Steinen Life Estate property began in 2018. 7 acres of nursery
stock were cleared, root raked, and seeded with Annual Rye. In 2019 the 7 acres was seeded with
a bird, buck, and brood mix and a cool season grass mix. Also, the thick understory was cleared
out around the Locust trees.
33Invasive and Nuisance Species Control
Davey Resource Group was contracted to spray Phragmites, Reed Canary Grass and
Purple Loosestrife at Edison Woods MetroPark and Steinen Wildlife Area.
Aqua Doc monitored sections of Putnam Marsh for emergent invasives, specifically
Eurasian Water Milfoil. Very little milfoil was found; this could have been from increased water
levels with high turbidity.
Park staff continued with efforts to manage invasive and nuisance plant species in 2019.
Lesser Celandine at Edison Woods MetroPark and Hoffman Forest MetroPark. Poison
Hemlock at Edison Woods MetroPark, Milan Towpath MetroPark, DuPont Marsh/ Huron River
Path MetroPark and Wyandot/Barnes Extension, Multiflora Rose and Reed Canary Grass at
Edison Woods MetroPark, Musk Thistle and Teasel at Barnes Extension, Wild Parsnip and
Poison Ivy at Osborn MetroPark, Eastern Red Cedar at Castalia Quarry MetroPark, Autumn
Olive, Callery Pear, Dogwood and Mulberry at Barnes Extension and Steinen Wildlife Area,
Sumac and Dogwood at Wyandot MetroPark, Purple Loosestrife and Phragmites at Barnes
Extension.
The primary materials used for control are Glyphosate based products, which include
Roundup and other brands for uplands and Rodeo brand for wetland applications. A Triclopyr
based product (Element brand) was used for woody plant control on a spot treatment basis.
Wildlife Management
Ed Boose, one of Erie MetroParks volunteers, monitors some of the Bluebird boxes that
are distributed around Osborn MetroPark and James McBride Arboretum, Monica Klarer,
another one of Erie MetroParks volunteers monitors the additional boxes that are at Osborn
MetroPark. Out of the 15 boxes she monitored, she had 2 bluebird nests, 4 tree swallow nests,
and 1 nuthatch and house wren were successful.
At Edison Woods MetroPark holes caused by muskrat bank dens were noted on big
meadow trail that runs along the mitigation pools. One muskrat was trapped out of that area.
34Controlled Deer Hunt & Steinen Youth Lottery
Erie MetroParks has conducted a yearly deer count since 2012 to determine the estimated
deer population. Those population numbers along with documentation of deer browsing has
supported having small controlled hunts to reduce the deer herd and provide Ohio sportsman
hunting opportunities. The deer count results were determined inconclusive due to snow
conditions and limited visibility. Most deer were bedded down and not visible. Erie MetroParks
successfully conducted the 8th controlled hunt in 2019.
During a portion of the state-wide deer gun week (December 2nd – 6th) a controlled deer
hunt was put on at Edison Woods MetroPark. A lottery card drawing was held for an adult only
deer gun hunt. Each application was $5 to apply, and multiple application was permitted. For each
day, Monday-Friday, 6 names were drawn totaling 30 hunters. Each of those selected hunters
could bring a partner to hunt on a designated day until noon, for a total of 60 hunters. 1 mobility
impaired hunter was drawn this year, a hunting blind was set up on the boardwalk in Zone 8 for
easy accessibility. Rules and Regulations, Erie MetroParks permit, location map and zone maps
were sent out to each hunter in advanced, giving each hunter an opportunity to scout out their
zone prior. We received a total of 392 entries for the controlled hunt. 25 deer were harvested
during the 5-day hunt. Of those 25, 10 were bucks or button bucks, and 15 were does. The
mobility impaired hunter had a successful hunt, harvesting a big doe.
The Steinen Youth Lottery took place in August for youth interested in Trapping, Archery &
Upland Game. We had 2 kids participate in the lottery.
35Wildlife Surveys
During a moth program a Pink Streak Moth was found at Eagle Point. This moth is
considered rare this far north in Ohio. Switchgrass is their preferred food source; patches of
switchgrass can be found at Eagle Point.
As in prior years, sites visits were done at Berlin Heights Ravine, Thomas Williams MetroPark
and Howe Breeze Hill Farm to check on compliance with the easement restrictions. Most other
parks were visited at least once, if not more, to record bird and other wildlife species. Overall,
229 bird species have been found by staff in the last 24 years.
Beaver activity is still present in Plum Brook at Eagle Point/Steinen Wildlife Area. Many
chopped down trees from the beaver(s) can be found on the north side of Steinen and around
Eagle Point.
36Monarch butterfly monitoring for Monarch Joint Venture was done at one priority site in
Erie County this year. This was a site that was monitored in 2018 as well which is beneficial for
the data collection. We are working on building up volunteer interest to continue monitoring and
data submission moving forward for the nationwide research effort.
Eagle nests throughout Erie County are monitored on a yearly basis. Park closures will
take place if necessary.
Several special permits are issued every year for numerous studies and projects
throughout Erie MetroParks properties. The following permits have been issued for natural
resource related projects.
Representatives from the USDA were authorized to hang lured yellow sticky card traps
within the park system for the purpose of conduction a USDA European Cherry Fruit Fly Survey.
Locations will be chosen where honeysuckle has been identified. **Update “Sorting through the
Ohio ECFF traps’ samples are finally complete and we thankfully did not find any ECFF
(Rhagoletis cerasi) specimens at any of the 178 sites across northern Ohio counties along Lake
Erie, including those at Erie Metroparks. The 600+ yellow sticky traps used were effective at
attracting other North American native Rhagoletis spp. in the Ohio survey, including the Walnut
Husk Maggot (Rhagoletis suavis), Rhagoletis tabellaria, and Rhagoletis basiola. Rhagoletis
suavis and Rhagoletis tabellaria were the only Tephritid found in collections from the Erie
Metroparks.”
Edison Woods MetroPark:
Kate Pilacky with Western Reserve Land Conservancy along with students from Oberlin
College was granted a permit to collect seeds from prairie plants in the Edison Woods meadows.
The seeds will be used for planting a prairie owned by the Land Conservancy.
John Lavelle continued to catalog the microscopic animals that live in the waters of
wetlands and ephemeral pools throughout Edison Woods MetroPark. A one-liter sample of water
will be removed several times a year for this study. His permit has been approved to continue
into 2020.
37Bowling Green State University is continuing research in conjunction with data collected
previously by the US Forest Service on the Emerald Ash Borer. Plots will be set up where
previous research had been performed and will be monitored accessing native and non-native
plants, canopy openness, tree species diversity, and population dynamics of surviving ash
populations. Sticky purple traps will be placed near plots for EAB.
Cleveland Metroparks was granted permission to go off trail and collect quantitative
vegetation samples of typical terrestrial forest types of glaciated Allegheny Plateau Region as
part of a research to help complete a Terrestrial Forest Index of Biotic Integrity.
Paige Reeher surveyed floral, bee, and habitat to identify and count all flowering species
in a designated area. All surveys will be incorporated into a state-wide survey in search of
Bombus affinis and Bombus terricola. *UPDATE* They did not find the two rare species we
were looking for – the endangered rusty-patched (Bombus affinis) and the yellow banded
bumble bee (B. terricola), although 77 bumble bees in 4 species were observed at Edison
Woods MetroPark.
Castalia Quarry MetroPark:
A Kent State University student is conducting a common garden experiment by planting
110 Eastern Red Cedar seedlings and monitoring their growth throughout the year. They will be
planted on the North side in the East Sand Wash area. The seedlings will be removed after one
year.
Steinen Life-Estate:
West Huron Youth Club authorized to hunt and trap on park property in designated areas
during appropriate seasons.
DuPont Marsh:
An amphibian (frog and toad) survey was conducted three times per year between April
and July 5th to determine absence and presence in marshes as a indicator of marsh habitat
health.
Wyandot/Barnes Extension:
Gary Toll was authorized to place duck boxes in various locations along East Sandusky
Bay, they will be put in mid-March and removed in mid-October. He also put up fencing to
protect turtle eggs in May-June at Barnes Extension.
382020 NATURAL RESOURSES DEPARTMENT
This report entails a summary of natural resources projects and updates throughout the park
district. Conservation efforts and management decisions are carried out by Tara Kauffman and Brad
Phillips. Below is a graph showing our presence in each park throughout the year.
Controlled Burns/ Meadow Management
The burn season in 2020 was again hampered by wet spring conditions. Burns were
completed at Edison Woods MetroPark and McBride Arboretum. One fields near SR 61, part of the
Mason Road field, and three fields north of Smokey Road at Edison Woods MetroPark burned well.
The prairie planting areas as well as the north east meadow at McBride Arboretum burned fairly
well. Overall burns totaled 82 acres.
39In 2020 we continued our mowing rotation with the Fecon unit (a brush cutting attachment)
at Osborn MetroPark. This is a continuation of work that was started in 2015. The meadows are
cut on a three year rotation so there is a variety of growth levels on the landscape for wildlife. 18
acres were mowed in 2020 at Osborn MetroPark and some thicker patches were mowed in the
meadow by State Route 61 at Edison Woods MetroPark.
40MetroPark Property Projects
Lakeside Daisy seeding and monitoring continued in 2020 on the North Rim, West Cove
and Upper South Rim at Castalia Quarry MetroPark. Seedlings and flowering plants were found at
all three locations and are increasing and spreading each year. U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
dispersed seed at the near end and on the mounds on the quarry floor in November. They were
planning on doing some census work for Lakeside daisy during the spring but due to COVID-19
that did not happen. They may try to work on the census in the spring of 2021. Red Cedars were
cut on the upper South rim to reduce encroaching and shading on the population.
The Inland Sea Rocket (Cakile edulenta) was once again abundant in 2020. The plants are
still found a little higher on the beach as the sand has moved higher up to the grass area with
weather patterns and beach grooming in past years. Common milkweed is still abundant around
the areas the sea rocket is growing. These plants were flagged so they would not get mowed
down as it is an important source for Monarchs.
A monarch waystation was created in 2016 at Osborn MetroPark behind the Frost Center
and by the parking lot at Wyandot Meadows MetroPark. Several pollinator species are well
established, including Ironweed (Vernonia sp), Goldenrod (Solidago), Smooth Ox-eye (Heliopsis)
and Wild Bergamot (Monarda). The waystations have been monitored throughout the season to
inventory what pollinator plants appeared from our seed mix.
41Milkweed seeds were harvested during the fall from several parks to allow us to have a
seed bank for future seeding. Seeds were dispersed at both pollinator patches in late fall.
Monarchs were captured and tested for OE (protozoan parasite). If the parasite was found
the butterfly was euthanized and if it was not found they were tagged and released to help track
butterfly movement to Mexico.
Property Updates.
The land clearing project at Putnam Extension (former Steinen Life-Estate property) began
in 2018. 7 acres of nursery stock were cleared, root raked, and seeded with Annual Rye. In 2019
the 7 acres was seeded with a bird, buck, and brood mix and a cool season grass mix. Also, the
thick understory was cleared out around the Locust trees. In 2020, this field was dominated by
Sweet Clovers, with other legumes in smaller amounts. Goldenrod, Queen Ann’s Lace, Chicory,
Foxtail and various other weedy species were also found.
Invasive and Nuisance Species Control
Davey Resource Group was contracted out to spray Phragmites, Reed Canary Grass and
Purple Loosestrife at Wyandot MetroPark & Barnes Extension. Sixty-seven acres were treated
twice.
Aqua Doc continued their monitoring surveys for aquatic invasive species, specifically
Eurasian Water Milfoil in 2020. 3 different plant sampling surveys took place over the summer. The
marsh showed a high diversity of aquatic plants over the growth season and most were native
plant species. Sago Pondweed, Coontail, and Eel Grass were found to be the dominant plant
species within the bay. Invasive Eurasian Watermilfoil was not found during these studies. A small
population of invasive Starry Stonewort was noted. Lake levels remained high this year. Plant
sampling surveys will continue in 2021.
42Park staff continued with efforts to manage invasive and nuisance plant species in 2020.
Lesser Celandine at DuPont Marsh, Edison Woods MetroPark, Huron River Path MetroPark and
Hoffman Forest MetroPark. Poison Hemlock at Edison Woods MetroPark, Milan Towpath
MetroPark and Wyandot/Barnes Extension. European Frogbit at Putnam Extension. Autumn
Olive at Castalia Quarry MetroPark. Poison Ivy along adventure walkway at Edison Woods
MetroPark.
A scattered population of European Frogbit was detected at Putnam Extension in the north
-east park of the park. Other populations have been previously found at Barnes Extension and
Eagle Point. The high lake levels pushed the frogbit populations further inland. At Putnam
Extension, several attempts were made to remove as much frogbit as we could by pulling out the
plants and bagging it for disposal.
The primary materials used for control are Glyphosate based products, which include
Roundup and other brands for uplands and Rodeo brand for wetland applications. A Triclopyr
based product (Element brand) was used for woody plant control on a spot treatment basis.
Controlled Deer Hunt & Steinen Youth Lottery
Erie MetroParks has conducted a yearly deer count since 2012 to determine the estimated
deer population. Those population numbers along with documentation of deer browsing has
supported having small, controlled hunts to reduce the deer herd and provide Ohio sportsman
hunting opportunities. 65 deer were counted during the deer count on February 25th, 2020, with
an estimated population size of 121 deer inside Edison Woods MetroPark. Erie MetroParks
successfully conducted the 9th controlled hunt in 2020.
43During a portion of the state-wide deer gun week (November 30th – December 4th) a
controlled deer hunt was put on at Edison Woods MetroPark. A lottery card drawing was held for
an adult only deer gun hunt. Each application was $5 to apply, and multiple application was
permitted. For each day, Monday-Friday, 6 names were drawn totaling 30 hunters. Each of those
selected hunters could bring a partner to hunt on a designated day until noon, for a total of 60
hunters. 1 mobility impaired hunter was drawn this year, a hunting blind was set up on the
boardwalk in Zone 8 for easy accessibility. Rules and Regulations, Erie MetroParks permit,
location map and zone maps were sent out to each hunter in advanced, giving each hunter an
opportunity to scout out their zone prior. We received a total of 567 entries for the controlled hunt.
27 deer were harvested during the 5-day hunt. Of those 27, 6 were bucks or button bucks,
and 21 were does. We continue to receive positive feedback on the hunting opportunity we
provide.
Due to covid-19 the Ohio Division of Wildlife had the Steinen Youth Lottery all online and
offered archery only. 5 youth archery permits were issued.
Wildlife/Plant Surveys
In anticipation of a public Bio-blitz to showcase the Putnam Extension, an overall
biological inventory was begun in 2020 by staff. Total species found on the property came to 635
species, with 156 bird species, 335 plant species, and the rest were in other categories like
reptiles, mammals and invertebrates. The higher lake levels have enhanced a wetland habitat
along the north edge of the property, and numerous native wetland species were found there.
Surveys of the property will continue in 2021.
44Mike Hensley, park naturalist, documented a few rare and threatened moth species during
his surveys at Eagle Point. The Pink Streak (Dargida rubripennis), a threatened species that was
found in 2019 & 2020 at Eagle Point. Sigmoid prominent (Clostera albosigma), an uncommon
species for our area found at Eagle Point & Osborn MetroPark. Coffee-loving pyrausta moth
(Pyrausta tyralis), a southern species that is very uncommon in our area. Also, an Unexpected
Cycnia moth (Cycnia collaris), an endangered species!
A Blanding’s Turtle was also found at Eagle Point in 2020.
Common Bladderwort was documented for the first time on park property at Putnam
Extension. It is growing on the marsh edge, in the same habitat as the European Frog-bit,
unfortunately.
Indian Pipe (Monotropa uniflora) has been previously found under the white pine plantation
at Hoffman Forest MetroPark. This plant was found in great abundance in 2020. It is a parasitic
plant that survives by borrowing nutrients from certain fungi, trees and decaying plant matter. This
complicated, mutually beneficial process allows the plant to survive. Indian pipe is found in dark,
shady woods with rich, moist soil and plenty of decaying leaves and other plant matter.
45Following the Division of Wildlife’s bat roost monitoring protocols, 2 surveys were
conducted in 2020 at Edison Woods, Smokey Road, house where bat presence has been
observed in previous years. The first survey took place in May before the bats had pups. 86 were
counted leaving the attic of the house. The second survey was in June once the bats had pups.
100 bats were counted leaving the roost, 12 were counted flying back into the roost. Bat species
is unknown, but most likely Little Brown Bat. This data was submitted to the Division of Wildlife.
Monica Klarer, Erie MetroParks volunteer, monitors the boxes that are at Osborn
MetroPark. Out of the 15 boxes she monitored, she had 1 successful bluebird nest, 3 tree swallow
nests and 1 nuthatch and house wren nest were successful.
As in prior years, sites visits were done at Berlin Heights Ravine, Thomas Williams
MetroPark, Wakefield MetroPark and Howe Breeze Hill Farm to check on compliance with the
easement restrictions. Most other parks were visited at least once, if not more, to record bird and
other wildlife species. About 206 species were found in our parks in 2020, thanks to increased
study by our naturalist staff. About 231 bird species have been found by staff in the last 24 years.
Several special permits are issued every year for numerous studies and projects throughout
Erie MetroParks properties. The following permits have been issued for natural resource related
projects.
John Lavelle continued to catalog the microscopic animals that live in the waters of
wetlands and ephemeral pools throughout the parks. A one-liter sample of water will be removed
several times a year for this study. His permit has been approved to continue into 2021.
Edison Woods MetroPark:
S4 Mobile Laboratories was permitted to collect soil samples in the prairie at Edison Woods
MetroPark. They are developing a new portable soil test equipment to assay soil chemistries in
natural areas, farm field etc. They will be using the new device to test accuracy. They will insert a
soil probe to 1 meter and remove a cylinder 1 inch in diameter from several locations.
Castalia Quarry MetroPark:
A Kent State University student conducted a common garden experiment by planting 110
Eastern Red Cedar seedlings and monitoring their growth throughout the year. They were planted
on the North side in the East Sand Wash area. The seedlings were removed in 2020 and their
study is now complete.
46Steinen Life-Estate:
West Huron Youth Club authorized to hunt and trap on park property in designated areas
during appropriate seasons. They are also permitted to hold a club event, which included campfire,
fishing release arrows and tomahawks in designated areas, shoot bb guns and have dogs off
leash.
Wyandot/Barnes Extension:
Gary Toll was authorized to place duck boxes in various locations along East Sandusky
Bay, they will be put in mid-March and removed in mid-October. He also put-up fencing to protect
turtle eggs in May-June at Barnes Extension. It will remain up until the turtles are ready to be
released in August and September.
Social Media Outreach
Due to the pandemic Erie MetroParks ramped up their educational outreach through social
media this year. Tara Kauffman did Facebook posts highlighting a new plant each week for “Ohio
Native Plant Month” in addition to posts on Ohio native trees.
Information was also posted on Facebook and Instagram stories weekly featuring different
topics related to natural resources and what we were doing in the field during that time. Below is a
list of some of those topics.
Lakeside Daisy video
Bluebird box monitoring video
Meadow mowing management pictures
Bat surveys at Edison Woods MetroPark
European Frogbit control at Putnam Extension
SWA youth lottery opportunity
Invasive Japanese Knotweed & Garlic Mustard pictures
Invasive Oriental Bittersweet video
Edison Woods MetroPark controlled deer hunt
Pollinator Patch
Marking deer zones
Looking for invasives in the marsh, bladderwort and buttonbush picture
Barnes Ext, turtle, flower
Invasive species (Purple loosestrife, Phrag, Autumn Olive, Amur Honeysuckle)
47Slime molds, Indian pipe pictures
Trail camera highlights
Harvesting milkweed seed video
Eastern Box Turtle, goldenrod, gold finch
DuPont Marsh, Amur Honeysuckle (invasive), Sassafras
Native plants and the benefits of their berries (Pokeweed, Sumac & Dogwood)
10 bat species of Ohio from the ODNR mammal guide
Invasive species video on Chinese Wintercreeper in the South Woods at OPK
Name that tree bark—Hackberry & Shagbark Hickory Name that fruit—Osage Orange
Fun facts about Wild Turkeys
Why we hold a controlled deer hunt video
What can you do with our live Christmas tree after the holidays? Wildlife habitat
482019 VOLUNTEER DEPARTMENT
Volunteers are an integral part of the success of our organization, and they are managed
by Sandy Flittner, the Visitor Service Coordinator. They bring not only their valuable time, they
also bring a passion, enthusiasm, and experience to the organization they help. The Volunteer
Department is an important part of Erie MetroParks which needs to be nurtured and grown.
Volunteers are aging and organizations are finding it hard to replace them. In this first year
of working in the Volunteer Department, Sandy increased our individual volunteer list. Erie
MetroParks has a strong and solid base with our established partnerships, and she enjoyed the
interaction she had with them this year and looks forward to working with our groups in the
coming year.
With the focus for the year being more individual volunteer opportunities, we added an
individual who helped with our canoe/kayak programs throughout the season. Another person
joined our Adopt-A-Park initiative. She adopted Hoffman Forest MetroPark and spent 11.5 hours
since September walking the trails and picking up trash. We had another new volunteer who
completely refurbished one of our benches in the Northwoods.
The main partnerships include our Friends of Erie MetroParks, Erie Metro Live Steamers,
Pride Academy through the Sandusky City School District, and the Ohio Horseman’s Council of
Erie County. These groups work hard and add a depth to the Erie MetroPark system that could
not be reached without them. We are indebted to their support, time, efforts, and contributions to
Erie MetroParks.
In the following report are the numbers for the volunteer hours that were logged by both
individuals and groups. In 2019 we again began using volunteers for our Special Events; Earth
Day Extravaganza, Erie County Fair, and the VLFCU annual Easter Egg Hunt. There was a
63.13% increase in Volunteer hours for these events from 2018 to 2019. It is the goal of this
department to add additional individual volunteers and to use the ones we have on the books,
more frequently.
According to Independent Sector, the dollar value of a volunteer hour in Ohio in 2019 was
$25.43. According to Erie MetroParks’ recorded number of volunteer hours, the work completed
is valued at $195,556.70. Erie MetroParks is extremely fortunate to have so many wonderful
volunteers who contribute so much to our park system.
4950
51
Volunteer Moments 2019
Sandusky High PRIDE Academy
stuffs bags for Ohio Parks and
Recreation Association Conference.
New Volunteer, Larry Bedee, rebuilt
this bench in the North Woods.
Friends of Erie MetroParks (FEMP)
working in their Pumpkin Painting tent
at Harvest Happenings.
522020 VOLUNTEER DEPARTMENT
This year has been an interesting and challenging one. With COVID-19, most volunteer
opportunities were put on hold. While many things changed, many remained the same. The bees
kept buzzing and doing their job and our volunteer bee keeper continued his. Trails still needed
upkeep, especially where the horses trod, and the Ohio Horseman’s Council helped keep them up,
while practicing social distancing and following state guidelines. With the increase in park visitation,
Erie MetroParks trail monitors were kept busy helping to keep them clean and litter free.
Our main partnerships include the Friends of Erie MetroParks (FEMP), Erie Metro Live
Steamers, Pride Academy through the Sandusky City School District, and the Ohio Horseman’s
Council of Erie County. Due to the pandemic, these groups were not able to volunteer as they had
in previous years. FEMP was able to set some workdays and helped get the Sugar Shack ready.
Erie Metro Live Steamers were also careful and were able to work on tracks and engines. Pride
Academy was only able to make it one time in January, before stay at home orders were issued.
In the following report are the numbers for the volunteer hours that were logged by both
individuals and groups. Because of COVID-19, these numbers are down considerably. The
Volunteer Department is hoping that 2021 will again open opportunities for those who wish to
volunteer with the park system.
According to Independent Sector, the dollar value of a volunteer hour in Ohio in 2020 was
$27.20. According to Erie MetroParks’ recorded number of volunteer hours, the work completed is
valued at $116,946.40.Erie MetroParks is extremely fortunate to have so many wonderful
volunteers who contribute so much to our park system.
532020 Volunteer Summary
Section Area Park 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020
EMP
DEPARTMENTS
ADMINISTRA- General Office OPK 0.00
0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
Board of Commission- Various 432.00
421.00 432.00 432.00 432.00
ADMINISTRATION DEPARTMENT 432.00 421.00 432.00 432.00 432.00
PROGRAM Barnyard Programs Barnyard 40.00 37.00 10.00 16.00 0.00
Barnyard Operation Barnyard 1005.00 1101.00 866.00 910.00 1000.00
Interpretive Programs Various 19.50 11.00 0.00 40.50 0.00
Nature Camp OPK 112.00 56.00 55.00 54.50 0.00
Butterfly Monitoring JMA/OPK 7.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
Bluebird Monitoring JMA 25.00 17.00 16.00 26.00 12.00
Bee Keeping Programs OPK 5.00 3.00 0.00
Bee Keeping Opera- OPK
87.00 35.00 36.00 20.00
INTERPRETIVE DEPARTMENT 1208.50 1222.00 987.00 1086.00 1032.00
Canoe/Kayak Pro-
TCR
RECREATION grams 0.00 0.00 0.00 8.00 0.00
RECREATION DEPARTMENT 0.00 0.00 0.00 8.00 0.00
SPECIAL
Earth Day Extravagan- OPK
EVENTS 46.00 47.00 0.00 14.50 0.00
Erie County Fair Offsite 28.00 31.00 0.00 9.00 0.00
Easter Egg Hunt OPK 12.00 7.00 0.00 24.00 0.00
Harvest Happenings OPK 160.00 197.00 70.50 83.00 0.00
Party In The Parks Various
(One year only) 9.50
SPECIAL EVENTS DEPARTMENT 246.00 282.00 80.00 130.50 0.00
Construction/
OPERATIONS Various
Maintenance 276.00 415.25 32.00 240.00 0.00
Projects/Horticulture Various 319.00 44.00 245.00 0.00 2.00
Eagle Scout Projects Various 550.50 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
Dog Park Monitors OPK 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
Adopt A Park Various 1010.00 1049.00 0.00 11.50 12.00
Prescribed Burns Various 0.00 14.50 9.00 0.00 6.75
* Changed 2020 to reflect Volunteers Time - Habitat Healers - Adopt a Park
OPERATIONS DEPARTMENT 2155.50 1522.75 286.00 251.50 20.75
EMP DEPARTMENT TOTALS 4042.00 3447.75 1353.00 1908.00 1484.75
542020 Volunteer Summary con't
Section Area Park 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020
EMP GROUPS
FRIENDS OF Annual Gathering
180.00 180.00 180.00 180.00 50.00
Board & Committee Members 837.00 1442.50 1465.00 1306.00 947.00
Committees & Miscellaneous 60.00 306.00 60.00 264.00 98.00
Special Events 288.00 232.00 113.00 335.00 0.00
Organization & Communications 75.50 64.00 62.00 105.00 34.00
Workdays 183.00 180.00 93.00 199.00 67.00
TOTAL: FRIENDS OF EMP 1623.50 2404.50 1973.00 2389.00 1196.00
ERIE METRO Club Promotion
* * * * *
STEAMERS Meetings * * * * *
Misc. Site work, etc. * * * * *
TOTAL: EMLS 2278.00 2499.00 2699.00 2659.00 1438.00
OHIO
Edison Woods MetroPark Trail Work
HORSEMAN'S * 632.00 538.00 148.75
COUNCIL
TOTAL: OHC 632.00 538.00 148.75
PRIDE ACADEMY Program Services 216.00 117.00 336.00 84.00 32.00
SANDUSKY HS Administration 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00
Operations 148.00 325.00 0.00 112.00 0.00
TOTAL: PRIDE ACADE-
364.00 442.00 336.00 196.00 32.00
EMP GROUP TOTALS 5285.50 5345.50 5008.00 5782.00 2814.75
TOTAL VOLUNTEER HOURS: 9327.50 8793.25 6361.00 7690.00 4299.50
55Volunteer Moments 2020
Friends of Erie MetroParks helped with the new Sugar Shack for maple sugaring programs by
providing labor to sort the materials to build the shack, staining the building and providing some
financial assistance as well. We certainly appreciate them!
562019 MARKETING DEPARTMENT
2019 proved to be another successful year for the Marketing department of Erie
MetroParks. This report will break down some of the tactics and strategies implemented by Erie
MetroParks as categorized by what is known as the PESO system. PESO is an acronym for
various types of marketing and advertisement opportunities that are taken advantage of. The
four opportunities are Paid (radio/TV ads, banners and flyers, social media ads, etc), Earned
(existing relationships such as news outlets, partnerships with local business, etc), Shared
(organic marketing, word-of-mouth, social media posts, etc), and Owned (company website,
on-site bulletin boards, etc).
PAID
Erie MetroParks reduced it advertising expenditures in 2019 as a result of organic growth
in other areas of marketing as outlined in this report. There were three areas of focus for paid
advertisement: Radio, ‘Boosted’ Social Media, and Traditional Print.
Radio advertisement has always been a staple of Erie MetroParks advertising strategies.
BAS Broadcasting and Elyria/Lorain broadcasting represent that vast majority of listening
audiences in Erie County, so they have been the go-to choice. Ads played on these networks
included promotions for “Run the Rock”, “Harvest Happenings”, “Go Take a Hike”, and general
promotion of the organization’s mission of conservation.
Boosted Social Media posts represent the smallest expenditure of the Erie MetroParks
advertising budget, but perhaps also the greatest ROI. For example, a Facebook post that is
boosted for $10 over a period of 2 weeks will be seen almost ten times as much as a post
without boosting. The views seen on a boosted social media post easily rival those of traditional
print advertising while costing significantly less. Boosted social media posts in 2019 included ads
for employment opportunities and special events hosted by Erie MetroParks.
While social media advertising costs significantly less than traditional print, there is still an
audience to reach using outlets such as newspapers, magazines, and billboards. Erie
MetroParks purchased advertisements in the Sandusky Register’s ‘Summer Entertainment
Guide’ which featured businesses, organizations, and events from all over the Lake Erie Shores
and Islands region. Advertisements were Also purchased in the Sandusky Register for “Harvest
Happenings”. Erie MetroParks also purchased billboard advertising with Lamar Advertising in
2019 to promote “Harvest Happenings”. These billboards were located along Cleveland Rd west
of the East Sandusky Bay properties.
EARNED
Erie MetroParks has earned many valuable connections through its relationships with
local business, agencies, and philanthropic citizens over the past 5 decades. The relationships
have provided opportunities for positive word of Erie MetroParks services and amenities to
spread at no cost to the agency.
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