FY2011 Annual Report by Conservancy for Cuyahoga Valley National Park

2011 Report to the community | A moment lived, a gift for generations

from the conservancy

Conservancy for Cuyahoga Valley National Park

A Year of Growth and Change at Cuyahoga Valley National Park

We’re for your national park.

We’re driven by an intense passion to help Cuyahoga Valley National Park achieve its full potential for the people of Northeast Ohio and the nation. Our national park is vibrant, captivating and holds a long-standing legacy that’s woven into the historical fabric of the Cuyahoga Valley. Our national park unlocks a world of experiences; it’s a place to be proud of and call our own. Our national park is strengthened by the desire of its visitors, supporters, volunteers and members who strive to preserve, protect and enhance this treasured civic asset for generations to come.

Your support of the Conservancy and Cuyahoga Valley National Park has resulted in a year of growth as we fulfill our mission to help the park reach its full potential. Whether you stop at Trail Mix, enjoy one of our concerts, send your children to camp or volunteer in the park, you help us find new ways for the community to experience the park. Consider these achievements: •

We launched a new year-round concert series, Music by Nature.

•

A new summer Farm Camp was experienced by 48 campers, including children from the Boys & Girls Club of Akron.

•

Trail Mix sales increased by 22% compared to the previous year.

•

There was a 40% increase in park volunteers.

•

Stanford House opened to the public in May and has already been enjoyed by more than 1,700 overnight visitors.

•

e are widely viewed as one of the largest, most successful National W Park Service friends groups in the country.

All of this has happened because of YOU, our supporters and friends. We offer our most heartfelt “Thank You” for helping us grow. We are also grateful for the partnership that we have with Cuyahoga Valley National Park Superintendent Stan Austin. His vision and energy and the hard work of his staff inspire us. Members of our board of directors volunteer countless hours to drive our success and we want to offer special thanks to board members whose terms expired this year: Pam Carson, Mary K. Holmes, Lisa Mandel and Mike Shuster. Our work is more successful because of our strong partnership with the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad and the Countryside Conservancy; and we thank their leaders, Steve Wait and Darwin Kelsey. In the following report you will find stories that exemplify the support you give to your national park. There is much to look forward to in 2012. Stop by our office and see the photography of our talented Cuyahoga Valley Photo Society members. Visit our new retail store that will open this year in Peninsula. Attend one of our numerous programs or concerts. Help us continue to support park initiatives and to bring children to the park. YOU allow us to serve the community and make exceptional things happen in Cuyahoga Valley National Park.

Deb Yandala Chief Executive Officer

Chuck Mlakar Chairman, Board of Directors

Deb Yandala

Chuck Mlakar

“ You allow us to serve the community and make exceptional things happen.”

Environmental education

from cuyahoga Valley national park

a letter from the superintendent I am very pleased to finish my first full year as Superintendent of Cuyahoga Valley National Park. It has been a wonderful year meeting everyone and learning about this beautiful treasure in Northeast Ohio. As many of you have heard me say, I am the envy of many superintendents around the country for the tremendous support this park receives from the vibrant partnerships, community engagement, and the thousands who volunteer — like you, members of the Conservancy for Cuyahoga Valley National Park. With this kind of support we will advance Cuyahoga Valley National Park to the next level. We will continue to strengthen the connection to the communities within and surrounding the park to embrace the idea of being gateways to this national park. We will continue to create new visitor experiences that one would receive at other national parks. I look forward to working with the Conservancy for Cuyahoga Valley National Park on these and other efforts in the years to come!

garden is tended at hale farm

New Farm Program is Educational Experience for Girl Scout Troop

Thank you for making a difference in your national park!

stan austin |

photo by Bruce Ford

Stan Austin Superintendent

blossom land |

It can certainly be a challenge to choose a camp in Northeast Ohio, especially when there are so many fantastic opportunities available. Each year Lisa Englemann tries to create diverse educational experiences for her daughter’s Twinsburg Girl Scout group, Junior Troup 90182. Lisa, however, recalled her family’s trip to the Cuyahoga Valley Environmental Education Center for the annual Festival of Lights program and decided to take a look at the Conservancy’s website. She searched the site and within a few minutes discovered several new offerings at the EEC — one being the new Seeds of Learning farming and food programs. After having the girls look over some options, they voted to attend the Stone Soup Mystery Meal program offered in fall of 2011, to learn about how their eating habits impact the environment and their own health and well-being. “I wanted them to have the opportunity to do something they wouldn’t normally get a chance to do,” Lisa said. “They learned about local agriculture and how they can improve their eating habits while helping to sustain the environment.”

photo by Dennis Hamm

Blossom Music Center Lands Conserved for Park On November 14, 2011, the Musical Arts Association (owner of Blossom), The Trust for Public Land (TPL), and the National Park Service announced the successful completion of a two-phased effort to protect 568 acres of land surrounding the Blossom Music Center. This acreage, together with adjacent lands, now constitutes the largest block of forested land in Cuyahoga Valley National Park. The story began in 2007, as Musical Arts, facing financial challenges, contemplated sale of its excess lands surrounding Blossom for residential development. However, discussions with the National Park Superintendent, who was intent on protecting this acreage, led the parties to engage the Trust for Public Land to help find a conservation alternative to development.

With the enthusiastic support of Conservancy leadership and its members, and the dedicated tenacity of the Northeast Ohio congressional delegation, TPL was able to engineer a brilliant conservation outcome utilizing $9.247 million from the Federal Land and Water Conservation Fund. Congratulations to all involved for finding the right solution to a serious challenge and threat to the integrity of Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Now, 578 acres of important forested watershed surrounding Blossom are forever preserved, just as Congressman John Seiberling intended when he fought for establishment of the national park in 1974.

The new Seeds of Learning programs include Farm School, where classes from area schools stay at the EEC for a week; Farm Camp, a week-long summer camp; and interactive programming designed for the general public. “It’s made a difference for them. The girls take pride in maintaining small gardens in their backyards and finding ways to implement what they grow at the dinner table,” Lisa added. Education Coordinator Lori Smith, who is responsible for coordinating the development of programming for the Seeds of Learning farming and food programs with the troop, noted that it was easy to see a transformation with the campers by the time they departed. “They even enjoyed slopping the pigs with the leftover salad and soup that we had prepared for lunch that afternoon,” Lori said. “The girls made several trips to the pig pen with the table scraps, then watched the pigs devour the vegetable treats. I am not sure who enjoyed the slopping more — the pigs or the girls!” The EEC interns quickly developed a rapport with the girls, which made it easy for the troop to learn in a more relaxed atmosphere.

Seeds of Learning Seeds of Learning farming and food programs are offered in the national park through partnership between the Conservancy for Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Western Reserve Historical Society’s Hale Farm & Village, Countryside Conservancy and the National Park Service. The programs include a 4-day/3night course for schools, two weeks of overnight summer camp, and a series of public and family programs. The driving question of Seeds of Learning is, “Where does my food come from, and how do my choices affect my health, my community and my environment?” Exploration of this question takes children and adults on farming adventures in and around Cuyahoga Valley National Park, highlighting the valley’s farming roots and the park’s role in good health for land and people.

Donor REcognition

When is a Garden more than a Garden?

When it contains a story of people who love their national park

Philanthropic support for Cuyahoga Valley National Park and its nonprofit partners has been essential to creating and sustaining many important features of the park. This support has come from individuals, foundations, corporations and organizations and has supported many exciting projects. Finding a way to tastefully recognize these supporters and partners was the next step for the Conservancy.

It took a talented volunteer to make this garden a reality; Dedee O’Neil, longtime member of the Akron Garden Club, worked to design a garden filled with carefully chosen native plants. Dedee’s expertise assured that the garden would both recognize donors and demonstrate how the use of native, rather than exotic, species can help protect the ecology of the Cuyahoga Valley.

The Blossoming of Recognition

On a beautiful, sunny October day last year, 75 people gathered under colorful foliage to reflect on the spirit of philanthropy for Cuyahoga Valley National Park. The vision of the Cuyahoga Valley National Park Donor Recognition Garden had become reality. While celebrating donors, the afternoon also reflected the greater mission of the park and its partners. Volunteers and NPS staff helped with constructing and planting the garden. Development staff installed the name placards of more than 400 donors and coordinated and executed the dedication ceremony.

In the years when Chief Development Officer John Debo was CVNP Superintendent, he and Conservancy CEO Deb Yandala envisioned a unique approach to donor recognition. John’s idea was to create a garden of native species, in an outdoor setting where people could easily visit and enjoy viewing names in the midst of a peaceful garden. A garden could recognize donors to the park, the Conservancy, the Countryside Conservancy and Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad.

Continued on page 8.

donor medallions catch the sunlight

Gardener Extraordinaire dedee o’neil

steve and Connie Wait view donor garden

Donor REcognition

donor recognition

Joan and dick Ainsworth

sue and George Klein

Making a Garden a Sanctuary

Steve and Deb Bures of Elements Gallery in Peninsula created the gorgeous handcrafted medallions recognizing extraordinary lifetime contributions by individuals and foundations at the $100,000 and $500,000 levels, respectively. For the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad, medallions honor the contributions of The Robert M. Warren Trust and Jerry J. Jacobson; for the Countryside Conservancy, the George Gund Foundation; and for the Conservancy for Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Iris and Mort November, Dick and Joan Ainsworth, George and Sue Klein, the George Gund Foundation, the Kent H. Smith Charitable Trust, and the GAR Foundation. Collectively, these generous donors have made enormous contributions to the mission of Cuyahoga Valley National Park and its partners, and each of the partners are indebted to them for their dedication and support.

Giving for a Lifetime For the Conservancy for Cuyahoga Valley National Park, the devotion to our work shown by the Novembers, Ainsworths, and Kleins is inspirational. George and Sue Klein were part of the original effort by community leaders, public officials and organizations to protect the land that would become CVNP. Sue wrote articles and led tours, advocating for protection of the Cuyahoga Valley. While serving on the board of the Cuyahoga Valley Association, George later led a committee that oversaw the development of the Cuyahoga Valley Environmental Education Center. He became the first chair of the Cuyahoga Valley

“ The garden represents the investment of the public in this wonderful national park.” National Park Association (now the Conservancy) in 2002. Sue currently serves on the Conservancy’s board of directors, and is a leader in several environmental advocacy groups. The Kleins’ love for national parks extends beyond CVNP. It’s been a goal of theirs to visit every national park in the U.S. They’re now only three parks away from reaching this milestone! George and Sue introduced Dick and Joan Ainsworth to the Conservancy. The Ainsworths, whose daughter is a National Park Service employee at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, felt just as compelled to support Ohio’s only national park in any way they could. Dick followed in George’s footsteps and became the Conservancy’s second chairman of the board. Dick now serves on the governance committee and works with Joan to introduce Clevelanders to CVNP, as well as recruit other talented individuals for the Conservancy’s board of directors. Mort and Iris November discovered the Conservancy in 1996 when a colleague active at Cuyahoga Valley Environmental Education Center introduced them to Deb Yandala. Mort expressed a desire to fund an educational building in memory of Mort’s late wife and daughter — now the November Lodge at the EEC.

iris and mort November

Their work with the Conservancy is only one part of their overall mission of philanthropy in Northeast Ohio. The Novembers strive to make a major impact on a host of nonprofits in the region.

The Next Chapter The donor garden represents the investment of the public in this wonderful national park. It showcases those who so graciously give of their resources to support important park and partner initiatives. It provides a way to honor and memorialize people who love the park. We anticipate that the native plants, once established, will bloom and beautify the Hines Hill grounds. Each October a new crop of donor names will sprout in the donor garden, reflecting the prior year’s giving in support of these partner organizations.

Topography In only its second year, Topography quickly became a beloved tradition in celebration of CVNP’s trails. In 2011 this sold-out, evening event held at the Virginia Kendall Ledges raised more than $70,000 for the TRAILS FOREVER program. Topography occurs again on Saturday, June 16, 2012. Please mark your calendars to be part of this unique event and help us maintain our national park trails for all people, for all time.

This garden speaks of the value of philanthropy and symbolizes the vibrancy of a beloved park, protected and supported by people who proudly say “I’m for CVNP.” All photos by NPS/Ted Toth.

clambake

I’M FOR CVNP

The 11th annual Cuyahoga Valley Environmental Education Center Clambake this past September raised more than $63,000 to help the EEC continue to offer topnotch educational services to Northeast Ohio children. The generosity of 219 guests and 15 corporate donors allowed hundreds of local children to have a unique learning experience in Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Mark your calendar for the next Clambake on September 23, 2012!

volunteerism

A Lifetime of Support in Cuyahoga Valley National Park Many of us volunteer for our favorite organizations and causes because we care about their growth and success. When we volunteer, we see ourselves as advocates for that cause — and a cause is only as good as the people who support and nurture it. In that light, consider the amazing amount of time that Janet Hutchison and Birdie Smith have devoted to Cuyahoga Valley National Park. During more than 50 collective years, the duo has more than 33,000 combined volunteer hours! In that same amount of time, you could drive from CVNP to Yosemite National Park 917 times or watch the Ken Burns documentary The National Parks: America’s Best Idea 2,750 times. But the number of hours spent helping CVNP is just a small part of Janet and Birdie’s story. What we know as Cuyahoga Valley National

Park might not even exist without the years of tireless service they — and many other activists — have given to this region.

An Activist for Change Janet Hutchison came to Ohio from Boston to attend Oberlin College where she studied history and art. She was adventurous, traveling to Burma, Germany and Austria with the Red Cross during WWII. In the late 1960s, she began working on a water study with the Cuyahoga County League of Women Voters. She quickly became enthralled with the beauty of the land and region, realizing its potential, and made it her quest to promote it to everyone. During the 1960s, she also spent time organizing bus trips to Washington, D.C. where she and colleagues would

meet with Congressman John F. Seiberling to advocate for a national park in the Northeast Ohio region. “Ohio is such a diverse state and deserved its own national park,” Janet said. “It was such a breathtaking area and I knew a national park would thrive in this location.” Janet has continued to contribute during the last several decades by researching and archiving the legislative history of CVNP. At 94 years-old, Janet is recovering from a minor stroke that has prevented her from making the drive from Oberlin, but she hopes to continue helping in any capacity she can in the future. “Even at my age there is still so much to learn and discover,” she added. “I always liked working with the archives because there are so many stories in the Cuyahoga Valley. I never spent a day at the park where I didn’t discover something that knocked my socks off!”

“ …consider the amazing amount of time that Janet Hutchison and Birdie Smith have devoted… more than 33,000 combined volunteer hours!” Supporting Science at CVNP Birdie Smith has always been fascinated by the natural world. As a child she would look forward to monthly visits from the coal delivery man so she could spend hours breaking apart chunks of coal to discover new fossils. This curiosity remained alive and strong as she went on to earn a degree from Mount Union College where she studied pre-med, geology and music. Birdie’s fascination with nature blossomed as she started getting involved with as many facets of the park as her schedule allowed. Birdie found many ways to contribute: giving science talks to schoolchildren while walking the Towpath, leading bird walks, helping with various duties at concerts, and sharing her wealth of knowledge about CVNP with guests at visitor centers.

janet hutchison |

photo by NPS

birdie smith

“I have done so many things here I can’t even remember all of them,” Birdie said with a laugh. “Taking walks on the Towpath to teach children was extremely rewarding. I would always tell them they need to think about the rocks they see, because that’s part of what determines what grows in that area.” Birdie has also been working on a project to build a historic resource file that documents the natural and geological history of the Cuyahoga Valley and other Ohio areas. She visits the Hawkins Library weekly to document various articles. “I really have enjoyed all the time I’m able to spend here. I think my work on the historic resources file will have the most impact in the future,” she added. As she approaches her 90th birthday, Birdie still enjoys hiking in CVNP, especially around Oak Hill. Considering her passion to teach others about the natural world, it’s only fitting that her favorite trail is the one surrounding the Environmental Education Center.

volunteerism

arts & culture

Volunteer Program ranks among largest in National Park Service The goal of Cuyahoga Valley National Park’s Volunteer Program is to build a community of park stewards. It includes programs for adults, youths, and corporate groups. Always distinctive for the variety of activities and the depth of involvement, this year our program saw five new groups created, new accomplishments made, and a significant growth in volunteers. Cuyahoga Valley National Park’s Volunteer Program is co-managed by the National Park Service and the Conservancy for Cuyahoga Valley National Park, building a community of park stewards.

TOTAL VOLUNTEERS

40% increase from 2010

INVASIVE PERSUADERS MUSIC BY NATURE ASSISTANTS PAW PATROL QUEST CREW

new volunteer groups

102,819

5,717 WETLAND/WELL MONITORS

$ 3,307,467.80

interpretation

VALUE OF DONATED WORK HOURS IN 2011

16,425

natural resource management

10,409 visitor & resource protection

14,810

maintenance

10,382 misc.*

a music by nature concert at happy days lodge |

fairmount minerals digs in The largest corporate volunteer group day in the park’s history took place on Aug. 30, 2011, when 425 Fairmount Minerals employees visited Cuyahoga Valley National Park to lend a helping hand. In a single day, the group took on 11 essential projects, including the planting of 1,532 native hardwood trees on a previously mined site and restoring two historic passenger coaches for the Scenic Railroad. “This global team of volunteers made a significant impact on the national park,” Director of Volunteer Services Lisa Meranti exclaimed. “We look forward to a continuing relationship. We are grateful for their many contributions.” FAIRMOUNT MINERALS LARGEST VOLUNTEER GROUP IN CVNP HISTORY

425

VOLUNTEERS

PROJECTS

1532

TREES PLANTED

154,845 volunteer hours *This category represents administrative, training and cultural resource management

39 156

college students from

rebuilt

42 different schools & youth organizations

universities

steps on Furnace Run Trail

1401

youth volunteers

116

photo by Larry Hunsicker

Music by Nature A new arts series was launched in 2011 to attract new audiences to the park and inspire them with innovative performances in beautiful settings. Music by Nature joins with other music series — the Heritage Series, House Concerts, and Music in the Meadow — in contributing to the vibrant arts scene in our region. The series began in the summer with concerts at Hines Hill and Happy Days Lodge. Local performers are featured and concerts are offered year-round with a variety of themes and types of musical groups. Local musician and University of Akron faculty member Jane Berkner coordinates the series. Cuyahoga Valley National Park and the Conservancy collaborate to offer an exciting array of cultural arts programs, including: art exhibits, photography workshops led by the Cuyahoga Valley Photo Society, dance performances, creative writing workshops and the popular Lyceum Series. The arts provide an important way to experience the park and connect with the natural and historical resources of the Cuyahoga Valley.

musicians Pizzicato 4 Northwind Trio Helen Welch Singers Companye The Aron Duo Warren Mailley-Smith Panorámicos Idle Twittering

venues Happy Days Lodge

National Inventors Hall of Fame STEM School largest youth group

Hines Hill Conference Center The Music Barn at Hines Hill

financial statements

extraordinary spaces & Retail

statement of activities REVENUE AND SUPPORT:

trail mix growth Temporarily Restricted

Unrestricted

Program fees: Environmental education, net of scholarships of $137,546 Community outreach

652,198

Memberships

Permanently Restricted

Trail Mix opened its doors this year with new signage, an expanded assortment of food and gifts and its classic Adirondack chairs on the porch — grabbing the attention of regular visitors and new ones alike.

Total

652,198

432,968

263,776

Pamela Chinnici Good, director of retail operations, saw that the changes from the previous year were extremely helpful.

Contributions and grants: National Park Service subsidies

299,832

Environmental education programs

210,252

3,400

213,652

Community outreach

15,500

Stanford House renovations

98,450

Volunteer programs

45,337

Park support

35,000

37,460

309,794

347,254

24,210

General operations

37,405

48,700

86,105

Investment income (loss)

1,447

38,656

48,870

88,973

7,893

Special events Trails forever

Other income

7,893

Net assets released from restrictions Total revenue, support and reclassifications

1,175,250 2,608,397

expenditures:

(1,159,362) (33,631)

Temporarily Restricted

Unrestricted

(15,888) 36,382

2,611,148

Permanently Restricted

Total

Program services: Environmental education programs

893,165

Community outreach

911,640

Special events

281,900

Support services: Management and general

265, 829

Fundraising

290,245

Total expenditures

2,642,779

Changes in net assets

(34,382)

(33,631)

36,382

Net assets, beginning of year

237,759

742,640

300,183

1,280,582

Net assets, end of year

203,377

709,009

336,565

1,248,951

CONTRIBUTIONS $ 865,508

33%

46%

REVENUE & SUPPORT

46%

10%

11%

NPS SUBSIDY $ 299,832

10%

MEMBERSHIPS $ 263,776

11%

PROGRAMS $ 1,182,032

(31,631)

CVEEC $ 893,165

34%

10%

EXPENDITURES

11% 11%

34%

MANAGEMENT $ 265,829 SPECIAL EVENTS $ 281,900 FUNDRAISING $ 290,245 COMMUNITY OUTREACH $ 911,640

“It was so different than any of the previous years. This store has a new sense of community,” Pamela said. “The new look really gets the point across about what we have to offer.”

Stanford House Draws People to Northeast Ohio The Stanford House opened in May 2011 and was well received. Reservations Coordinator Patricia Clark can attest to that first hand as the person who interacts with people interested in booking a stay at the historic home. “People have been so excited to stay at Stanford House. I think it’s just the fact that it’s a unique experience where you are staying right in the middle of CVNP and are within walking distance of so many attractions,” Patricia exclaimed.

That sense of community and new visibility helped Trail Mix experience a major increase in traffic and revenue during its fifth year in operation. Trail Mix expanded its selection of fresh sandwiches, salads and baked goods, which gave customers a wider selection to choose from. The new collection of CVNP apparel and gifts offered customers a chance to buy souvenirs to commemorate their visit. One prominent change that helped drive the increase in sales was the placement of the freezer for Clevelandbased Mitchell’s Ice Cream in a more prominent location in the store. People had a hard time passing up fresh ice cream after a long excursion on the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail. There are several plans in motion to take Trail Mix to the next level in 2012! Stop in and see for yourself this spring.

Stanford House has already added to increasing tourism in Northeast Ohio by attracting guests from across the United States, recently accommodating visitors from Germany and France. The Conservancy is also working with other partner organizations throughout Northeast Ohio to further spread the word. Whole-house rentals also have increased as word gets out about Stanford House. Groups in town for weddings, family reunions, and business seminars have quickly fallen in love with the property, surrounding trails and campsites. The sky’s the limit with Stanford House. Its initial launch and growth are nothing short of spectacular. The past was renewed with the Stanford House rehabilitation, but the future holds new and magnificent possibilities.

photo by David Longfellow

Thank you

membership

Through the generosity of the individuals, organizations, corporations and foundations listed on the following pages, the Conservancy for Cuyahoga Valley National Park is able to provide the many and varied programs, projects and services that you have seen highlighted in this report.

Finding a New Home at Cuyahoga Valley National Park

While space limits our ability to list all donors’ names, we are grateful for the support that each of you provides, no matter the size or type of your gift. It is because of your support that the Conservancy continues to flourish.

As children, we all seek a sense of comfort from the place we live. Moving to another state and leaving behind the home we’ve grown to know and love can be a bit scary to a child. That’s what 13-year old Mike Ruttinger and his family went through when they made the journey from their home in Paducah, Kentucky, to Northeast Ohio when Mike’s father went through a job transfer. The stress and fear of moving, meeting new friends and being in an unfamiliar place can be tough on a child; but young Mike found something that quickly eased his fears when he arrived — Cuyahoga Valley National Park. His family started taking regular trips to CVNP to go hiking and cross-country skiing. This gave Mike the opportunity to immerse himself and truly explore different areas of the park. It was official — Mike had made a new friend and home in Cuyahoga Valley National Park.

“CVNP has been a big part of my life since I moved to this area,” Mike said with a smile on his face. “I really started to appreciate living in Northeast Ohio once I became a regular visitor to the park.” Mike, now 28, took the next step as a park visitor and supporter by recently becoming a Conservancy member. He gained membership as one of nearly 400 people to participate in the Conservancy’s annual Fall Running Series. “I really liked how the Fall Running Series had a totally different type of race each week in a new location of the park,” Mike said. “I had not been to Kendall Park in a few years, and I was reminded that it’s one of the most scenic areas in CVNP when we had our first race of the series there. I’ve gone back several times since then.” Since becoming a member, Mike has discovered several new aspects of the national park to enjoy. He’s suddenly found himself spending even more time within the 33,000 acres of CVNP, participating in a variety of fun and exciting activities. “My fiancé and I took a wine-tasting trip on the train when the leaves were at their brightest. It was a breathtaking trip and made for a really fun and unique outing.”

Donor REcognition

Mike Ruttinger |

photo by Sue Simenc

“ … becoming a member has helped me find more and more new things to do.” Mike also took advantage of one of the most popular membership perks — the annual Polar Express member night. “It was fun to see all the excitement coming from the kids during the trip. It really put us in the holiday spirit.” Mike is a lifelong cross-country skier and receiving the quarterly schedule of events has provided him the opportunity to learn about and take advantage of all the other great winter activities the park and the Conservancy offer. “I’m looking forward to checking out the Heritage Music Series. There are a few other events I want to look into. A lot of people sit inside and watch TV once it gets cold out. I’ve never been one of those people, so fortunately becoming a member has helped me find more and more new things to do.”

Giving levels are representative of donors’ total contributions at $100 and above made between September 1, 2010 and August 31, 2011. Gifts from family foundations, donor-advised funds and company matching gift programs are reflected in individual donor contribution levels. The Conservancy has made diligent efforts to ensure accuracy in listing all donors at $100 and above levels. Donor names are listed in accordance with the preferred publication name provided by the donor. Should you wish to change the way in which your name is listed in future publications or have any other corrections, please contact the Conservancy Development Office at 330.657.2909.

LEGACY SOCIETY We thank the following individuals who have remembered the Conservancy through a bequest or other planned gift:

Stanley & Hope Adelstein Richard & Joan Ainsworth Mary Bevan Anonymous Robert Briggs William & Mary Ellen Carroll Joseph & Lisa Cellura John & Cyndee Debo Gerry & Ann Findlan Michael & Martha Hardy Henri Pell Junod, Jr.

David Kopkas Mimi Jackson Lewellen Morton & Iris November Ann Marie Rowlett Ronda Russell Kenneth Sabol Anonymous Kathleen Schlemmer Thomas & Diane Tyrrell Steven & Connie Wait Anonymous Dick & Jane Whitehead Deb Yandala & Sherman Bishop Diana Young Lifetime $100,000 + Richard & Joan Ainsworth George & Susan Klein Morton & Iris November eagle $5,000+ Abington Foundation Audio-Technica U.S. Bokom Foundation Pamela A. Carson Lee & Tuni Chilcote Christopher & Sara Connor John & Cyndee Debo Fairmount Minerals Forest City Enterprises GAR Foundation Marie & Charles Grossman George Gund Foundation Sandra Haslinger Heidelberg Distributing Company Martha Holden Jennings Foundation Henri Pell Junod, Jr. K.B. Compost Services Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of Ohio KeyBank Corporation George & Susan Klein Diana Kunze & Buzz Brown Jean Thomas Lambert Foundation Lubrizol Foundation Marcus Thomas Elizabeth Ring & William Gwinn Mather Fund S. Livingston Mather Charitable Trust Charles & Katherine Mlakar

Margaret Clark Morgan Foundation National Park Foundation Nordson Corporation Foundation Ohio & Erie Canalway Association Ohio Environmental Protection Agency Rory & Dedee O’Neil Parker Hannifin Foundation PPG Industries Foundation Reinberger Foundation Fred E. Scholl Charitable Foundation Estate of Lynn Schreiber Sherwin-Williams Company Sisler McFawn Foundation Kelvin & Eleanor Smith Foundation Richey & Sandra Smith J.M. Smucker Company Terry & Dianne Squire Summa Health System University of Akron Steven & Connie Wait Charlie & April Walton Western Reserve Trail Running great blue heron society $2,500 — 4,999 Richard & Joan Ainsworth Anonymous Buckingham Doolittle & Burroughs Cascade Auto Group John & Bonnie Childs Cohen & Company Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad Cuyahoga Valley Trails Council John & Betty Dalton Deloitte Service LP Dominion Foundation Ruth Swetland Eppig Ernst & Young FirstEnergy Corporation Firstmerit Bank / Akron Guy & Catherine Gadomski Frank Hadley Ginn & Cornelia Root Ginn Charitable Trust The Glenmede Trust Company Gojo Industries Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company

Shawn & Marianne Grandon Inverness Advisors Greg & Lori Kall Kastner Westman & Wilkins Kohrman Jackson & Krantz Kathy Leavenworth Littler Mendelson Diana Lueptow Thom & Lisa Mandel Dan & Marge Moore North Central Ohio Adult Music Camp Morton & Iris November John Paganini John & Ellen Perduyn Doug & Noreen Powers Richey Industries Thomas & Susan Strauss Swagelok Foundation Thompson Hine Thomas & Diane Tyrrell University Park Alliance Jerry Welty William Wendling & Lynne Woodman John & Margie Wheeler WITAN Deb Yandala & Sherman Bishop locktenders’ circle $1,000 — 2,499 Akron Garden Club Ameriprise Financial Anonymous Applied Industrial Technologies Sandra & Mark Auburn Aultman Hospital Banks-Baldwin Foundation C. Blake, Jr. & Beatrice K. McDowell Foundation Joseph & Michelle Blanda Robert Briggs Siegfried & Heidi Buerling Henry Butler Candace Campbell-Jackson & Mark Jackson William & Mary Ellen Carroll Charles E. & Mabel M. Ritchie Memorial Foundation Larry Chlebina Classic Auto Group George W. Codrington Charitable Foundation

William & Deborah Currin The Cyrus Eaton Foundation Ray & Jan Dalton Donna Drozda ERM Foundation Cynthia Flynn Capers Gerald Filler & Carla Mongelluzzi Brian & Margaret Gothot Carolyn Green Todd & Barbara Greene Michael & Martha Hardy Henry V. & Frances W. Christenson Foundation Ross & Viki Henschen John & Mary Holmes Hudson Garden Club Jeff & Suzanne Hyde Nora Jacobs & George Snider Glen Jenkins Trevor & Jennie Jones JPMorgan Chase Foundation KeyBank Foundation Bryan & Susan Kinnamon W. Riley & Barbara Lochridge Conrad & Peg Mamajek Matthew & Missy McGinness Edward & Lynn Metzger Robert A. & Jean C. Meyers Family Fund Jeff & Cindy Miller W. Paul Mills & Thora J. Mills Memorial Foundation Andrew & Kathryn Moock Daniel & Carolyn Nagy John & Anne Marie Najeway OMNOVA Solutions Foundation Oswald Companies Parma Community General Hospital Portage Trail Sierra Club Elaine Price & Gordon Landefeld Michelle Primm Betty Rider & Mike Sherman RNDC General, LLC Daniel & Anne Rudolph Mary Jane & John Schremp Joanne & Michael Schwartz Shaker Lakes Garden Club Smithers-Oasis Company Linda Styer Edwin & Libby Upton

donor recognition

$500-999 Dan Abrams & Nan Cohen Paul & Kristina Alsenas Anonymous Stan Austin Jody Bacon Doug & Lu Bannerman Geoffrey & Maryann Barnes Caroline G. Barney Fred & Laura Bidwell John & Nicky Bloodworth Tom Bouton Ann Briechle Theodore Bunevich Dr. & Mrs. Robert Burnstine Arthur & Susan Busch Jeri Chaikin & Joel Newman Elaine Cicora Catherine Ciha & John Despins Citizens for Metro Parks Cleveland Hiking Club Grosvie & Charlie Cooley Brian & Brenda Cummins Teresa & Mark Davey Gainor B. Davis & Gregg Simpson Donae & Robert Eckert Robert Faber & Vicki Resnick Stephen & Dorothy Farkas Gene & Marion Faubel Fedeli Group Robert & Christine Freitag Adam Fried Paul Gallmeier & Evalyn Greene Garden Club of Cleveland Nicholas & Ruth George Patricia Graves Thomas Green & Manju Gupta Larry & Michelle Grewe Steve Guba Elizabeth & Mark Hamlin Gary Hanson Clark Harvey & Holly Selvaggi Bilas & Sandra Hazra Stacey Heffernan Tom & Jeannette Hejduk Richard & Barbara Herberich Tom & Susan Hutchinson Dale & Pamela Inkley James & Marilyn Jaroszewski David & Sharon Klimm William & Julie Kodatsky Richard Kroczynski Roger & Sue L’Hommedieu Janice Matteucci & Parnell Tillotson

donor recognition Merck Partnership for Giving Donald & Sally Messinger Stephen & Sonja Metzler Diane Moffett Laura R. & Lucian Q. Moffitt Foundation Morgan Stanley Joe & Cindy Murphy David & Inez Myers Foundation David Nash Michael & Marcia Neundorfer Nancy O’Dell On the Edge Films Alexander & Tamara Pendleton Kristi Pielstick Pliske Family Roger & Judith Read Timothy & Melinda Remington Christopher Rizzo Marcia & Paul Sandstrom Gary & Paula Savage Joshua Schoenherr John & Betty Seiberling Scholarship Fund Thomas & Deb Selden Ruth Simonis Lloyd L. & Louise K. Smith Memorial Foundation Brian & Caron Smith Squire Sanders Dempsey Brian Steere Brock Steere Gary Stonum & Marilyn Shea-Stonum Walter & Sharon Strotz Brian & Mimi Sturgell Michael & Gwendolyn Summers David Telfer & Ilona Chambre-Telfer Charles & Corrine Tennent William Truog Andy Tyson Patricia Vance David & Jennie Vasarhelyi Mark & Joann Vosburgh Deborah & Donald Wadden David & Gwen Waight Chris & Joe Williams Libby Wolf Joseph & Debbie Zarconi $250-499 Akron General Health System Albert Augustus Carol W. Awender, Ph.D. David & Donna Axson Bank of America

Lyle & Carolyn Barton Roy & Juanita Beasley Jonathan Becker James & Karen Bennett David Bergholz Cornelia Bergmann Patrick Blakeslee Mary Bohn Deborah Brindza James & Eve Brown Frances Buchholzer Pamela Burda Marc & Victoria Byrnes Kelly & Mark Chaloupka Dwight & Ann Chasar John & Barbara Cochran Stephen & Barbara Coles Lisa Conklin Charles & June Cook Lauri Coyle Dave Crain Alice & Ralph Darr Arnie & Maude Delaporte Ronald & Nancy Dinger Mary Pat Doorley Michael Duff & Susan Black Joyce Fair Barry Feldman Gerry & Ann Findlan FirstEnergy Foundation Ed Folts & Judy Knuth Folts Mary & Anthony Foti Peggy Fullmer Michael & Diana Gabet Robert Gadbau Pamela & Mark Goldfarb Grainger Matching Charitable Gifts Program Judy & Andrew Green Bruce & Erica Greer Craig Griffin & Marie Morgan Sean & Jacquie Grindall Carrie Gynn Dennis Hamm Elizabeth Hagen Peter & Anne Hastings Beverly L. Haws William Hiller Duane & Pat Hills Dan & Joan Holmes Ben Hrouda Dr. & Mrs. Jack Jacobs Melissa Johnson & Robert Kazar Dawn & Alexander Joseph Maureen Katanic Michelle Kautz Leo & Linda Kipfstuhl Thomas & Carol Kloetzly Rich & Linda Kolehmainen David Kopkas

David Krause Susan Kruder Leonard Krysinski Peninsula Garden Club Betty & Joseph Lamusga Aaron Lear Fred Lefton Walt Lemonovich & Tanya Cady Mimi Jackson Lewellen & Dick Lewellen Philip & Patricia Libassi Lori Macso Phil Maynard Earlene McGonegal John & Susan McKenzie Jennifer McMahon & Toby Oster Gary & Christine Mikitin Scot & Elise Miller Deborah & Patrick Morin Karen Moyer Robi Murphy Travis Neely James Neidert William & Jancie Newhouse Kathleen O’Neill & Michael O’Connor Sean & Nancy O’Connor Ohio Arts Council Tim & Kelly Parkison W. Stuver & Nancy Parry Tim & Karen Parsons Michael Petrik Steve & Karen Petro Polymer Valley Chemicals & Minerals Luis & Theresa Proenza Dana Pulk Bruce & Suzanne Rogers Justin & Jane Rogers Kathleen Ross-Alaomolki Joseph Rustic Ron & Kathy Schieber Kathleen Schlemmer Jim & Kathleen Schmidt John & Barbara Schubert Stephen & Katheryn Schultz Jonathan & Amber Shulman Judy Shuster Bill & Karen Silver Robert Sisson Frederick & Elizabeth Specht Starbucks Coffee Tim Strope Carolyn Sugiuchi Hillary Sullivan Charles Taylor Patrick & Shirley Tchou John & Linda Telzrow Gayle Thompkins Agahi & Ardeshir Agahi

Michael Towne Donald Treap Robert & Marti Vagi Gregory Warren Doug & Christine Weber Gerry Weimann Woodsy’s Music Richard & Ruby Zatta $100-249 Dave & Christa Jo Abood Margaret Adams William Addis Kevin & Nagwa Ahlborg Mitch & Suzanne Allen Peter & Margaret Allen Ron & Helen Alplanalp David & Mary Beth Alspaugh Alan Ambrisco Robert Amsdell Todd & Mary Amsdell Ferris Anthony Jim & Sandy Arbour Agnes Armstrong Carolyn Arnold AT&T Foundation Joseph & Carole Avella Scott & Nancy Awender Thomas Baechle Mark & Cathy Jo Baer Lowell Baker Peter Balunek Pat Barron Rebecca Bartholomae Joseph & Shirley Bartzi Mary Basu Steven Batdorf & Brian Linder Lisa Battista & Paul Stranahan June Baughman Jeffrey & Sandy Baxter Charles & Patricia Bell Richard Bennett Michael & Nancy Biedenbach Judith Bigelow Christina & Charles Bittenbender Valerie Boaz & Paul Haridakis David & Margaret Bohn-Galas Reynold & Mary Bookman Bill & Pat Bourquin Ellen & Steve Botnick Kyle Bowman John Bradshaw Betsy & Eric Bray Marcy Brazin Luann Brenner Adam & Vikki Briggs Bill & Grace Brinker

Albert Brion Bev & Robert Brockett Arthur Brooks Dave & Mary Brown Debra Brown Jennifer Brown Thaddeus Brown Robert Browne Bill & Carol Bruml Robert A. Bussey Jr. Michael & Deborah Busta William Busta & Joan Tomkins Chuck Byrd William & Nancy Byrd CA Technologies J. Philip Calabrese & Mary Rebecca Bynum Kevin Calori & Family Dick & Linda Calta Larry & Kathy Campbell Don & Jean Canestraro Dirk & Diane Cantrell Michelle Capdeville Peter & Susan Caperones Kim Carbaugh Tom & Rani Cargo Pat Carlson James & Marcia Carsten David Carver Patricia & Richard Cassidy Joseph & Lisa Cellura Century Cycles Daniel & Cynthia Chagin Diane & Paul Chalfant Robert & Caroline Chandler Edith Chase Sam & Jen Chestnut Chimani LLC Dallas & Irene Christian Kristin Clark Lynn Clark Thomas & Karen Clark Lawrence & Beverly Cole John & Jennifer Conner Gale Connor Dale & Chris Cooper Doug & Karen Cooper Marjorie L. Cossin Dale Cowan Laurie Coyle Dave & Carol Creps Norm & Bonnie Crocker Carol Crowe Alex Csiszar Keith & Pam Curnow William & Sandra Currier David & Robyn Cutler James & Fran Dacek Margit Daley Amy Dalton

Lois Davis Jeff & Kathy Day Doug Delahanty Jane Delcamp Angela & David Devore Tom Dillon & Rosemary Reymann Joseph & Patricia Dipre Connie & Bozo Djukic Henry & Mary Doll Dominion Foundation Pat & Jerry Donnelly Donald Dornback Lauren Doski Wayne & Gail Douglas Terry & Cynthia Dragan Clarence & Connie Drennon Christine Dresser Carrie Dunn Frank Dusek Robert & Ginny Eckardt Randy Ellis Terry Ellis Jon & Cindy Elsasser Timothy Everett & Miriam Lifsics Martha Everhart Laurie Facsina & Chris Kraska Bruce & Elizabeth Fahey Theresa & James Fallon Jennifer & Stephen Fazio Kathleen M. Feskanin Jeff Fesler Michael Fiala & Mary Ellen Eickman-Fiala Marie Fiedler Robert & Manhong Figler Betsy Finley Shawn & Karin Fiore Robert & Rebecca Fischer David Flanagan Kirby & Virginia Flanagan Toribio & Susan Flores Nicole Florio William & Karen Flowers Tim Fogel Paul Frank Ken & Karen Frankenbery Rita Frantz John & Kimberly Freeman Edward Fritz Todd Fulmer Susan Gaetjens Gayle Gallupe Eileen & Paul Gaston Wendy Geaney Jean Gent Deborah Rex George Lenny George Louis Giesler & Cynthia Tancer

Robert & Kay Gold Kerry Good & Pamela Chinnici-Good Larry Goodard David & Patricia Gram Michael Graska Robert & Cynthia Grayson Marjorie Greer Howard & Walt Howard Gordon & Karen Griffiths Edward Grossman & Shelly Lazarus Mary Grovemiller Martin & Ann Gulbransen Henry & Komal Gulich Deborah Gustafson Robert & Nancy Haake John & Patricia Haas Greg Hadgis Brad Halderman Kenneth & Kelly Hall William Hall & Patricia Eschbach-Hall Ray & Dale Halliwill John & Donna Halpin Don Haney Dennis & Lou Ann Hanink Kate Hardulak Jon & Pat Harper Joan Harris Linda Hartle Micah Hatton Tina Hauptner Neal Hazen Edythe Heaps Nancy Hegler Robert Heller Eleanor Helper Joe & Suzanne Henninger Peter Henriksen David Herbster & Meredith Morgan Martin & Ronda Hinterlong Judy & Richard Hirschman Brian & Marilou Hitt Joellen Hoffman Pat & Pitter Holland William & Susan Holman Carolyn Holt Bonnie Horovitz Michael Horvitz George & Katie Hoy Ray Hrbac David & Carol Hudak Court & Jean Hungerford Steve H. Hunsicker Kathryn Hunter Wendy Hurd & Edward Bartunek Brinton & Julie Hyde Marilyn & Richard Hyde Jason Indorf

Betty Indriolo Darlene Jacobson Kristi Jalics Chester & Lori Jarosz Albert & Laura Jenkins Phillip & Amy Jenkins David Jesse Vincent Johnson Roger Jones Tom & Bertha Jones Bill Jordan & Laurel Winters James & Janice Jorgenson David Juchnik & Germaine Polensek Kenneth & Pattilou Judge Bob & Mary Kay Jursich Ann Kah Dan Karchmer Albert & Kathleen Kareyva Hollis & Stanley Kaskey James & Patricia Kastelic John Kasunich Merrill & Susan Katz John Kauffman & Thomas Wortham William & Ardith Keck Michael & Catherine Keith Drue Keller Heather & Ben Kelly Dick & Pat Kemph Jeffrey Kennard Geoffrey & Patricia Kennedy Winnetta Kennedy Dan & Amanda Kephart Mary Hickcox Kern S. Casey Kerr Cindy L. Kessler Sarah & Robert Kessler Raymond & Sharon Kimberly Alan & Katharine King Bill & Susie Kirchner Jeff T. Kirkwood, Sr. Cindy Klements & Denise Lachowski George & Phyllis Knepper The Koebley Family S. L. Kohrman Frank & Pamela Kokomoor Timothy & Carolyn Kollin Dave Koncal Jeffrey & Sandra Kornick Michael & Jan Kosmyna Dave & Tessa Kostansek Charles & Judith Kraus Abby Kreitzburg Mike Krieger Robert & Gina Kubec Gerhard Kunze Thaddeus & Margaret Kurczynski Irene Kusmierz V. Michael & Karen Lahey

Kathleen & Donald Lastoria James & Sandra Laurenson Todd Lebowitz Toni & Den Lecorchick Ron Lederman Susan & Bob Leggett Hal & Barbara Leitch Larry & Christine Levey Michael M. & Ann M. Lew Carol Lewanski Harvey Litowitz & Joanne Krontiris-Litowitz Everett Logue & Claire Bourguet Nate & Brenda Loman Richard Londraville Joseph & Georgia Loutzenhiser William & Anne Lowery Karl D. Lucas The Luch Family Fred Luckay Walter & Ruth Ludwig Marsita MacDonald John & Anne MacWherther Joel & Mary Makee Elizabeth Mancke Robert & Ann Mansfield Stephen Markey Richard & Dorothy Marsh Kay Martin & Dennis Keating Karen Martinko Wilma & Carl Martino James & Ros Mather Martha & Thomas Matlock Erika Maxel Jim & Kathe Mayer Brian P. McCafferty Teresa & Michael McCombs Marylou McCoy Jane McDavid Robert & Dana McDermott Michael & Nancy McGrievy Rick McMeechan Greg & Mary McNeil Lisa Meranti Bruce & Gael Mericle Joseph & Amy Michalski Cheri Michel Michael Mikolaj Brian Miller Elaine & Fred Miller Dr. & Mrs. David Miller Jay & Elaine Minkin James Misak John & Janet Mitchell Katherine Moore Kimberly & Bret Moore Paul Moore Scott Morrison Larry & Sophia Morton Paul Moser

donor recognition

Eliot & Michelle Mostow Nancy Mumford & Charlie Zonneville Leonard Muni Ellen Murphy Thomas Musarra Stephen S. Muskara Richard Nabring John & Kathleen Negrelli Robert Nekic Amy Nelson Andrea Nelson Dan & Lori Nelson Louis & Stefanie Nerone John & Ann Newby Guy Newton Roger & Gail Nicholas Brenda Nichols Julie Nitzsche Richard & June Nosan Michael & Susie Novak Linda Ocepek Barbara O’Connor Thomas & Antoinette Oden John & Carolyn Olive Paul & Connie Omelsky Gregory & Christine Orlowski Shannon Osorio Denis Osowski Margaret O’Toole Steve Paddon & Janet Perkins C W Eliot Paine Joy Pallotta Ralph Palsha Lynn Parmentier Jennifer Paulus Veronica & Hal Pavia Barbara Paynter Scott Pendergast Barbara & Mark Pennington David & Terri Perelman-Hall Mark Perkins Jim Petersen John & Antoinette Pertus Kathleen Pettingill Mary & Donald Phillips Carmen Pierson Cynthia Pirie George & Catherine Plude Paulette Poklar Ted Polcyn Karen Powell Chip & Laura Preston Thomas & Theresa Pretlow Patrick Primm James & Mary Lou Puperi Mark & Chesla Purtilar Jean & John Questel Steven & Julia Radwany Mary Rafferty

donor recognition Margaret Rakas Rodger Ramsthaler Ed Randall Chuck & Kathie Rankin Thomas & Geraldine Rask Andy Rattray James & Nancy Reed Denny Reiser Thomas & Connie Repko Harold Rex & Nancy Brown Rex David & Hope Reynolds Edward & Anne Robakowski James & Alice Robb Ian Roberts John & Elinor Rodgers Jim Roetzel Donald & Karen Rohde John Rohn Christine & Albert Rohn-Tielke Diane Roman Fusco Ronna Rondy Olivier Roques Rudy & Elaine Rosales Mary Ross Thomas & Melanie Ross Arrye Rosser & John Fitzpatrick Donald & Pamela Rupert Stacey & Mark Rusher Laura Rusick Matthew Rutherford Dennis Sabol Kenneth Sabol Michael & Lynn Saddleton Scott & Debbie Safcik David Sagerser & Christine Krol Chris Saine David & Laura Sangree David & Karen Scheonlein Joe & Kathleen Schindler Donald & Rosemary Schmid Juerg & Katherine Schmid Lara Schmidt & Brett Baker Dorothy & Melvin Schnacke Richard Schneider Arthur & Jean Schooley Richard & Dina Schoonmaker Jeff Schrader Susan & Chad Schraibman James & Margaret Schroeder Marie Sciko Sheri & Jim Scott Paul Secunde Oliver Seikel Robert Seiler Matthew & Kristen Sermersheim Deborah Sesek

Barbara Shagawat Daniel & Therese Sheffer Amy Sheldon Barbara Sherwood Vicki Shoup Noel & Beth Shriver Michael & Carrie Shuster John & Debra Sideras Michael Silvestro Timothy & Susan Simenc Jim Singer Carl & Barbara Smeller Bernard Smith Donna Rae Smith Erica Smith Kay Smith Michael Smith Stan Smith Anne Smykal Jeff Snell Marc & Suzanne Snelson James & Diana Snider Patricia Snyder Peter & Mary Snyder James Spencer & Rebecca Davis Shawn & Kristin Spindel Cliff Stadler Mary Jane Stanchina Mary Starbuck Gene Stepanik Gerald & Agnes Stitz Cheryl Storgard Dan Sveda Jane & Michael Swain Scott Swierkosz & Linda Will Bert Szabo Anita Szegvari Arno Szegvari Nelson Talbott Mary B. Tansky E. & Fran Tartara Barry & Karen Taylor Dave & Reanetta Taylor James & Geraldine Taylor Stuart & Mary Terrass Bryon Thomas & Rebecca Reimbold Lisa Thomsen Martin & Catherine Timko Paul Trettel Peter Trimble Martin & Marcia Trimmer Doug & Kathy Trochelman Zachary Van Brakle Jeffrey VanWagner John & Verna Vander Kooi Chris & Kathleen VanDevere Paul Vidal Anne & Craig Vinkovich Damian & Linda Vopat Kris Wagner

John & Gail Walker David & Janet Walkowiak Paul Waltz Mark Warner Stephen Warth Tom & Tracey Wathen Norbert & Edith Weisend Charles & Lucy Weller Robert & Marlene Wells Max Wendel Lewis West Ogden & Barbara White Stephanie White & Dana Cunningham Dick & Jane Whitehead Dickson & Ann Whitney George & Betsey Wick Duane Wiegand John Wilkinson Peter & Lois Wilson Gene A. Wimmer Bruce Winges & Bonnie Bolden Timothy & Kimberly Winter Bob & Shoshana Wodzisz Virginia Wojno - Forney Sue Anne Wolf David & Carol Ann Wolfe Terrence & Barbara Woodworth Carl & Constance Wysocki Lenore Yash-Cusumano Timothy Yeager David Young Diana Young David & Margot Youngs Rosemary Zampelli William Zavertnik Joseph & Mary Zbasnik Kathryn Zbinden Bill & Pat Zeigler Martha & Matthew Zelinski

Memorial gifts Gifts to the Conservancy were made in memory of the following:

William Barney

Caroline G. Barney

Karen Beck

Polymer Valley Chemicals & Minerals, Inc.

Joe Bendo Bonnie Horovitz

Tom Bohn

Mary Bohn

Joan Box

Anonymous

Herbert Clark

Wanda Clark

Corey J. Cline

Bobbie Muhlbach

Andrew Dixon

Rick Hudak

Thomas Ellis

Cuyahoga Valley Federation of Teachers

Walter & Sharon Strotz Kathy Tompkins Janet Trentel Paul & Diane Turner Timothy & Kimberly Winter

Ruth Fenstermaker

Ralph and Rothfusz

Shirley Gabet

Erik P. Sandstrom

Joey Mallin & Laura Englehart

Bill Griffiths

Dudley Sheffler

Dick & Pat Kemph

John & Barbara Cochran Michael & Diana Gabet Bernard & Lois Clark Anne Griffiths Gordon & Karen Griffiths Susan Kruder Walter & Ruth Ludwig John Mulhauser Ruth Turley

Arvan Hammond

Ida May Hammond

Gloria Haynes Thompkins Gayle Thompkins Agahi & Ardeshir Agahi

Donald and Marion Jones Beverly L. Haws

David Kah Ann Kah

Annette Kerr

Andrea Mt. Pleasant

Brett Klein

Bokom Foundation

Timothy Petrus

John W. Petrus

Nancy Piltch

Lee Adams Jon Andrus Marcey Aronson Lyle & Carolyn Barton James M. Birt Jeff Brenneman James & Eve Brown Robert C. Browne Robert A. Bussey Jr. James & Marcia Carsten Bernard & Carm Charnas Gayle Chryn Gary & Marilyn Diefendorff Marie Fiedler Kevin R. Gandee Thomas Geniusz Thomas H. Geul Michael & Donna Gigliotti Gwen Heeney Tim R. Jones Robin & Mark Kirk Richard Kroczynski Judy Krutky Walt Lemonovich & Tanya Cady Arthur L. Lieberman Rebecca MacKay Gregory Marchione Michael Mikolaj Lauren Moon John & Ann Newby Alan Ogle Gregory & Christine Orlowski Judith R. Ramsier Beverly & James Reed Martin & Valerie Rice Edward & Anne Robakowski Kenneth Sabol

Robert & Joan Scholl Marcia & Paul Sandstrom Robert & Pauline Hermann

Bruce Silver

Peter & Margaret Allen

F. Eugene Smith

Patricia & Ezio Basile Siegfried & Heidi Buerling George & Jan Conger Tom Dillon & Rosemary Reymann R.A. Goodenberger Linda Knoch Audrey Lavin Ph.D. Peter & Laurel Markovich Jr. Carmen Pierson Elizabeth Sandwick Erica Smith Sarah Vradenburg Elena Weldon

Richard Snyder

Mr. & Mrs. Greg Kittinger

Mignon Steere

Reynold & Mary Bookman Dr. & Mrs. Robert Burnstine John & Kimberly Freeman Albert & Kathleen Kareyva A. Stratton & Lilda Orr Brian Steere Brock Steere

Lulu Tang

Martha Everhart

Holly Trimble

John Schenk

Ann Wittig

John & Barbara Cochran

Honor gift Gifts to the Conservancy were made in honor of the following:

Roy K. Box

Anonymous

Bernadine Cackowski Dale Cackowski

John Dalton

Amy Dalton

Evamere & Ellsworth Hill Elementary Schools Betsy Finley

Gerry Findlan

Anne Hoenig

Mora Elizabeth Gabet

Michael & Diana Gabet

Parker J. Gabet

Michael & Diana Gabet

Sean Grindall

Leonard M. Berkowitz

Eric Hudak

Anonymous Paulette Suchan

Dave & Cindy Foley Anthony Passalacqua

Dan & Amanda Kephart

Patricia Koerner-Bailey & Cassie Bailey

Mr. James F. Negrelli & Ms. Ann Jackson

Robert Amsdell Todd & Mary Amsdell Donald Dornback Toribio & Susan Flores Michael & Catherine Keith Michael Klavora Stephen S. Muskara John & Kathleen Negrelli Amy Nelson Tiffany Orlando-Weber Paulette Poklar Juerg & Katherine Schmid Marvin Shie John & Debra Sideras Marc & Suzanne Snelson Colleen & Francis Stack April & Charlie Walton Kathy White

Morton November

Bennett & Edythe Adler Sandy & Evelyn Barcus Morris & Bonnie Barron Florence Bennett Michael & Laura Bennett Julie Berman Art & Lenore Bletcher Marsha Blond Arthur & Ann Bregman Dr. & Mrs. James Brown Kate Brown Susan Cargile Donna Chernin Kurit Anne Corrette Lois Davis David & Karen Day John & Cyndee Debo Harlan Diamond Deborah Emrick Jeff & Elizabeth Estep Barry Feldman Arlene Fine Henry & Roasalyn Frank Rabbi Bernard Frankel & Barbara Miller Rita Frankel Patrick Galbincea & Barbara Brucker Galbincea Daryl Ganger Robert & Laura Geuder Jeffrey Glebocki Brett & Robin Goldberg Barbara Goldstein Bob & Rita Goldstein Alvin Gray Peter & Debra Guren Pearl Hachen Steven Harf & Leslie Carno-Harf Walter Harf Bernard & Daria Henri Anita Hollander Fred Isenstadt & Sally Weinberg Isenstadt

Sarah & Robert Jaquay Lynn Kinnear Dorothy Klein David & Bonnie Krauss Lee Lazar Judy Lichtig Belinda Lieberman Gertrude Liss Janice Matteucci & Parnell Tillotson Mike Milgrom & Hedy Pufeles Milgrom Barbara Miller Richard & Deborah Miller Paul & Sylvia Morrison Marc Nathanson Larry & Linda November Ray & Sandy November Richard & Sally Parker Terri Pontremoli James & Susanne Powers Thomas Rathbone & Susan Narten Rathbone Deirdre Ream-Vukcevic Gregory Reese Rabbi Daniel Roberts & Elaine Rembrandt Stan & Mickey Roberts Michael & Nancy Roizen Christopher & Julie Shaw Paul Siemborski Ted & Natalie Silverberg Howard Sobel & Joanne Federman Emily Speer Nicholas & Sandra Stupiansky Steve Toth Lita Weiss Suzanne Wintner Louis & Joyce Zabell Burton & Sandra Zucker

Nancy Parks

Tammy Johnson

Myrtle W. Smith Joy Banish

Jim Spayer

Patricia Spayer

Norbert Trocki & Kathy Whelan John Beaty

Matching Gifts The following companies matched their employees’ gifts to the Conservancy

Bank of America CA Technologies Dominion Foundation Eaton Corporation FirstEnergy Foundation FM Global Foundation Grainger Johnson & Johnson Family of Companies JPMorgan Chase Foundation KeyBank Foundation Lubrizol Foundation McMaster-Carr Supply Company

Merck Parnership for Giving Morgan Stanley Progressive Insurance Foundation Starbucks Coffee Partner Giving Programs

In Kind gifts The following provided items or services to the Conservancy:

Akron Life & Leisure Magazine Akron Symphony Orchestra Akron Zoological Park Anonymous Appalachian Outfitters Arborwear April & William Bachtel Ballet Theatre of Ohio Elizabeth Banks Lisa Battista & Paul Stranahan Clurie Bennis Blue Hole Productions, LLC James & Eve Brown Cascade Auto Group Cavaliers Holdings LLC Sophie Cayless Dwight & Ann Chasar Cleveland Botanical Garden Cleveland Metroparks Cleveland Museum of Natural History The Cleveland Playhouse Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad Discount Drug Mart Eddie’s Creekside Restaurant Fleet Feet Sports Northfield Flying Fig Guy & Catherine Gadomski Robert & Diane Gadomski Jean Gent Nina Gionti Good Nature Organic Lawn Care Great Lakes Baking Co. Great Lakes Publishing Great Lakes Science Center Todd & Barbara Greene Harry & Karen Grindall Clark Harvey & Holly Selvaggi Health Journeys Heritage Farms The Inn At Brandywine Falls Andrea Irland Jerry Jelinek Bill Jordan & Laurel Winters Robin & Mark Kirk Kleidon & Associates George & Susan Klein

Kreiger’s Health Food Market Lake Erie Monsters Lake Erie Nature & Science Center Laurice Skin Care & Cosmetics Lewis Massotherapy LifeCenter Plus, Inc. Little Tikes Lucky Penny Farm & Creamery Main Street Gourmet Marty’s Bike Shop Lisa Meranti Edward & Lynn Metzger John & Anne Marie Najeway New Leaf Home Design North Coast Litho Ohio Magazine Old Trail School Rory & Dedee O’Neil Joseph Palko Peninsula Art Academy Petitti Garden Centers Pump It Up of Hartville Lisa Romaniuk Chad & Christine Saladin Marcia & Paul Sandstrom Simply Swank Terry & Dianne Squire Peggy Taddeo The Cleveland Orchestra Towpath Tennis Center Vertical Runner Western Reserve Public Media Gary & Carol Whidden Catherine Widemire The Wilds

ecology news

CONSERVANCY STAFF & BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Conservancy Welcomes New Members to Board of directors We would like to welcome Betty Rider and Alex Schmitt as the newest members of the board of directors. Betty and Alex bring extensive financial and educational experience to the Conservancy. Their expertise and passion for CVNP will assuredly help the Conservancy continue to preserve, protect and enhance our national park.

Executive STAFF

board of directors

Deb Yandala Chief Executive Officer

Chuck Mlakar Chairman

Janice Matteucci Chief Operating Officer

Gayle Thompkins Agahi

John Debo Chief Development Officer

Sandy K. Auburn

We would like to thank outgoing board members Pam Carson, Mary K. Holmes, Lisa Mandel and Mike Schuster for their years of service. They each played a major role in the Conservancyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s rebranding effort and organizational growth.

Richard Ainsworth Dave Bergholz Cynthia Flynn Capers, PhD Sam Chestnut Lee Chilcote Samuel Deshazior Guy Gadomski Thomas E. Green Sean Grindall Jeffery Hyde Nora Jacobs

Greg Kall Bryan Kinnamon Sue Klein Daniel Nagy John Najeway Rory Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Neil John Perduyn Betty Rider

The otters are back |

Alex Schmitt

photo by James Brown

Terry Squire April Walton Douglas J. Weber

Otters Return to Cuyahoga Valley River otters have been observed from the Towpath at the Beaver Marsh across from Howe Meadow and in the Pinery Narrows area, just north of Station Road Trailhead. This is exciting evidence that Cuyahoga Valley National Park is a suitable habitat to attract this key indicator species (otters require high-quality water conditions). River otter sightings usually occur in the very early morning when there is minimal human disturbance. In general, these mammals are also very active at dusk and throughout the night, feeding on fish and at times, other aquatic animals.

Bill Wendling John D. Wheeler

Once plentiful in Ohio, native river otter were extirpated by the early 1900s. In 1986, the Ohio Division of Wildlife began re-introducing the otter along several major Ohio Rivers. Having made a great comeback in 2002 they were delisted as a state endangered species and presently are found throughout eastern Ohio, including their return to CVNP. As with the recent return of bald eagles to nest by the shores of the Cuyahoga, these animal species indicate the increasing health of the river and its surroundings.

Scan this code with your Smartphone, or visit our website at www.conservancyforcvnp.org/help/donate to become a member or to donate today!

non-profit org u.s. postage

PAID Administrative Office 1403 West Hines Hill Road Peninsula, Ohio 44264 conservancyforcvnp.org

Design by Kleidon & Associates Paper donation provided by The Millcraft Group Photography provided by the Conservancy for Cuyahoga Valley National Park Cover photo: Horseshoe Pond by Ed Toerek ÂŠ 2012 Conservancy for CVNP Conservancy for CVNP is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization.

permit no. 286 akron, oh