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The Davy Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

Written by Rebecca Grant on . Posted in Uncategorized.

  

 

ASHLAND, OHIO — May 9, 2025 – The Ashland County Park District proudly
announces the grand opening of the Davy McClure Outdoor Education Center, a
visionary project dedicated to fostering environmental education and honoring the
legacy of the late David “Davy” McClure.
Located atop the scenic Tom Kruse Wildlife Conservation Park at 748 County Road
1754, the center was unveiled during a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by community
members, local officials, and McClure’s family and friends. The event marked the
culmination of nearly three years of planning, fundraising, and construction efforts.
Davy McClure, a former parks commissioner and beloved Ashland City Schools bus
driver, was passionate about the outdoors and environmental education. His vision for
an outdoor education center became a reality through the collaborative efforts of the
community, generous donors, and public funding.
“This center is a testament to Davy’s dream and the community’s commitment to
environmental stewardship.” said Eric Schneider, Director of the Ashland County Park
District. “It’s a place where learners of all ages can connect with nature and gain a
deeper understanding of our environment.”
The 80-acre facility features diverse habitats, including woodlands, wetlands, and
pollinator gardens, providing a rich environment for hands-on learning. Amenities
include a three-season shelter, flushable restrooms, and accessible parking to
accommodate school buses.
Naturalist Mary Meixner highlighted the center educational programs, noting that over
250 students have already participated in outdoor lessons. “Our goal is to inspire
wonder and understanding of the natural world.” Meixner said. “By engaging students in
outdoor learning, we hope to cultivate a lifelong appreciation for the environment.”

The project was made possible through a combination of community donations and
state funding, including a significant contribution from local philanthropists Bob and Jan
Archer.
For more information about the Davy McClure Outdoor Education Center and upcoming
programs, please visit www.ashlandcountyparks.com or contact the Ashland County
Park District office at (419) 289-3524.

 

Leadership Ashland Trail Wayfinding Signage

Written by Rebecca Grant on . Posted in Uncategorized.

Such an honor to have worked with these up-and-coming leaders of Ashland County! This Leadership Ashland class raised the funds and installed Trail Wayfinding Signage and Confidence Markers along the trails at Freer Field! Their hard work and dedication has county-wide impact as it now sets us up to install Trail Signage in all of our Ashland County Parks!

THE DAVY GROUND BREAKING

Written by Spire Advertising on . Posted in Uncategorized.

On Tuesday, May 7, 2024, ground was broken for a project envisioned by the late commissioner Dave McClure. The McClure Family, including his son Christopher and his father, Andy, joined hands with the ACPD, Friends of the ACPD, Donors, and volunteers to celebrate this significant milestone.

A moment in time that was a touching tribute to Commissioner McClure’s legacy and a testament to the power of community collaboration.

Avian Acres Farm Park Expansion

Written by Spire Advertising on . Posted in Uncategorized.

Ashland County Park District Expands Avian Acres Farm Park with Over 45 Acres Perry Township, Ashland County – The Ashland County Park District is thrilled to announce the expansion of Avian Acres Farm Park by over 45 acres, made possible through the support of the Clean Ohio Green Space Conservation program and a generous local contribution. Situated in Perry Township along the scenic Jerome Fork of the Mohican River, the newly acquired land not only increases the park’s size but also enhances its environmental significance. The addition includes over 100 linear feet of headwater stream protection and showcases Freshwater Forested/Shrub Wetlands along with two Freshwater Emergent Wetlands. Moreover, this expansion bolsters habitat protection for various endangered, threatened, and species of concern, this includes Monarch Butterflies, Little Brown Bats,
Northern Harriers, Sandhill Cranes, and the recently de-listed Trumpeter Swans.

Future plans for the site are ambitious, aiming to improve guest access and parking facilities at Avian Acres Farm Park. Additionally, enhancements to the existing trail network are planned. Initiatives are also planned to restore and enrich the natural wetlands and promote pollinator and habitat diversity.

Avian Acres Farm Park was initially donated to the Park District in 2020. The park opened to the public in 2022 and now safeguards over 349 acres of precious greenspace. The park boasts the Historic Taylor Barn, 80 acres of wetlands, natural surface trails, a fishing pond, and an ongoing Regenerative Agriculture project initiated in 2023. In recognition of its environmental stewardship and community engagement, Avian Acres Farm Park was a highlight of the Ashland County Farm Tour in 2023. The park also proudly hosted Pheasants Forever’s ‘A Day in the Uplands: Managing Private Lands for Pollinators and Wildlife’ workshop, which garnered significant success. Building on last years achievements, Pheasants

Forever is set to return with “The Sequel” at Avian Acres Farm Park this Summer on July 27th.