Thanks, Jeff--
        Yeah, if I had to pick the worst model for a metropark, it would be
Geauga's. There are plenty of playgrounds, and if we really want more
they should come from brownfields and blighted neighborhoods and the
sites of failed department stores. Want gun ranges, bike races, exercise
equipment, regattas, fireworks, etc.? That's cool, but don't despoil
remnants of the natural environment. I'm pretty proud of my local
metroparks, but don't close my eyes on them. Oh yeah, I had half a dozen
TVs over the back yard this morning...
Bill Whan
Franklin Co.

On 3/3/2016 8:57 AM, Jeff Harvey wrote:
> Education is the key to bird conservation and this is a warning to
> all who believe in birds, habitat and the future. Our Mill Creek
> MetroParks in Mahoning County has joined Geauga Parks in their
> attempt to change the focus from nature education and the importance
> of habitat and natural areas to making money. Recreation and money
> making ventures are now their focus. They deny this. Our park
> director fired our only full time naturalist, award winning
> naturalist Ray Novonty. Nature education doesn't pay for itself. Our
> natural areas are underfunded. Invasive species control is
> nonexistent, and they allow trapping. They recently made the news for
> trapping a River Otter. If you think your park is different, please
> pay attention because the focus can change in a blink of an eye. We
> are fighting back in our county and you need to pay close attention
> to what is happening at your parks. I did have 3 Rusty Blackbirds in
> my yard this morning. Jeff Harvey          Mahoning County

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