Hey everyone...again, I just got this in an email/Facebook post and wanted to pass it along to you...As some may know Marion is getting a nature trail that uses the old CSX rail line that butts up against Big Island WA. This area is already a great area to hike back in and get some birding in, but with the addition of a REAL trail, it will make it even better. They have a shingle up on Facebook (Marion Tallgrass Trail) and I brought up that it might be neat to put up an observation deck or two along the Big Island WA part of it. Well, lo and behold, they actually have funding for an observation deck in that area and are currently looking for ideas and suggestions of good places to have an observation deck. Here is the website that marks out the trail: http://www.marioncountyparks.info/index_RailTrail.htm But the easiest way to describe where it is as you are driving down 95 and look to the north, you will see the old train line sticking up in the background. That's where the trail is/will be. here is what Karen said to me: "...I have a verbal committment from ODNR and two donors for an observation deck off the trail overlooking the Wildlife area. Probably just west of where Houk Rd used to cross. I want the DNR guys to help us select a spot and probably some birders (like you and Ed Lux) to have input too. Won't that be great? You know that if it were done properly we could have the deck in even before the trai is paved and goes by it. Depends on funding. - Karen Kelley" If anyone has birded back in there, please feel free to email me with your ideas as to a location for the deck, or places that should be avoided. Have a great day Steve Jones (a.k.a. sjlarue) ______________________________________________________________________ Ohio-birds mailing list, a service of the Ohio Ornithological Society. Our thanks to Miami University for hosting this mailing list. Additional discussions can be found in our forums, at www.ohiobirds.org/forum/. You can join or leave the list, or change your options, at: http://listserv.muohio.edu/scripts/wa.exe?LIST=OHIO-BIRDS Send questions or comments about the list to: [log in to unmask]