Seneca Park District sees seasonal activity

TIFFIN — Members of the Seneca County Park District are gearing up for a busy spring season, with increased trail usage, wildlife activity and other operational updates discussed at the recent board meeting. Executive Director Sarah Betts shared that the warmer weather has brought more visitors outdoors, as spring wildflowers begin to bloom and migratory birds return to the area. "The wildflowers are popping up everywhere, so a lot more people are on the trails. Migratory birds are starting to come back through, and of course the frogs are calling everywhere. It's marvelous to hear all of those spring sounds." Environmental work is also ramping up, with wetland monitoring already underway through researchers from the Ohio State University Extension, and additional monitoring expected from Heidelberg University and the University of Toledo. The district also has continued to expand its programming, recently being host to a seed swap event and the launch of a seed library in partnership with the Fostoria Public Library. The effort, according to Betts, is aimed at encouraging home gardening and community sharing. "It just is a natural fit for libraries, people can come in and take seeds or donate," she said. "It's a way to share resources and get more people involved in gardening." Looking ahead, the district is planning a larger public event in July as part of the America 250 initiative. Summer camp registration is expected to open in early May. The board of park commissioners also reviewed hunting program results, with positive feedback reported. Two deer were harvested at the Steyer Nature Preserve, while no confirmed harvests occurred at Clary-Boulee McDonald Preserve, which Betts said is typical for a newly opened hunting area. "It will take a few years for the deer themselves to figure out what they're comfortable with and where they're going to be located at certain times of the year," Betts said. Clary will continue to use a lottery system for hunting access, while the Steyer property will remain open access due to its proximity to state-managed land. Passed legislation Additionally, a number of resolutions were approved at the March meeting, including: • Approved purchase of communication equipment, including phones, tablets and mobile hotspots, to improve staff connectivity, particularly at remote park locations. • Approved purchase of computer equipment for staff use. • Approved purchase of an angle broom attachment for maintenance equipment to assist with trail and parking lot upkeep. • Approved supplemental appropriations to adjust the 2026 budget, including increases for salaries, supplies, equipment and benefits. • Approved a change order upgrading a previously authorized dump truck purchase to a newer model at no additional cost.