Michael Colamarino, Operations and Maintenance Manager

As the Operations and Maintenance Manager for Darke County Parks, I am thrilled to share the exciting projects my team and I have been working on to enhance our parks and preserves natural beauty. These initiatives include creating new walking trails, removing invasive plant species, and expanding our maple syrup program.

Starting with a true gem in our county, Historic Bear's Mill, will be the first of our parks to develop new walking trails in 2025. This will provide greater access to the park’s serene waterfront landscapes and diverse wildlife. We aim to make these trails accessible and enjoyable to casual walkers or avid hikers. By designing these paths thoughtfully, we offer visitors more opportunities to connect with nature and enjoy the beauty of our parks.

We are also tackling the invasive Bush Honeysuckle, which poses a significant threat to the health of our local ecosystems. This aggressive plant outcompetes native flora; honeysuckle is one of the first plants to grow leaves in the spring and one of the last to lose them in the fall. Honeysuckle leaves block sunlight from reaching the forest floor, both stopping warm sun rays from activating dormant seeds of delicate forest flowers and starving saplings of precious sunlight. Honeysuckle is a treatable element that disrupts the delicate balance of our habitats. Removing Bush Honeysuckle is a critical step in restoring this balance and giving native plants a chance to thrive, ultimately benefiting the human experience and wildlife that relies on them. Seeing the positive impact of this work on the park's biodiversity has been advantageous, and I’ve been honored to work with many incredible people to see this vision become a reality.

In addition to the trails at Bear’s Mill, another exciting project in the works is adding maple sap tubing to the same trails we are creating. These trails at Bear’s Mill will provide an added educational insight into the world of maple syrup production and tree identification. Once the maple sap is collected from many parts of Darke County, we take it to the “Sugar Shack” at Shawnee Prairie Preserve. The sugar shack is where maple sap is boiled into maple syrup, one of my favorite preserve features. We are adding more maple sap tubing lines to improve the efficiency of sap collection. This upgrade will also enhance the educational aspect of the program, allowing us to engage more visitors during the tapping season and share the fascinating process of making maple syrup. This tradition holds a special place in our community, and we are proud to help ensure it continues to grow and thrive.

These projects reflect our commitment to providing meaningful outdoor experiences for the community while protecting and enhancing the county’s natural resources. Seeing the positive changes taking place in our parks is gratifying, and I invite everyone to come and experience them for themselves.

There are many ways to get involved with Darke County Parks, from volunteering to attending our programs, or simply visiting and enjoying the trails and events. These parks belong to all of us, and we are dedicated to making them places that inspire and bring joy to the entire community.

For updates on our projects and information about upcoming events, please visit the Darke County Parks website at www.darkecountyparks.org or find us on social media.

I would be remiss if I didn’t say Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! I wish you all the best this coming year, and remember that time spent with family and loved ones is never wasted.

Deb Fall, Accounting Clerk

How do you give thanks to the universe for all the many gifts it has given you throughout your life?

Have you planted a tree or grown native plants to feed the bees? Without bees, our planet would cease to exist. Bees are vital to us in many ways. They aid in food production, maintain biodiversity, and help stabilize our climate. They also support other insects, birds, and mammals by pollinating trees and wildflowers and we must never forget the gift of honey they provide for us. Thank you, bees!

 Another way to give thanks to Mother Nature is to consider a compost pile. Try utilizing kitchen scraps and yard waste to create compost to enrich your soil naturally. Remember, compost is not a replacement for your soil, but rather acts as a natural fertilizer to nurture your soil and plants.

Planting a tree is my favorite way to thank the universe. A tree gives many years of shade, improves air quality, and slows stormwater runoff. A tree provides protection and homes to many species of wildlife, while also providing food for wildlife and humans.

Did you know that trees can also lower anxiety and depression? Trees can boost your mental health by taking a walk among them. They can definitely help lead to a healthier you!

Oh, the gift of nature's beauty. There is nothing more satisfying than a beautiful sunset over the blue ocean or the color of the trees on a brisk October day.

 Nature gives us an unbelievable landscape every day. Views we have never seen before and will never see again. They only pass by once, don’t miss them. It may be the way the wind blows the plants across the wheat field or the groundhog pups popping up out of their den as we travel by, that is the gift the universe has given you for the moment. Big or small, these are all gifts from the universe, and we must respect and cherish them.

As you sit down for the holidays with your family and friends, remember the gifts you have received from nature placed upon your table and do your best to repay nature. Keeping the plants, trees, and animals healthy also keeps us alive and healthy.

 “The earth is what we all have in common.” – Wendell Berry

Happy Holidays!