Garlic Mustard Video

Check out this interesting video about Garlic Mustard, a non-native invasive plant that is overrunning our woodlands.: garlic mustard video

Check out the Quarry Trail at Deep Lock Quarry Metro Park

Quarry Trail| Deep Lock Quarry Metro Park, Metro Parks, Serving Summit County

I recently had the opportunity to explore this great trail just south of Peninsula Ohio. In spite of the single-digit temperatures, it was an adventure well worth experiencing. With my breath providing a visible excise for my normally poor photography, I got even fewer photos worth sharing compared to a normal hike.

What I did get was a renewed sense of history. The little quarry here provided the mill stones for the company that eventually became Quaker Oats. Meanwhile, the Deep Lock (17 feet compared to an average of 9 along the Ohio and Erie Canal) helped more commerce between Lake Erie and points south. This now peaceful forest was once bustling with activity. Now, songbirds, rare plants, and hikers are the most activity this little bit of earth sees, save the occasional rumble of the nearby Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railway.

Sometimes it is hard, with all the worry about global climate change, urban sprawl, endangered species and everything else, to remember that some places that were used intensively are recovering over time. While I don't mean to minimize the very real risks to our environment today, sometimes it is good to get outside and look at the bright side. Even if there is a chance of frostbite. Brrr. Read about the trail here: Quarry Trail

Climate Change may hit our pocket books hard...

Climate Change Threatens Ohio's Environment and Economy - Environment Ohio

Environment Ohio is a statewide, citizen-based environmental advocacy organization. In this new report, they say climate change could cost Ohio's economy $126,900,000,000. If their calculations are correct, it isn't just the polar bears and glaciers that are in trouble. The same report projects that nearly 2 million jobs in Ohio alone could be lost due to climate change.

It seems a sad state of affairs, but it seems that many of the people with the power to institute real change in the world respond more to the economic arguments than to cares about bears and bunnies and bugs. Maybe this, and other reports like it will spur ore people to action. Whether you buy into global climate change or not, why take the risk. We can be blind, and ignore the potential issue, or we can take reasonable precautions to prevent terrible adversity. If the vast majority of scientists are wrong about the risk or global climate change, and we take appropriate action, we still get a cleaner greener world in the end.

Winter sports opportunities abundant in national park

Check out this recent newspaper article listing the many many opportunities to get outside and enjoy nature this winter: Winter sports opportunities abundant in national park.

You could find yourself sledding, hiking, ice fishing, hiking in snowshoes, or cross country skiing. Don't know how? The article also outlines plenty of opportunties to learn the needed skills. Just get up, and get outside!