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Clermont CountyPark District
Winter 2010 Newsletter
Laura Hoople, NaturalistHibernation, and what it truly involves, is a mystery to many, even to scientists who study it. We often
say many animals in Ohio hibernate- raccoons, opossums, skunks, squirrels and groundhogs. However, mostof these animals do not truly hibernate; instead they will enter into a state of torpor during the coldest days.Torpor is a short period of inactivity where the animal’s body temperature, metabolism and breathing ratedrop slightly.
True hibernation, often called deep hibernation, is a strategy animals use to cope with winter weather anda lack of food. Hibernation means an animal is in a dormant state during the winter while living off storedbody fat; it is characterized by a decrease in body temperature and heart rate, and a slowed metabolism.Ohio has only three animals that enter in deep hibernation: bats, ground squirrels and groundhogs.
The process for hibernation begins in the late summer and continues throughout fall. Take, for example,a groundhog. As summer ends they begin to eat and eat in an attempt to gain as much weight as possible;these are the fat stores that will sustain them over the winter months. When cold weather arrives the ground-hog will retreat to its burrow, located deep enough underground to stay at least slightly above freezing andoffer some protection from predators.
During hibernation, a groundhog’s body temperature drops from 98° F to around 38° F. Its heart rateslows from 80 beats a minute to only 4-5 beats a minute. The breathing rate slows to only two or threebreaths per minute. In this state of highly reduced body function, groundhogs are very difficult to awakenand typically appear frozen or dead if removed from their burrow midwinter.
They may occasionally raise their body temperatureto near normal and may even wake once in a while.Some hibernators will wake more frequently, evenevery few days, and may eat a bit and go to the bath-room.
What exactly causes animals to enter hibernation isnot known but scientists have been looking at a sub-stance called Hibernation Inducement Trigger (HIT),found in the blood of hibernating animals.Experiments have shown that when HIT is taken froma hibernating animal in winter then injected in anactive animal in spring, the active animal will beginhibernating. This, along with other factors like lengthof daylight or an internal biological clock, may causeanimals to prepare for winter’s sleep.
When spring arrives, hibernators must have a wayto raise their bodily functions back to normal. Someuse violent shivering to produce heat. Others burn aspecialized kind of fat, called brown fat, which isstored across the neck and shoulders. Brown fat is notused during hibernation; it is saved and burned onlyas an animal emerges from hibernation. As brown fatcells burn fuel in a process called nonshivering ther-mogenesis, they release energy directly as heat, help-
WHAT’S INSIDECover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Feature
Hibernation
Page 2 . . . . . Park District NewsNature Notes
Pancakes In The ParkSponsor A Bucket
Page 3 . . . . Fall Back Into TimeWilson Nature Preserve
Thank You!
Pages 3 & 4 . . . . . . . . ClermontCounty Park DistrictPrograms & Events
Page 6 . . . . . . Clermont CountyPark District Park Descriptions
Page 7 . . . . . . .Rental Facilities
PRESORTED STANDARDUS POSTAGE PAID
CINCINNATI, OHIOPERMIT NO. 4959
MISSION STATEMENT
To acquire, plan, develop,
program, and maintain park
property in the county
for residents and
nonresidents alike.
To secure the
preservation of open space
and places of scenic
or historic value.
CLERMONT COUNTY PARK DISTRICT
GENERAL INFORMATIONHOW TO CONTACT US:
Administrative OfficeClermont County Park District2228 US Highway 50Batavia, OH 45103513-732-2977513-732-9733e-mail:
www.parks.clermontcountyohio.gov
Naturalist OfficeChilo Lock 34 Park521 County Park RoadPO Box 106Chilo, OH 45112513-876-9013
BOARD OF PARK
COMMISSIONERS
William Stearns
Chairman
Kenneth Stewart
David Anspach
Chris Clingman
Director
GroundhogYour Clermont County Park District Newsletter!
Time Sensitive Material
HIBERNATION
continued on page 2
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Clermont County Park District Winter 2010 Newsletter • Page 7Page 2 • Clermont County Park District Winter 2010 Newsletter
PARK DISTRICT NEWS
Visit us @: www.lovins-ins.com
MILFORD&
GOSHEN
513-831-7900
ing to warm the body morequickly. Core body parts like theheart and brain are warmed first;extremities are warmed last.
Many animals appear quitedrowsy as they are first arousingfrom hibernation, leading somescientists to believe that the stateentered into during hibernation
is quite different from a pro-longed sleep, a state that wouldleave the animal well rested. Allhibernators, however, are veryhungry when they first emergeand immediately set about find-ing food, finding mates and then,each fall, beginning the cycleagain.
RENTAL FACILITIES
CLERMONT COUNTY PARK DISTRICT RENTAL FACILITIES
The rustic lodge with stone fireplace is an excellent location for many wedding receptions and fam-ily reunions. Nestled in an inviting park setting, with a capacity of 215 guests, the lodge can be usedfor a variety of functions.
The large kitchen/bar area is equipped with a refrigerator, microwave, and a coffee maker. Thelodge has seating for 214 people, 25 (3’x6’) tables and 8(5’) round tables. Additional chairs can berented for $1 a piece. Guests can bring their own food, drink and decorations. Firewood is provid-ed for the indoor fireplace.
PICNIC SHELTERS
HARTMAN LOG CABIN5272 Aber Road, Williamsburg, OH 45176
PATTISON PARK on Us Highway 50 (Stonelick Township) hasone picnic shelter available for rent. The shelter will accommo-date up to 150 people. It is wheelchair accessible and is in closeproximity to the parks restrooms. A paved walking trail, fishinglake, horseshoe pit, and playground are also located near the pic-nic shelter. The cost for the shelter is $75.
SYCAMORE PARK on State Route 132 in Batavia, has twoshelters with grills available for rent. Sycamore #2 Shelteraccommodates 150 people for a cost of $75 and Sycamore Woodsshelter accommodates 50 people for a cost of $50. The park con-tains two tennis courts, two sand volleyball courts, horseshoepits, two playground areas, wheelchair accessible paved walkingtrail, basketball court, and fishing access in the river. Restroomsare centrally located.
CHILO LOCK 34 PARK contains one shelter available for $50.The shelter accommodates 50 people. A playground and horse-shoe pit, are located nearby, as well as the Visitor Center andRiver Museum. A boat ramp and courtesy docs are available andprovide easy access to the Ohio River. The park is adjacent toCrooked Run Nature Preserve which contains over one mile ofhiking trails.
Please call 732-2977 for more information.
The Clermont County Park District has several facilities that canbe rented for your next family picnic, reunion, wedding recep-tion, or holiday dinner. All of our rental facilities are very popu-lar locations and usually fill up quickly. If you would like moreinformation on our rental facilities, or would like to reserve yourfavorite location for your next get together, please call 732-2977.
A unique restored 1800’s cabin, the Hartman House is perfect for intimate weddings and holidaydinners. The cabin is also available for group functions, baby and bridal showers, anniversary cel-ebrations and business retreats. The cabin is situated on five acres of beautiful grounds. It haskitchen facilities, restrooms, heat and air conditioning. The original fireplace may be used with sup-plied logs during winter months.
The historic home of the Hartman family is equipped with three Shaker style trestle tables (3’x10’),24 Windsor back chairs, and three benches. Additional folding chairs and two banquet tables arealso supplied. A shelter and barn are also available for rent. A small picnic area is located in a groveof trees nearby, and a short walking trail takes visitors to the historic cemetery adjoining the prop-erty. The cabin will host up to 49 people.
The rates for theHartman Cabin and shelter follows:
In Season is May 15 through October 15Friday – Sunday $150
Monday – Thursday $100
Out of Season is October 16 through May 14Monday – Sunday $100
The barn can be rented for an additional $50.Please call 732-2977 for more information
PATTISON LODGE AND GAZEBO2228 US Highway 50, Batavia, OH 45103
The rates for thelodge and gazebo are as follows:
In Season (May 15 – October 15)Monday – Thursday $200Friday and Sunday $475
Saturday $550
Out of season (October 16 – May 14)Monday – Thursday $200Friday and Sunday $425
Saturday $500
The Pattison Gazebo is a perfect outdoorwedding site. This lovely rusting 12’ x 20’gazebo is surrounded by a beautifullylandscaped garden area. The coveredgazebo is equipped with benches for seat-ing up to 15 people and is wheelchairaccessible.
HIBERNATIONcontinued from cover page
Keith Robinson, NaturalistWINTER 2010
DECEMBERBackyard bird feeders stocked
with suet, sunflower and thistleseed will attract a variety of hun-gry birds including: goldfinches,juncos, white-throated sparrows,chickadees, titmice, nuthatches,red-bellied woodpeckers, downyand hairy woodpeckers.
Mistletoe can be spotted bytheir green leaves in the tops oftrees along the Ohio River. Asouthern plant, mistletoe doesn’tgrow too far north of the OhioRiver but is quite common alongUS Highway 52 between Chiloand New Richmond.
An evergreen parasitic plant, itcan easily be seen all winter as thetrees are dormant and withoutleaves.
JANUARYListen for the soft hooting of
Great Horned Owls at night. Oneof the earliest nesting birds inOhio, females will lay their eggsin mid to late January.
Jefferson Salamanders beginmigrating to ponds and vernalpools to breed and lay their eggs,often under a layer of ice.
FEBRUARYThe first sunny day with above
freezing temperatures will beginthe maple syrup process. Sapbegins to flow from the roots upthe tree to feed the buds.
Bald Eagles can be spottedoccasionally soaring above theOhio River at Chilo Lock 34 Parkand Crooked Run NaturePreserve. Late February is thebeginning of the bald eagle nest-ing season in Southern Ohio.
NATURE NOTES
Chris Clingman, DirectorIn November, the Park District
was awarded a CooperativeBoating Facility Grant from theOhio Department of NaturalResources, Division ofWatercraft. This $105,000 grantwill be used to improve ADAaccess at the Chilo Lock 34 Parkboat ramp and provide an addi-tional 100 feet of courtesy dock.The grant covers 100% of the costas the Division of Watercraft con-tinues to work with local agenciesto improve boating opportunitiesalong the Ohio River. Bass fisher-man have taken advantage of theramp and this coming summerthere are already 5 tournamentsscheduled with up to 280 boatsparticipating in the different tour-
naments. These tournaments drawfisherman throughout southernOhio and the Tri State.
A thank you to Jordan Shouse,Andrew Bach, and Dan Turnerwho each have completed EagleScout projects at Sycamore Parkand the Wilson Nature Preserve.Dan built a rain garden and plant-ed trees near the Sycamore #2Shelter. Andrew corrected adrainage problem and plantedtrees on an eroding slope in theWilson Nature Preserve. Jordancompleted a trail stream crossingproject that connected the newWilson Preserve to SycamorePark.
The Park District would alsolike to give a special thank you toRuth Nester for researching the
history of the land that is nowSycamore Park. Ruth put togethera small book of information thatthe park staff can use with pro-
grams and to help celebrate theupcoming 40th anniversary of thePark District. An application tocreate a park district wasapproved on February 5, 1970 bythen Probate Judge CharlesJackson. Sycamore Park became
the first park of the district in1971.
The steam engines located inChilo Lock 34 Park that weredonated by BB Riverboatsreceived a new coat of paintthanks to the J Mack GambleFund of the Sons and Daughtersof the Pioneer Rivermen. Theseengines are from the last steampowered boat used by US ArmyCorps of Engineers, theWakerobin. The engines werebuilt by the Frisbie Engine andMachine Company in Cincinnatiand were considered the best oftheir time. Currently there are justthree pairs of the engines left. Oneset is in private ownership and oneset is on display at theSmithsonian. The Park District is
working with the Sons andDaughters of the PioneerRivermen to build a shelter for theengines and create display toexplain how steam engines work.
The Fall Back Into Time eventgenerated over $1000 in donationsto be used at Chilo Lock 34 Park.These funds are kept in the ParkDistrict’s Greater CincinnatiFoundation Fund which can beused for matching grants and spe-cial projects in the parks. If youwould like to make a donation tosupport the parks, contact ParkDistrict director Chris Clingmanat 513-732-2977, or mail a checkpayable to the Greater CincinnatiFoundation Clermont CountyPark District Fund to the ParkDistrict administrative office.
Pancakes in the ParkSaturday March 13
Pattison Park Lodge • 8:30 am - 11:30am
Sponsor A Bucket ApplicationFor $25.00 visitors can have their name placed on one of the sap buckets along
the trail during Pancakes in the Park. Each bucket sponsor will also receive twocomplimentary tickets to the pancake breakfast and a jar of pure maple syrup
directly from the Pattison Park sugar bush. All proceeds will benefitthe Park District’s Naturalist Programs.
Name ________________________________________________________________
Address _____________________________________________________________
Phone # _____________________ E– Mail Address _______________________
Description for sponsor sign -Limit 4 lines of text, 15 characters per line (Please Print)
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
Please return application along with $25 check payable toClermont County Park District. All applications
and checks must be received by Friday March 5th.
Mail checks to:Clermont County Park District2228 US Highway 50Batavia, OH 45103
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Clermont County Park District Winter 2010 Newsletter • Page 3Page 6 • Clermont County Park District Winter 2010 Newsletter
N.S. Lodwick, D.V.M. • J.E. Gish, D.V.M. • D.C. Chalker, D.V.M.Office Hours by Appointment
9242 Hamer Rd., Georgetown, Ohio
(937) 378-6334G EORGETOWN
ANIMAL HOSPITAL“The Vet With a Heart”
PREVENT FLEAINFESTATIONS ON YOUR
PETS AND IN YOUR HOME.Because 95% of the flea population in your
home is made up of eggs, pupae, andwormlike larvae, the only way to stop
infestations and prevent new ones fromoccurring is to break the flea life cycle
at an immature stage.“Call us so we can help you
prevent or treat flea infestation.”
995 Highway 28(1 mile north of 275)
Milford, Ohio
PHONE:
(513) 831-9141
TresterAuto Parts
A & A MINI STORAGE• Resident Manager• 24 Hr. Surveillance• Outside & Inside
• Fenced & Lighted• RV/Boat Storage
513 528-61184317 Mt. Carmel - Tobasco Rd., Mt. Carmel, Ohio
SYCAMORE PARK158 Acres • 4082 State Route 132, Batavia, OH 45103
CLERMONT COUNTY PARK DISTRICT PARK DESCRIPTIONS
Overview: The oldest parkwithin the Clermont CountyPark District, Sycamore Parkis a popular place for summerpicnics. The park expanded in2003 when 30 acres of landwas purchased and added tothe existing 23 acre parcel.
Park Features• Newly acquired 105 acre Nature Preserve• Two reserveable picnic shelters• Two playgrounds• Paved walking trail• Tennis Courts• Sand Volleyball courts• Hiking Trail• Canoe Access to the East Fork of the Little Miami River
PATTISON PARK45 Acres • 2228 US Highway 50, Batavia, OH 45103 - 513-732-2977
Overview: A gift from the late AlethiaPattison, this 45 acre park is a very popularlocation for many outdoor weddings in thelodge and gazebo. The park is home to theannual Pancakes in the Park event featuringmaple syrup demonstrations and a pancakebreakfast. A fishing lake is open year roundand provides easy fishing access.
Park Features• Lodge and Gazebo
available for rent• Picnic shelter• Fishing lake• Playground• 1/2 mile paved walking trail• Interpretive hiking trail
KELLEY NATURE PRESERVE297 Center Street, Loveland, OH 45140
Overview: Given to the Park District by VirginiaKelley as a memorial to her husband Walter A. Kelley,the 42 acre nature preserve is located along the scenicLittle Miami River. Over one mile of hiking trails arepresent.
Park Features• Canoe access to the Little Miami River• Hiking Trails• Scenic river views• Meadow with excellent display of summer wildflowers
STATE ROUTE 222 ROADSIDE PARKState Route 222, Batavia, OH 45103
Overview: 222 Roadside Park is home to the Park District’s operations facility. Located alongthe East Fork of the Little Miami River, a small parking lot provides fishing and canoe access to the river.
CROOKED RUN NATURE PRESERVE77 Acres • Located adjacent to Chilo Lock 34 Park along US Highway 52
Overview: Located adjacent to Chilo Lock 34 Park, Crooked Run isowned by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division ofNatural Areas and Preserves. The preserve is managed by the ClermontCounty Park District through a lease agreement. Its location along theOhio River provides several scenic views and is an excellent location forbird watching and nature enthusiasts. Over 180 species of birds havebeen observed in the preserve.
Park Features• Hiking trails• Scenic River Overlook• Wildlife viewing blinds• Excellent bird watching location
CHILO LOCK 34 PARK39 Acres • Located on US Higway 52,in the village of Chilo - 513-876-9013
Overview: The park is locatedon the site of a former US ArmyCorps of Engineers lock and dam.The highlight of the park is theChilo Lock 34 Visitor Center andMuseum which offers three floorsof exhibits and interactive dis-plays focusing on the history ofthe Ohio River. After exploringthe visitor center, guests can goaboard the Jennie Wade, a replicaof an 1800’s era steamboat thatsits in the park and offers manyhistorical pictures of the river. A1.5 acre wetland is located in thepark, providing great wildlifewatching opportunities.
Park Features• Visitor Center and
interpretive river museum• Picnic shelter• Steamboat themed playground• Scenic river walk and overlook• 1.5 acre wetland• Jennie Wade, replica
of an 1800’s era steamboat• Access to Crooked
Run Nature Preserve,with hiking trails
• Boat ramp and dockson the Ohio River
HARTMAN LOG CABIN5 Acres • 5272 Aber Road, Williamsburg, OH 45176
Visit the Chilo Lock 34 Visitor Center and Museum521 County Park Road Chilo, OH 45112
WINTER HOURS (DECEMBER - FEBRUARY)Friday - Sunday 12 pm to 5 pm
TEALTOWN ROAD PROPERTY53 Acres • Tealtown Road, Milford, OH 45150
Through a donation, the Park District acquired 53 acres of land in Union Township in 2003. The Park Districthas reached an agreement with Union Township to provide partial funding for the development of the park.The Park District is currently seeking additional funds for the remainder of the park development.
Overview: The Hartman family were early residents ofJackson Township and built the log home in 1838. Through adonation, the Park District acquired the restored log house in1993. The rustic cabin can be reserved for family reunions,birthday parties, weddings, or holiday dinners. A picnic shelterand barn are also available for rent.
Features• Historic log cabin available for rent• Picnic shelter and barn available for rent• Walking trail with access to the
Jackson Township pioneer cemetery
This past October, the ClermontCounty Park District was one ofeleven organizations that partici-pated in a fundraising event to pro-mote the areas historical societiesand museums. Each participatingagency sponsored a historical char-acter and residents were asked tovote for their favorite character bysending in their $1.00 vote.
The votes have been counted
and we are proud to announce thatthe Chilo Lock 34 Visitor Centerand Museum’s character, Ralph theDiver* has been named the winnerwith 1136 votes.
The Park District received $1136in donations. To view the totalsvisit www.fallbackintotime.com.Thank you to everyone who voted.If you’d like to come and have yourpicture taken as “Ralph the Diver”
visit the Chilo Lock 34 VisitorCenter and Museum.
Special thanks to the Friends ofthe Jennie Wade for sponsoring andorganizing the event. The fundrais-er collected $4254 for local histori-cal societies and museums.
*Ralph the Diver is based onRalph Lindsey, a former diver atLock and Dam #34 and MeldahlDam from from 1947 -1979.
FALL BACK INTO TIME
“A Great PlaceTo Learn”
Full or Part-Time Classes
Grant Career Centerwww.grantcareer.com
734-6222
Due to the increased cost of mailing our newsletters and thefinancial restraints we are facing, this will be the last newsletterthat the Park District will mail. If you want to keep up to date onPark District programs and events you can visit our website atwww.parks.clermontcountyohio.gov. We will continue to pub-lish our quarterly electronic newsletter. The electronic version ofour newsletter can be downloaded from our website or you canreceive the newsletter via e-mail. To sign up for our electronicnewsletter, you can use the sign up form on our website or youcan send an e-mail to [email protected] with theword “newsletter subscribe” in the subject heading.
Final EditionAttention Readers!
Agency Character VotesClermont County Park District Ralph the Diver 1136Ohio Tobacco Museum Captain Fredrick Kautz 818Ripley Heritage John and Jean Rankin 767Kentucky Gateway Museum Center Simon Kenton 376Parker Society John Parker 277Friends of the Jennie Wade Jennie Wade 217Brown County Historical Society John D. White 205U.S. Grant Homestead Association U.S. Grant 143Bracken County Historical Society General George Marshall 135Adams County Historical Society Cowboy Copas 90Friends of the Jennie Wade Capt. John & Isabel McClain 90
WILSON NATURE PRESERVENOW OPEN
The James L. and FrancesWilson Nature Preserve wasofficially dedicated on FridayOctober 16th. The 105 acre pre-serve was purchased with an$845,000 grant from the CleanOhio Fund. Mr. and Mrs. Wilsongenerously donated a portion ofthe land value to make the pur-chase possible. The preserve liesadjacent to Sycamore Park,making the total land area of thepark and preserve 158 acres.
Left to Right (James Wilson, Park Commissioner William Stearns,Frances Wilson, Park Commissioner Dave Anspach, Park DistrictDirector Chris Clingman, Park Commissioner Ken Stewart)
Special Thanks to the parentsand girls of Girl Scout Troop #49197, and Sharon Pawlowski,Jerry West and Adam Hoople forVolunteering for the Habitat HelpDay at Sycamore Park onSaturday November 14th.
Thanks to the dedicated hardworking volunteers, we were ableto remove a large amount of inva-sive honeysuckle. The improve-ment will allow for better views ofthe East Fork River and will giveour native wildflowers a betterchance to survive next spring andsummer.
THANK YOU!
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Clermont County Park District Winter 2010 Newsletter • Page 5Page 4 • Clermont County Park District Winter 2010 Newsletter
• 24 HOUR ACCESS • OUTSIDE STORAGE• FULLY FENCED/LIGHTED • VARIETY OF INSIDE SIZES• KEYCODE ENTRY/EXIT • HIGH CEILINGS IN UNITS
RRRR ....VVVV.... ’’’’SSSS
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CCCCAAAAMMMM PPPPEEEERRRRSSSS
JJJJEEEE TTTT SSSSKKKKIIII ’’’’SSSS
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BATAVIA EASTFORK SELF-STORAGE
BATAVIA TRANSMISSION
PLANT
Truck Rental
SURVEILLANCE CAMERAS
PAY 1ST MONTH
2ND MONTHFREEON ALL NEW
RENTALS
2644 OLD STATE ROUTE, BATAVIA, OH 45103
(513) 724-7233
1 MONTH FREERent
SELF-STORAGE
CLERMONT COUNTY PARK DISTRICTNATURALIST PROGRAMS JANUARY - MAY 2010
Winter HikeSaturday January 23
10:00 amSycamore Park
Owl ProwlFriday January 29
6:00 pmCrooked Run Nature Preserve
Winter is an excellent time to go “owl-ing”. Walk with a naturalist as we tryto lure in one of these nocturnal won-ders. Meet at the visitor center.
Maple Syrup for HomeschoolersMonday February 8 - 11:00 am
Pattison Park Lodge
Discover the process of making maplesyrup with your homeschooler. Seewhere syrup comes from, how it’smade, and even try a few sweet sam-ples of our tasty syrup. Pre registrationis required. $2.00 fee per child. Pleasecall 513.876.9013 to sign up.
Attention Scout Leaders!The Park District is now offering afterschool maple syrup programs forscout groups. Take your own privatetour of our sugar bush, see how syrupis made, and sample some of our tastytreats. Available dates:Mon. February 8th 5:30 pmWed. February 17th 5:30 pmThur. February 18th 5:30 pmCost is $2.00 per person and space is
limited. If you would liketo sign up your scout troop,please call 513.876.9013.
Step into SpringSunday March 21 - 1:00 PM
Sycamore Park/Wilson Nature Preserve
Get outside and enjoy the first full day of spring. We’ll celebratethe long awaited arrival of spring as we hike the trails atSycamore Park and Wilson Nature Preserve. We’ll search forearly spring wildflowers and other sure signs that spring hasfinally arrived. Meet at the pedestrian bridge.
Early spring is a wonderful time of the year to jump in and exploreour marsh. We’ll walk around the edge of the wetland in search ofthe small but noisy frogs that are so common this time of the year.We’ll search for spring peepers and chorus frogs as they sing thenight away in hopes of attracting a mate. Meet in the visitor center.
Marsh MadnessFriday April 9th - 7:30 pm • Chilo Lock 34 Park
Wildflower WalkWednesday April 28th - 6:00 pm • Sycamore Park
Take a naturalist guided walk and enjoy the carpet of wildflowersat Sycamore Park. The annual display of flowers should beputting on an excellent display of color as we look for Virginiabluebells, celandine poppies, trout lilies, trilliums and many otherbeautiful flowers. Meet at the pedestrian bridge.
Matt Maupin Memorial Kid’sFishing Tournament
Saturday May 8th - 11:00 am – 1:00 pm • Pattison Park
Join the East Fork Bass Anglers for this annual event. Children 15and under are invited to drop their lines and see who can catch thelargest, smallest, and most fish. Several prizes will be awarded ineach age group. Each child participating will also receive a free hotdog lunch.
Beat the winter blues by gettingoutside and enjoying the crispwinter air. We’ll hike and exploreall of the trails on the new JamesL. and Frances Wilson NaturePreserve. Meet at the pedestrianbridge.
Backyard SugaringSaturday February 13 - 11:00 am
Pattison Park Lodge
Visit the Pattison Park sugar bushto learn all about making maplesyrup. Follow the process step bystep and see how you can makeyour very own maple syrup rightin your backyard. Please call513.876.9013 to sign up.
Attention Volunteers!The Park District is currently seeking volunteers to assist the naturalist staff during our maplesyrup field trips in February of 2010. If you enjoy working outside and learning more about themaple syrup process, and are available on weekdays, then please give us a call at 513.876.9013.
Naturalist Program Fee ChartEffective January 1, 2010 the Clermont County Park District will institute fees for their naturalist programs. Thefees will affect school programs and private programs. Most public programs will remain free. Fees for school pro-grams will begin in September of 2010.School/Private Program Fees - In-park program $2.00 per personOffsite/Outreach program - $35.00 for first program - $20.00 additional programsIf you have any questions about the program fees, or would like to schedule a naturalist program, please callthe Naturalist Office at 513-876-9013.
www.co.clermont.oh.us/parks
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Clermont County Park District Winter 2010 Newsletter • Page 5Page 4 • Clermont County Park District Winter 2010 Newsletter
• 24 HOUR ACCESS • OUTSIDE STORAGE• FULLY FENCED/LIGHTED • VARIETY OF INSIDE SIZES• KEYCODE ENTRY/EXIT • HIGH CEILINGS IN UNITS
RRRR ....VVVV.... ’’’’SSSS
BBBBOOOOAAAATTTT SSSS
CCCCAAAAMMMM PPPPEEEERRRRSSSS
JJJJEEEE TTTT SSSSKKKKIIII ’’’’SSSS
SSSS TTTTOOOORRRR EEEEYYYYOOOOUUUURRRR::::
CCCCAAAAMMMMPPPPIIIINNNNGGGGSSSSUUUUPPPPPPPPLLLLIIIIEEEESSSS
FFFFIIIISSSSHHHHIIIINNNNGGGGSSSSUUUUPPPPPPPPLLLLIIIIEEEESSSS
BATAVIA EASTFORK SELF-STORAGE
BATAVIA TRANSMISSION
PLANT
Truck Rental
SURVEILLANCE CAMERAS
PAY 1ST MONTH
2ND MONTHFREEON ALL NEW
RENTALS
2644 OLD STATE ROUTE, BATAVIA, OH 45103
(513) 724-7233
1 MONTH FREERent
SELF-STORAGE
CLERMONT COUNTY PARK DISTRICTNATURALIST PROGRAMS JANUARY - MAY 2010
Winter HikeSaturday January 23
10:00 amSycamore Park
Owl ProwlFriday January 29
6:00 pmCrooked Run Nature Preserve
Winter is an excellent time to go “owl-ing”. Walk with a naturalist as we tryto lure in one of these nocturnal won-ders. Meet at the visitor center.
Maple Syrup for HomeschoolersMonday February 8 - 11:00 am
Pattison Park Lodge
Discover the process of making maplesyrup with your homeschooler. Seewhere syrup comes from, how it’smade, and even try a few sweet sam-ples of our tasty syrup. Pre registrationis required. $2.00 fee per child. Pleasecall 513.876.9013 to sign up.
Attention Scout Leaders!The Park District is now offering afterschool maple syrup programs forscout groups. Take your own privatetour of our sugar bush, see how syrupis made, and sample some of our tastytreats. Available dates:Mon. February 8th 5:30 pmWed. February 17th 5:30 pmThur. February 18th 5:30 pmCost is $2.00 per person and space is
limited. If you would liketo sign up your scout troop,please call 513.876.9013.
Step into SpringSunday March 21 - 1:00 PM
Sycamore Park/Wilson Nature Preserve
Get outside and enjoy the first full day of spring. We’ll celebratethe long awaited arrival of spring as we hike the trails atSycamore Park and Wilson Nature Preserve. We’ll search forearly spring wildflowers and other sure signs that spring hasfinally arrived. Meet at the pedestrian bridge.
Early spring is a wonderful time of the year to jump in and exploreour marsh. We’ll walk around the edge of the wetland in search ofthe small but noisy frogs that are so common this time of the year.We’ll search for spring peepers and chorus frogs as they sing thenight away in hopes of attracting a mate. Meet in the visitor center.
Marsh MadnessFriday April 9th - 7:30 pm • Chilo Lock 34 Park
Wildflower WalkWednesday April 28th - 6:00 pm • Sycamore Park
Take a naturalist guided walk and enjoy the carpet of wildflowersat Sycamore Park. The annual display of flowers should beputting on an excellent display of color as we look for Virginiabluebells, celandine poppies, trout lilies, trilliums and many otherbeautiful flowers. Meet at the pedestrian bridge.
Matt Maupin Memorial Kid’sFishing Tournament
Saturday May 8th - 11:00 am – 1:00 pm • Pattison Park
Join the East Fork Bass Anglers for this annual event. Children 15and under are invited to drop their lines and see who can catch thelargest, smallest, and most fish. Several prizes will be awarded ineach age group. Each child participating will also receive a free hotdog lunch.
Beat the winter blues by gettingoutside and enjoying the crispwinter air. We’ll hike and exploreall of the trails on the new JamesL. and Frances Wilson NaturePreserve. Meet at the pedestrianbridge.
Backyard SugaringSaturday February 13 - 11:00 am
Pattison Park Lodge
Visit the Pattison Park sugar bushto learn all about making maplesyrup. Follow the process step bystep and see how you can makeyour very own maple syrup rightin your backyard. Please call513.876.9013 to sign up.
Attention Volunteers!The Park District is currently seeking volunteers to assist the naturalist staff during our maplesyrup field trips in February of 2010. If you enjoy working outside and learning more about themaple syrup process, and are available on weekdays, then please give us a call at 513.876.9013.
Naturalist Program Fee ChartEffective January 1, 2010 the Clermont County Park District will institute fees for their naturalist programs. Thefees will affect school programs and private programs. Most public programs will remain free. Fees for school pro-grams will begin in September of 2010.School/Private Program Fees - In-park program $2.00 per personOffsite/Outreach program - $35.00 for first program - $20.00 additional programsIf you have any questions about the program fees, or would like to schedule a naturalist program, please callthe Naturalist Office at 513-876-9013.
www.co.clermont.oh.us/parks
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Clermont County Park District Winter 2010 Newsletter • Page 3Page 6 • Clermont County Park District Winter 2010 Newsletter
N.S. Lodwick, D.V.M. • J.E. Gish, D.V.M. • D.C. Chalker, D.V.M.Office Hours by Appointment
9242 Hamer Rd., Georgetown, Ohio
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PHONE:
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A & A MINI STORAGE• Resident Manager• 24 Hr. Surveillance• Outside & Inside
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513 528-61184317 Mt. Carmel - Tobasco Rd., Mt. Carmel, Ohio
SYCAMORE PARK158 Acres • 4082 State Route 132, Batavia, OH 45103
CLERMONT COUNTY PARK DISTRICT PARK DESCRIPTIONS
Overview: The oldest parkwithin the Clermont CountyPark District, Sycamore Parkis a popular place for summerpicnics. The park expanded in2003 when 30 acres of landwas purchased and added tothe existing 23 acre parcel.
Park Features• Newly acquired 105 acre Nature Preserve• Two reserveable picnic shelters• Two playgrounds• Paved walking trail• Tennis Courts• Sand Volleyball courts• Hiking Trail• Canoe Access to the East Fork of the Little Miami River
PATTISON PARK45 Acres • 2228 US Highway 50, Batavia, OH 45103 - 513-732-2977
Overview: A gift from the late AlethiaPattison, this 45 acre park is a very popularlocation for many outdoor weddings in thelodge and gazebo. The park is home to theannual Pancakes in the Park event featuringmaple syrup demonstrations and a pancakebreakfast. A fishing lake is open year roundand provides easy fishing access.
Park Features• Lodge and Gazebo
available for rent• Picnic shelter• Fishing lake• Playground• 1/2 mile paved walking trail• Interpretive hiking trail
KELLEY NATURE PRESERVE297 Center Street, Loveland, OH 45140
Overview: Given to the Park District by VirginiaKelley as a memorial to her husband Walter A. Kelley,the 42 acre nature preserve is located along the scenicLittle Miami River. Over one mile of hiking trails arepresent.
Park Features• Canoe access to the Little Miami River• Hiking Trails• Scenic river views• Meadow with excellent display of summer wildflowers
STATE ROUTE 222 ROADSIDE PARKState Route 222, Batavia, OH 45103
Overview: 222 Roadside Park is home to the Park District’s operations facility. Located alongthe East Fork of the Little Miami River, a small parking lot provides fishing and canoe access to the river.
CROOKED RUN NATURE PRESERVE77 Acres • Located adjacent to Chilo Lock 34 Park along US Highway 52
Overview: Located adjacent to Chilo Lock 34 Park, Crooked Run isowned by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division ofNatural Areas and Preserves. The preserve is managed by the ClermontCounty Park District through a lease agreement. Its location along theOhio River provides several scenic views and is an excellent location forbird watching and nature enthusiasts. Over 180 species of birds havebeen observed in the preserve.
Park Features• Hiking trails• Scenic River Overlook• Wildlife viewing blinds• Excellent bird watching location
CHILO LOCK 34 PARK39 Acres • Located on US Higway 52,in the village of Chilo - 513-876-9013
Overview: The park is locatedon the site of a former US ArmyCorps of Engineers lock and dam.The highlight of the park is theChilo Lock 34 Visitor Center andMuseum which offers three floorsof exhibits and interactive dis-plays focusing on the history ofthe Ohio River. After exploringthe visitor center, guests can goaboard the Jennie Wade, a replicaof an 1800’s era steamboat thatsits in the park and offers manyhistorical pictures of the river. A1.5 acre wetland is located in thepark, providing great wildlifewatching opportunities.
Park Features• Visitor Center and
interpretive river museum• Picnic shelter• Steamboat themed playground• Scenic river walk and overlook• 1.5 acre wetland• Jennie Wade, replica
of an 1800’s era steamboat• Access to Crooked
Run Nature Preserve,with hiking trails
• Boat ramp and dockson the Ohio River
HARTMAN LOG CABIN5 Acres • 5272 Aber Road, Williamsburg, OH 45176
Visit the Chilo Lock 34 Visitor Center and Museum521 County Park Road Chilo, OH 45112
WINTER HOURS (DECEMBER - FEBRUARY)Friday - Sunday 12 pm to 5 pm
TEALTOWN ROAD PROPERTY53 Acres • Tealtown Road, Milford, OH 45150
Through a donation, the Park District acquired 53 acres of land in Union Township in 2003. The Park Districthas reached an agreement with Union Township to provide partial funding for the development of the park.The Park District is currently seeking additional funds for the remainder of the park development.
Overview: The Hartman family were early residents ofJackson Township and built the log home in 1838. Through adonation, the Park District acquired the restored log house in1993. The rustic cabin can be reserved for family reunions,birthday parties, weddings, or holiday dinners. A picnic shelterand barn are also available for rent.
Features• Historic log cabin available for rent• Picnic shelter and barn available for rent• Walking trail with access to the
Jackson Township pioneer cemetery
This past October, the ClermontCounty Park District was one ofeleven organizations that partici-pated in a fundraising event to pro-mote the areas historical societiesand museums. Each participatingagency sponsored a historical char-acter and residents were asked tovote for their favorite character bysending in their $1.00 vote.
The votes have been counted
and we are proud to announce thatthe Chilo Lock 34 Visitor Centerand Museum’s character, Ralph theDiver* has been named the winnerwith 1136 votes.
The Park District received $1136in donations. To view the totalsvisit www.fallbackintotime.com.Thank you to everyone who voted.If you’d like to come and have yourpicture taken as “Ralph the Diver”
visit the Chilo Lock 34 VisitorCenter and Museum.
Special thanks to the Friends ofthe Jennie Wade for sponsoring andorganizing the event. The fundrais-er collected $4254 for local histori-cal societies and museums.
*Ralph the Diver is based onRalph Lindsey, a former diver atLock and Dam #34 and MeldahlDam from from 1947 -1979.
FALL BACK INTO TIME
“A Great PlaceTo Learn”
Full or Part-Time Classes
Grant Career Centerwww.grantcareer.com
734-6222
Due to the increased cost of mailing our newsletters and thefinancial restraints we are facing, this will be the last newsletterthat the Park District will mail. If you want to keep up to date onPark District programs and events you can visit our website atwww.parks.clermontcountyohio.gov. We will continue to pub-lish our quarterly electronic newsletter. The electronic version ofour newsletter can be downloaded from our website or you canreceive the newsletter via e-mail. To sign up for our electronicnewsletter, you can use the sign up form on our website or youcan send an e-mail to [email protected] with theword “newsletter subscribe” in the subject heading.
Final EditionAttention Readers!
Agency Character VotesClermont County Park District Ralph the Diver 1136Ohio Tobacco Museum Captain Fredrick Kautz 818Ripley Heritage John and Jean Rankin 767Kentucky Gateway Museum Center Simon Kenton 376Parker Society John Parker 277Friends of the Jennie Wade Jennie Wade 217Brown County Historical Society John D. White 205U.S. Grant Homestead Association U.S. Grant 143Bracken County Historical Society General George Marshall 135Adams County Historical Society Cowboy Copas 90Friends of the Jennie Wade Capt. John & Isabel McClain 90
WILSON NATURE PRESERVENOW OPEN
The James L. and FrancesWilson Nature Preserve wasofficially dedicated on FridayOctober 16th. The 105 acre pre-serve was purchased with an$845,000 grant from the CleanOhio Fund. Mr. and Mrs. Wilsongenerously donated a portion ofthe land value to make the pur-chase possible. The preserve liesadjacent to Sycamore Park,making the total land area of thepark and preserve 158 acres.
Left to Right (James Wilson, Park Commissioner William Stearns,Frances Wilson, Park Commissioner Dave Anspach, Park DistrictDirector Chris Clingman, Park Commissioner Ken Stewart)
Special Thanks to the parentsand girls of Girl Scout Troop #49197, and Sharon Pawlowski,Jerry West and Adam Hoople forVolunteering for the Habitat HelpDay at Sycamore Park onSaturday November 14th.
Thanks to the dedicated hardworking volunteers, we were ableto remove a large amount of inva-sive honeysuckle. The improve-ment will allow for better views ofthe East Fork River and will giveour native wildflowers a betterchance to survive next spring andsummer.
THANK YOU!
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Clermont County Park District Winter 2010 Newsletter • Page 7Page 2 • Clermont County Park District Winter 2010 Newsletter
PARK DISTRICT NEWS
Visit us @: www.lovins-ins.com
MILFORD&
GOSHEN
513-831-7900
ing to warm the body morequickly. Core body parts like theheart and brain are warmed first;extremities are warmed last.
Many animals appear quitedrowsy as they are first arousingfrom hibernation, leading somescientists to believe that the stateentered into during hibernation
is quite different from a pro-longed sleep, a state that wouldleave the animal well rested. Allhibernators, however, are veryhungry when they first emergeand immediately set about find-ing food, finding mates and then,each fall, beginning the cycleagain.
RENTAL FACILITIES
CLERMONT COUNTY PARK DISTRICT RENTAL FACILITIES
The rustic lodge with stone fireplace is an excellent location for many wedding receptions and fam-ily reunions. Nestled in an inviting park setting, with a capacity of 215 guests, the lodge can be usedfor a variety of functions.
The large kitchen/bar area is equipped with a refrigerator, microwave, and a coffee maker. Thelodge has seating for 214 people, 25 (3’x6’) tables and 8(5’) round tables. Additional chairs can berented for $1 a piece. Guests can bring their own food, drink and decorations. Firewood is provid-ed for the indoor fireplace.
PICNIC SHELTERS
HARTMAN LOG CABIN5272 Aber Road, Williamsburg, OH 45176
PATTISON PARK on Us Highway 50 (Stonelick Township) hasone picnic shelter available for rent. The shelter will accommo-date up to 150 people. It is wheelchair accessible and is in closeproximity to the parks restrooms. A paved walking trail, fishinglake, horseshoe pit, and playground are also located near the pic-nic shelter. The cost for the shelter is $75.
SYCAMORE PARK on State Route 132 in Batavia, has twoshelters with grills available for rent. Sycamore #2 Shelteraccommodates 150 people for a cost of $75 and Sycamore Woodsshelter accommodates 50 people for a cost of $50. The park con-tains two tennis courts, two sand volleyball courts, horseshoepits, two playground areas, wheelchair accessible paved walkingtrail, basketball court, and fishing access in the river. Restroomsare centrally located.
CHILO LOCK 34 PARK contains one shelter available for $50.The shelter accommodates 50 people. A playground and horse-shoe pit, are located nearby, as well as the Visitor Center andRiver Museum. A boat ramp and courtesy docs are available andprovide easy access to the Ohio River. The park is adjacent toCrooked Run Nature Preserve which contains over one mile ofhiking trails.
Please call 732-2977 for more information.
The Clermont County Park District has several facilities that canbe rented for your next family picnic, reunion, wedding recep-tion, or holiday dinner. All of our rental facilities are very popu-lar locations and usually fill up quickly. If you would like moreinformation on our rental facilities, or would like to reserve yourfavorite location for your next get together, please call 732-2977.
A unique restored 1800’s cabin, the Hartman House is perfect for intimate weddings and holidaydinners. The cabin is also available for group functions, baby and bridal showers, anniversary cel-ebrations and business retreats. The cabin is situated on five acres of beautiful grounds. It haskitchen facilities, restrooms, heat and air conditioning. The original fireplace may be used with sup-plied logs during winter months.
The historic home of the Hartman family is equipped with three Shaker style trestle tables (3’x10’),24 Windsor back chairs, and three benches. Additional folding chairs and two banquet tables arealso supplied. A shelter and barn are also available for rent. A small picnic area is located in a groveof trees nearby, and a short walking trail takes visitors to the historic cemetery adjoining the prop-erty. The cabin will host up to 49 people.
The rates for theHartman Cabin and shelter follows:
In Season is May 15 through October 15Friday – Sunday $150
Monday – Thursday $100
Out of Season is October 16 through May 14Monday – Sunday $100
The barn can be rented for an additional $50.Please call 732-2977 for more information
PATTISON LODGE AND GAZEBO2228 US Highway 50, Batavia, OH 45103
The rates for thelodge and gazebo are as follows:
In Season (May 15 – October 15)Monday – Thursday $200Friday and Sunday $475
Saturday $550
Out of season (October 16 – May 14)Monday – Thursday $200Friday and Sunday $425
Saturday $500
The Pattison Gazebo is a perfect outdoorwedding site. This lovely rusting 12’ x 20’gazebo is surrounded by a beautifullylandscaped garden area. The coveredgazebo is equipped with benches for seat-ing up to 15 people and is wheelchairaccessible.
HIBERNATIONcontinued from cover page
Keith Robinson, NaturalistWINTER 2010
DECEMBERBackyard bird feeders stocked
with suet, sunflower and thistleseed will attract a variety of hun-gry birds including: goldfinches,juncos, white-throated sparrows,chickadees, titmice, nuthatches,red-bellied woodpeckers, downyand hairy woodpeckers.
Mistletoe can be spotted bytheir green leaves in the tops oftrees along the Ohio River. Asouthern plant, mistletoe doesn’tgrow too far north of the OhioRiver but is quite common alongUS Highway 52 between Chiloand New Richmond.
An evergreen parasitic plant, itcan easily be seen all winter as thetrees are dormant and withoutleaves.
JANUARYListen for the soft hooting of
Great Horned Owls at night. Oneof the earliest nesting birds inOhio, females will lay their eggsin mid to late January.
Jefferson Salamanders beginmigrating to ponds and vernalpools to breed and lay their eggs,often under a layer of ice.
FEBRUARYThe first sunny day with above
freezing temperatures will beginthe maple syrup process. Sapbegins to flow from the roots upthe tree to feed the buds.
Bald Eagles can be spottedoccasionally soaring above theOhio River at Chilo Lock 34 Parkand Crooked Run NaturePreserve. Late February is thebeginning of the bald eagle nest-ing season in Southern Ohio.
NATURE NOTES
Chris Clingman, DirectorIn November, the Park District
was awarded a CooperativeBoating Facility Grant from theOhio Department of NaturalResources, Division ofWatercraft. This $105,000 grantwill be used to improve ADAaccess at the Chilo Lock 34 Parkboat ramp and provide an addi-tional 100 feet of courtesy dock.The grant covers 100% of the costas the Division of Watercraft con-tinues to work with local agenciesto improve boating opportunitiesalong the Ohio River. Bass fisher-man have taken advantage of theramp and this coming summerthere are already 5 tournamentsscheduled with up to 280 boatsparticipating in the different tour-
naments. These tournaments drawfisherman throughout southernOhio and the Tri State.
A thank you to Jordan Shouse,Andrew Bach, and Dan Turnerwho each have completed EagleScout projects at Sycamore Parkand the Wilson Nature Preserve.Dan built a rain garden and plant-ed trees near the Sycamore #2Shelter. Andrew corrected adrainage problem and plantedtrees on an eroding slope in theWilson Nature Preserve. Jordancompleted a trail stream crossingproject that connected the newWilson Preserve to SycamorePark.
The Park District would alsolike to give a special thank you toRuth Nester for researching the
history of the land that is nowSycamore Park. Ruth put togethera small book of information thatthe park staff can use with pro-
grams and to help celebrate theupcoming 40th anniversary of thePark District. An application tocreate a park district wasapproved on February 5, 1970 bythen Probate Judge CharlesJackson. Sycamore Park became
the first park of the district in1971.
The steam engines located inChilo Lock 34 Park that weredonated by BB Riverboatsreceived a new coat of paintthanks to the J Mack GambleFund of the Sons and Daughtersof the Pioneer Rivermen. Theseengines are from the last steampowered boat used by US ArmyCorps of Engineers, theWakerobin. The engines werebuilt by the Frisbie Engine andMachine Company in Cincinnatiand were considered the best oftheir time. Currently there are justthree pairs of the engines left. Oneset is in private ownership and oneset is on display at theSmithsonian. The Park District is
working with the Sons andDaughters of the PioneerRivermen to build a shelter for theengines and create display toexplain how steam engines work.
The Fall Back Into Time eventgenerated over $1000 in donationsto be used at Chilo Lock 34 Park.These funds are kept in the ParkDistrict’s Greater CincinnatiFoundation Fund which can beused for matching grants and spe-cial projects in the parks. If youwould like to make a donation tosupport the parks, contact ParkDistrict director Chris Clingmanat 513-732-2977, or mail a checkpayable to the Greater CincinnatiFoundation Clermont CountyPark District Fund to the ParkDistrict administrative office.
Pancakes in the ParkSaturday March 13
Pattison Park Lodge • 8:30 am - 11:30am
Sponsor A Bucket ApplicationFor $25.00 visitors can have their name placed on one of the sap buckets along
the trail during Pancakes in the Park. Each bucket sponsor will also receive twocomplimentary tickets to the pancake breakfast and a jar of pure maple syrup
directly from the Pattison Park sugar bush. All proceeds will benefitthe Park District’s Naturalist Programs.
Name ________________________________________________________________
Address _____________________________________________________________
Phone # _____________________ E– Mail Address _______________________
Description for sponsor sign -Limit 4 lines of text, 15 characters per line (Please Print)
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
Please return application along with $25 check payable toClermont County Park District. All applications
and checks must be received by Friday March 5th.
Mail checks to:Clermont County Park District2228 US Highway 50Batavia, OH 45103
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Clermont CountyPark District
Winter 2010 Newsletter
Laura Hoople, NaturalistHibernation, and what it truly involves, is a mystery to many, even to scientists who study it. We often
say many animals in Ohio hibernate- raccoons, opossums, skunks, squirrels and groundhogs. However, mostof these animals do not truly hibernate; instead they will enter into a state of torpor during the coldest days.Torpor is a short period of inactivity where the animal’s body temperature, metabolism and breathing ratedrop slightly.
True hibernation, often called deep hibernation, is a strategy animals use to cope with winter weather anda lack of food. Hibernation means an animal is in a dormant state during the winter while living off storedbody fat; it is characterized by a decrease in body temperature and heart rate, and a slowed metabolism.Ohio has only three animals that enter in deep hibernation: bats, ground squirrels and groundhogs.
The process for hibernation begins in the late summer and continues throughout fall. Take, for example,a groundhog. As summer ends they begin to eat and eat in an attempt to gain as much weight as possible;these are the fat stores that will sustain them over the winter months. When cold weather arrives the ground-hog will retreat to its burrow, located deep enough underground to stay at least slightly above freezing andoffer some protection from predators.
During hibernation, a groundhog’s body temperature drops from 98° F to around 38° F. Its heart rateslows from 80 beats a minute to only 4-5 beats a minute. The breathing rate slows to only two or threebreaths per minute. In this state of highly reduced body function, groundhogs are very difficult to awakenand typically appear frozen or dead if removed from their burrow midwinter.
They may occasionally raise their body temperatureto near normal and may even wake once in a while.Some hibernators will wake more frequently, evenevery few days, and may eat a bit and go to the bath-room.
What exactly causes animals to enter hibernation isnot known but scientists have been looking at a sub-stance called Hibernation Inducement Trigger (HIT),found in the blood of hibernating animals.Experiments have shown that when HIT is taken froma hibernating animal in winter then injected in anactive animal in spring, the active animal will beginhibernating. This, along with other factors like lengthof daylight or an internal biological clock, may causeanimals to prepare for winter’s sleep.
When spring arrives, hibernators must have a wayto raise their bodily functions back to normal. Someuse violent shivering to produce heat. Others burn aspecialized kind of fat, called brown fat, which isstored across the neck and shoulders. Brown fat is notused during hibernation; it is saved and burned onlyas an animal emerges from hibernation. As brown fatcells burn fuel in a process called nonshivering ther-mogenesis, they release energy directly as heat, help-
WHAT’S INSIDECover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Feature
Hibernation
Page 2 . . . . . Park District NewsNature Notes
Pancakes In The ParkSponsor A Bucket
Page 3 . . . . Fall Back Into TimeWilson Nature Preserve
Thank You!
Pages 3 & 4 . . . . . . . . ClermontCounty Park DistrictPrograms & Events
Page 6 . . . . . . Clermont CountyPark District Park Descriptions
Page 7 . . . . . . .Rental Facilities
PRESORTED STANDARDUS POSTAGE PAID
CINCINNATI, OHIOPERMIT NO. 4959
MISSION STATEMENT
To acquire, plan, develop,
program, and maintain park
property in the county
for residents and
nonresidents alike.
To secure the
preservation of open space
and places of scenic
or historic value.
CLERMONT COUNTY PARK DISTRICT
GENERAL INFORMATIONHOW TO CONTACT US:
Administrative OfficeClermont County Park District2228 US Highway 50Batavia, OH 45103513-732-2977513-732-9733e-mail:
www.parks.clermontcountyohio.gov
Naturalist OfficeChilo Lock 34 Park521 County Park RoadPO Box 106Chilo, OH 45112513-876-9013
BOARD OF PARK
COMMISSIONERS
William Stearns
Chairman
Kenneth Stewart
David Anspach
Chris Clingman
Director
GroundhogYour Clermont County Park District Newsletter!
Time Sensitive Material
HIBERNATION
continued on page 2
