Black Fork Wetlands Environmental Studies Center

Establishment of the Black Fork Wetlands Environmental Studies Center

In order to develop the potential of the Black Fork Wetlands Preserve for education of Ashland University students and for outreach to the community and pre-college teachers and students, a group of faculty from the College of Arts & Sciences and College of Education began meeting in December 2004 to discuss the development of the Black Fork Wetlands Environmental Studies Center (BFWESC).  In recognition of the educational and conservation value of this preserve, Ashland University approved the establishment of the BFWESC in April 2005.

 

           Goals and Vision for the Black Fork Wetlands Environmental Studies Center (BFWESC):

  • Conservation of critical habitat

  • Public and K-12 school outreach

  • Development and implementation of an interpretive center

  • Field research and teaching by environmental science faculty

  • Field research and education for post-secondary students

  • Field teaching by science education faculty

 

BFWESC Advisory Council

An advisory council comprised of local and state governmental officials, educators, and non-            governmental organizations has been established to advise the University on development of the BFWESC.

  • Robert DeSanto – Attorney at Law, Retired Ashland County Prosecutor
  • Ron Dickerhoof – Ashland County Park District
  • Trevor Dunlap – Camp Nuhop
  • Janet Ellsworth – Coordinator of Mansfield City Schools Outdoor Education Program &

                                           Member of Environmental Education Council of Ohio

  • Rick Gardner – Botanist, Ohio Department of Natural Resources
  • Nancy Hampsen – Director for Education, Columbus Zoo and Aquarium
  • Bill Hartnett – Ohio State Representative, District 73
  • Jim Jones – Superintendent, Ashland City Schools
  • John Mack – Ohio Environmental Protection Agency, Division of Surface Water
  • Terry Mapes – Columnist, Mansfield News Journal
  • Steve McKee – Richland County Park District, Director of Gorman Nature Center
  • Matt Miller – Ashland County Commissioner
  • Jodi Nash – Principal, Springmill School
  • Sheryl Shea – Teacher, Ashland High School
  • Mike Shelton – The Nature Conservancy
  • Forrest Smith – Retired faculty member, Wayne College
  • Maxine Swaisgood – Ashland County Soil and Water Conservation District
  • Scott Zody – Assistant Director, Ohio Department of Natural Resources

 

2004-05 Kettering Scholars sample the Black Fork Wetland preserve

 

BFWESC In the News

 

***WMFD-TV News (1 Oct 07) -- "New Ashland University Boardwalk Officially Opened"

               --> see video

***Ashland Times Gazette (29 Sept 07) -- "Chance to enjoy nature" &

                                                                   "Nature center goal for wetlands"

***Mansfield News-Journal (31 May 2005) --"Better wetlands access in works"

***Mansfield News-Journal (6 April 2004) -- "AU buys wetlands"

Recent expansion of the Black Fork Wetlands Preserve, an addition of 260 acres, was possible due to a grant from the Clean Ohio Conservation Fund, which provided 75 percent of the funds toward the total project cost.  In Summer 2005, those driving by the preserve can expect to watch the construction progress for nearby parking, an access trial, a boardwalk, and an observation platform.  We expect completion in Fall 2005, weather permitting, and have scheduled a ribbon-cutting ceremony for October 2005. 

 

location of AU Black Fork Wetland preserve