By Kim Gasuras | FreeWire — Your News, Your Voice
CRESTLINE — Freezing pipes and damage caused by the recent stretch of bitterly cold weather affect more than just homes and businesses; it also impacts the Crawford Park District.
Lori Morey, who took over as director last year, said extreme winter weather brings added concerns for park facilities and staff.
“Over the past couple of weeks, our biggest challenge has been the possibility of a power outage,” Morey said Friday. “Just like at anyone’s home, losing power in the Nature Center or any of our buildings raises concerns about freezing pipes and damage from the cold.”
Staff are also keeping a close watch on the animals housed at the Lowe-Volk Nature Center.
“Most of the animals in our care are reptiles and amphibians, which naturally slow down in colder temperatures,” Morey said. “While sudden temperature changes aren’t ideal, they handle the cold fairly well. We do have a few species that can’t tolerate low temperatures, so staff plan ahead for those situations.”
Recent storms have also brought heavy blowing and drifting snow to the Nature Center and the other parks under the district, which includes Unger Park, Sears Woods, Heckert Nature Preserve, Daughmer Prairie Savannah, Sandusky Headwaters Preserve, Carpenter’s Bottom Natural Area, and the Sandusky Wildlife Area.
“Keeping the Nature Center parking lot clear is a priority since it serves as our home base,” Morey said. “We also look at access at other parks so visitors can safely enjoy the trails when conditions allow.”
Despite winter challenges, Morey said the parks remain an important place for residents to get outside and stay connected to nature.
As temperatures warm, visitors will find a wide range of trails and natural areas throughout the district. Lowe-Volk Park offers popular walking trails and scenic overlooks, while Sandusky Headwaters Preserve provides a quiet setting for a peaceful hike. Heckert Nature Preserve is known for its diverse plant and wildlife habitats, and Unger Park, along with the multi-use trail, continues to be a favorite for walkers.
The district also manages Sears Woods and Daughmer Prairie, two state-designated natural areas known for their unique ecosystems. Pets are welcome at most park locations on a leash, though they are not permitted at those two preserves.
Looking ahead to spring and summer, Morey said volunteers will play a key role in keeping programs and events running smoothly.
“Yes, we are definitely still looking for volunteers for 2026,” she said. “We’re working to better match people with opportunities that fit their interests and availability.”
Anyone interested in volunteering can stop by the Lowe-Volk Nature Center to complete a form or sign up through the district’s website. Morey said opportunities range from helping with events and programs to assisting with park projects, even if someone can only give an hour or two.
“We’ll find a way to make it work,” she said.
The Crawford Park District’s quarterly newsletter will be released soon, and residents interested in receiving a mailed or emailed copy can contact the park office.
“These parks belong to the community,” Morey said. “They connect people to nature, to each other, and to themselves.”
For more information about the Crawford Park District or volunteer opportunities, call 419-683-9000 or visit crawfordparkdistrict.org.
Park District events coming up in February:
Ootheca Hike on Saturday, Feb. 7, at 2 p.m. at Unger Park: Join Naturalist Donald for a hike to search for the ootheca (egg case) of praying mantises. Come learn how to find and identify these structures in the wild and how to raise a baby praying mantis from its egg.
Face to Face: Lizards on Wednesday, Feb. 11, at 5:30 p.m. at Lowe-Volk Park: Lizards are a very diverse group of reptiles that range in size from the diminutive nano-chameleon to the terrifying Komodo dragon. Stop into the Nature Center to meet our lizard ambassador animals and learn all about the different families of lizards from Ohio and beyond.
Little Explorers: Ice Treasures on Tuesday, Feb. 17, at 5:30 p.m. at Lowe-Volk Park: Little Explorers is an interactive program for young children, ages 0–5. Activities focus on stimulating infants’ senses and developing toddlers’ and preschoolers’ fine motor skills. This month we’ll explore nature treasures frozen in ice and figure out how to melt them free. This will be an indoor program.
Family Astronomy Afternoon on Feb. 21 from 1 to 4 p.m. at Lowe-Volk Park: Join our Astronomy Club for a fun afternoon of astronomy and space activities.
Skunk Cabbage Hike on Saturday, Feb. 28, at 2 p.m. at Carpenter’s Bottom: Skunk cabbage is one of the first wildflowers to bloom each year, pushing its way up through cold ground and even snow. Join us for a short walk around Carpenter’s Bottom as we look for the unusual-looking flowers of this fascinating plant.
About The Author
