Wooster park gets more than a little help from friends
Volunteers with the Friends of Wooster Memorial Park work on some new study plots in the park’s Old Field.
Wooster Memorial Park is growing, and the community is invited to join in supporting the many aspects of park growth and maintenance through membership in the Friends of Wooster Memorial Park.
With 12 miles of winding foot trails including 1 mile of ADA-compliant trails, the park is known for its trees, steep ravines, spring flora and Rathburn Run. (During periods of high water, the run may not be crossable.)
With the recent FWMP donation of an additional 100 acres, the park's area is now 425 acres, all of which are under a conservation easement.
Active members and quiet supporters alike are needed to ensure the continued success of the park. During the recent winter months, FWMP has been involved not only in the current land addition, but also park maintenance, upkeep and planned community activities. Members also may attend and vote at the annual meeting.
Shelley Schrier, the president of FWMP, said the most important perk of the $10 annual membership is members get the satisfaction of knowing they are supporting the management and upkeep of this beautiful treasure. Members receive emails about upcoming park events and a newsletter highlighting community events and updating members on park progress and ongoing natural habitat research.
Funds collected via membership go to cover some of the park upkeep, a variety of research projects and additional ongoing expenses.
The Ostroski Trail — the park's newest trail — is now open and connects the Strock Trail (just east of the junction with the west Outer Trail) to the Saddleback Trail. The half-mile trail traverses deciduous forest overlooking the Outer Trail, winds through the Ostroski pine forest and overlooks a ravine on the way to Saddleback Trail.
A new fire ring and patio area was completed last winter and is a welcome addition to the FWMP night hikes. Many other improvements also have been completed over the past months.
“The park benefits many different community groups: families who enjoy exploring nature while getting exercise and companionship with each other, runners, hikers including hikers training for longer excursions, college students and faculty who conduct research, and the public through educational programs about the park and its natural habitat,” Schrier said. “Research has also shown that hiking in natural areas improves physical, emotional and mental health.”
Spring hikes at the park include Frog and Moon Night Hike with Campfire, with a full moon on April 20, and a Spring Wildflower Hike on April 28.
Friends of Wooster Memorial Park is a volunteer community group dedicated to the preservation and public enjoyment of Wooster Memorial Park. The park is located at the intersection of Jefferson Road and Silver Road off U.S. 250. For more information and to join or renew a membership at $10 per year, visit www.friendsofwmp.com. Find FWMP on Facebook at www.facebook.com/friendswmp/about/. More information regarding upcoming hikes and activities also may be found online and on Facebook.