The Erie MetroParks hosted a Butterfly Hunt at the JOSEPH STEINEN WILDLIFE AREA on July 15th., off Cleveland Rd. between Sandusky and Huron, Ohio.
The 155 acre preserve is one of several key protected natural areas along the southern shoreline of Lake Erie, part of East Sandusky Bay Preserve MetroPark. I could tell right away that the entire area is critical habitat that will survive despite human development. Driving along Cleveland Rd. (Rt. 6) on the east side of Sandusky, I abruptly drove from cement, strip-mall manscape into lush medows, woodlands and wetlands. It’s all mand proffered to the public for hiking, bird watching, and just plain enjoying pristine, natural What an escape for the many stressed-out people living in the region!
I "hunted" butterflies with about 20 other participants. Some parents and children participated, a good sign in the face of “Nature Deficit Disorder”, which is experienced more and more by a growing number of children addicted to the iPod, internet, TV, and electronic games. The human spirit needs places where nature has not been rearranged by the hand of man.
Robert Morton, M.Ed., Ed.S. writes about the natural world and promotes converting America's 25,000,000 lawns into wildlife-friendly spaces...one lawn at a time! Do you have a Website, WebBlog, personal story or project, photos or articles to share on this site about how you created or protected a wildlife-friendly space? Please contact us at the secure Bpath Mail Form. We'd enjoy hearing from you!
