2020 FoCH Programs and events
Summary of 2020: Pandemic adaptations ………
- Sing Alongs went virtual. Fun, but we found out you can’t sing in unison on Zoom.
- The annual meeting also was virtual. Lots of internal discussion on how to vote. Had to figure out a lot more in advance than usual without the convenience of in-person votes - voting by mailchimp and U.S. postal service.
- Our Mighty Facebook Crew ( That is- Chris Naizer) noted the increased traffic and responded with daily posts
- Richfield mailing- a large glossy production set to go in April was stalled while debating if we should do it at all during covid, changed the wording.
- The May wildflower hike went virtual as a slide show.
- The June hike became two videos : “A Watershed Moment” With Heather Liccardi our liaison to the RR Watershed Council , filmed by Colin Murphy.
- Pulled over 3,000 lbs of garlic mustard - not to mention working to take out on several over invasive species.
- Our planned open house for Kirby's Mill morphed into a pilot program for a Sunday afternoon park information station /beverage and souvenir concession. Two successful sessions but then Summit County reached level went "red".
- Kirby's Mill fundraising banners displayed in the park.
- Kirby Day became a 30 day facebook series.
- The Trash, Latrine, & Clean up Crew (TLC) continued undeterred.
- Our merchandise source reorganized, dropping small accounts ( like us).
- Winter Wonders – moved outdoors: Decorated Christmas Trees, Trails and Trivia contest.
- Collaborated with RJRD to apply for state budget appropriation for Lake Jinelle Rehabilitation; awarded December 2020
Winter Wonders Christmas Trees: https://www.friendsofcrowellhilaka.org/christmas-trees-rhp-2020.html#/
Refreshment & Lemonade stand
FUN WHILE IT LASTED. FoCH test-marketed a lemonade stand fundraiser to serve the increasing number of hikers in the park. Assorted non-alcoholic beverages & pre-packaged trail mix were available for donations to Kirby's Mill. Kirby's Mill T-shirts were for sale, and visitors were able to ask questions about RHP history. Although successful, a rise in Summit County covid cases led to the decision to shut the project down.
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Garlic mustard removal
June 6, 2020. The worst infestation of garlic mustard in the park is in the Ithilien "Jungle" near the farthest upstream area of the park. 94 bags of garlic mustard were removed from this area in spring, but had to wait until the roads were dry before the cew could pick haul it out. Driver Pat Norris with Sandy Norris, Clive Fetzer, and Nancy Kanik.
virtual wildflower walk for Mothers' Day
https://mailchi.mp/820796f67640/this-mothers-day-dont-miss-the-diy-virtual-wildflower-hike-at-rhp
Virtual Sing alongs - via Zoom
April 5
May 3
Covid-19 precautions are causing cancellations. Check the homepage for event updates. This page is a reference archive for future planning when the situation settles down.
Sing Along from the Comfort of Your Couch!
Sunday, April 5th from 2pm - 3pm
(From the comfort of your couch!!)
Via Zoom - Download the free Zoom App and click on the link
https://us04web.zoom.us/j/104902046?pwd=MXFtbzNpRXNZWjQxSGhhazFIbzVRZz09
or call in the day of the Sing Along 312-626-6799
Meeting ID: 104 902 046 - Password: 218810
Remember the sing along that was cancelled? Well it's still going to happen, virtually! We hope you will hop on your computer or phone in. We will do some oldies and goodies and take requests via Facebook. Hopefully we can try this again in a few weeks; or at least until we can meet up again in person around the campfire!
Congratulations Joanie, Corey, Bridget & Mr. Bridget on a successful first virtual sing-along!
There was a beautiful combination of participants: new, old, and returning. Songs were sweet & nostalgic, bouncy & funny ( with motions! ) There were moments of story-sharing and camaraderie.
Sure there were some technical glitches, but the main thing was that you brought people together !
It was a lot of fun & the consensus was to do it again next month.
Sunday, April 5th from 2pm - 3pm
(From the comfort of your couch!!)
Via Zoom - Download the free Zoom App and click on the link
https://us04web.zoom.us/j/104902046?pwd=MXFtbzNpRXNZWjQxSGhhazFIbzVRZz09
or call in the day of the Sing Along 312-626-6799
Meeting ID: 104 902 046 - Password: 218810
Remember the sing along that was cancelled? Well it's still going to happen, virtually! We hope you will hop on your computer or phone in. We will do some oldies and goodies and take requests via Facebook. Hopefully we can try this again in a few weeks; or at least until we can meet up again in person around the campfire!
Congratulations Joanie, Corey, Bridget & Mr. Bridget on a successful first virtual sing-along!
There was a beautiful combination of participants: new, old, and returning. Songs were sweet & nostalgic, bouncy & funny ( with motions! ) There were moments of story-sharing and camaraderie.
Sure there were some technical glitches, but the main thing was that you brought people together !
It was a lot of fun & the consensus was to do it again next month.
Bird Hilke cancelled d/t coronavirus
March 22 Sing-Along cancelled for public health
Kirby Garden clean up 2020
trimmings from recent electrical work as well as a tree that had fallen naturally covered the spring and impeded the bridge
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On March 16 Clive Fetzer began clearing away the fallen branches
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Close up of the garden spring
February 2020 "Camp Crowell Hilaka Historic District" is listed on the National Register of Historic Places
The Background: RJRD trustee Kelly Clark contacted the State Office of Historic Preservation, The Ohio History Connection, with a preliminary inquiry in 2015. When they responded positively, Kelly assigned the preliminary application process to FoCH. The Ohio History Connection enthusiastically endorsed the project. Recognizing that the Girl Scout period served as the unifying factor of the property, they directed that the historic "period of significance" would be the years 1937 - 1967 when the property served as a Girl Scout camp. RJRD accepted this condition and assigned FoCH historian Lynn Richardson apply for the Ohio History Connection's Pipeline Grant to hire researchers to complete the intensive documentation needed for the final application. After receiving the full amount of the grant for $12,000.00, the RJRD selected writer/ research team Marcia Moll and Rick Sicha.
2020 calendar
- March 22 – Sing Along
- April 19 Guided Hike
- April 30 FoCH Annual Meeting
- May 9 Guided Hike with Jennifer Windus of Ohio Natural Areas and Preserves.
- June 28 Guided Hike ( theme TBA)
- July 11 Mill “Work in Progress” Open House
- July 30 FoCH member meeting
- Aug 23 Guided Hike (theme TBA)
- Sept 13 Kirby Day
- Oct 11 Guided hike ( theme TBA)
- Nov 19 FoCH member meeting: Fireside Chat
- Dec 5 Winter Wonders
Monday, January 27 6:30 pm
Richfield Library
3761 Grant St.
Richfield, OH 44286
The Story of
Ohio’s Hidden Treasure (TM) Richfield Heritage Preserve
Back by popular demand. The story of this 336-acre park starts with the Indian Wars of the early 1800’s. It moves on to Kirby’s whimsical inventions, Neals’ vast orchards, and the magical forests beloved by generations of Girl Scouts at Camps Julia Crowell and Hilaka. The most recent chapter of the story is its transition into a public park and its innovative melding of old & new. Presented by Lynn Richardson, historian of Friends of Crowell Hilaka.
Richfield Library
3761 Grant St.
Richfield, OH 44286
The Story of
Ohio’s Hidden Treasure (TM) Richfield Heritage Preserve
Back by popular demand. The story of this 336-acre park starts with the Indian Wars of the early 1800’s. It moves on to Kirby’s whimsical inventions, Neals’ vast orchards, and the magical forests beloved by generations of Girl Scouts at Camps Julia Crowell and Hilaka. The most recent chapter of the story is its transition into a public park and its innovative melding of old & new. Presented by Lynn Richardson, historian of Friends of Crowell Hilaka.
news archives
Lake Jinelle Project gets Ohio Grant - Farm & Dairy April 1, 2021
