Winter/Spring 2014 - Ohio Environmental Council

Winter/Spring 2014
OEC Fights Clean Energy
Attacks
page 3
Harnessing the
Wind Over Lake Erie
page 4
Cities Fight for Right to
Zone Fracking Sites
page 5
“Stroller Brigade” Rolls
up to Capitol Hill
page 7
Join Us for Environmental
Lobby Day on March 26
page 9
Ohio Environmental Council
1207 Grandview Avenue, #201
Columbus, OH 43212
(614) 487-7506
[email protected]
www.theOEC.org
One Oxygen,
Two Hydrogen
Board of Directors
John Marshall, JD, President
Eileen Shanbrom, Vice President
Alan Lapp, JD, Secretary
William Martin, JD, Treasurer
Lesley Avery, JD
Daniel Carey, DVM
Kristy Etling
Peter Griesinger
Andy Jones, MS, CPM
Willie Katzin, MD, PhD
Krista Magaw, MS
Graham Mitchell, MES
William M. Ondrey Gruber, JD
Irene Probasco
Janet Reeves, RN
David Schmitt, JD
Mike Shelton
Eric Schreiber, MD
Michele Simmons, PhD
Keith Wilkowski, JD
Tom Winston, PE
Sandra Woy-Hazleton, PhD
Staff
Sharaleigh Baumann
Accounting Assistant
Trish Demeter
Managing Director of Energy & Clean
Air Programs
Keith Dimoff
Executive Director
Trent A. Dougherty, Esq.
Managing Director of Legal Affairs,
Attorney
Lisa Estrella
Executive Assistant
Melanie Houston, MS
Director of Water Policy &
Environmental Health
Nathan Johnson, Esq.
Attorney
Brian Kaiser
Director of Green Jobs & Innovation,
Legislative Affairs Associate
Stephanie Kellish
Administrative Assistant
Kristen Kubitza
Director of Water Policy & Outreach
Kristy Meyer, MS
Managing Director of Agricultural,
Health & Clean Water Programs
Raenell Nagel, Esq.
One oxygen, two hydrogen. Water.
From a puddle on the sidewalk, to the
oceans. From the birth of stars, to a
drinking fountain at a child’s school.
In this issue you’ll find that this theme
holds across our work (dare I say, “a
river runs through it?”). You’ll read of
our hard-fought win to defend against
attacks on clean energy and our
promotion of investments in coal-free
energy.
It is a treasure that cannot be taken for
granted. Not when you consider that a
billion people around the world do not
have access to safe water.
You’ll learn of our legal work to protect
neighborhoods from fracking and our
educational outreach to empower
citizens.
Not when you consider that less than
2% of the earth’s water is held unseen,
underfoot, as groundwater.
You’ll see our fight against the dumping
of contaminated muck in Lake Erie
and our collaboration with nurses and
parents for action on toxic chemicals in
our daily lives.
Ice, rivers, streams, clouds, ponds. The
incubator of all life.
And not when you consider the spill
of a coal chemical that forced West
Virginians to choose between bottled or
tap, left wondering if their families were
safe.
The spill brought a sharp focus
on many of the problems that the
Ohio Environmental Council works
so diligently to solve—protecting
communities, moving away from
dangerous energy sources, cleaning up
water pollution—ultimately, building a
future that meets the expectations of
today’s Americans.
A future where there is no tradeoff
between the economy and the
environment, where there is no tradeoff
between energy and clean air, where
there is no tradeoff between industry
and clean water.
Senior Director of Planning &
Administration, Attorney
Senior Director of Advancement &
Operations
Katy Shanahan
Clean Energy Campaigns Associate
Jack Shaner
Dena Sico
Water that grows our fruit, our
vegetables, our gardens. Water that
holds universal meaning, a ritual
purifier for religions around the world.
Water that echoes from the beginnings
of civilization, cradled by the Tigris and
Euphrates, to the great rivers of our
state—the Muskingum, the Cuyahoga,
the Maumee, the Scioto, the Miami. The
Ohio.
Keith Dimoff
Executive Director
Jodi Segal
Deputy Director, Senior Director of
Legislative & Public Affairs
With your partnership and support, the
OEC will continue this good work. And
with our collective effort, we will learn
as a society how to conduct our lives
with deeper respect for water.
Connect With Us!
Director of Development
Hannah Tyler
Director of Marketing &
Communications
Cover photo: Snow Robin
n, by Hollie Newton.
OEC Fights Clean Energy Attacks
CLEAN ENERGY ADVOCATES DEFEAT LATEST EFFORT TO WEAKEN OHIO'S LAW, PREPARE FOR NEW
ATTACKS
For months throughout the fall legislative session,
the OEC, partner groups, and green power
supporters fought hard against Senate Bill 58, yet
another attempt to weaken Ohio’s clean energy
law. The bill was set to be voted out of committee
on December 4, but came to a screeching halt after
the committee chair, and bill’s sponsor, Senator
Bill Seitz (R-Cincinnati), abruptly cancelled the
much-anticipated hearing.
The OEC and allies spent countless hours
protecting Ohio’s clean energy progress from
this most recent attack. We joined with a diverse
coalition of advocates from entrepreneurial,
trade, and consumer
advocacy groups
representing
millions of Ohioans;
companies and
manufacturers;
Trish Demeter, public health, faith,
OEC's Managing Director and environmental
of Energy & Clean Air organizations; local
and state government
Programs agencies; and
scholars, scientists, and environmental experts.
“Ohians stand to
lose in a major way
if SB 58 is passed.”
The OEC’s dedicated staff and volunteers
effectively organized and advocated to protect
Ohio’s clean energy standards by:
•
directing roughly 2,700 emails, 900 letters,
and 500 phone calls to state legislators and
government officials, urging them to action;
•
educating legislators, one-by-one on the
benefits of the standards;
•
knocking on more than 2,500 doors; and
•
launching targeted radio ads that saturated
the airwaves in key legislative districts.
Although the bill has stalled, we are already
fending off new attempts to dismantle Ohio’s clean
energy standards. In a recent Columbus Dispatch
article, Sen. Seitz said Ohio should “reform the
current enviro-socialist mandates that have
afflicted Ohio ratepayers through hidden charges
and fees on their electric bills.” Unfortunately for
Sen. Seitz, the facts are not on his side.
A recent study from The Ohio State University
shows that clean energy standards have resulted
in an estimated $230 million in consumer
savings. The groundbreaking study also
estimates that if the laws were reversed, Ohioans
would see a 3.7% spike in their electric bills and
a loss of 6,500 jobs in the renewable energy and
energy efficiency industries.
The study confirms what advocates have
always said about the value of Ohio’s clean
energy standard: reduced energy costs for
consumers, job creation in new clean tech
industries, reduced greenhouse gas emissions,
and broadening of Ohio’s energy portfolio. SB
58 would have cut requirements for investing
in locally-harvested renewable energy, while
warping the definition of energy efficiency.
It would ultimately have been bad for Ohio’s
consumers, economy, and environment.
“Ohioans stand to lose in a major way if SB 58
is passed,” said Trish Demeter, OEC Managing
Director of Air & Clean Energy Programs. “We’ll
stumble to the back of the pack in terms of
realizing a clean energy future and into a dirtier
energy landscape.”
Though the December 4 cancellation of the
committee hearing will likely become just one
chapter in the longer story of SB 58’s attack on
clean energy, we think it will also be remembered
as a turning point: the moment when the bill was
exposed as both a windfall for investor-owned
utilities and a raw deal for energy consumers.
Likewise, we will be proud to have led the way
in this decisive swell of support for Ohio’s clean
energy standards.
Keep up with the latest news on SB 58
at www.theOEC.org/Newsroom.
more news & info at www.theOEC.org
WINTER/SPRING 2014
3
Harnessing the Wind Over Lake Erie
WIND PROJECT WILL CREATE PATH TO NEW OFFSHORE INDUSTRY, WON’T HARM BIRDS
Seven years ago a vision began to form off
Lake Erie's shore. It was rooted in the idea that
creating jobs and protecting the environment
are not mutually exclusive. Since then, this
vision has taken shape as a new industry in
Northern Ohio and the Great Lakes region:
offshore wind power.
With a broad swath of support from across the
state, including the Ohio Environmental Council,
the Lake Erie Energy Development Corporation
(LEEDCo) has been designing an offshore wind
"demonstration project" that will initially
include the construction of 6 wind turbines in
Lake Erie, 7 miles off the shore of Cleveland.
LEEDCo performed pressure tests and extracted soil samples of the
This initial phase, called Icebreakerr, will
lake bed at the future location of offshore wind project, Icebreaker.
test engineering concepts, research potential
impacts on lake uses, develop local expertise,
from Ohioans who pledged to purchase electricity
and ultimately provide a platform to stimulate future
generated by the Icebreakerr project.
larger scale development. The bigger project, with
many more wind turbines, will harvest the ample wind On par with national trends, a majority of those
signing the "Power Pledge" stated that they would
resources over the lake and convert it into electricity
even be willing to pay a little more each month on
to provide Ohioans with clean, local, and affordable
their electric bill if they knew their power was coming
energy.
from a clean and local source. The OEC helped gather
Icebreakerr is one of just 7 offshore wind
signatures and build public support and media
demonstration projects that received a $4 million
attention for this bold and ambitious project.
initial grant from the U.S. Department of Energy. The
According to Katy Shanahan, OEC Clean Energy
grant money allowed LEEDCo to conduct an in-depth
study of the project’s potential environmental impacts Campaign Associate, the initial Icebreakerr project
and subsequent phases will poise Ohio as a national
to avian and aquatic species, to submit initial permit
player in the wind power industry. It also will provide
applications, and to complete engineering and
clean, renewable energy and new jobs.
geologic studies.
Last November, LEEDCo released the results of
its environmental risk assessment studies. They
demonstrated that the project was highly unlikely to
significantly impact bird, bat, or aquatic species—
especially endangered or protected species.
4
Eric Ritter, Communications and Strategy Manager for
LEEDCo, describes Icebreakerr as the first step toward
ar
building an entire industry.
These technical studies and regulatory steps will best
position the Icebreakerr project for a second round
of U.S. Department of Energy grant funding, which
includes up to $46 million and will lead to additional
private and local investment.
“In addition to the environmental studies we’ve
ve
done,” he said, “we’ve also looked at the economic
con
impact of the Icebreakerr demonstration project
roject and
what that could lead to. The turbines willl be built here
he
with local labor, and it has the potential
al to lead to an
industry that will employ thousands of people over
o
the next several decades.”
In preparation for their second grant proposal,
LEEDCo gathered more than 7,00o signatures
Find out the latest news on the Icebreaker
project at www.LEEDco.org.
WINTER/SPRING 2014
Fracking & the City
OEC HELPS MUNICIPALITIES PROTECT THEIR CITIZENS
It’s safe to say that oil and gas development is
incompatible with residential areas. Fracking
operations—both the older, smaller vertical wells and
the newer, much larger horizontal wells—generate
toxic air pollution and dangerous wastewater. The
obvious incongruity of polluting and industrial
development in your neighborhood and near your
water is unfortunately enshrined in state law.
As you may know, ODNR maintains that Ohio cities
have no power to keep fracking operations out of their
neighborhoods. Unfortunately, the agency has readily
permitted drilling in neighborhoods and in proximity
to drinking water supplies.
The Ohio Supreme Court will likely decide this
year whether Ohio cities retain the power to zone
for fracking operations. As part of the case, OEC
attorneys submitted “friend-of-the-court” briefs to
the Ohio Supreme Court in support of the local zoning
rights argument.
The OEC continues reaching out to concerned citizens
and city decision-makers about options to limit
drilling. Fortunately, there are some opportunities for
recourse.
For example, Ohio cities can require fracking
operations to pay locally-established fees. Cities can
use these fees to pay for, among other things, city
water and air monitoring, training and equipping local
emergency responders, and city review of industry
records and reports.
In addition, cities can require records disclosure,
require spill reporting, require permits for any drilling
that would extend under city streets, and enact and
enforce local penalties for violations of state law like
intentional dumping. Moreover, city authority extends
beyond town borders to include the aquifer or water
supply from which the city gets its drinking water.
Citizens and decision makers across Ohio are looking
for tools to protect their communities. Although
options are limited, some cities are on the road
toward establishing effective, protective measures
through the use of fees. The city of Salem —located
near the heart of shale activity—is currently
considering the adoption of a monitoring ordinance
based on this model. As the year unfolds, stay tuned
for more news on fracking and its impact in your
community.
Learn more about the OEC’s work addressing fracking
issues at www.theOEC.org/Fracking.
OEC Publishes New Shale
Gas Resource Guide
The proliferation of shale gas wells in Ohio using horizontal hydraulic
fracturing (fracking) methods has heightened concerns among
scientists, landowners, and the public. Questions about leases,
roadways and truck traffic, chemicals used in drilling, emergency
response, water testing, and potential health effects have been raised.
The Ohio Environmental Council recently published a new resource
guide for anyone interested in information about shale gas drilling
that is especially relevant for residents in eastern Ohio.
You can download a copy on OEC’s website www.theOEC.org.
We
e al
also have a limited number of hard copy guides available. Please
contact
tact the OEC at [email protected] or (614) 487-7506.
more news & info at www.theOEC.org
WINTER/SPRING 2014
5
Drinking Water in NE Ohio at Risk
OEC OPPOSES DISPOSAL OF CONTAMINATED SEDIMENT IN CLEVELAND HARBOR
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is planning to dump
contaminated Cuyahoga River sediments in Lake Erie
for the first time in more than 20 years.
Each year, the Corps must dredge the Cleveland
Harbor where the Cuyahoga River empties into Lake
Erie so that large ships carrying cargo can use the
Cleveland Port.
Historically, dredged sediments were placed in
a confined disposal facility to protect drinking
water sources from legacy pollutants, or pollution
that remains in the environment long after being
introduced.
Under this most recent proposal, the
Corps would be dumping enough
contaminated sediment to fill the
Cleveland Browns Stadium, and
unnecessarily risking the safety of
northeastern Ohioans' drinking water.
Toxic chemicals like those in the Cuyahoga River
sediments can accumulate in the fish we eat, leading
to liver damage, cancer, and reproductive problems.
The sediments themselves smother vital habitat for
fish and other wildlife, and disrupt spawning. Tourism
such as bird watching, recreational fishing, and boating
is a $40 billion industry in Ohio. More than a quarter of
that revenue comes from the eight counties bordering
Lake Erie.
The Corps' plan would jeopardize one of the world's
largest freshwater commercial fisheries, human health,
and Ohio's economy. The risks are just
too high.
“This is a reckless
proposal that puts
both humans and
wildlife at risk.”
The city of Cleveland can treat the water to ensure
its safety, but at a high cost to local consumers.
Why should consumers bear the cost of this plan
when there is still adequate space to safely store the
contaminated silt?
Higher utility bills aren't the only reason this is a bad
idea: recreational anglers and the fishing industry
will also see negative consequences. Lake Erie is the
walleye capital of the world. It supplies more fish for
human consumption than all of the other Great Lakes
combined, and supports a $1 billion fishing industry.
“This is a reckless proposal that puts
both humans and wildlife at risk at a
time when federal and state agencies
are working hard to protect and
restore our Great Lakes,” said Kristy
Meyer, the OEC’s Managing Director of
Agricultural, Health & Clean Water Programs.
The OEC has filed formal comments opposing the
plan and is asking for a public meeting. You can
make a difference: contact Senators Sherrod Brown
(202-224-2315) and Rob Portman (202-224-3353),
and Representative Marcia Fudge (202-225-7032).
Tell them to stop this destructive proposal that
jeopardizes wildlife and your health. Urge them to
direct the Corps to utilize the remaining confined
disposal facility space while fully assessing the
contaminates within the dredge soils.
Read more at www.theOEC.org/CleanWater.
The OEC's Kristy Meyer Wins Top Water Award
The OEC’s Kristy Meyer, Managing Director of Agricultural,
Health & Clean Water Programs, was recently honored with
the State Water Conservationist of the Year award by the
League of Ohio Sportsmen at their annual awards banquet.
Everyone who has worked with Kristy knows how deserving
she is of this recognition for her many years of dedicated
work to protect and restore Ohio's unique and vital
waterways.
Congratulations, Kristy!
6
WINTER/SPRING 2014
“Stroller Brigade” Rolls To Capitol Hill
HEALTHCARE & CHILD DEVELOPMENT EXPERTS DEMAND ACTION ON TOXIC CHEMICALS
Consumer products like sunscreen, household
cleansers, and hair products contain chemicals
governed by the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA).
Health and consumer advocates have argued for
decades that the laws protecting us from more than
80,000 potentially harmful chemicals are woefully
inadequate. This lack of protection of public health
has persisted since TSCA was passed in 1976 and the
law desperately needs to be updated.
Senators Sherrod Brown and Rob Portman. The
Stroller Brigade also was aided by the star power of
actress and mother Jennifer Beals (center)), who held a
press conference in front of the Capitol.
This attempt to improve and modernize laws on toxic
chemicals was a step in the right direction. However,
the bill has considerable shortcomings. As a result,
the OEC and the Safer Chemicals, Healthy Families
coalition are urging significant improvements to the
bill.
While negotiations continue at the Senate level, the
House is expected to draft a new version of the CSIA
and has held a series of hearings on the topic of
chemical law reform.
The OEC has been building support in Ohio’s
Congressional delegation to reform toxic chemical
laws. With the Moms Clean Air Force, the OEC rallied
nurses and environmental advocates to join 200
demonstrators —most of them mothers—from 40
states for a march to the U.S. Senate in our nation’s
capital. The “Stroller Brigade” was out in force!
With babies and toddlers in tow, members of the
Stroller Brigade held 80 meetings and alerted
30 lawmakers to the potential dangers of flame
retardants, phthalates, formaldehyde, fragrances,
triclosan, and the tens of thousands of other
chemicals used in consumer products ranging
from furniture and baby toys to hand soaps and
shampoos—dangers that are only magnified
by allowing these products to go untested and
unregulated.
Ohio's contingent met with aides of four legislators:
Congressmen Bill Johnson and Bob Latta, and
Photo: Janet Reeves
Fortunately, the U.S. Senate has finally recognized
the need to reform the laws governing toxic
chemicals through the introduction of the Chemical
Safety Improvement Act (CSIA). It is a bipartisan bill
introduced in May 2013 by the late Senator Frank
Lautenberg (D-NJ) and Senator David Vitter (R-LA).
Though the CSIA represents a step forward, it is
far from strong enough to truly protect consumers
and their children. According to the OEC and Safer
Chemicals, Healthy Families, the bill:
•
lacks deadlines for the U.S. EPA’s completion
of even minimum assessments and safety
determinations;
•
does not preserve the authority of states whose
regulations may be more stringent than federal
regulations;
•
requires the U.S. EPA to weigh the health and
environmental risks of a chemical against its
economic and social value; and
•
lacks a strong definition of “vulnerable
populations,” i.e., who should be protected.
Efforts for chemical reform continue in 2014 as we
anticipate new and revised legislation.
Contact lawmakers and urge them to support
toxic chemical reform at www.theOEC.org/
SaferChemicals.
Send a letter to the nation's top ten retailers
telling them to get tough on toxic chemicals in
their products at mindthestore.saferchemicals.
org.
more news & info at www.theOEC.org
WINTER/SPRING 2014
7
At the Statehouse
Jack Shaner, OEC Deputy Director,
Senior Director of Legislative & Public Affairs
Two Debates at the Statehouse Heat Up Ohio’s Winter.
As you read this, the polar vortex that forced frigid
temperatures across the Buckeye State this winter
has since receded. That Arctic cold may have locked
the Buckeye State in ice and snow, but it was
barely noticed inside the Statehouse, where a pair
of debates—one long-simmering, the other newly
emerging—are now red hot.
The outcome of these critical debates could affect
our air, land, and water as well as the safety and
well-being of Ohioans for decades to come.
Red-hot Debate 1: Frack Tax
Fracking has come to Ohio so quickly that the law
is simply not adequate to fully protect us and our
environment. The Frack Tax, or the state’s tax on oil
and gas shale production, will determine whether
there are enough funds for effective oversight —
and if need be — emergency response.
But what’s the right rate of taxation? And how
should the money be spent? The oil and gas
industry surprised Statehouse watchers when they
put a tax proposal on the table late last year. This
was a year after they swatted back Ohio Gov. John
Kasich’s proposal for a modest tax increase on their
product.
The industry’s tax proposal (HB 375) would shift
Ohio from taxing the gross production of raw oil and
gas to a tax on the finished product, after adjusting
for post-production costs. Because the proposal
is highly complex, state officials are unsure at this
point just how much tax revenue it will generate.
The OEC firmly believes that industry—not the
public—should fund the cost of related government
oversight and regulation. Grounded upon that
foundation, we are advocating for three priorities in
this high-stakes debate.
First, the oil and gas tax must cover the cost of the
state’s permit review, inspection, enforcement,
and clean up of oil and gas operations. This must
include both the work of the Ohio Department
of Natural Resources (ODNR) as well as the Ohio
Environmental Protection Agency (OEPA).
8
WINTER/SPRING 2014
Second, the tax should provide revenue for
a community protection fund to enable local
communities to plan and respond to the growing shale
gas rush. Qualifying costs would include training
and equipping first responders who respond to spills
or explosions; sampling local air and water quality;
and improving local water treatment and supply
infrastructure.
Finally, as proposed by our partners at The Nature
Conservancy, the tax should cover a legacy fund
to account for clean up costs of unexpected
contamination that may not emerge for decades.
The OEC is going all out in this debate, working to
assure tax fairness for the average Ohioan, greater
resources for the gas-land communities of Eastern
Ohio, and most importantly, protection of Ohio's air,
land, and water resources.
Red-hot Debate 2: Chemical Spill Prevention and
Clean Up
As the new year dawned, the only thing that most
Americans knew about Charleston, West Virginia
was that it was the capitol of our neighbor to the
southeast. Then a massive chemical spill that
temporarily cut off fresh water access to 300,000
residents changed all that. It also sparked concerns
about the adequacy of inspections and controls.
Shockingly, Ohio law is vague at best about the
OEPA’s legal authority to inspect these facilities. The
OEC is advancing a series of sweeping reforms to
stiffen controls and overhaul Ohio’s oversight of the
thousands of chemical storage tanks throughout Ohio,
and the state’s emergency response plans.
In addition, Ohio employs just 15 emergency
technicians to respond around-the-clock, in all
weather conditions, to the thousands of spills and
incidents involving hazardous and other dangerous
chemicals that occur each year throughout the
whole state. The OEC is working to secure sufficient
emergency responses to help keep Ohio and our air
and water safe.
Read about the latest proposed legislation and
Statehouse news at theOEC.org/legislation.
Have you ever wanted to meet one-on-one with your lawmakers and government
agency officials to talk about making Ohio a cleaner, greener place to live, work, and
play?
Environmental Lobby Day is your chance to voice your concerns directly to
government leaders, network with other citizen-leaders, and help create a stronger
and greener Ohio.
If you're new to the Statehouse, we will provide training on lobbying and the issues
the day of the event. Participants also will be grouped with experts who will help
guide newcomers throughout the day.
There are big issues facing our state and the nation. It’s up to us, together, to make
the change we want to see.
Be part of Ohio’s green voice at the Statehouse!
Date:
Wednesday, March 26
Time:
8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Location:
Columbus Athenaeum
32 North 4th Street
Columbus, OH 43215
Cost:
Includes light breakfast, lunch, and materials.
• $40 for OEC members
• $45 for non-members
(includes 1-year OEC membership)
• $75 for “Champion”-level (includes recognition of your
donation and 1-year OEC membership)
• $15 for students
• FREE for OEC Legacy & President’s Club members
Details and registration available at www.theOEC.org/LobbyDay.
Register by March 5 to receive the early bird rate!
Vernal Pool Workshops
LIFE HAS RETURNED TO OHIO’S VERNAL POOLS
You know winter is over when the
spring peepers begin their annual frog
chorus. That’s your signal to explore
Ohio’s vernal pools, unique seasonal
wetlands that form in late winter and
early spring, and disappear by fall.
Vernal pools are home to a diverse
collection of amphibians, insects, and
crustaceans, including fairy shrimp.
Join the OEC and the Ohio Wetlands
Association (OWA) for the 2014 Vernal
Pool Monitoring Workshops. These
workshops offer backyard scientists,
nature lovers, and landowners a closer
look at local vernal pools and the
benefits they provide.
At the Workshops
• enjoy a guided trip to a vernal pool;
• identify salamanders, frogs, and
frog calls;
• learn the threats facing vernal
pools and how to protect them; and
• learn how and why to collect vernal
pool data.
All participants will receive a free copy
of “Ohio’s Hidden Wonders: A Guide to
the Plants & Animals of Vernal Pools.”
Upcoming
Events
Dates & Times
March 22. 9:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Stratford Ecological Center
3083 Liberty Road, Delaware 43015
Join us for these exciting
and informative events.
April 5. 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
The Buehner Center at Oak Openings
5240 Wilkins Road, Whitehouse 43571
Registration
• $25 per workshop for OEC & OWA
members;
• $30 for non-members, which
includes a one-year membership to
both OEC and OWA; and
• FREE for OEC Legacy and
President’s Club members.
Visit www.theOEC.org/VernalPools to
register.
The workshops are made possible by
the Joyce Foundation, the Columbus
Zoo & Aquarium, and members like you!
Visit Our Updated Vernal Pool Database
With financial support from many
generous donors, we've been able to
make a number of improvements to the
OEC’s online Vernal Pool Database.
These updates will allow volunteer
vernal pool monitors to:
• submit nightly and end-of-season
reports;
• enter the number of salamanders,
frogs, and macroinvertebrates seen
during a visit;
• report on an expanded number of
macroinvertebrate and plants; and
• easily access our field guide.
These and other updates will help
our work to better protect and restore
Ohio’s vernal pools and other wetlands.
10
WINTER/SPRING 2014
View event details at
www.theOEC.org/Calendar.
March 22
Vernal Pool Monito
itoring Workshop
Join the OEC and
nd the Ohio
Wetlands Asso
ssociation for a closer
look at loca
cal vernal pools and the
benefitss they
t
provide. Delaware.
re.
See left
le for details.
March 26
Environmental Lobby
by Day
This is your chance
ce to voice your
concerns directly
tly to government
leaders, netwo
work with other
citizen-leade
ders, and help create
a stronger
er and greener Ohio.
Columbu
bus. See page 9 for details.
April 5
Vernal Pool Monitoring Workshop
Ve
Join the OEC and the Ohio
Wetlands Association for a
closer look at local vernal pools
and the benefits they provide.
Whitehouse. See left for details.
The OEC’s events calendar
includes exciting learning and
networking opportunities from
environmental organizations
across the state. Please visit
www.theOEC.org/calendar to
learn how you can get involved.
View the database and enter your own
vernal pool monitoring information at
www.theOEC.org/VernalPoolDatabase.
On Twitter? Follow OEC’s vernal pool
news at @OECVernalPool.
Green Gala: A Night of Stars
ANNUAL DINNER & AWARDS CELEBRATION TOPS 400
An impressive crowd of environmental and public policy leaders celebrated
the power of green at the OEC’s 2013 Green Gala in early November. The Gala
took place at COSI and attracted hundreds of people from across Ohio.
Dan Mushalko of 90.5 WCBE emceed the event and helped present the 2013
OEC Environmental Achievement Awards. The award winners spanned from a
grassroots group that helped save a threatened wetland and scientist, to an
energy efficiency champion and a dedicated public servant in the Ohio House
of Representatives.
op
er
e
.
r
t
s.
op
.
.
Michelle Shinew, representing Friends of Sawmill Wetlands, summed up
what many winners mentioned during the evening. “It's only when we
work together,” she said, “that we can make the best decisions for future
generations.”
A touching highlight of the evening was a video tribute to some of the green
heroes we lost this past year, including Jane Ann Ellis, former Governor John
Gilligan, John F. Husted, Bonnie Mitsui, and former ODNR Director Bob Teater.
The OEC’s Jack Shaner with
Rep. Denise Driehaus (D-Cincinatti) &
Rep. Tim Derickson (R-Hanover).
Thank you to everyone who attended the Green Gala to support a cleaner,
greener Ohio. Thank you for all you do for Ohio!
Conservation Achievement
Friends of Sawmill Wetlands
Grassroots group that worked
tirelessly to block a proposed land
swap that threatened this rare,
high-quality urban wetland.
Environmental Watchdog
Dr. Julie Weatherington-Rice
Soil scientist, professional ground
water consultant, and champion of
human health and the well-being of
her fellow Ohioans.
Public Servant
Representative Tim Derickson,
(R-Hanover Township)
Champion of land and water
conservation, leading the successful
effort in the House to fund the Clean
Ohio Fund and Lake Erie clean up.
Environmental Innovator
Richard Sites,
Ohio Hospital Association
Leading advocate for hospitals and
other institutions to adopt programs
to increase energy efficiency and
reduce energy consumption.
Mark & Java Kitrick,
Puffin Foundation West .
See video and more photos
at www.theOEC.org.
(left)
Steve McCaw and
Michele Shinew
accept the award for
Friends of Sawmill
Wetlands from the
OEC’s Kristen Kubitza.
(right)
Cheryl Harner, Debra
Knapke, and Paula
Harper.
Photos: Mike Lee Images
more news & info at www.theOEC.org
WINTER/SPRING 2014
11
Donor Spotlight: Naturepedic
A SHOPPING TRIP 10 YEARS AGO SPURRED AN OHIO-GROWN ORGANIC MATTRESS BUSINESS
Ten years ago, Barry Cik was shopping for a
crib mattress for his first grandchild. But every
mattress Barry found contained toxic chemicals like
polyurethane foam, flame retardants, or vinyl loaded
with phthalates.
“The vinyl doesn’t stick well to the hard PVC so it
causes emissions,” Barry explained. “These types of
materials are also found in other household items,
like shower curtains.”
After seeing the mattresses on display, Barry asked
the salesperson if they had any
others. She told him that this was the
way quality mattresses were made.
he continues. “But then things changed. More and
more people were responding to our message and
products. We are changing the industry by prompting
other companies to adopt better, safer practices.”
Naturepedic has since expanded from just crib
mattresses, adding other bedding such as crib sheets
and changing pad covers. Then they added pillows,
sheets, and other accessories. Recently they’ve begun
making items for older children and adults.
Barry has been supporting environmental
organizations for thirty years,
getting involved during his college
years, including starting two food
co-ops. Engineering school opened
his eyes to the destruction that was
happening to Lake Erie and the need
for solutions to save it.
“OEC is the
most effective
environmental
organization in
Ohio.”
Then she said something that would
stay with him for the rest of his life. “If
it wasn’t safe, the government wouldn’t
allow it to be sold.” That was the
moment Barry decided to walk out of
the store and away from chemical-laden
mattresses. He wasn’t going to risk his grandchild's health.
Later, he and his wife joked about how his
grandfather slept on straw. Then Barry got serious. He
told her, “Why don’t we go to my Amish friends and
get straw? I think we’ll make a safer mattress.” And
that’s what he did.
He started
Naturepedic in
Chagrin Falls,
in 2003. Barry,
inspired by his
encounter at
the mattress
store, started
by making baby
mattresses—using only organic, non-toxic materials.
His background as an environmental engineer, a
toxic cleanup professional, and an author gave him
the needed technical knowledge. Plus, he knew the
market was out there, even if people didn’t realize it
yet.
"The response has been tremendous," Barry says.
“At first, customers don’t know what’s in an ordinary
mattress. They have no idea what chemicals they are
exposing their babies to. But when it’s explained, they
understand the difference and become advocates.”
“Five years ago, no one cared what we had to say,”
12
WINTER/SPRING 2014
He’s been an avid supporter of the
OEC for many years as a donor
and by providing Naturepedic products each year
for the OEC’s Green Gala. “OEC is the most effective
environmental organization in Ohio,” he says. “Of
course I’m going to support them.”
Another turning point for Barry came soon after
college, when Congress wanted to get rid of leaded
gasoline despite industry's claim that this was
impossible.
“There’s no reason why companies can’t adopt more
environmentally-friendly and responsible behavior,”
he says. “They can do it but are just too lazy. I saw
that happen with the unleaded gas and learned a
lesson. Don’t be afraid of those big companies and
stand up for what’s right.”
Learn more about Naturepedic and Barry Cik's
commitment to protecting our health and
environment at www.naturepedic.com.
Thank You!
All of the work described in this
newsletter was made possible by
the support of our members!
The Big Give
CENTRAL OHIO SHOWS ITS GENEROSITY DURING 24-HOUR GIVING RALLY
For 24 hours in September, people in central Ohio
showed just how great and generous their community
can be. Hosted by the Columbus Foundation, donations
made during the Big Give received a boost from a pool
of more than $1 million in matching funds.
The results for the OEC and non-profits throughout
central Ohio were tremendous. More than 560
nonprofit organizations received $10.5 million. This
was the second and largest “Big Give” run by the
Columbus Foundation.
Together, OEC supporters generously donated nearly
$20,000 to the OEC. An anonymous donor offered
additional matching funds, all to advocate for a greener
Ohio.
“I am so grateful to the Ohioans who invest in healthy
air, clean water, and sustainable land use for all who
call Ohio home,” said Dena Sico, OEC’s Director of
Development.
“The OEC wouldn’t be able to lead the charge for
so many critical reforms without their support. The
Columbus Foundation is a great partner to the OEC and
so many organizations in Central Ohio,” she added.
You don't have to wait until the next Big Give to
support Ohio's environment. Donate anytime online,
safely and conveniently, at www.theOEC.org/Donate.
My OEC Internship: Not Business as Usual
Not long into my internship at the Ohio Environmental
Council, I stood in front of a large colorful sign that
encouraged people to unleash the power of green.
Across from me, talking earnestly with concertgoers
about the advocacy work of the OEC, was Senior
Director of Advancement & Operations Jodi Segal.
Moments before we had an awe-inspiring conversation
with musician Jack Johnson and his team about
the work they do to make his concerts a model of
sustainability.
There was absolutely nothing “business as usual”
about my internship with the OEC, I understood at that
point, and I enjoyed
every minute of it.
What’s more, I gained
valuable experience
and skills during my
time with them.
I began the summer
working with Dena
Sico, Director of
Development, on
projects surrounding
the 2013 Green Gala.
This is an annual event that brings together OEC
members, sponsors, environmental activists,
conservationists, and legislators from all over Ohio to
celebrate past successes.
I was consistently amazed at how much responsibility
the staff entrusted with me, from tabling events in the
Columbus area, to Tweeting and Facebooking about
timely issues and important events, to interacting with
members, sponsors, and prospective supporters.
The more I engaged in the opportunities offered
to me, the more I grew my skill set and deepened
my understanding not only of the work of the OEC
from a development perspective, but also of other
conservation organizations in Ohio and how the
environmental networks work together.
I would recommend this internship experience to
anyone who is serious about engaging with and
contributing to the environmental community and meet
many new and interesting people in the process. I feel
so fortunate to have been a part of the OEC team for
the time that I was there.
Sarah Jessica Jones is a graduate of The Ohio State
University with a B.A. in International Relations
and an M.A. in Slavic & East European Studies.
more news & info at www.theOEC.org
WINTER/SPRING 2014
13
Thank You to Our Supporters
Thank you to all our donors, group members, community supporters, and volunteers. This list reflects contributions
received between January 1, 2013, and December 31, 2013, plus current Group Members and Community Supporters.
Heroes
$100,000 & above
The Energy Foundation
The Joyce Foundation
Rockefeller Family Fund/REAMP
Sages
$50,000 to $99,999
The George Gund Foundation
Charles Stewart Mott Foundation
Edward Mother Earth Foundation
Leaders
$10,000 to $49,999
Anonymous
Clean Wisconsin
The Columbus Foundation
Willie Katzin & Katie Solender
Kitchen Table Campaigns
Alan & Susan Lapp
Meshewa Farm Foundation
Michigan Environmental Council
Anne Powell Riley
Helen Richards*
National Wildlife Federation
Andy & Sandy Ross
University of Cincinnati
U.S. Climate Action Network
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
The Warren & Zoann Little Dusenbury
Charitable Trust
President’s Club
$5,000 to $9,999
Meridith Beck
Beth Crane & Richard McKee
Columbus Zoo & Aquarium
Jerome & Margaret Cunningham
Lange Family Foundation II
Daniel Medalie & Diana Prufer
The Richards Family
Paul Stinson
Chris Thorman
Champions
$1,000 to $4,999
Anonymous
Bob Allen
Stanley & Hope Adelstein
Susan Ashbrook
BFK Foundaion
Mrs. Robert Black
Arthur V.N. Brooks
Linda Butler & Steven Nissen
Clean Fuels Ohio
David & Inez Myers Foundation
C.W. Eliot & Linda Paine
Kevin Ellison
E. Marianne Gabel & Donald Lateiner
Patricia & Charles Geiger
Babette Gorman
Peter & Joanne Griesinger
Bill & Lynn Ondrey Gruber
Vincent Hand & Ann Hagerman
Jewish Federation of Cleveland
Johnson Ohana Charitable Foundation
John & Rosemary Joyce
Andrea Jones
Maryann & Roger Kafer
Paul & Jane King
Java & Mark Kitrick
Sue & George Klein
Melodee Siegel Kornacker & Al Moore
Calvin & Ilene Kunin
Irwin & Heather Lowenstein
John Marshall & Angela Plummer
Aggie & Bill Martin
Annette McCormick
Mid-Ohio Regional Planning
Commission
Graham & Sharon Mitchell
Stephen & Amanda Morris
Dedee & Rory O'Neil
Nick Popovich
Pete Precario & Cheri Brown
Irene & Jack Probasco
Thomas & Ella Quintrell
Janet & William Reeves
Richland County Foundation
Brendan & Laura Ross
David Sangree
Pari Sabety & Mark Shanahan
John & Marilyn Saveson
Eric & Jessica Schreiber
Kent & Penny Scott
Stephen Sedam & Virginia Weiss
Ronald & Eileen Shanbrom
Michele Simmons & Josh Asbury
Joe Sommer
Sandra Sterrett
Charles & Ann Wellman
Dave & Joanne Woodyard
Sandra Woy-Hazleton & Will Hazleton
Protectors
$500 to $999
Anonymous (2)
Nancy Ambers Massar &
George Massar
Cathie Atkinson
Lesley Avery
Bank of America Charitable Fdn
Steven Cochran & Denise Woods
Roger Cranos
Suzanne Csejtey
Mary Anne Flournoy
William D. Ginn
Global Impact
Gloria Green & Walter Hales
Jim Gottfried & Luann Brenner
Chris Haines
David & Yvette Hanselman
William & Susan Hutras
Darren Keil
Deborah Leasure
J. Anthony Logan & Mary Duffey
Mattlin Foundation
Evelyn Newell
Mark Okey
David Pagnard
Dale & Phyllis Perdue
Donald Sampson
Richard & Jan Segal
Eric Shapiro & Jane Buder Shapiro
Harry & Nancy Shepherd
Peggy Smith
Sam & Sharon Speck
Greg & Joyce Studen
Tom & Tracy Tappan
Jim & Kathy Watterson
Keith & Barbara Wilkowski
Donald & Sally Wiper
Capitol Club
$250 to $499
Anonymous (3)
Jennifer & David Abram
Theresa & Bill Allen
Kathleen & William Bruns
Frances S. Buchholzer
Thomas & Laura Byrne
Jean Marie Cackowski-Campbell
Kareen & Michael Caputo
Daniel & Amy Carey
Julie Clayman & Jay Ankeney
Kevin Cogan
Richard & Rebecca Courtney
Laurie Coyle
Sally Crane
Lisa Dahill
The Dayton Foundation
Jonathan Ebright
Elba Edger
Judith Elliot
Joan Eshler
Kristy & Andy Etling
Jill & Brandon Evans
Paulette & Scott Felker
Jessica Ferrato
Steve & Janet Fleegal
Lynn & Avner Friedman
Sherri Geldin
Andy Gilbert
John Gordon
Don & Lisal Gorman
William Graham
Josh Grossman
Patricia Hammel
Al & Sara Harris
Corey Hawkey
Joann Hawley
Sally Hoffman
Ardith & Sidney Jordan
Jame & Dorothy Keith
Dottie Klemm
Michael Kohr
Chris Laker
Paul & Carol Lamberger
Daniel Lang
Joe Logan
Krista Magaw & Andy Carlson
Martha & Gerard Marcom
Barbara & Ken Martin
Robert & Mary Maxwell
Patrick McLean
Pat & Lois Meade
Mick Micacchion
Eric & Debby Miller
Ed & Cindy Mullin
Julie Mulroy
Diana Petrauskas
Robert & Constance Pond
Steven & Julia Radwany
Kathy & Guy Richards
Craige Roberts
Summer Roberts
Nate Rosenstein & Anne Jewel
John & Liesel Seryak
Jack Shaner
Mike & Gena Shelton
Alice Sherman
Thomas Sico
Mark Skinner
Jean Smith
Sandra & Richey Smith
William Spires
Linda & Tony Szilagye
John Tallmadge
Pamela Thielo
Robert Vertrees
David Voyles
Louise Warner & Clyde Gosnell
Jeffery M. Watt
Lisa Westwater
Thomas & Sandy Winston
Jon Young
Partners
$150 to $249
Anonymous
Gwyn Adkins
Eugene Agan
Dianne & Tracy Allen
America's Charities
Marketa Anderson
Cathleen Arnold
Stacy Baker & Brian Niemiec
W. Eugene Barnett, Jr. &
Mary Lynn Nevius-Barnett
Barbara Bayless
Brent Blackwelder
Virginia Blasingame
Jeffrey Bloomer
Dr. Evan S. Blumer & Lynn Blumer
George Boas & Nancy McCargish
Carol Boram Hays
Keira Boynton
Alistair Bradley
Richard Bradley & Amy Tova
Nicholas Breyfogle
William Brown, Jr.
Richard Bryan
Scott Bushbaum
Christyne Calvin
V. Joan Campbell & Ben Branch
Martha Clinger
Sandra & David Cobb
Andrew & Sarah Culver
Delores Dacosta
Paula Deming & Kris Banvard
Susan Ellis Kerr
David Filipi
Beth & James Fraser
The George Foundation
John Gibbs
Daniel Gray
Greater Cincinnati Foundation,
Deborah Hall Fund
Stanford Gregory &
Helen Tremaine Gregory
Steven & JoAnne Grossman
Deborah Hall
Kathryn Hanratty & Mike Nolan
Al Harter & Loraine Jackson
Susan Marie Hartmann
Dave Heisterberg
Ray & Pat Heithaus
Joseph Hemsky
Olive Hobbs
Marsha Hopkins
Bryan Howard
Ellis Jacobs & Desiree Nickell
Robert & Anne Jeffrey
Arthur Katz
Theodore Klupinski
Debra & Tony Knapke
Carol Koethe
Doreen Kyle
Edward & Karen Kulesa
Kim & David Landsbergen
Ritchie & Ronald Layman
Joanne Leussing
Linda Leviton & Robert Newman
Thomas Lovdal
Verena Lucker
Martin Mahoney &
Maribeth Sheehan Mahoney
Loraine McCosker
Andrew & Jean McGreevy
Mark & Karen McVay
Johanna & Joseph Meara
Janine Migden-Ostrander &
Stephen Ostrander
Richard Mitsak & Betsey Nofziger
Diane Moffett
Meredith Morgan & Dave Herbster
Patricia Moss
Michael & Diane Mungovan
Daniel & Lorraine Nelson
Annegreth Nill
Susan Norton
Linda Paul & Paul Bingle
Ronald Pilatowski
Matthew & Heather Raymond
Larry Robertson
Delbert Russell
Dianne Russell & Christina Nichols
Anthony Sasson &
Colleen Chambers Sasson
Sue Sahli
Italicized names are members of the OEC’s Green Giving Club. These members support the OEC through automatic, electronic monthly or
quarterly donations. These regular gifts provide the OEC with steady support for our ongoing work. To sign up, visit www.theOEC.org/GreenGivingClub.
14
WINTER/SPRING 2014
Andrea Salimbene
Catherine Saveson & Rick Otten
Curtis Scheck
August & Alice Schmitthenner
John Sommer
Margaret Sproul
Mike & Mary Steinmaus
Dr. Bruce Stevenson & Kay Towers
Gina Stevenson
Ray Stewart
Wendy Stewart
Howard & Virginia Stiver
Robert Thorne & Susan Rider
Cory & Amy Tressler
Richard Tuttle
Susan Upton
Miriam Utter
Timothy Wagner
Jane Walsh
John & Susan Watkins
Edward & Julie Weatherington-Rice
Mrs. Robert Weinstock
Constance White
Elizabeth White
Matthew Wikander
Redge Wilde
Keith & Marty Winget
Group Members
Akron Garden Club
Akron Zoo
Allen County Citizens for the
Environment
American Wind Energy Association
Appalachia Ohio Alliance
Audubon Society - Canton
Audubon Society - Miami Valley
Aullwood Audubon Center and Farm
Black Swamp Bird Observatory
Black Swamp Conservancy
Blanchard Township PEARLS
Buckeye Forest Council
Buckeye Trail
Cascade Locks Parks Association
Cedar Bog Association
Clark County Audubon Society
Columbus Metropolitan Club
Columbus Zoo & Aquarium
Community Shares of Mid-Ohio
COSI
The Dawes Arboretum
Dayton Society of Natural History
Delaware County Community Market
Earth Day Coalition
EarthShare Ohio
Environmental Law & Policy Center
Flora-Quest
Friends of Big Creek
Friends of Big Walnut Creek &
Tributaries
Friends of Metro Parks
Friends of Old Woman Creek
Friends of the Crawford Park District
Friends of the Hocking River
Friends of the Lower Olentangy
Watershed
Friends of the Scioto River
Grand Lake Saint Marys Lake
Improvement Association
Grange Insurance Audubon Center
Greater Cincinnati Energy Alliance
Green Columbus
Green Environmental Coalition
Guardians of the Grand Lake St. Marys
Healing Our Waters - Great Lakes
Coalition
Hocking College, International Field
Studies
Izaak Walton League of America:
Akron Men
Anthony Wayne
Buckeye All-State Youth
Capitol City
Cincinnati
Delta
Fairfield
Fremont
Hamilton
Headwaters
Hocking County
Ken Amsbury
Lawrence County
Loraine County-Ely
Martin L. Davey
Medina
Monroeville-Huron County
Mount Healthy
Northwest Ohio Yikes
Ohio Division
Seven Mile
Tallawanda
Tiffin-Seneca County
Wadsworth
Wayne County
Kent Environmental Council
League of Women Voters Metropolitan Columbus
League of Women Voters - Ohio
Little Miami Inc.
Moms Clean Air Force
The Nature Conservancy in Ohio
Ohio Archaeological Council
Ohio Council of American Society
of Civil Engineers
Ohio Farmers Union
Ohio Federation of Soil & Water
Conservation Districts
Ohio Hispanic Coalition
Ohio Hospital Association
Ohio Interfaith Power & Light
Ohio League of Conservation Voters
Ohio Natural Areas & Preserves
Association
Ohio Stormwater Association
Ohio Wetlands Association
People’s Oil & Gas Collaborative - Ohio
Portage Lakes Advisory Council
Raven Rocks
Shawnee Nature Club
Sierra Club - Ohio Chapter
SOAR Energy
Tecumseh Land Trust
Tri-Moraine Audubon Society
Trust for Public Land
U.S. Green Building Council
Western Reserve Land Conservancy
Wexner Center for the Arts
The Wilds
Community Supporters
Abell Audio, Inc
Advance Printing and Graphics
All Good Festival, Walther Productions
Audio Visual Staging Group
Aveda Experience Center at Polaris
BalletMet Columbus
Barcelona Restaurant & Bar
Bear Run Inn, Cabins & Cottages
Beth El Congregation
Better Earth
Big Green Head
Bink Davies
Bradford Renaissance Portraits
Bricker & Eckler, Attorneys at Law
Brothers Drake Meadery
Cabot Cheese
Cameron Mitchell Restaurants
The Candle Lab
CAPA
CATCO
Champps Americana
Charley Harper Art Studio
Cherub's Blanket
Cincinnati Ballet
Cincinnati Reds
The Clay Café
Cleveland Browns
Cleveland Cavaliers
Cleveland International Film Festival
CoGo Bike Share
Coleman
Columbus Blue Jackets
Columbus Chamber of Commerce
Columbus Children's Theatre
Columbus Crew
Columbus Guitar Society
Columbus Museum of Art
Columbus Symphony
Creative Green Marketing
Due Amici
Echogen Power Systems
Elite Island Resorts
emersion DESIGN Energent Solutions
Enviroscapes Landscape Design
EP Engineering
Expressly Market Bakery & Bistro
Firefly Play Café
Franklin Soil & Water Conservation
District
Frito Lay
Fulcrum Creative
Funny Bone Comedy Club & Restaurant
Gateway Film Center
The Gittes Law Group
Go Sustainable Energy
Good Nature Organic Lawn Care
Google Inc.
Graeter's Ice Cream
Grandview Area Chamber
The Granville Inn
Green BEAN Delivery
GreenTown
Half Price Books
Hocking Hills Adventures
Hocking Hills Canopy Tours
Honest Beverages
The Japanese Steak House
The Jazz Arts Group
Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams
Jet Express
JPMorgan Chase Foundation
The Kroger Company
The Lab
Lake Erie Energy Development Co.
Law Office of Jon R. Philbrick
Law Offices of Farhad Sethna
Mad River Mountain
Manos Greek Restaurant & Bar
MAR Systems
Marcia Evans Gallery
Marion's Piazza
Mazah
McMaster-Carr Supply Company
The Melting Pot
Mike & Rosy's Deli
Mike Lee Images
Milenthal-DelGrosso
Mozart's Bakery and Piano Café
Muskingum Watershed Conservancy
District
Naturepedic
Neat Streak
Newhouse, Prophater, Letcher & Moots
Newport Aquarium
Nordson Corporation
North Market Spices Ltd.
Northstar Café
Nurtur the Salon
Oberer's Flowers
Ohio EPA
Ohio Prairie Nursery
Otterbein University
Owens-Illinois, Inc.
Panera Bread Company
Pattycake Bakery
Perfect Seedbed Company
PERU Local 5
Phia Salon/HCX
Photo Kitchen
Preservation Parks of Delaware County
ProMusica Chamber Orchestra
Pure Imagination Chocolatier
Reed Arts
The Refectory
Renaissance Columbus Downtown
Hotel
Rife's Autobody
Rigsby's Kitchen
Rosetti Enterprises, Inc
Scioto Gardens
The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company
Seneca Soil & Water Conservation
District
Shadowbox Live
Shedd Aquarium
Sheehan Brothers Vending
The OEC restricts contributions from individual businesses to less than 5% of our total operating budget and
limits total business donations to less than 15%. The OEC requires all business donors to acknowledge that
acceptance of a gift does not hinder or place limits on the OEC’s ability to comment on, litigate, or participate
in processes related to any permit, legislation, policy, or related decision.
Sheraton Columbus Hotel on Capital
Square
Sims Brothers Recycling
Skate Zone 71
Snow Trails Ski Resort
Snowville Creamery
SplatterPark Paintball Games
Stauf's/Cup o' Joe
Stonyfield Farm
The Styling Nook
Thrasher, Dinsmore, and Dolan
Thurber House
Till Dynamic Fare
Turnberry Travel
Two Caterers Contemporary Cuisine
Via Veccia Winer
Village Bakery
Vincent Nobel Photography
Watershed Distillery
WCBE 90.5
Wepuko Pahnke Engineering
Wheeling Nailers Hockey
Wild Birds Unlimited
Wooden Shoe Gardens
Wyandot Counseling Associates
YMCA
Yoga on High
Yoga One
Z Cucina di Spirito
Volunteers
Kati Ackermann
David Arra
Jacci Baumann
Ava Ciminillo Delamotte
Dan Doron
Lauren Hammersmith
Jessi Jones
Joëlle Khouzam
Mike Lee
Emily Maher
Stuart Maxwell
Madeleine Oulevey
Chelsea Owens
Renee Rankin
Alayna Reckner
Garrett Schmidt
Nick Sico
Cassie Young
Jason Younkman
Legacy Club
We extend an extra measure of
gratitude to our members who
have included a bequest or gift to
the OEC in their estate plan.
Anonymous (2)
Susan Ashbrook
Kathleen L. Barber
Richard C. Behymer*
Linda Butler & Steven Nissen
Beth Crane & Richard McKee
Ryan Donzelli
Ruth Ellen & Gerald W. Butler*
Babette Gorman
Peter & Joanne Griesinger
Patricia Hammel
Vincent Hand & Ann Hagerman
Paul & Jane King
Calvin & Ilene Kunin
John Marshall & Angela Plummer
Jan Oakley
Joanne Osgood *
George Richards
Helen Richards*
Lynn Schreiber*
Richard & Jan Segal
Jack Shaner
Michele Simmons & Josh Asbury
Jeanne C. Smith*
Joe Sommer
Susan Studer King & Jeremy King
Chris Thorman
Ellen Weston
* Deceased
To learn more about the Legacy
Club, contact us at (614) 487-7506
or [email protected].
Charity Navigator has
awarded the OEC the top,
four-star rating for 8
years in a row. This rating
places us in the top 5%
of non-profits in the U.S.
for fiscal
fo
iscal
a responsibility.
al
responsibili
We work very hard to ensure all donors
are listed correctly; however, we do make
mistakes. Please e-mail [email protected]
with any questions or corrections.
WINTER/SPRING 2014
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NON-PROFIT ORG.
U.S. POSTAGE
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PERMIT NO. 1404
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Address service requested
5th Annual Nature Photo Contest Winners!
John Thompson, This is Going to Hurt
2013 “My Ohio” Winner
Mary Lou Jubin, Hiking in Silver Creek
2013 “People in Nature” Winner
Mary Lou Jubin, More Meal Worms Please
2013 “My Ohio” Runner up
Charlotte Elconin, Little Mermaids
2013 “People in Nature” Runner Up
Anne Mauro, Blue Lapine
2013 “My Ohio” Runner up
Lynna Kiracofe, Collecting Shells
2013 “People in Nature” Runner Up
printed on recycled paper