path finder - The Olander Park System

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Official Publication of The Olander Park System
Melanie Coulter, Natural Resources Manager
Fulfilling TOPS’ Conservation Mission
“Autumn mornings:
sunshine and
crisp air, birds
and calmness,
year’s end and
day’s beginnings.”
–Terri Guillemets
Imagine yourself in the Sylvania area in the early 1800s …
in a vast expanse of forested wetland (the Great Black Swamp)
with large elm and ash trees, stands of sugar maple, wild turkeys,
and woodpeckers. Here and there the trees give way to open
marshlands with rushes, flowering shrubs, dragonflies, and
turtles. To the south and east, you would find dry land where a
huge band of sand dunes rises from the swamp. On the ribbon
of sand dunes (the Oak Openings Region) grow stands of oak
savanna and patches of tallgrass prairie, with spreading oaks,
8-foot tall grasses, ground-nesting birds, fox, and butterflies.
But in the late 1800s, the landscape was changed. Swamps were
drained, dunes were leveled, streams were straightened and
forests were cleared to allow farming and settlements. In recent
decades, much of the region’s remaining natural areas gave way
to modern development: paved roads, parking lots, subdivisions,
shopping malls and resource extraction.
TOPS and its Natural Resources Team are dedicated
to bringing back a little bit of nature to Sylvania.
WHY? The conversion of our natural areas has lead to a loss
of native plants, wildlife and “ecosystem services.” Paved roads,
plowed fields, roof tops and lawns don’t handle stormwater and
pollutants the same way as wetlands, prairies, woods and streams.
They don’t support the same plants, pollinators and healthy soils.
The result of our artificial landscape is more flooding, more
polluted water (including harmful algal blooms in Lake Erie),
fewer pollinators (which pollinate our food), fewer wildlife and
plant species, and fewer spaces and opportunities for people to
interact with nature.
HOW? TOPS works to restore and preserve nature in Sylvania
by purchasing land from developers and restoring our park
lands to a more natural state. We have leveraged your valuable
levy dollars by receiving competitive grant money to fund
land purchases and natural area restoration projects. To plan
and perform this restoration work, TOPS employs a Natural
Resources Manager (me), an Assistant Manager (Robin Parker)
and four seasonal Natural Resources staff.
Visit our parks to see what we do!
At Southview Oak Savanna, we remove trees and shrubs
to turn overgrown woodland back into the open habitat of the
globally rare Oak Openings Region.
At Sylvan Prairie Park, we convert farm fields to prairies and
wetlands by planting native plants and removing drainage tiles.
We restore drainage ditches to more natural, winding streams
that support fish, shorebirds, clean water and flood control by
widening the channels and planting native trees on the banks.
At Olander Park, we convert turf grass and ornamentals to
native plants that can thrive in the sandy soils. We grow native
plants for these projects in our own greenhouse.
Is it working? YES!
Bike to Southview Oak Savanna on the University Parks Trail
and see endangered plants growing below scattered oaks. Pick
native blueberries or look for a box turtle hiding in fallen leaves.
Stroll through Sylvan Prairie Park on the Quarry Ridge Bike
Trail and see native flowers and tall grasses where once there was
corn. On a spring night, listen to a chorus of frogs and see the
mating dance of woodcocks where once there was silence. Watch
the restored stream flow slowly through plants that clean the
water. Try to catch a glimpse of the beaver that moved in last fall.
Walk around Lake Olander and see hummingbirds, goldfinches,
butterflies and native bees visit our native flower beds. Come
during a rainstorm and watch the native raingardens by the
parking lots soak up stormwater, preventing it from flowing
across dirty pavement and into the Lake.
Want to help?
Join us at our monthly Volunteer Adventures, “Restoring Wildlife
Habitat,” where you might wield a shovel to plant natives at
Sylvan Prairie or brandish loppers to cut down invading shrubs
at Southview Oak Savanna.
I hope to see you out in our parks, enjoying nature!
Melanie Coulter
Natural Resources Managerpathfinder
| FALL 2015
Moths at Night
feature programs
Saturday, September 12, 8:30pm to 10pm
Sylvan Prairie Park, South Lot
Join us at Sylvan Prairie Park for a close encounter with the elusive nighttime
flyers, MOTHS. Moths can be big and colorful or tiny and cryptic. We’ll get a
look at all kinds of moths and other cool insects with an ultraviolet light trap.
Learn about moth defenses, communications and adaptations, as well as how
to attract and identify these important pollinators. Bring a flashlight, a camera
(if you have one), and your moth questions.
Clean Your Streams Day
Saturday, September 19, 8am to 1pm
Help clean up miles of stream banks all over the lower Maumee River
Watershed. Volunteers begin at various locations throughout Lucas County for
an orientation, then go Clean Your Streams! Conclude with an Appreciation
Lunch for all volunteers catered by Deets BBQ. There are 7 kickoff locations
so go to PartnersforCleanStreams.org/events/cys to register and find
the location closest to you!
Strategic Plan Review
Programs are ONLY for residents of
The Olander Park System and are FREE
unless a material fee is noted.
Advance Registration Is Required
Two Days Prior at 419.882.8313 ext. 1013
or [email protected]. If
you or your family have special needs, please
inform the park system when you register.
TOPS reserves the right to cancel programs
with less than 5 registrants.
Gorman Nature Education Center is in the
Nederhouser Community Hall at Olander Park
Sylvan Prairie Park is at 8601 Brint Road,
with access to the Quarry Ridge Bike Trail
Fossil Park is at 5705 Centennial Road,
across from Mayberry Square
Sundays, October 11, 18 & 25, 3pm
Olander Park, Nederhouser Community Hall
TOPS spent this summer developing a strategic plan, and we need your feedback.
Join us for a brief informational meeting and have the opportunity to review our
plan and make comments before it is finalized!
Harvest Hoedown & Potluck
Sunday, October 18, 6pm to 8pm
Olander Park, Nederhouser Community Hall
Celebrate fall with a twirl or two around the dance floor. Dance the evening
away with the Root Cellar Old Time String Band and Marlin Whitaker calling.
Bring a dish to share!
18th Annual Halloween Hike
Saturday, October 24, 6pm
Olander Park
Kids 12 & under; children MUST be accompanied by an adult guardian
Admission: $1 donation for ages 3 to 12; 2 & under FREE
Superheroes and Minions will bound all around Lake Olander at the annual
Halloween Hike, TOPS’ most popular family event! Kids 12 & under collect treats
at 20 stations as storytellers tell friendly tales of the Enchanted Evening! The Hike
is family-friendly and not intended to scare children. All admissions are donated
to Sylvania Area Family Services. Park at Tam-O’Shanter and enter on Vicksburg
Avenue or use the Olander walk-in gates. This is rain-or-shine so dress appropriately.
Just for Preschoolers
Corn…A Gift From the First
Americans
Friday, September 11, 10am
Olander Park, Gorman Nature Education Center
Delicious, nutritious, wondrous corn will be tempting
all of our senses while we discover lots of facts about
this well-loved veggie. Surprises await with puppets,
caterpillars, walks outside, and making our own special
“corn” to take home. Instructor: Joyce Davis.
Halloween Hike Volunteers & Sponsors
September Sun Fun
If you, your family, school, scout pack, cheerleading squad, sports team, civic
organization, community group or company would like to run a Treat Station
during the Halloween Hike, contact Jenny at 419-882-8313, extension #1000,
or [email protected]. Volunteers arrive at 5:15 p.m. and stay until
roughly 7:45 p.m. Dress in a “friendly” costume or wear your group’s uniform.
TOPS needs roughly 100 volunteers for the Hike. Olander Park, Gorman Nature Education Center
September Sun is bright and fun! Join ECO Discovery!,
and we’ll discover new things sunny and shadowy. We’ll
make something with the Sun’s light and heat, and have
a sunny snack to eat.
9th Annual Ohio
Young Birders Conference
Saturday, November 7
Rocky River Nature Center; 24000 Valley Pkwy, North Olmsted, OH 44070
Spend the day with Young Birders from around the state. Enjoy field trips in
the morning, then a keynote address and student presentations on various bird
related topics. Visit www.ohioyoungbirders.org to register.
Tuesday, September 15, 10am
Fall Has Flowers Too!
Friday, September 18, 10am
Olander Park, Gorman Nature Education Center
Fall flowers are everywhere; pollen and seeds are in the
air! Join ECO Discovery! for a closer look at the jobs fall
flowers have. Try a flower friendly treat and take home
seeds to sow.
pathfinder | FALL 2015
September Secrets
Leaving Leaves
Friday, September 25, 10am
Olander Park, Gorman Nature Education Center
Changes everywhere; seeds in the air and eggs hiding
there! Join ECO Discovery! for a September nature search!
We’ll sneak, peek and take home a September secret.
Tuesday, October 20, 10am
Tuesday, November 17, 10am
Olander Park, Gorman Nature Education Center
Olander Park, Gorman Nature Education Center
Why are leaves falling? Join ECO Discovery! and solve
Surprise! You can stretch your eyes! Join ECO Discovery!
the mystery! We’ll look at leaves and trees, and make
and learn how to use binoculars and a magnifying glass
a rubbing to share. Discover some leaves that don’t fall, to see so much more. Snack like a detective and take
and make colorful leaves to eat.
home your hand lens for further explorations!
Full Moon Fun
Tuesday, September 29, 10am
Olander Park, Gorman Nature Education Center
Shine on Harvest Moon! Join ECO Discovery! for moon
lore and tales of cheese and spirits and mystery. We’ll
have a midnight snack and take home a moon map.
Acorn Hunting in the Fall
Friday, October 2, 10am
Owls, Skunks, and Other Scaries
Mask Fun
Tuesday, October 27, 10am
Olander Park, Gorman Nature Education Center
Masks are fun! Join ECO Discovery! and learn about
how masks are used in other places in the world. Play
with some masks and even make one to take home!
Fall Fly-Aways!
Ghosts, Witches and Skeletons...
Oh My! Tuesday, October 6, 10am
Batty Fun
Friday, October 9, 10am
Olander Park, Gorman Nature Education Center
Fall is Batty fun time. Join ECO Discovery! for silly bat
stories and songs. We’ll take a closer look at bats, eat a
midnight snack, and make a bat puppet to take home.
The Skinny on Squirrels
Tuesday, October 13, 10am
Olander Park, Gorman Nature Education Center
What’s up with squirrels? Join ECO Discovery! and
we’ll learn more about squirrels, chipmunks, and
other creatures that live right outside our doors.
Take home a simple feeder to put in your yard.
A Web of Fun
Friday, October 16, 10am
Olander Park, Gorman Nature Education Center
Join retired librarian, Mary Leugers, and her mascot
Rags and get the creepy crawlies with spiders. There
will be books, songs, fingerplays and a spider craft. Pilgrim Kids
Friday, October 23, 10am
Friday, November 20, 10am
Olander Park, Gorman Nature Education Center
Olander Park, Gorman Nature Education Center
Are owls and skunks scary? It’s not what you think! Join
What was it like to be a Pilgrim? Join ECO Discovery!
ECO Discovery! and uncover the mystery of some things
and find out what you would have worn, eaten, and
that go bump in the night. Make a night flyer to play with. played with. Try a Pilgrim snack too!
Olander Park, Gorman Nature Education Center
Squirrels are busy hunting acorns at this time of the
year. We, too, will go on a hunt for acorns, have some
science fun, listen to a story and talk with Joyce Davis
and some special puppets!
Olander Park, Gorman Nature Education Center
Birds, bats, and butterflies are flying away. Join ECO
Discovery! and track the migration flyaways to warmer
places. You’ll be amazed by the journey. Make a
migration postcard and take home a flyaway map.
Let’s Lens!
It’s Elementary!
K to 5th Grade
Recycled Crafts for Kids
Olander Park, Gorman Nature Education Center
Enjoy a Halloween story time with retired librarian,
Mary Leugers, and Rags. Come dressed in costume
if you like, bring a treat to share, and make a fun
Halloween craft to take home.
Saturdays, September 12, October 10 &
November 7, 10am
Olander Park, Gorman Nature Education Center
Join TOPS’ Casey McDonald in creating some fun
crafts made from recycled household items!
September: Puzzle Piece Tree
October: Toilet Paper Tube Bats
November: Bottle Cap Zoo
Ready 4 Winter
September Sun Fun
Tuesday, November 3, 10am
Olander Park, Gorman Nature Education Center
Nature starts getting ready for Winter early. Join ECO
Discovery! for a “Signs of Winter Safari.” We’ll search
for Nature’s preparations, meet a hibernator or migrator,
and make a feeder to put out for your winter friends.
Olander Park, Gorman Nature Education Center
September Sun is bright and fun! Join ECO Discovery!
and we’ll discover new things sunny and shadowy.
We’ll make something with the Sun’s light and heat,
and have a sunny snack to eat.
November’s Food Treasures
September Sights
Friday, November 6, 10am
Olander Park, Gorman Nature Education Center
Do you know the names of winter squash? Children
will learn their names and even taste some of them.
Perform the play “Stone Soup,” with veggies grown
locally; then head outside for a seed treasure hunt
with Joyce Davis, and her puppet friends.
Olander Park, Gorman Nature Education Center
Secret seeds, cocoons and reeds can all be found right
now. Join ECO Discovery! for an exploration of natural
things happening in September! We’ll look high and
low and where creatures go. Then we’ll make a keepsake
to take home.
Friday, October 30, 10am
Night Flyers
Tuesday, November 10, 10am
Olander Park, Gorman Nature Education Center
There are creatures that fly around us at night! Join
ECO Discovery! for a closer look. We’ll share a story,
find daytime roosting spots, and make a finger puppet
to take home and fly after dark.
Sleeping Trees
Friday, November 13, 10am
Olander Park, Gorman Nature Education Center
What are trees really doing in the winter? Join ECO
Discovery! to find out why they sleep and if there is anyone
else sleeping in the trees. Look closer and try a tree treat!
Thursday, September 17, 4pm
Thursday, September 24, 4pm
Olander Community Girl Scout Troop
1st and 3rd Tuesday of every month, starting
September 15, 5pm to 6pm
Olander Park, Gorman Nature Education Center
Does your school not have a Girl Scout troop, or do their
days and times conflict with your schedule? Girl Scouts
want to learn new things and share what they know. They
want to explore the world, meet new people, and take that
first hike in the great outdoors. Visit a science museum,
band together as a mighty team to sell cookies, and
use some of the money to help others. Join our Olander
Community troop and start your adventure today!
pathfinder | FALL 2015
Fall Fly-Aways
DIY: Eco-Friendly Crafts
Lunar Eclipse
Thursday, October 8, 4pm
Thursdays, September 10, October 8
& November 5, 6pm
Olander Park, Gorman Nature Education Center
Join TOPS’ Casey McDonald in creating fun, sustainable,
and decorative pieces for your home.
September: Wine Cork Coasters
October: Wooden Candy Corn
November: Autumn Glitter Décor
Sunday, September 27, 8:30pm to Midnight
Sunday, September 27, 1pm
The Big Sit Fundraiser for
Olander Park, Gorman Nature Education Center
Birds, bats, and butterflies are flying away. Join ECO
Discovery! and track the migration flyways to warmer
places. You’ll be amazed by the journey. Make a
migration postcard and take home a flyway map.
Leaving Leaves
Thursday, October 22, 4pm
Olander Park, Gorman Nature Education Center
Why are leaves falling? Join ECO Discovery! and solve
the mystery! We’ll look at leaves and trees and make a
rubbing to share. Discover some leaves that don’t fall,
and make colorful leaves to eat.
Olander Park, Nederhouser Community Hall
Join the Toledo Astronomical Association for a viewing
of a total Lunar eclipse. A Lunar eclipse occurs when
the earth passes between the full moon and the sun,
totally blocking sun light from directly illuminating the
moon. The Earth’s atmosphere will bend the red rays
of the sun’s light causing the moon to look red! Come
regardless of weather, as the event will be shown via the
Full Moon Stories, Legends and Lore internet should it be cloudy.
Olander Park, Nederhouser Community Hall
The mysterious Lady of the night has long been a source Ohio Young Birders Club
Saturday, October 3, 8am to 2pm
of legends, myths, and tales. Join ECO Discovery! for
Sylvan Prairie Park, South Lot
some of the best of these. Hear tales tall and low, and
Mask Fun
Help raise money for Ohio young birders! Come help
maybe sing a song or two. Lunar lore abounds!
Thursday, October 29, 4pm
count birds or pledge an amount for every species seen
Olander Park, Gorman Nature Education Center
during the event. Volunteers will need a packed lunch,
Frontier Frights!
Masks are fun! Join ECO Discovery! and learn about
water
bottle and binoculars. Come dressed for the
Sunday, October 25, 10am
how masks are used in other places in the world. Play
weather.
TOPS will have snacks on hand. Make a pledge
Olander Park, Nederhouser Community Hall
with some masks and even make one to take home!
at www.ohioyoungbirders.org.
The Frontier was a new and scary place, and settlers
brought fears and superstitions along. Join ECO
Ready 4 Winter
Birding 4 Beginners
Discovery! on a spooky trip through time to meet the
Thursday, November 12, 4pm
Saturdays,
October 17 & November 21, 10am
local frights and learn who and what they really were!
Olander Park, Gorman Nature Education Center
Sylvan Prairie Park, South Lot
Nature starts getting ready for Winter early. Join ECO
Join TOPS’ Robin Parker for a stroll around Sylvan
Forgotten Thanksgiving Foods
Discovery! for a “Signs of Winter Safari.” We’ll search
Prairie
to observe autumn birds and other wildlife.
Sunday, November 15, 1pm
for Nature’s preparations, meet a hibernator or migrator, Olander Park, Nederhouser Community Hall
Bring binoculars if you have them.
and make a feeder to put out for your winter friends.
Eels for Thanksgiving? You bet! Join ECO Discovery!
for more interesting facts about the first and other
Sleeping Trees
early Thanksgiving feasts. Try some new dishes,
Thursday, November 19, 4pm
recipes included!
Adopt-a-Road
Olander Park, Gorman Nature Education Center
Saturdays, September 26, October 31 &
What are trees really doing in the winter? Join ECO
November 21, 9am to Noon
Discovery! to find out why they sleep and if there is
Olander
Park, Maintenance Building
anyone else sleeping in the trees. Look closer and
Volunteers
assist TOPS staff in our community clean-up
Star
Party
try a tree treat!
along Sylvania Avenue from King Road to Mitchaw Road.
Fridays, September 18, 8pm &
Wear long pants and bring gloves if you have them.
October 23, 7pm
Sylvan Prairie Park, South Lot
Join the Toledo Area Astronomers for an evening of star Restoring Wildlife Habitat
Olander Youth Conservation Corps: watching. TAA members set up their scopes so you can Sundays, September 27, October 11 &
Collecting Native Seeds
look at the stars, moon and other night sky objects. Bring November 8, 9am to Noon
Sunday, October 18, 1pm to 3:30pm
your own scope if you have one. Cancelled if cloudy.
Olander Park, Maintenance Building
Join the Natural Resources Team to restore wildlife
Sylvan Prairie Park, North Lot
Hawkfest
habitat in Sylvania. Explore and improve our many
This program is for 6th to 9th graders who want to
Saturday, September 19, 10am to 2pm
parks and learn about the wildlife that use them.
make a difference in our community and learn about
Be prepared to weed, plant, clear brush, etc. Wear
our local ecology. Come learn about the Olander Youth Lake Erie Metropark
Conservation Corps, or continue your experience with us
Each September, tens of thousands of broad-winged hawks long pants and bring gloves if you have them. All
necessary tools provided by TOPS. Volunteers will need
if you were in the Corps this summer! Help TOPS collect
pass over the park, which is designated as an important
transportation to the worksite.
seeds from native plants at Sylvan Prairie Park! We’ll use bird area and one of the premier hawk watching sites
these seeds in the future to create new wildlife habitat.
in North America. Altogether, at least 16 different species
Community Leaf Pickup
of migrating birds of prey fly overhead during the fall
Saturdays, October 17 & November 14,
migration season. Hawk watchers will be counting
migrating raptors, and their spotting scopes can be used
9am to Noon
to take a peek at birds in the sky. Typically, 200,000 birds
Olander Park, Maintenance Building
of prey migrate over Lake Erie Metropark from September Grab a rake and join TOPS staff for a day of leaf pickup!
Come Dance with Me
through November on their southward journey.
Spend a morning outside while helping keep our park
Wednesdays, September 2 through November 18,
beautiful through the change of season.
Volunteer Adventures
Family Fun
In the Middle
Adults of All Ages
(16 & Up)
6pm to 7:30pm
Olander Park, Nederhouser Community Hall
Fee: $5 per person per class
Move to the beat and learn to line dance with Mary
Leugers. It’s fun and a great way to exercise.
pathfinder | FALL 2015
Wild Ones
Native Plants, Natural Landscapes - Oak
Openings Chapter Meetings and Events
Fossil Park dig piles, chock-full of 375-million-year-old Devonian fossils, remain
open to the public until Sunday, November 8, when the pit closes for the season.
If your school, scout troop, or related organization would like to take an educational
field trip to Fossil Park, TOPS offers one hour programs Wednesdays and
Thursdays from September 2 through October 29. Your group receives a
10-minute overview from our staff, then digs for buried treasures while staff assists
in identifying your finds. For more information or to book a program, contact
Jenny at 419-882-8313, extension 1000 or at [email protected]. While the
fossil dig piles close for the Winter, Fossil Park’s solar-powered restroom and access
to the Quarry Ridge Bike Trail remain open all year, except for the three Seasonal
Holidays. Hours are 8:30 a.m. to 90 minutes before dark.
Wetland Invasive Plants
The End is Near...
Tuesday, September 8, 7pm
Olander Park, Nederhouser Community Hall Helen Michaels from Bowling Green State University
will describe some of the most important wetland
invasives and discuss their research on the beautiful
(but nasty!) Flowering Rush.
Your Olander 250 Walking Program ends Saturday, October 31. If you
walked 250 or more miles since May 1, turn in your completed log to the Callahan
Administrative Office by November 15 to receive your commemorative award. If
you attained personal goals like weight loss, medication reduction, or lower blood
pressure, please let us know!
A Passion for Restoration
...It’s Only the Beginning
Tuesday, October 13, 7pm
Olander Park, Nederhouser Community Hall
Oak Openings Green Ribbon Initiative Coordinator,
Lindsey Reinarz, will talk about the importance of
connecting people to their land and that restoration at any scale is important. She will present some
examples of work that folks are doing in the region. Climate Ride Midwest
Tuesday, November 10, 7pm
Olander Park, Nederhouser Community Hall
Kate Mason-Wolf talks about her first ever multi-day
bike ride covering over 300 miles from Grand Rapids,
MI to Chicago as part of Climate Ride Midwest. The
trip includes hundreds of cyclists participating
in this 4-day ride to raise money for more than
100 organizations that are leading the nation in green
energy development, active transportation advocacy,
climate change awareness and environmental justice.
“Autumn carries more
gold in its pocket than
all the other seasons.” –Jim Bishop
With Winter soon underway, put one foot in front of the other with the Frosty
150 Walking Program. Walk 150 miles or more from November 1 through
April 30, 2016 and receive a special award in recognition of your achievement.
Obtain a Frosty 150 log when you turn in your Olander 250 paperwork or from the
information box outside the Nederhouser Community Hall main entrance.
Holiday Hours
Olander Park will be closed Thanksgiving Day. Whetstone Park,
The Quarry Ridge Bike Trail, and the North Lot at Sylvan Prairie Park remain
open. TOPS closes the Fossil Park restroom and does not offer snow removal
on the Holiday.
Winter Weather Closure Policy
In hazardous conditions, The Olander Park System follows the mandate of Lucas
County and closes when it issues a Level 2 or Level 3 Winter Storm
Warning is issued. Level 2 states no one should be on area roadways unless
absolutely necessary, and Level 3 dictates no automobiles should be on local roads
except for emergency vehicles. Please check our Facebook page for updates.
fall into winter
Wild Ones is a not-for-profit, environmental education
and advocacy organization whose members promote
the use of native plants and natural landscaping.
Established in 1979, Wild Ones has over 50 chapters
around the country. The Oak Openings Chapter
meets every Second Tuesday at Olander Park in the
Nederhouser Community Hall (unless otherwise
noted). Each program is free and open to the public;
registration is not required. See www.oakopenings.
wildones.org for more program information.
You Can Still Dig ‘Em!
pathfinder | FALL 2015
Fossil Park
Olander Park
Quarry Ridge Bike Trail
Sylvan Prairie Park
Southview Oak Savanna
Whetstone Park
6930 Sylvania Avenue
Sylvania, Ohio 43560-3524
Std Prst
U.S. Postage
PA I D
Toledo, OH
PERMIT NO. 216
TOPS Quick View
Olander Park: 6930 Sylvania Avenue
September 1 to September 30: 7am to 8pm
October 1 to 11: 7am to 7:30pm
October 12 to October 31: 7am to 7pm
November 1 to December 23: 7am to 5:30pm
Thanksgiving Day: CLOSED
Commissioners
Connie Feldstein
Harold C. McElmurry
John C. Zeitler
419-882-8313 Phone
419-885-4237 Fax
[email protected]
olanderpark.com
Fossil Park: 5705 Centennial Road
Restroom open 8:30am to 90 minutes
prior to sunset.
FREE Admission.
Fossil hunting piles CLOSED after November 8.
Restroom CLOSED Thanksgiving Day.
Sylvan Prairie Park: 8601 Brint Road
7:30am to 60 minutes prior to sunset
Olander Park Bait & Boat Shop
September: Weekends only, Noon to 7pm
Final boat rentals one hour prior to closing.
18th Annual “Halloween Hike”:
Saturday, October 24, 6pm
$1 donation per child ages 3 to 12; adults
& kids 2 & under free. All donations go to
Sylvania Area Family Services.
Olander 250 Walking Program
Concludes Saturday, October 31. Turn
completed logs in to Callahan Administrative Office
by Sunday, November 15.
Frosty 150 Walking Program
Begins Saturday, November 1. Walking logs
available at the Callahan Administrative Office
or Nederhouser Community Hall main entrance
information box.
Our Mission
The Olander Park System strives to preserve
and enhance the educational, historical,
natural, and recreational benefits of the
Sylvania region through parklands, family
and community events, conservation and
preservation techniques, environmentallyfriendly practices, and energy-efficient
technologies to ensure a high quality of life
for all Sylvania area residents.
pathfinder | FALL 2015