Membership Drive

Dear Friend,

The Friends of Hudson Parks (FOHP) are celebratng thirteen years of providing family friendly programming in our parks. We are making a difference!

To achieve our goals, we rely on donatons from our members and sponsors. Thank you for your current and future support.

Friends of Hudson Parks 2024 Accomplishments

Education:

Launched “Creature Feature” Series for children. Outdoor classes provided opportunities for children aged 4 to 10 to experience Hudson Parks:

• Under the Water provided an opportunity for children to explore stream beds in Hudson Springs Park. Summit Metro Parks partnered in this program.
• Terrific Trees and Their Friends highlighted the diverse tree population in Cascade Park. Summit Soil and Water partnered in developing this class.
• Pollinator Party celebrated amazing pollinating insects that populate Hudson Springs

Women’s Fly-Fishing Workshop, at Hudson Springs Park was an all-day program that provided participants with a hands-on opportunity to learn about fly fishing fundamentals, gear and garb selection, and fishing essentials. Offered in cooperation with FFI Women Connect and Ohio Women on the Fly

Many thanks to FOHP Board member, Sara Thorne Briechle, for developing these programs

In 2024, FOHP partnered with Hudson Library and Historical Society to offer two well attended conservation lectures.

• Denise Ellsworth, Program Director Pollinator Education, OSU Entomology lectured on Wild Bees in Your Ohio Backyard
• Naturalist, biologist, and author Judy Semroc presented Dragons, Damsels, and Hummers, Loving & Luring

Hike Hudson Day:

Hike Hudson continued for its 12th year. The highlight of this year’s program was Hike Hudson Day. On September 17th Mayor Jeff Anzevino issued a Proclamation declaring October 5th Hike Hudson Day. On that day, naturalist Judy Semroc and FOHP members, Marcia Carsten and Rick Beam, led a guided hike, highlighting natural features and FOHP conservation projects at Hudson Springs Park. The hike was followed by a picnic in the May Pavilion. Shannon Speaks led a Mindfulness Hike in Cascade Park the next day. The hike was co-sponsored by State of Mind Hudson, in celebration of Mental Health Awareness Month.

Conservation Programs:

In 2024, FOHP continued biological restoration work in Hudson parks. Generous grants from the Hudson Garden Club (HGC) have helped our park system remove invasive plants that smother native vegetation and restore native biodiversity. FOHP was awarded two grants from HGC. The first grant was used to remove invasive woody vegetation along the west side of the Loop Trail area and the lakeside trail leading into the woods across from the marsh in Hudson Springs Park (HSP).

A second grant was for removal of invasive vegetation of the northern wetland and the southern pond at Veteran’s Way Park. The work for these grants was awarded to Davey Resource Group.

FOHP continues involvement with several additional conservation projects:

• Developing a Hudson Springs Park Master Plan, in partnership with the Hudson Park Board, parks staff and Davey Resource Group
• Removing buckthorn, honeysuckle and other invasive plants
• Planting a new wildflower meadow at Hudson Springs Park
• Planting perennials in the Janet Cheeseman Garden at HSP
• Weeding and mulching the butterfly garden at Hudson Springs Park
• Maintaining the Pollinator Meadow and stream restoration at Darrow Road Park
• Adding native perennials at Cascade Park with the assistance of Hudson Girl Scouts

Guided Hikes and Recreational Programs:

• FOHP conducted a series of guided hikes throughout the year including a “Duck Walk,” “Migratory Bird Hike,” “History and Wildflower Walk,” and “Mindfulness Hikes.”
• FOHP contnued to sponsor many popular, traditonal family programs in 2024 including Race for the Parks (sponsored by Western Reserve Racing), Playground Palooza (sponsored by Acme), KSU Kayak and Paddleboard classes, Pack the Pond, Geocaching Adventure, and Story Walks in partnership with HCER.
  Please Join with Us and Partcipate!
• The Friends of Hudson Parks is an all-volunteer organizaton. We rely on volunteers to develop and oversee our programs and activities.
• All programs are made possible through financial support of donatons, memberships and sponsorships. See the Get Involved secton in our website.
• Check out the FOHP online optons for renewing your membership here.
  

Thank you for your support in 2024. We look forward to 2025.

FOHP Board of Directors
Rick Beam, Sara Briechle, Ed Carroll, Marcia Carsten, Ed Dell, Karen Heater, Jack McCabe, Phil Mikita, Becky Mooney, Sue Ramlo, Shannon Speaks, Melissa Strayer