Volunteer groups active within the Parks District
Volunteers are the foundation of keeping parks and trails maintained for others to enjoy. Several groups are active, from educational to recreational realms. Those interested in any of the following work groups may complete a volunteer form: https://forms.gle/sKyyzujbq4aaB3jJ9.
- Bluebird trail monitoring at various parks.
- Butterfly transect trail monitoring at Honey Run Highlands Park.
- Disc golf course revitalization efforts at Thayer Ridge Park.
- Friends of the Woods invasive plant removals and restoration.
- Geotrail maintenance on the active Geotrails.
- Mountain bike trail maintenance at Thayer Ridge Park.
- Plant surveys at various parks.
MVNU men's basketball team volunteer efforts at Wolf Run Park
A shout-out to the Mount Vernon Nazarene University MVNU basketball team, coach Jared Ronai and assistant coach Dane Schafley for the invasive plant removal at Wolf Run Park at the parking lot woods edge and the site of the large white oak tree. A special thanks to volunteers Terri Heironimus and Sue Hagan for their assistance with the crew.
The Parks District greatly appreciates the work of volunteers. If you would like to volunteer, see the website application form at knoxcountyparks.org and visit Volunteers to Volunteer Application.
Friends of the Woods
Friends of the Woods began in 2020 and has made remarkable strides with invasive plant removal and restoration efforts at the county parks. Their focus is to remove the invasive plant species that crowd the native plants and cause havoc to the pollinators. The group continues to eliminate garlic mustard and invasive shrubs such as multi-flora rose in our parks. Their newsletter, which contains information on local invasive plant species, is available on the Parks District website.
Patton Road parking lot receives a new addition
The Knox County Commissioners donated a park bench from the Knox County Courthouse. This bench was placed at the Patton Road parking lot on the Heart of Ohio Trail. This addition will make for a nice place to rest along the trail.
New park maps available for Indianfield Bluffs and Hellbender Preserve
The Knox County Park District is coming down the home stretch of completing maps of the parks. Peer Family Forestry Consulting LLC designed maps for Indianfield Bluffs and Hellbender Preserve. These maps are now available on the website for download, or people may request a hard copy by calling 740-392-7275.
Disc Golf Volunteer Group
Disc golf is a growing sport that has exploded in popularity over the last decade. It borrows many rules and terms from traditional golf, but players throw plastic discs to metal baskets. Here in Knox County, a group of local disc golf volunteers are making improvements to the course at Thayer Ridge Park that was installed in 2010.
The goal is to enhance the current course to provide a welcoming and fun experience for new players in the area, while still offering an interesting challenge for those with some playing experience. To accomplish this, the 9-hole layout will be partially redesigned to incorporate the adjacent woods, increase the width of the fairways on the open (non-wooded) holes, and adding an additional set of tees for a different skill level.
The work group typically meet on Saturday mornings at Thayer Ridge Disc Golf Course to clear weeds and brush for the new holes. Thorns and poison ivy may be encountered, so dress appropriately. If you are interested in participating, contact Perry Leatherman at 304-825-5466 for more details.
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