We are a brand new organization. Our board of directors is presently detailing the steps necessary to implement a series of initial projects. We will update this website as we formulate the project details.
In the meantime - here are the projects that we are beginning to tackle. If you would like to join us in these adventures, please contact us by e-mail. We welcome your interest!
Click for geese in snow flight
Bison Reintroduction Project
Yes you heard right - as announced in the December 26 Columbus Dispatch - one of our major projects will be to partner with several other entities to bring a herd of bison to one, or two, Metro Park prairies. Prairies require a degree of maintenance so that they will not grow wild or become fire hazards. Bison are effective prairie partners. One aspect of the project is working with Metro Parks to implement their long-held plan to create fenced areas within either or both Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park and Prairie Oaks Metro Park. Between the two parks, there are 700 prairie acres that could become home to several bison pastures. Metro Parks will designate the appropriate acreage and construct the necessary fencing. We'll work with partners to acquire a herd and to ensure the care of the livestock animals. Perhaps we'll partner with schools to name the bison. Hopefully, we'll help raise funds to construct elevated viewing platforms in the enclosures. Join us and support this unique project.
Bluebird Nesting Box Project
Bluebirds are a familiar bird in Ohio - but their traditional habitats have too often been displaced by urban development. We'll be partnering with Metro Parks in the maintenance of their existing several hundred bluebird boxes and we'll be creating partnerships with other organizations and the public to build, install, and maintain additional boxes throughout the Metro Parks open spaces. Join us and support this ongoing project while enjoying the off-the-trail areas of Metro Parks.
Osprey Nesting Platform Project
The Scioto Audubon Metro Park, adjacent to downtown Columbus, offers a unique river location to leverage the Ohio Department of Natural Resources ongoing program to expand the nesting opportunities for the migratory osprey. Combined with the summer 2009 opening of the Grange Insurance Audubon Center in the under-development park, proving a visible and safe nesting platform will provide education and general enjoyment to school children and adults alike. We'll be partnering with governmental and private industry entities to explore if the site is appropriate and then to coordinate the funding and construction of one or more elevated platforms - in hope that nesting osprey will be attracted by early spring 2010. Join us and support this project to try to attract the osprey to the Greenlawn Dam area on the Scioto River.
Scioto Audubon Metro Park River Observation Deck Project
Several years ago, a master plan was designed for the now-emerging near-downtown park. In recent months, the private-sector development component has given way to discussions as to whether the entire "Whittier Peninsula" should be incorporated into a larger Metro Park than the master plan called for. Certain planned components are likely to remain intact - including the desire to have one or more observation decks along the Scioto River frontage. We may work with Metro Parks in the design and construction of at least one deck. What location would provide the most interesting views? What unique educational characteristics could be incorporated in the deck? If the public were to assist in the financing, would the deck project advance in priorities - or could the public gifts help build a better deck? How can the Metro Park decks accent the educational experiences of the adjacent Grange Insurance Audubon Center? Join us and support this emerging consideration. Gift your talents towards this project.
Scioto Audubon Metro Park Public Art Project
One of the aggressive pursuits that we are commencing is to convene a community discussion about the deployment of public art within the emerging park. It is likely that this will be a multiple year project. Imagine if the near downtown park were to feature several major art works... Perhaps we might create a design competition employing wrecked cars as an art form - giving a nod to the City of Columbus vehicle impound lot that current sits on the parkland. Perhaps we'll encourage partners to incorporate art in the design of pedestrian scale features of the park. Perhaps we will host arts events in the park. The wide open spaces of this park offer a myriad of possibilities. Join us and support this emerging public dialogue and lend your thoughts and energy towards this unique collaborative project between Metro Parks and the arts community.
