The land stewards of Glen Helen strive to maintain and enhance the natural beauty and biodiversity of the preserve for future generations. Some of their stewardship goals are to preserve habitat and support diverse native wildlife and plant populations, including endangered species. They also plan to protect cultural and historical landmarks such as Orator’s Mound and Grinnell Mill.
My day-to-day experience working alongside the trail crew has been anything but boring, and every day has taught me something new. Each morning starts with the crew meeting at the workshop to prepare for the day, often splitting up to cover different parts of the preserve. During my co-op my role has served as an intern with the trail crew, some of my responsibilities include checking trails for obstructions, removing invasive plant species and assisting other crew members with various tasks. I have learned how to use various pieces of equipment on the job, such as a roller, chainsaw, and skid steer. When my co-op ends, I have been asked to join the trail crew for a part-time summer position.
Glen Helen is making progress on restoring native habitat every day, offering a little piece of heaven in the backyard of Yellow Springs and accessible to those surrounded by sparse trees, agricultural land, and urban development. I grew up in the middle of soybean fields just outside the village, and Glen Helen has always been my favorite part of Yellow Springs. I think it is important for current and future generations to be able to experience species native to Ohio and witness the results of land stewardship in real time.
This spring and summer, the trail crew has worked on several projects. One major project which will make visiting and viewing the yellow spring more comfortable and accessible, a ramp and viewing platform that will overlook the spring. It can be accessed from the parking lot on State Route 343, with a short and mostly even trail down to the overlook.
This spring was my first co-op as an Antiochian, and it has gone better than I could have imagined. I grew up just outside of Yellow Springs and spent a lot of time on the preserve as a kid. It has been incredible opportunity to work there and greet new and familiar faces. One of my goals was to document as many native species as possible, from plants, fungi, birds and arthropods. During my co-op I saw many species for the first time, and expanded my identification skills in the field.
