Metroparks Toledo has been selected as the 2021 Outstanding Cooperator of the Year by the Lucas Soil and Water Conservation District.
The park district was recognized November 3, at the LSWCD annual meeting, held at Glass City Metropark pavilion.
Metroparks partnered with the LSWCD and Toledo Spirits on a unique project this past summer, planting and harvesting heritage red corn for whiskey production, explained Jessica Grisier, administrative assistant.
“In May, the seeds were planted on 2.5 acres at Blue Creek conservation area in Whitehouse,” she said.
“The corn was dried by the Blue Creek seed production team and ground at the Providence Metropark mill before going into whiskey distillery.”
Metroparks also installed 4,000 feet of two-stage ditch on Mosquito Creek, rehabilitating the receiving wetlands before it disburses into Blue Creek.
“The project was a partnership with the University of Toledo,” Ms. Grisier said.
In addition, Metroparks has permitted the LSWCD to run a demonstration farm at Blue Creek for best management practices including conservation tillage, cover crops, diverse crop rotation and nutrient management.
Other recipients of awards were Michael Dick, Maumee Gateway Middle School science teacher, outstanding conservation educator of the year, and Ethan Jessing, STEM educator at Perrysburg Hull Prairie Intermediate School, outstanding student teacher award.
