This is a story of my best friend of 40 years. Following a noonday thunderstorm in July of 1973, John's true passion and inspiration for learning and sharing land ethics and ecology was realized. As he walked through the woods that day, John said to me, "Teresa, God told me to do something with His nature." So it became "The Woods" Nature Reserve, a sanctuary for John and his ever-growing family to visit, practice conservation and share in the seasonal wonders. This story also chronicles John's legal battle with the Ohio Department of Transportation who threatened "The Woods" with their US Rt. 33 expansion plans. John's love for wildlife and conservation practices inspired him to serve the residents and landowners of Union County. Thousands of students, throughout Ohio now have a greater appreciation for the land and its resources as a result of In-Pool Wetland and Freshwater studies, Arbor Day events, Master Gardeners for Backyard Wildlife programs and countless hours of educational programming John conducted.
About the Author: A 1970 graduate of Marysville High School, John was employed at Bob Chapman Ford in Marysville from 1971 to 1997 specializing in new vehicle pre-delivery. In 1975, he was the winner of Ford Motor Company's, Great Lakes Region Job-Skilled competition. He served as an elected Supervisor for the Union Soil and Water Conservation District from 1989 to 1992. John was selected as one of twelve Ohio Division of Wildlife/SWCD Wildlife Specialists in 1998, where he passionately served until his passing. He is a life member of the Marysville FFA Alumni Association and a member of the Ohio Tree Farm Committee. John served on the Ohio State University Farm Science Review-Gwynne Conservation Area committee and the Glacier Ridge Metro Park Advisory Group. John loved to read and write. He served as a column writer and Editorial Board member for "The Ohio Woodland Journal." Following a noon day thunderstorm in July of 1973, John's true passion and inspiration for learning and sharing land ethics and ecology was realized...The Woods Nature Reserve was conceived. The Woods became a sanctuary for John and his ever-growing family to visit, practice conservation and share in the seasonal wonders. In 1985, The Woods became Ohio Tree Farm #2174, certified for Timber Stand Improvement efforts. In 1991, John and his family completed a humble 14' by 14' cabin from swamp white oak logs where family Thanksgivings have taken place since. John's pastimes at The Woods included creating, restoring and enjoying wetlands, vernal pools, grasslands, woodlands, a 4-acre pond, shelter house and foot trails with his family. John passionately shared his love for what Aldo Leopold described as "good country" by instructing and encouraging conservation, land ethics and the study of all things in nature for present and future generations. His love for wildlife and enduring habitats, conservation practices, wildlife interests, and wildlife concerns helped him serve the residents and landowners of Union County. Thousands of students, throughout Ohio, now have a greater appreciation for the land and its resources as a result of In-Pool Wetland and Freshwater studies, Arbor Day events, Master Gardeners for Backyard Wildlife programs and countless hours of educational programming John conducted. In the words of many, after his passing, "John has left the world better than he found it."