Until we meet again!   Thanks to so many who have enriched my life.  I will hold this summer memories close to my heart. From Rangers Pam, Heather, and Phil; fellow Teacher Ranger Teachers Ken, Shannon, and Chuck; then Cuyahoga Valley Environmental Education Center staff Stacey, Emily, Mike, and Connie; teaching interns Katie, Josh, and Chris; plus summer counselors Seth, Tory, Anastasia, and Rudy I thank you for your help, support, and friendship.  It is people like you who share nature with children that plant the seeds of future stewards of the earth.

Throughout the summer, I have invited everyone to share CVNP with me.  Many thanks to friends:  Sara Gardner, Barb Komoff, Gloria Alden, Natalie Harr, Patty Timbrook, Lee Dean, and Teresa Skully who met me for lunch and a hike.  Also, my family, Nick, Lauren, and Ally who agreed to ride the train to help me experience all aspects of CVNP.

My last day as TRT was spent at Day Camp at Happy Days Lodge.  Ranger Phil and I helped the summer  and teaching interns to wrap up a fun environmental education week for over 60 campers ranging from 7 to 12. This was quite a contrast to the city kids who were afraid to go into the woods in June.  We had many experienced campers.  Some were decked out in vests, walking sticks, binoculars, head lamps, compasses, hiking boots, backpacks and water bottles, of course! We hiked to the Overlook via the Ledges Trail while exploring secret caves and crevices.  It was an awesome ending for a fantastic summer experience!

Can this be a juvenile Cormorant?  We got so close to this large water bird while Ranger Shannon gave me a kayaking lesson.  Northeast Ohio is so fortunate to have both the Cleveland Metroparks and Summit County Metroparks sharing the Cuyahoga Valley.  Kayaks, stand up paddle boards, and paddle boats can be rented at Hinckley Lake. Thanks Shannon, one of many memories to keep close to my heart.