Jill's Blog

If you have been to our park in the past few years, you may have noticed that we discourage bringing firewood from home into our park. This is because of the Don't Move Firewood campaign that has swept the nation in hopes of stopping the infestation of tree-killing pests. There are numerous different pests and insects that have been killing trees across the country and it can be attributed to moving wood from different areas for camping, hiking, or hunting trips. According to the campaign website, "New infestations destroy our forests, property values, and cost huge sums of money to control." The website also gives these 4 helpful tips:

• Buy firewood near where you will burn it- that means the wood was cut within 50 miles of where you'll have your fire.
• Wood that looks clean and healthy can still have tiny insect eggs, or microscopic fungi spores, that will start a new and deadly infestation. Always leave it at home, even if you think the firewood looks fine.
• Aged or seasoned wood is still not safe. Just because it is dry doesn't mean that bugs can't crawl onto it!
• Spread the word and tell your friends not to bring wood with them- everyone needs to know that they should not move firewood.

Whether you are camping at our park, or any other park around the country, remember that moving firewood could potentially ruin forests and your favorite camping spots! So if you want to have a fire, remember to buy it where you burn it!

 www.dontmovefirewood.org 

Meet our new Assistant Activity Director Sharon Beaumont!   Sharon brings a fresh perspective and incredible enthusiasm for outdoor sports and recreation.  She is eager to introduce new activities including weekly hayrides, boot camp and more!  Not only is Sharon overseeing our extensive activity program, but she is also responsible for supervising the Recreation Lodge.  Wearing both hats will prove to be a challenge, but if anyone can handle it, it's Sharon.  Welcome to the team!