Scouts collect native seeds in Gnadenhutten

Gnadenhutten Boy Scout Troop 429 recently spent time at the Gnadenhutten Nature Center, a nearly 7-acre park located along the edge of the Economic Development and Finance Alliance of Tuscarawas County’s Southern Gateway Business Park along the banks of the Tuscarawas River.

"The Gnadenhutten Nature Center is owned and operated by the EDFA of Tuscarawas County," said Rome Marinelli, co-founder of the Sustainable Wildlife Area Restoration Movement or SWARM, a local nonprofit dedicated to creating and restoring barren and otherwise vacant property into safe, nectar-rich native habitats to conserve and encourage pollinators and wildlife to visit and inhabit the area.

SWARM formed in 2017, but Marinelli and his wife Amy along with a variety of volunteers have been active in revitalizing the nature preserve in Gnadenhutten since 2014.

In 2006 a collaborative effort facilitated by the then Tuscarawas County Port Authority, the United States and Ohio Environmental Protection Agencies, BP, Secor International, the Wildlife Habitat Council, Village of Gnadenhutten, and the Indian Valley Local Schools planted 1,400 native shrubs and trees, as well as a living fence of blackberry and raspberry and more than 5,000 native wildflowers and grasses. Two wood duck boxes, three screech owl boxes and two large bat boxes were erected along the river.

This "living classroom" fell into disrepair when it was no longer used by the school for a variety of reasons.

"It could certainly use more attention than it's getting," Marinelli said of the neglected preserve. "For now we're fortunate for volunteers like these Scouts to get out into the field, help and care for this place."

According to Marinelli, Scouts have been actively involved in helping at the nature center for the last two years, from removing invasive species like garlic mustard in the spring to general care and cleanups. "It's a lot of fun to work with these great youth because they are engaged and interested in conservation work," Marinelli said.

The Scouts originally became involved when Chip Teague, Troop 429 Scoutmaster, was curious as to whom owned the land and was maintaining it. After asking around the village, Teague learned about SWARM and Marinelli's efforts and decided to get his Scouts active in hands-on work that would prove beneficial for SWARM and also for them as young conservationists.

Marinelli coordinated a seed-collection event and invited the Scouts to assist. "We focused on a variety of species: Liatris spicata (dense blazing star), Panicum virgatum (switchgrass), Echinacea purpurea (purple coneflower) and many more available, growing at the center," Marinelli said. "These species were chosen as they are native, fun to harvest and possess great wildlife value."

Marinelli appreciated the extra hands for labor, and he was grateful for the teaching moment it provided. "It was great to teach these Scouts about the value these plants have for supporting native wildlife, from butterfly to deer and turkey habitat," he said. "The seed collected will be incorporated into other areas of the nature center, other habitats we've installed around Tuscarawas County, and be used to develop native seed production plots."

Marinelli said the benefits of incorporating these native seeds into more areas of the Gnadenhutten Nature Center and other habitats are to maximize biodiversity and build a stronger, more resilient habitat.

According to SWARM, there is a decrease in available natural habitats such as meadows, woodlands and wetlands, where pollinators dwell, seek shelter and raise their young. Several factors play a role in habitat loss including logging, increased urbanization and even agriculture.

"As urbanization increases, available native habitats decrease as a result of encroachment," Marinelli said. "We must encourage communities to adopt a harmonious relationship with nature by designing and providing green spaces and gardens for pollinators."

SWARM is always looking for partners, volunteers and community involvement.

"SWARM has a lot of exciting things brewing," Marinelli said. "All we need right now is the support of our community."

Some of SWARM's projects include pollinator-friendly gardens at the Tuscarawas County Center for the Arts, the Dover Fire Department's north-end substation and Canal Dover Park along the riverfront near downtown Dover. In addition the group hosts Pollinator Palooza, native plant sales, and educational opportunities for children and adults.

Gnadenhutten Boy Scout Troop 429 serves the Indian Valley School District including but not limited to the communities of Gnadenhutten, Midvale, Barnhill, Roswell, Port Washington, Tuscarawas, Uhrichsville, Dennison, New Philadelphia and Newcomerstown. Meetings are held every Tuesday from 6:45-8:15 p.m. in the basement of the Gnadenhutten United Methodist Church, 220 N. Walnut St., Gnadenhutten.

Those interested in staying up to date with SWARM projects and happenings can do so through their social media page at Facebook.com/SWARMtogether.