Foundation celebrates 35 years of conservation, park enhancement and nature education in Geauga County
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
Updated: 20 hours ago
On June 12, 2026, the Foundation for Geauga Parks celebrated its 35th anniversary with a reception at Veterans Legacy Woods for the people who have lead and developed the organization. The evening was filled with so many meaningful moments — reconnecting with current and former trustees, honoring those who helped build the Foundation, celebrating our programs and scholarship recipients, enjoying the music, food, and displays, and looking ahead to the future of the Foundation’s work.
The reception featured:
music from The Hickory Rockers, including a new song written by Steve Szilagyi just for the occasion - view on YouTube: https://youtu.be/LkSw5F5VMQ4
a video retrospective created by GoodCity concepts
an interactive timeline of the Foundation's work
delicious food and drinks
a visit by the animal ambassadors of the James H. Barrow Biological Field Station
star gazing with Marty Mullett from the Chagrin Valley Astronomical Society
GPD naturalist Nora Sindelar and two recent Nature Scopes graduates
two of this year’s Conservation Scholarship awardees
LEGACY HONORS
Several people were honored for significant contributions to Geauga natural spaces.
Jim & Nancy Patterson and John & Pat Leech were honored for their work to support conservation, nature education and park development and enhancement in Geauga County. Bill Ginn was post-humously honored as well with the William D. Ginn Conservation Scholarship in his name. The $2500 scholarship will be awarded to one Geauga County high school senior each year who will pursue nature and environmental-related studies post graduation.
Learn more about each of our honorees in the tributes given at the event:
Foundation for Geauga Parks Impact:
Total revenue raised: $10+ million
Total funding awarded: $6+ million
Students served through NatureScopes: 14,300+
Students reaching parks through transportation grants: 18,000+
Youth served through outdoor adventure camp: 1700
Geauga Skywatchers program participants: 1200
Conservation scholarships awarded: 28
PHOTO GALLERY
click on the arrows to see each photo or double click a photo to see it full size and to download
THANK YOU
With gratitude, we recognize the generous donors whose contributions helped make tonight’s celebration memorable.
Liz Basich
Stephen Burks, GoodCity Concepts
Sylvia Debick, Best Food Friend
Ian Cooper & Marty Mullet, Chagrin Valley Astronomical Society
Casey Forbes & Signe Wrolstad-Forbes
Giant Eagle | Market District
Engelina Koberna, In the Bubble Productions
Lindsey Lawrence, Lindsey Ceylon + Marketing Design
Mazzulo's Market
Mark Sarlson and Katherine Graham-Sarlson
Nora Sindelar, Geauga Park District
Sweet Treats by Jen
The Hickory Rockers
Trifles Catering
Thank you to Engelina Koberna and the event volunteers who created this celebration, to Trustees former and current, and to Foundation staff who made this celebration memorable.
JOIN US - BECOME A MEMBER TODAY!
For 35 years, the Foundation for Geauga Parks has helped people connect with nature across Geauga County.
Now, you’re invited to be part of something more.
The new Foundation for Geauga Parks Membership Program offers exclusive small-group experiences for people seeking a deeper connection to nature — and a community of fellow nature lovers.
Enjoy expert-led hikes, behind-the-scenes excursions, wellness experiences, interactive workshops, and educational programs designed to be personal, immersive, and inspiring.
Join today and discover nature in a whole new way. Makes a perfect gift for the nature lover in your life!
