Thompson Ledges Nature Center Ribbon-Cutting

(L TO R) Carmella Shale (Director, Geauga Soil & Water), Christine Davidson (Foundation for Geauga Parks), Lisa Berkheimer (Geauga Soil & Water), Dorothy Battles (Thompson Fire Chief), Mike Kuehn (TL Board), Dan Best (Naturalist), John Matyas (Second Nature Fabricators)

Thompson Ledge Park held a ribbon-cutting to celebrate the completion of its new Nature Center on September 27, 2025. The Nature Center focuses on the park's unique features, history and ecological importance. The Grand Opening event offered food, tours of the Nature and History Centers, a raffle and more.

The Foundation for Geauga Parks assisted the Thompson Ledges Park Commissioners in creating the Dan Best Nature Awareness Fund. Since Thompson Ledges does not receive tax funding, they needed a way to raise funds for future park development (which may include an amphitheater and feeding station), and to preserve the park's ecological integrity.

Known for striking rock formations, deep crevices, bubbling springs, and panoramic views, Thompson Ledges have long been a beloved natural landmark. The Francis Spatz Leighton Trust funded the development of a new indoor Nature and Learning Center, surrounded by themed outdoor features celebrating the forces of nature and human history.

Designed by retired Geauga Park District Naturalist and former Foundation for Geauga Parks Trustee, Dan Best, the interpretive plan includes engaging indoor exhibits—like a 3D diorama of the Sharon Conglomerate rock face—and outdoor panels on geology, ecology, and wildlife. Playful elements like wildlife silhouettes and a black bear sculpture add family-friendly charm.

To honor Dan’s lifelong dedication, the Thompson Ledges Park Commission has created the Dan Best Nature Awareness Fund through the Foundation for Geauga Parks. This permanent fund will help preserve the ecological integrity of Thompson Ledges Park, support its Nature and History Centers, and help bring future projects to life.

Learn more:

• Thompson Ledge Park information

• Thompson Ledge Park Facebook Page

• Donate to the Dan Best Nature Awareness Fund (Thompson Ledges)

Read more about Thompson Ledge Park:

• Thompson Ledges Celebrates Nature Center Opening, Geauga County Maple Leaf, 10/2/2025

• Thompson Ledges Shows Off New, Evolving Improvements, Geauga County Maple Leaf, 7/11/2024

• Veteran Naturalist Continues to Educate, Inspire, Geauga County Maple Leaf, 7/11/2024