FREDERICKTOWN — Ackerman Nature Preserve just got $150,000 for enhancements via the capital bill recently passed by the state legislature.
Ohio Sen. Andrew Brenner and Ohio Rep. Beth Lear were both instrumental in the Ackerman Nature Preserve receiving $150,000.
The capital bill, formally called House Bill 2, features $3.5 billion in the capital budget and $700 million in the One-Time Strategic Community Investment Fund.
Ackerman Nature Preserve’s Kathy Daniels, alongside Fredericktown Recreation District executive director Jim Blanchard, spoke with Brenner and Lear in April about what their vision was for Ackerman Nature Preserve’s development.
Ackerman Nature Preserve story
The money will be used to complete the walking path around the wetland area, Daniels said. A portion of it will be used on the raised walk path over the wetland. Previously, Eagle Scout A.J. Broerman completed on April 27 with the help of 22 volunteers in the wooded area of the preserve. A pollinator garden project was also completed June 29 by Drew Dumbaugh.
Alongside donations, grants and local fundraisers, Ackerman Nature Preserve team has raised around $375,000 to 400,000.
Daniels estimates there have been 1,200 volunteer hours put into the preserve, with Kokosing Construction volunteers helping along the way.
Daniels said the goal of the Ackerman Nature Preserve is bringing people out in nature and enjoying Fredericktown’s amities.
“Looked at this project as a three-legged stool — recreation, tourism and education,” Daniels said.