CHAGRIN FALLS PARK HISTORICAL SOCIETY INC

ATHENS, OH

Midstory Thinning Scientists vertically divide forests into 3 layers: the understory, midstory, and overstory. The understory is the layer near the ground. The midstory is the layer above the understory but below the overstory. The overstory is the top layer of the forest, where the canopies of the tallest trees are. Historically, the midstory layers in southeast Ohio’s forests were often open and only sparsely filled with small trees. An open midstory helps let more sunlight reach the understory, where young oak seedlings and saplings are growing. Sunlight reaching the understory is key for the continued existence of oak ecosystems, as young oak seedling and saplings need sunlight to develop, grow, and survive. This secures the next generation of oak trees that will ultimately replace the current generation. Over the past several decades, the midstories of many southeastern Ohio forests have become very dense and filled with shade-tolerant trees, such as red maples and American beeches. This development has shaded out young oak trees, putting the future of our oak ecosystems at risk. This is where midstory thinning comes in! Land stewards will fell certain small trees in specific areas of a forest. Stewards won’t fell all the trees in the midstory, but rather focus on the shade-tolerant species like red maples and American beech which are crowding out sun-loving trees like oaks. These downed trees will then lay on the forest floor and begin decomposing, returning important nutrients and carbon back into the soil. In the coming years, this area will also be prescribed burned, which will speed up the decomposition process of the downed trees. Midstory thinning is just one of the tools in the proverbial toolbox that land stewards can use to restore and sustain southeast Ohio’s oak ecosystems, keeping them healthy, resilient, and ready for the future! Forest Service photo by Kyle Brooks
Midstory Thinning Credit: Wayne National Forest

Chagrin Falls Park Historical Society Inc is a non-profit organization based in Athens, OH that is dedicated to preserving and promoting the history of Chagrin Falls Park. The society was established in 1972 and has been actively involved in collecting, preserving, and displaying historical artifacts related to the park and its surrounding areas.

The society operates a historical museum and research center that features exhibits on the history of Chagrin Falls Park, including its development as a summer resort area and its transformation into a residential community. The museum also houses a collection of photographs, documents, and artifacts related to the park's history.

In addition to its museum and research center, the Chagrin Falls Park Historical Society Inc also sponsors educational programs and events that are designed to promote an understanding and appreciation of the park's history. These programs include lectures, tours, and community events, which are open to the public.

The society is run by a dedicated group of volunteers who are committed to preserving the legacy of Chagrin Falls Park for future generations. The organization is funded through donations and membership fees, and relies heavily on the support of the local community to continue its work.

CHAGRIN FALLS PARK HISTORICAL SOCIETY INC is a Arboretums, Botanical Gardens, & Nature Center in ATHENS OH. US MID #8403901336

The museum is classed as BOT (Arboretums, Botanical Gardens, & Nature Centers). It comes under American Alliance of Museums (AAM) region: Midwest (Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio, Wisconsin).

Midstory Thinning Scientists vertically divide forests into 3 layers: the understory, midstory, and overstory. The understory is the layer near the ground. The midstory is the layer above the understory but below the overstory. The overstory is the top layer of the forest, where the canopies of the tallest trees are. Historically, the midstory layers in southeast Ohio’s forests were often open and only sparsely filled with small trees. An open midstory helps let more sunlight reach the understory, where young oak seedlings and saplings are growing. Sunlight reaching the understory is key for the continued existence of oak ecosystems, as young oak seedling and saplings need sunlight to develop, grow, and survive. This secures the next generation of oak trees that will ultimately replace the current generation. Over the past several decades, the midstories of many southeastern Ohio forests have become very dense and filled with shade-tolerant trees, such as red maples and American beeches. This development has shaded out young oak trees, putting the future of our oak ecosystems at risk. This is where midstory thinning comes in! Land stewards will fell certain small trees in specific areas of a forest. Stewards won’t fell all the trees in the midstory, but rather focus on the shade-tolerant species like red maples and American beech which are crowding out sun-loving trees like oaks. These downed trees will then lay on the forest floor and begin decomposing, returning important nutrients and carbon back into the soil. In the coming years, this area will also be prescribed burned, which will speed up the decomposition process of the downed trees. Midstory thinning is just one of the tools in the proverbial toolbox that land stewards can use to restore and sustain southeast Ohio’s oak ecosystems, keeping them healthy, resilient, and ready for the future! Forest Service photo by Kyle Brooks
Swamp Alongside Ora E. Anderson Trail A swamp that the Ora E. Anderson Trail passes by. Swamps are a type of wetland dominated by trees. Forest Service photo by Kyle Brooks.
Tipple Top Trail The Tipple Top Trail is part of the Baileys Trail System. This 4 mile trail is optimized for mountain biking, but is also open to walking, hiking, and trail running. Forest Service photo by Kyle Brooks.
Hocking River The Hocking River is one of the main rivers that flows through the Wayne National Forest. It cuts through the Athens Unit of the Athens Ranger District. Forest Service photo by Kyle Brooks.
Exploring the Ora E. Anderson Nature Trail The 0.5 mile Ora E. Anderson Nature Trail passes by the Rutherford Wetland. Visitors can expect to see wetland wildlife like waterfowl and turtles, as well as forest dwelling species. Forest Service photo by Kyle Brooks.
Sunrise in the Wayne National Forest A view of the rising sun through the forest. Forest Service photo by Kyle Brooks.
Upstream Rock Run A view of the Upstream Rock Run Coal Mine Remediation Site. Prior to reclamation efforts in the early 2000s, this hollow was the site of an abandoned coal mine with many environmental issues, such as acid mine drainage. A reclamation project mitigated the acid mine drainage, recontoured the land, created a pond, and created a native prairie planting. Photo by the Forest Service.
Payne Cemetery The historic Black community of Paynes Crossing lies in the northwest corner of the Athens Ranger District. The free Black founders of Paynes Crossing discovered economic security in the forested hills of Appalachia Ohio, and they acquired considerable amounts of land and wealth for the time and place. Many of the Black residents of Paynes Crossing were farmers, while others were coopers and miners, and at least one resident was a pharmacist. The residents were also heavily involved in the Underground Railroad, helping self-liberated Black Americans safely move north as they escaped enslavement in the south. Later during the Civil War, several residents enlisted in the Ohio regiments of the U.S. Colored Troops to fight for the Union and a cause which ultimately led to the abolition of enslavement in the United States. All of the men survived the war and returned home to Paynes Crossing and their families in 1865. The only obvious remnant of the community today is Payne Cemetery, which sits on a ridgetop adjacent to State Route 595 and is now part of the Wayne National Forest. The cemetery is a quiet reminder of the Black history that can be found in the hills of Ohio. Photo by the Forest Service.
Payne Cemetery The historic Black community of Paynes Crossing lies in the northwest corner of the Athens Ranger District. The free Black founders of Paynes Crossing discovered economic security in the forested hills of Appalachia Ohio, and they acquired considerable amounts of land and wealth for the time and place. Many of the Black residents of Paynes Crossing were farmers, while others were coopers and miners, and at least one resident was a pharmacist. The residents were also heavily involved in the Underground Railroad, helping self-liberated Black Americans safely move north as they escaped enslavement in the south. Later during the Civil War, several residents enlisted in the Ohio regiments of the U.S. Colored Troops to fight for the Union and a cause which ultimately led to the abolition of enslavement in the United States. All of the men survived the war and returned home to Paynes Crossing and their families in 1865. The only obvious remnant of the community today is Payne Cemetery, which sits on a ridgetop adjacent to State Route 595 and is now part of the Wayne National Forest. The cemetery is a quiet reminder of the Black history that can be found in the hills of Ohio. Photo by the Forest Service.
Burr Oak Cove Campground Burr Oak Cove Campground is a small densely wooded campground on the northwest tip of Burr Oak Reservoir in Athens County. The campground has 19 camping units, including walk-in sites which offer additional seclusion to the camper looking for solitude. Forest Service photo by Gary Chancey.
Burr Oak Cove Campground Burr Oak Cove Campground is a small densely wooded campground on the northwest tip of Burr Oak Reservoir in Athens County. The campground has 19 camping units, including walk-in sites which offer additional seclusion to the camper looking for solitude. Forest Service photo.
Wayne National Forest Headquarters & Athens Ranger District Office The Wayne National Forest Headquarters and Athens Ranger District Office holds Forest Service staff and has a visitor center. Forest Service photo by Gary Chancey.

Contact CHAGRIN FALLS PARK HISTORICAL SOCIETY INC

CHAGRIN FALLS PARK HISTORICAL SOCIETY INC
PO BOX 5525
ATHENS
OH
45701

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CHAGRIN FALLS PARK HISTORICAL SOCIETY INC Information

MID # 8403901336
Name CHAGRIN FALLS PARK HISTORICAL SOCIETY INC
Alternate Name
Classification Arboretums, Botanical Gardens, & Nature Centers, , Midwest
Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) 460968526
NTEECC
Tax period of the latest return filed (YYYYMM)
INCOME 0
REVENUE 0
LAT/LONG 39.322982, -82.097335
CODES FIPS State Code: 39
FIPS County Code: 009
US Census Tract: 973901
US Census Block: 1011