FAMILIES WADE IN AND DISCOVER

Event showcases Grand River with local reptiles, raptors and water exploration

Lake Metroparks highlighted a community gem on July 15 with its annual River Jamboree at Hidden Valley Park in Madison Township.

In its tenth year, the River Jamboree focused on the Grand River and organizations committed to protecting it, hence the theme ‘Partners in Conservation’.

Organizations such as the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Lake County Soil and Water Conservation District and Lake Metroparks shared resources and projects that they are working on.

Additionally, this year’s River Jamboree celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Ohio Scenic Rivers program.

Ohio pioneered the river conservation movement when it passed the nation’s first Scenic River Act in February 1968, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of State Parks and Watercraft.

The National Scenic River Act followed in October of the same year, the website said.

Grand River is only one of three rivers in Ohio designated

as Scenic and Wild. This designation is given by the Ohio Scenic Rivers Program, according to Lake Metroparks.

Ohio Assistant Regional Scenic River Manager Matthew Smith said the River Jamboree gets the public more aware about the Grand River and all the wonderful things it has to offer.

It gave visitors an opportunity to explore and learn about the Grand River. Those seeking more of a hands-on adventure took nets out to discover animals in the river.

Lake Metroparks Interpretive Manager Andy Avram, who has been organizing the event since its inception, said this is the biggest year ever.

“The highest registration before this year was 244 and this morning registration was at 468,” Avram said. “This is also the first year that we’ve had a lot of different other organizations come.”

River Jamboree featured live music, informational booths, games and activities.

“I feel this event really showcases how great the Grand River is,” Avram said. “It is one of the most biodiverse rivers in our region

“The highest registration before this year was 244 and this morning registration was at 468. This is also the first year that we’ve had a lot of different other organizations come.” — Lake Metroparks Interpretive Manager Andy Avram

with huge fish, reptile, insect populations and fresh water mussels. So if you can get people to appreciate and love the Grand River, they would want to protect it.”

TAWANA ROBERTS – THE NEW-HERALD Families explore the Grand River at Hidden Valley Park in Madison Township on July 15 for the 10th annual Lake Metroparks River Jamboree.

TAWANA ROBERTS – THE NEW-HERALD Ohio Assistant Regional Scenic River Manager Matthew Smith showcases fish and reptiles July 15 at the 10th annual Lake Metroparks River Jamboree at Hidden Valley Park in Madison Township.

TAWANA ROBERTS– THE NEW-HERALD Lake Metroparks Interpretive Manager Andy Avram and Wildlife Education Manager Marilyn Levand presented Apollo, a bald eagle, July 15 at the 10th annual River Jamboree.