Dillon’s new naturalist has a passion for the 2,285-acre state park and lake
NASHPORT – Naturalist Michael Durst arrived at Dillon State Park in February, but already had a passion for the park.
“Dillon is an incredible park,” he said. The 2,285-acre park and attendant lake has “a mind blowing amount of biodiversity” and an abundance of habitats that provide plenty to see and do for any nature lover.
Durst grew up in the Akron area in an outdoorsy family. He fished with his grandfather on Lake Erie and hiked with his parents. In addition, he worked on his father's farm.
College took Durst to Columbus, where he studied science and zoology before moving into evolutionary biology and plant pathology.
Still a lover of the great outdoors, Durst enjoys hiking, fishing and what he calls “general wildlife enjoying.” He lives on a small farm near Lancaster, and he said he does much of what he does at work at home. “I enjoy walking around and seeing what I have on the property, comparing and contrasting between what I see at the park and what I see at home.”
Durst is working on creating a nature center in a building near the Dillion Camp Store. The building once housed a nature center decades ago, Durst said, but it had long fallen out of use. The park has scheduled a number of events throughout the year, including cleanups, nature presentations and the annual Christmas in July and Halloween campout. On Friday, Durst will lead a night hike and and longer spring hike on Sunday. More information is available at the park's Facebook page.
The park has great opportunities for hunting, fishing and boating, Durst said, as well as an archery range. The
mountain bike trails are among the best he has seen in a state park, he said, and there are extensive bridle and hiking trails as well. The adjacent wildlife area offers even more opportunities for outdoor activities.
“Every day that I am here I feel more connected to the place,” he said, “and you really realize what a wonderful place it is.” ccrook@gannett.com
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