Disabled people now have better access to the shelter and fishing pond at Miller Conservation Farm.
Through a $38,000 Community Development Block Grant, Seneca Soil and Water Conservation District, which owns the farm, has added a walkway that meets Americans with Disabilities Act criteria.
"The new paving is done," said Danielle Vent, SWCD wildlife specialist. "We paved down the hill and the new ADA walkway is complete. Everything is smoothed out and reseeded."
Article Photos
PHOTO BY VICKI JOHNSON
A paved path zigzags down a slope at Miller Conservation Farm after changes were made so the farm meets Americans with Disabilities Act requirements.
A road that extends down a hill from the paved parking lot to a fishing pond, as well as the area around the shelter house, have been paved.
The road, which was stone, was graded to make it easier for people in wheelchairs, parents pushing strollers and people who otherwise need help traversing the hill to use the fishing pond or walk the trail.
Another paved path was added from the parking lot to the shelter and down the grade to join the road.
Next spring, Vent said SWCD and volunteers will put in a new garden area and do some landscaping.
This summer, the parking lot was paved using a $12,276 NatureWorks grant after construction was completed on a new building. The building is to be used for shelter during fall and winter hunts and other activities, as well as to store maintenance equipment.
Vent said the district is working to put heat in new building.
The first hunt of the year is to be the 13th annual handicapped hunt during the statewide deer gun season Nov. 28-Dec 3. With the assistance of Vent and volunteers from Tiffin-Seneca Izaak Walton League, disabled hunters are transported by volunteers. Applications are being accepted from hunters with disabilities for the hunt until Thursday.
SWCD also is sponsoring a lottery drawing for hunts during muzzleloader season Jan. 7-10. The lottery is open to any county resident with a legal hunting license. One person is to be drawn for each day. Winners will be given a permission slip to hunt the farm along with one other licensed hunter of their choice. Applications must be received in the office by Dec. 19 and winner will be notified by Dec. 21.
Also this winter, SWCD and Seneca County Pheasants Forever plan to host a youth rabbit hunt at the farm near the end of January. More details will be available in December.
For hunt applications, stop at the SWCD office, 3140 S. SR 100, Suite D.
For more information, contact Vent at (419) 447-7073.
