Introduction and History
Glen Helen Nature Ecology Center is a 1,000 acre preserve located in Yellow Springs, Ohio. Hugh Taylor Birch donated the land to Antioch College in the memory of his daughter, Helen in 1929. Since then, Glen Helen has served the community of Yellow Springs as a sanctuary for nearly 97 species.
Evidence of human inhabitants dates back to 6,000 to 3,000 BC, as two Paleo Indian skeletons were discovered on the site in 1924. The Hopewell Indians also lived here from 100 BC to 400 AD and the mound they build exists at the Glen to this day. The Miami Indians also used this area from 1700 to 1760, until the Shawnee Indians drove them out in 1763. In 1804, Lewis Davis became Yellow Springs first white settler as he purchased land from John Cleve Symmes. He built a tavern at the spring and was the first to promote the springs as having "curative effects". The land changes hands several more times throughout the 1800's to 1920. The legend of the springs' healing powers originated as an Indian legend, and in turn white settlers come from all over to experience Yellow Springs. Along with the Indian legend of healing waters, comes a curse that any structure built near the springs would never survive. Oddly enough, the legend holds true to this day as several structures have burnt to the ground over the years. Visitors still flock to Glen Helen to experience the beauty of Yellow Springs. According to Project Manager Ann Simonson, many visitors believe the Indian legend of the water's magical power to this day.
Glen Helen has several historical sites of interest, including the Hopewell mound mentioned above.
Birch House, which was built in 1929 as Hugh Taylor Birch's summer home, can be rented for weddings and other events.
Grinnell Mill was built in 1820 and still exists on the property.
Evidence of human inhabitants dates back to 6,000 to 3,000 BC, as two Paleo Indian skeletons were discovered on the site in 1924. The Hopewell Indians also lived here from 100 BC to 400 AD and the mound they build exists at the Glen to this day. The Miami Indians also used this area from 1700 to 1760, until the Shawnee Indians drove them out in 1763. In 1804, Lewis Davis became Yellow Springs first white settler as he purchased land from John Cleve Symmes. He built a tavern at the spring and was the first to promote the springs as having "curative effects". The land changes hands several more times throughout the 1800's to 1920. The legend of the springs' healing powers originated as an Indian legend, and in turn white settlers come from all over to experience Yellow Springs. Along with the Indian legend of healing waters, comes a curse that any structure built near the springs would never survive. Oddly enough, the legend holds true to this day as several structures have burnt to the ground over the years. Visitors still flock to Glen Helen to experience the beauty of Yellow Springs. According to Project Manager Ann Simonson, many visitors believe the Indian legend of the water's magical power to this day.
Glen Helen has several historical sites of interest, including the Hopewell mound mentioned above.
Birch House, which was built in 1929 as Hugh Taylor Birch's summer home, can be rented for weddings and other events.
Grinnell Mill was built in 1820 and still exists on the property.
Mission
"The Glen Helen Ecology Institute exists to protect the Glen for present and future generations by encouraging in land stewardship, education, community outreach and service, and research."
Visiting the Glen
The park is open daily from dawn to dusk.
The main entrance is located at 405 Corry Street in Yellow Springs, Ohio
Parking is $2.00 for non-members. Members park free
Click here for a map of the park.
Visiting the Glen
The park is open daily from dawn to dusk.
The main entrance is located at 405 Corry Street in Yellow Springs, Ohio
Parking is $2.00 for non-members. Members park free
Click here for a map of the park.
Art at the Glen
Watercolor by Leonard Williams, Broken Antler Studio
Art has an important place at Glen Helen and is also a source of revenue for the organization. Artwork is featured prominently in the Gallery and featured artists are chosen for their work in naturalist and conservation themes.
Each year, Glen Helen hosts a calendar contest featuring the photographs of the natural beauty of the park.
Glen Helen also hosts an annual event called Nature Arts & Crafts Show. This annual art show featuring 26 artists will celebrate its 30th anniversary in November of 2011.
Each year, Glen Helen hosts a calendar contest featuring the photographs of the natural beauty of the park.
Glen Helen also hosts an annual event called Nature Arts & Crafts Show. This annual art show featuring 26 artists will celebrate its 30th anniversary in November of 2011.
Raptor Center
In 1970, The Raptor Center at Glen Helen began as a way to rehabilitate injured birds of prey and also serve as an education center. Visitors can see fifteen different species on display, including hawks, owls, falcons, vultures and a bald eagle.
It is located on the eastern side of the park at 1075 Route 343 in Yellow Springs, Ohio.
The Raptor Center is open from 9am to 5pm in the winter, 9am to 6pm in the spring and fall, and 9am to 7pm in the summer.
It is located on the eastern side of the park at 1075 Route 343 in Yellow Springs, Ohio.
The Raptor Center is open from 9am to 5pm in the winter, 9am to 6pm in the spring and fall, and 9am to 7pm in the summer.
Cultural Connections
Glen Helen and Antioch College co-exist with each other as an educational center as well as a center for preservation and ecological conservation. Each year, ten naturalists conduct research at the park and write papers in order to educate the public. This year, Audubon Magazine is coming to film a green wedding at Birch House. Glen Helen flourishes due to strong public support of the residents of Yellow Springs.
Each year, Glen Helen hosts a summer camp called Ecocamp for children age five to fourteen. At the camp, children learn about animals and their habitats, ecology and conservation.
Each year, Glen Helen hosts a summer camp called Ecocamp for children age five to fourteen. At the camp, children learn about animals and their habitats, ecology and conservation.
Challenges and the Future
The biggest challenge facing Glen Helen dating back to 1920 is the threat of development. Over time, developers have tried to build an amusement park on the site, neighborhoods surrounding the park, a highway by-pass, a sewer system, and a flood-dam. The residents of Yellow Springs feel very strongly about protecting the park. Right now, Glen Helen and Antioch College are working hard to protect the land from outside developers and from hydraulic fracturing otherwise known as "fracking". They purchase surrounding land as soon as it becomes available. Glen Helen in conjunction with Antioch College and the Tecumseh Land Trust just recently took steps to create a Conservation Easement Protection, further protecting the park from development.
Glen Helen's office is currently going through a rehabilitation and addition building phase. In keeping with their commitment to conservation, they are implementing energy saving windows as well as a geothermal heating and cooling system.
Glen Helen's office is currently going through a rehabilitation and addition building phase. In keeping with their commitment to conservation, they are implementing energy saving windows as well as a geothermal heating and cooling system.
Staff
George Bieri, Land Manager
Nick Boutis, Executive Director
Brooke Bryan, Project Manager
Niki Crumnine, Food Service Manager
Les Groby, Housekeeper
Rebecca Jaramillo, Assistant Director, Outdoor Education Center
Beth Krisko, Director, Outdoor Education Center
Betty Ross, Director Raptor Center
Ann Marie Simonson, Project Manager
Shahkar Strolger, Property Manager
Ann Shaw, Business Manager
Whitney Till, Assistant Business Manager, Outdoor Education Center
Nick Boutis, Executive Director
Brooke Bryan, Project Manager
Niki Crumnine, Food Service Manager
Les Groby, Housekeeper
Rebecca Jaramillo, Assistant Director, Outdoor Education Center
Beth Krisko, Director, Outdoor Education Center
Betty Ross, Director Raptor Center
Ann Marie Simonson, Project Manager
Shahkar Strolger, Property Manager
Ann Shaw, Business Manager
Whitney Till, Assistant Business Manager, Outdoor Education Center
The Beauty of Glen Helen
Special thanks to Glen Helen Project Manager Ann Simonson, for her time and the information she supplied in order for me to complete this project.