Friends support the MetroParks

HURON TWP. — The Friends of Erie MetroParks' mission is to further the goals of Erie MetroParks, provide volunteers, contribute financial assistance and cultivate a positive community attitude towards the parks. Every year, we support the district's Fall Fest by providing 800 pumpkins and volunteers for pumpkin painting for all the kids. Each Saturday, we help at the Roger Johnson Nature Center while the naturalists are having programs. The Friends of Erie MetroParks give thousands of dollars each year to help the staff with extra funds for their programs and activities, such as levy support, Fall Fest, Earth Day Extravaganza, items such as smart board, books/toys for the nature center and much more. If you would like to be a friends member, search "Friends of Erie MetroParks" and join online or send in a check with form. We would love to welcome you to our organization. Many members of the group came together on April 19 at the Friends of Erie MetroParks' 22nd-annual Gathering at the Roger Johnson Nature Center at Osborn MetroPark. Richard Dolbeer, PhD's fantastic speech was "Life on the Wildside: The Importance of Nature in the Modern World." Pictured are Friends of Erie MetroParks board, committee members and volunteers who enjoyed first a homemade lunch with soups, sandwiches and cookies for 100-plus Friends of Erie MetroParks members.