Friends Caring for Cowan Lake
- 3 minutes ago
- 2 min read
"We've been in business for 10 years, We're doing our largest project, so we are growing... We have good people, good teams," stated Wade Hall, President of Friends Caring for Cowan Lake, a nonprofit founded to support Cowan Lake State Park. The state park, located at 1750 Osborn Road, needed additional support in 2016 when the state reduced its budget. Wade was inspired and created a group to provide enhancements.
Wade grew up locally, attending Clinton Massie Local School District. He attended the University of Cincinnati, became an electrical engineer, and recently retired. In addition to Friends Caring for Cowan Lake, Wade is also the president of Friends of Clarksville, another local nonprofit.
In 2016, Wade took a course called, Ohio Certified Volunteer Naturalist, and became involved with Caesar Creek State Park, despite Cowan Lake being his "home lake." Inspired by the course and the state budget cuts, Wade set up a 501(c)(3) nonprofit to support Cowan Lake. The group's official mission is to preserve and enhance the natural resources of Cowan Lake State Park. The group has 13 board members and five executive positions.
Friends Caring for Cowan Lake's first project was a raptor flight center for injured birds. They also renovated the original nature center and converted the building next door into a nature center classroom. Wade shared that their biggest project began this year. The organization put in an ADA-compliant kayak launch on the campground beach and hope to add a handicap parking lot near the launch.
In addition to those projects, they recently fixed a bridge that was taken out by a beaver dam. The group also put in 28 holes of disc golf in the park, 19 professional holes and nine more relaxed holes. Wade shared that the group's projects are mostly funded by grants and donations.
Friends Caring for Cowan Lake also hosts events like maple syrup workshops, youth trout fishing, family fishing days, and the American Lotus Festival. Wade shared that with both projects and events, the group works closely with the park manager and naturalist. They also work with the Boy Scouts, local schools and churches, and individuals who are interested in nature and community service.
For the 250th anniversary of America, they are converting the current Treetop Trail into the Trail of Heroes. The trail will have eight signs highlighting local heroes from different services on each sign. Individuals will be able to submit veterans via form for the spots.
The group's meetings are held on the first Tuesday of each month at 6pm. Learn more at fb.com/friendscaringforcowanlake/.
