Latest news with #StarkParks
Yahoo
06-07-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Meet Leslie Bast of Stark Parks. She always knew she wanted to work in the outdoors
Leslie Bast heard a calling early on. 'I grew up in the outdoors and visited many local parks," said Bast, an education naturalist with Stark Parks. "I knew I always wanted to work in the outdoors to help educate and share the wonders nature has to offer. I started working for Stark Parks in July of 2024. Before starting there, I worked in Cuyahoga Valley National Park as a program instructor for three years.' The 26-year-old graduated from Kent State University with a bachelor's degree in environmental studies and a minor in geography. She is engaged to fiancé Keith. 'The day-to-day job duties of a naturalist are never the same," she said. "My roles include planning, organizing and delivering educational programs focusing on the natural, cultural and outdoor recreation opportunities within Stark Parks. Encouraging others to get outdoors and explore the natural world, I strive to help others feel a connection to nature and the parks.' What I love most about it is the opportunity I have to connect with different members of the community every day. In this type of work, I learn as much as I teach. I learn from my fellow naturalists and from the people I interact with daily. I love this job because it keeps me curious and driven to make a difference. I get to dip my toes into all the different areas in the education department, including kayaking, beekeeping, summer camps, bumblebee surveys and many other programs. I enjoy the requested program opportunities we provide a great deal. Having the chance to go into classrooms to speak with students and watch their faces light up when we bring out an animal ambassador to introduce them to and teach them about is truly special. Our new magazine was recently released with my own first public programs included. I will be leading avian adventure hikes once a month, each time held at a different park location. I will also be leading two Towpath Trail bike rides, uncovering canal-era history and stories along the way. I have had the opportunity to train and teach with a lot of our animal ambassadors from the Wildlife Conservation Center. Being able to share my knowledge and educate audiences about the different species is important to me. While I love all animals, I would have to say birds are my absolute favorite to teach about. I have always loved birds, but I became a true birder in 2020, amidst the height of COVID. Spending time outside just watching and listening to birds gives me a sense of calm and happiness I can't find anywhere else. I'm hoping to share this experience during my avian adventure hikes coming up this spring. It has been a long-standing goal of mine to visit all 63 national parks. I have checked off about 20 so far. For my next trip, I would like to head out west on a long road trip and hit all five of Utah's beautiful national parks. Grabbing my camera and taking my dog to a park for birding hikes. And then maybe grabbing an ice cream cone afterwards. Editor's note: Five questions with ... is a Sunday feature that showcases a member of the Stark County community. If you'd like to recommend someone to participate, send an email to newsroom@ This article originally appeared on The Repository: 5 questions with Leslie Bast, education naturalist with Stark Parks
Yahoo
20-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Alliance-area news in brief for June 20
COLUMBIANA WOMEN – Columbiana Women's Club plans a 'Visit to The Gardens at Hippley Village' at noon July 16. Join creator John Hippley to discover the gardens and their role in promoting the art, enjoyment and knowledge of horticulture while exploring The Train Garden, Potting Shed, Watershed, Pick-up Truck Garden, The Ivy House plus the garden surrounding the Tudor building. Park at First Christian Church, 39 Cherry St. in Columbiana, and walk to the venue on Stanton Avenue. RSVP is required at330-482-3198 or S1Bliberty7295@ Tickets are $15 per person with lunch served at noon; or $10 per person for the program only (12:30 p.m. start time). Pay with cash or by check made payable to Columbiana Women's Club. The club is at 121 N. Main. Include the number of tickets/attendees for each program choice when sending in payment. For more information, call 330-482-2832. DEER CREEK FISHING – Stark Parks Rangers bass boat tournament will begin with 6 a.m. registration and fishing from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Deer Creek Reservoir. Participants can be individual or partnered with a five-bass limit of largemouth or smallmouth. Fee is $60 per boat, paid in cash. Weigh-in will be 3 p.m. Proceeds after prizes will go to Stark Parks Ranger Explorer Program. All state and local laws apply. 10-HP limit, electric motors only. Visit for more information. WEST BRANCH – West Branch Local Schools Board of Education plans a regular meeting at 5:30 p.m. June 24 in the high school auditorium, 14277 S. Main St. in Beloit. SEBRING LOCAL – Sebring Local Schools Board of Education plans a special meeting at 7 a.m. June 30 in the district's administrative offices for the purpose of approving fiscal year-end numbers. The board also plans a special meeting at 7:10 a.m. June 30 in the administration office. Purpose of that meeting is hiring a public employee. This article originally appeared on The Alliance Review: Alliance-area news in brief for June 20
