Thegatewaynews.com - Group to share tips on green living

Through this column, the members of Streetsboro's Recreation and Preservation Committee will be sharing information about "green" subjects, including fun, easy ways to incorporate them into daily living, environmental issues that are local in nature, as well as highlighting some of Streetsboro's unique natural resources.

What is a Recreation and Preservation Committee? Formerly known as the Greenspace Committee, it was established several years ago to give advice to City Council pertaining to land preservation and funding opportunities to acquire properties and preserve them for future generations. The committee members are appointed by the Mayor and City Council.

That's the official overview. But who are the people involved and why do they volunteer their time?

The common thread between all of the members is their passion for environmental issues and land preservation -- as well as personal and professional credentials and talent -- that enable them to support the activities of the committee with their expertise.

Harry Stark is a five-year resident who oversees a regional stormwater program in Cuyahoga County, which also stretches into Portage, Summit, and Lorain counties. Harry has helped develop stormwater programs in several large metropolitan areas and is sought as a consultant nationwide. He is a grant writer, whose expertise will be priceless as we start to apply for grants for land acquisition and the development of parks and trails in the city.

Carol Moraco is an environmental enthusiast whose passion extends to zoning issues that prevent natural resources from being destroyed as land is developed. A member of last year's green space committee as well as Citizens for a Better Streetsboro in the past few years, she has contributed to Earth Watch, a quarterly environmental newspaper published in Ohio.

Helen Tremaine Gregory has had a lifelong passion for preserving the environment. Her experience ranges from serving as chair of the Kent Environmental Council to authoring an ecology column for the Record-Courier. She is heavily involved with the Green Campus Committee at Western Reserve Academy where she works.

Dan Dzurinda's greenspace is his own backyard; he and his family have left undeveloped 20 acres of former farm property with a Tinkers Creek tributary running through it. He has seen the slow running creek grow into a raging storm water runoff "river" in the past few years due to unplanned development north of the city. Dan is the coordinator of our ink cartridge recycling program to fund educational projects and costs related to land acquisition by the city.

Dick Rynearson and his wife Tammy truly live "green." They recently protected their beautiful wooded property on Ravenna Road by obtaining a conservation easement for their 21 acres. This enables this picturesque property to remain natural for generations to come by protecting it from development. This was accomplished with the help of Western Reserve Land Conservancy, an essential partner with the city in other land preservation projects and grant applications in the future.

Eileen Fitzsimmons became involved with the city as the president of Hickory Ridge's Homeowners Association for the past three years. Hickory Ridge has more than 50 acres of wetlands and greenspace, adjacent to Wilcox Park. She has actively pursued the city to conserve land surrounding the park and the association property to protect it from the adjacent commercial development.

The group is committed to preserving natural resources around the city. If any resident has suggestions for properties to be preserved for parks or to ensure a natural setting for our children, please contact Carol Moraco at 330-626-3333 or Eileen Fitzsimmons at fitzeileen@gmail.com or Mayor Tom Wagner's office. Interested citizens are encouraged to attend the monthly Recreation and Preservation Committee meeting, the first Tuesday of each month and open to the public.

Are you an avid greenspace, parks, or an environmental enthusiast? Do you live "green" or advocate it? Then you may be interested in our group. We currently need one additional member who wants to join our quest for a better Streetsboro. Contact any of the above individuals with questions or to express an interest.