The Darke County Parks District would like to thank the Rotary Club of Greenville for generously awarding them a grant to upgrade their turtle and snake enclosures in order to provide a healthier environment for their animal ambassadors. The grant funds purchased specialized ambient heat lamps and a year supply of bulbs for those lamps as well as a scale to help monitor the animals’ weight. Because reptiles are not able to regulate their own body temperature, they have to rely on external sources for their heat. The new lamps not only provide the heat that these turtles need but will also provide vitamins A and D which helps them to avoid illness and disease. These healthy animal ambassadors will inspire the stewards of tomorrow to study, appreciate, and protect these fascinating features of the ecosystem. 

Did you know? Because caretakers are not able to duplicate hibernation conditions in captivity, the enclosures must maintain a summer-like environment all year long, somewhere between 85-88 degrees.

The Darke County Park District would like to thank Greenville National Bank for their continued support of the Tecumseh Trail. Recently representatives from the Darke County Park District and the Friends of Darke County Parks Phoenix Bicycle Committee met with Kent A. James, President & Chief Executive Officer of Greenville National Bank to receive the second year of a four year commitment.  These funds will assist in the continued construction of the trail which connects the eastern half of the county to the City of Greenville.

James said, “Greenville National Bank is glad to continue its support of the Tecumseh Trail multi-purpose paved trail construction with this contribution to Phase VI.  We look forward to seeing the extension through Greenville.  Riders and walkers will be able to go from the western edge of Greenville all the way to Bradford in Miami County on a safe, automobile free, route when Phase VI is complete. The Darke County Park District has provided a valuable asset to our communities and the eventual completion of the trail from western Greenville to Union City, Indiana will be of further benefit. All the individuals who have been involved with this project deserve big congratulations.”

There are signs in place along the Tecumseh Trail thanking major project donors such as Greenville National Bank.

Photo Caption: Pictured left to right are: Wayne Fisher, President of the Friends’ Phoenix Bicycle Committee; Kent A. James, President & Chief Executive Officer of Greenville National Bank; and Roger Van Frank, Director of the Darke County Park District.