Holzapfel Preserve added to Darke County Park District

Pictured (left-to-right) are Park Board Members, Roger Brocious, John Cook, Director Roger Van Frank, Elaine Holzapfel, Bob Nelson and Park board Member Tina White during the acceptance and sign unveiling during the Park District Board of Trustees meeting in December 2018.

Darke County Parks recently was gifted a 2-acre parcel of land by Ms. Elaine Holzapfel. Ms. Holzapfel has created and worked on this tract of land for well over 10 years creating an arboretum, a botanical collection composed exclusively of trees, in anticipation of this gift. “I have thought about this preserve for several years now and have worked to have an arboretum-type of plot in the middle of Greenville for all to enjoy. “Ms. Holzapfel stated. This gift of land will be used for educational purposes with an emphasis for the local Greenville School District as a hands-on example for the stewards of tomorrow. “The District hopes to add tree identification placards and to offer tree identification classes for the public and students in the future” states Chief Naturalist Robb Clifford. The Holzapfel Preserve will open this summer, once a small parking lot is able to be constructed off of Meadow Lane. Park District Director, Roger M. Van Frank explains “Gifts of this nature are what make up the majority of Darke County Parks. This will make the thirteenth park in our District which range from 122 acres to 2 acres. Each park has its own unique meaning to the County Park System and to the park visitors using those areas. We are fortunate to have gifts such as the Holzapfel Preserve given to the District. Thank You Elaine!”

If you would like further information on this or any other upcoming programming, please contact the Darke County Parks at 937-548-0165 or online at darkecountyparks.org.