CLINTON —
County parks may see severe outcomes if the extreme heat persists.
A dry hot summer has created problems for gardeners and farmers as well as park officials.
Eden Valley Nature Center has seen significant problems due to the heat. Fish, turtles, snakes and several other animals live at the center.
“With the high temps, the animals are getting irritated,” Clinton County Conservation Education Coordinator Mark Roberts said. “There is no air in there.”
As the heat continues, the animals could have significant health problems. The board last week discussed getting a central air system for the center, which could take several months to get installed.
“We can go for bids, but we need a quicker solution,” Park Officer Chip Brown said. During the heat wave it can get up to 80 degrees or higher inside the center, according to Roberts. These conditions are not ideal for the animals, nor are they comfortable for visitors.
“This is one of our public areas,” Roberts said. “People meet here. We don't want to make them suffer in the heavy heat.”
A new air system is expected to cost around $5,000, something the board does not have allotted money for. Board Secretary Jeff Beckwith said he would look into getting a condenser for the facility, which would work as a temporary solution until the board has funds to put in the full air system.
The Eco Center was also affected by the heat wave, with more campers choosing to stay home instead of battle the elements.
“It slowed down a bit at the campground the last week with the heat wave,” Executive Director Walt Wickham said.
Food and plant plots have also suffered from the weather, according to Natural Resource Technician Darin Voss.
“The bean food plants have really been stunted and the deer have eaten off much of the food earlier than expected,” Voss said.
Facilities have used more supplies than usual to satisfy the needs of overheated campers. The Eco Center went through about 3,000 pounds of ice over the Fourth of July holiday week.
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A dry hot summer has created problems for gardeners and farmers as well as park officials in Clinton County. Photo courtesy of Metro
Discussion
July 18, 2012
Heat oppresses Clinton County
Heat affects area parks
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