Look for these oddly-shaped spiders with a large rear and spiny black
projections as you walk through the woods this time of year. .
They build their large orb webs, with a tight spiral, "face
high" across walking paths.
The spiders are harmless to humans and you could practice
your limbo skills as you try to avoid destroying their webs.
Preservation Parks wouldn't be where it
is without our cadre of dedicated volunteers. Occasionally, we honor one of
the volunteers with our thanks and a chance to tell us a little about him-
or herself.
Name: Dave Orndorf Resides In: Sunbury, Ohio Family: Wife, Heidi; children, Brad & Kelly; grandchildren Grant,
Julia, James, & Madison
Originally from: Columbus Occupation: Retired from Mead Paper Company
Q. What is your favorite Preservation
Park? A. Big Run Preserve (opening to public
tentatively in 2012) because of the great scenery, the gorges and the vernal
pool.
Q.
What’s your favorite spot in the park? A.
A hill overlooking the gorge.
Q.
Why did you get involved with the park district? A.
I like to see wild areas protected from development. The parks provide
places for youngsters to see and learn about nature in action on a practical
level.
Q.
What do you do for fun? A.
My special interests include hunting, fishing and collecting Native American
artifacts.
Q.
What is your favorite travel destination? A.
The Amazon and Orinoco watersheds (both in South America).
Q.
What’s the last book you read? A.
The Bernal Diaz Chronicles (the diary of one of Cortez’s soldiers) and Tales
of a Shaman’s Apprentice.
Q.
What else do you want people to know about you? A.
I have a hobby orchard with more than 100 varieties of apples and pears. I’m
developing new hybrids of both. So far, I have created 13 new apples and 6
new pears.
Editor’s note: Dave is planting an orchard at Gallant Farm Preserve this
summer.
Spined
Micrathena