Conservancy wants help in acquiring S. Bass tract

2/14/2009

PUT-IN-BAY, Ohio A regional land conservancy said yesterday it is $24,000 away from acquiring a valuable two-acre tract to enhance public recreation and outdoor education on South Bass Island.

The Lake Erie Islands chapter of the Black Swamp Conservancy said it would use the land as a natural buffer for a five-acre trail created in the memory of Jane Coates, an artist who loved the island s wildflowers.

The group said it has worked with the Put-in-Bay Township Park District to get matching funds from the state s Clean Ohio Fund. It said it has raised about a third of what it needs to close the deal. The acquisition can be finalized in 2009 if it raises the remaining money by April 1, the group said.

Donations of $1,000 or more will be recognized on a bench planned for the trail.