Volunteer Spotlight: Al
An important behind the scenes volunteer opportunity that provides data and research and a regular check up on some local wildlife is a commitment. Luckily, Al Eibel is a member of that volunteer team and brings a lot of knowledge and interest as a Nest Box Volunteer. He maintains the nest boxes at Molly Stark Park and Quail Hollow Park by regularly checking what species is inhabiting the box and if there were eggs or offspring in the box. Maybe even evicting a mouse nest or non-native species if needed! This information provides a snapshot of the conservation efforts in those areas and what can still be done to attract the desired species.
A volunteer since 2009, Eibel helped establish nest boxes at Molly Stark Park for Eastern Bluebirds. He enjoys the quiet relaxing time as he strolls between boxes and identify the other birds he sees and hears along the way. His commitment includes repairing boxes when necessary, which is not a requirement of the opportunity. Because of Al’s efforts, a total of 8 active Eastern Bluebird nests, 6 active Tree Swallow nests, and 42 active House Wren nests are present. The equipment is a throwback to simple times; just a clipboard and pen to mark the observations and nest activity.
Al has also helped band birds and is certified to do so. Birds are carefully caught in a net, identified, banded with a small ring on their leg, studied, and then released. The band number is unique and location and migration can be determined among other details. His favorite memory was helping band American Kestrels, Great Horned Owls, and Peregrine Falcons over the years.
Recent Posts
Join Stark Parks and the Quail Hollow Volunteer Association for this holiday delight at Quail Hollow Park with decorated trees, lights, and festive music. Stop inside the beautifully decorated Stewart… More
Stark Parks celebrated volunteer accomplishments in 2023 at the annual Volunteer Recognition Dinner at the Exploration Gateway at Sippo Lake Park earlier this month. Through September, over 14,000 volunteer hours… More
A new Stark Parks logo is being debuted to better reflect the park mission and create more consistency throughout the organization. The last true redesign occurred over 25 years ago when… More
Stark Library Perry-Sippo Branch and Stark Parks partner on Dec. 2, 2023 from 5 to 8 p.m. to welcome guests of honor, Mr. & Mrs. Claus to kick-off a season… More
Hike your way through the changing colors of Stark Parks as you check off your 2023 Stark Exploring passport. The annual Stark Exploring challenge runs from September 1st to December… More
Beginning in March 2023, Stark Parks crews will begin preparing areas at Tam O'Shanter Park for parking lot and driveway updates including removing and relocating trees and vegetation. Construction will… More
Think there's not much to see on the trail? Think again and look around! Enhance your park experience by learning how to identify trees no matter the season. The IdentiTree… More
Make the most of the shortest day of the year and ring in the winter season with a Winter Hike-a-Thon! On December 21, 2023, choose Stark Parks for your… More
Geocaching is a great way to explore Stark Parks year-round! Find the hidden caches at different park locations and collect 12 out of 15 code words to win a unique… More
Humble Beginnings (1960s and 1970s) The year was 1967. Although Ohio’s Department of Natural Resources had been established 18 years before in 1949, it was three years before the establishment… More