Holliday shares his love of the parks for multiple hours at a time numerous times a year by leading walks there and running “Holliday in the Parks,” an effort that publicizes various parks-related events.
The 29-year resident of the township started volunteering for the Liberty Twp. Parks Committee in 2001.
“I’ve been an avid birder and an amateur photographer and I traveled all over the country just looking for birds and then I realized that we have some great parks right here in the township,” Holliday said.
He volunteered for the park board in 2001, which led to offering free nature and bird walks starting in 2003, when he assisted Ohio with its bicentennial project.
Back then is also when Holliday helped establish work days in township parks to improve natural habitats and control invasive species, such as honeysuckle.
“This all kind of rolled on from there,” he said.
Leading township walks means getting to pass his love and appreciation of nature to the next generation.
“It’s just great to see the kids learn about the cycle of a butterfly or see a bluebird’s house with babies in it,” Holliday said.
Because many of Liberty’s parks back up to subdivisions, Holliday said he takes special joy in showing neighbors the natural treasures that are literally in their backyard.
Holliday in the Parks started in 2011 as a way of publicizing park-related offerings via email and website.
He also uses it as a way to keep a running list of possible volunteers to help keep the parks beautiful.
Although the parks are situated in Liberty, Holliday said many people from Hamilton, West Chester Twp. and other surrounding communities also visit and enjoy them.
Park walks also show what species of plants should and should not be there and how various types of insects, flora and fauna help sustain bird and woodland creatures.
“That’s the biggest message,” he said. “Take nature one step at a time and see what you can learn.”
Holliday is lauded among park committee members for going above and beyond for Liberty’s parks.
“Chuck is one of those special individuals who truly helps make a town a community,” said Kurt Feldmann, a park committee member. “It’s hard to quantify the impact Chuck has on our township through his efforts. However, seeing the look of wonder on a child’s face as they discover nature is profound.”
Feldmann said he devised the Holliday In The Parks moniker for events created and led by Holliday because they turn Liberty’s parks into “holiday destinations”.
“I am truly humbled by his dedicated volunteerism to our community,” Fortunately, we will all get to enjoy the fruits of his labor for years to come.”
For information on Liberty Twp. parks, the parks committee and Holliday in the Parks tours, write to ChuckH@hollidayintheparks.com or call 513-305-6223.
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