A memorial gathering for John Knouse is scheduled for 3 p.m. Saturday, June 26, at Strouds Run State Park, according to his daughter, Vivian (Rachel) Knouse. John, who died in January, was a driving force for local land protection and recreational trails. His foresight and dedication were responsible for many local resources enjoyed by Athens County residents and visitors alike.
The event is open to all and will take place at the Bulldog Shelter at the park (the shelter house on Strouds Run Road). Hosted by the family, it will include fond remembrances, readings, and music to honor John’s life, followed by a potluck.
John was a founding member of Athens Conservancy. He envisioned a land trust that would raise funds to establish nature preserves in the area, and he reached out to others to join him. He also one of the founding members of Friends of Strouds Run State Park. Self-trained in GIS, he prepared hundreds of detailed maps for both organizations.
Athens Conservancy and Buckeye Trail Association continue working together to build a new hiking trail in John’s honor. It will connect the separate trail systems of Strouds Run State Park and Baker Preserve. This two-mile-long trail will cross the recently established Canaan Preserve, making it possible to hike from Sells Park to SR-690 near Canaanville (nine miles by trail) without crossing a road.
As Athens Conservancy board member Donna Goodman said, “When we think of John, he is in the woods, blue bandanna on his head and mattock in hand. A trail named in his honor is just a tiny measure of thanks for all he has done for the plants and fish and bugs and birds and all of the other critters who need the woods to survive … including us.”
For more about John, see https://www.athensconservancy.org/nature-preserve-and-trail-enthusiasts-mourn-the-loss-of-john-knouse/ If you have questions about the memorial event, email info@athensconservancy.org .