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At over 1,000 acres, the Conservancy’s Morgan Swamp preserve protects one of the largest undeveloped interior wetlands in northeastern Ohio. This dynamic and self-sustaining swamp ecosystem serves as both a home to numerous rare species and as a second home to its volunteer caretakers who work long hours ensuring its protection.
For four years Amy Holtshouse has been volunteering as Crew Chief at Morgan Swamp, where she applies her educational and professional background, as well as her energy and commitment, to the preserve’s ongoing restoration efforts.
“Between her job as associate director of the Chagrin River Watershed Partners and her role as crew chief for Morgan Swamp, Amy always has her hand in conservation,” explains Karen Adair, the Conservancy’s land steward in northeast Ohio.
As crew chief, Amy leads a dedicated group of volunteers, under Adair’s supervision, in projects ranging from the protection of habitat along the river’s edge to the removal of phragmites – an exotic species that is crowding out native plant life in the swamp. “Most of Morgan’s restoration efforts are accomplished during volunteer work day activities,” says Adair. “It’s under her leadership that the Conservancy’s objectives for the preserve are carried out.”
The Conservancy’s preserve is part of a larger, 2,000-acre remnant of a five-square-mile swamp that existed at the time of European settlement. By the beginning of this century, most of the area had been logged, drained, and farmed. But for the past 80 years, this part of the swamp has remained relatively undisturbed, allowing the ecosystem to recover.
“This preserve is special to me for so many reasons,” explains Amy. “I love the fact that I can still get lost, that it’s always changing, and that at any time I might spot a four-toed salamander or evidence of a river otter.”
Amy currently plays a part in the Conservancy’s efforts to build a new trail at Morgan Swamp, so that others may have the opportunity to experience the land’s unique attributes.
“I’m glad that more people will have the chance to see and appreciate the beauty of Morgan Swamp, such as its vernal pools and beaver ponds,” says Holtshouse. “I hope they see how changing it is...Morgan can be so dynamic.”
If you would like to help Amy and her team of volunteers at Morgan Swamp or any other Conservancy preserve, please e-mail Barbara Bhattacharya at bbhattacharya@tnc.org or call (614) 717-2770.
Read other "Faces of Conservation" stories.
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