| Ed Johns (from left), Mick Johns, and Fred Brinker, volunteers at W.W. Knight nature preserve in Perrysburg. (Photo: Aaron Carpenter/Sentinel-Tribune) |
PERRYSBURG – One of the gems of the Wood County Park District shines a little brighter because of the
"Garden Guys."
Also called the "Garden Angels" or simply the guys, these Garden Guys are three lifelong
friends, who spend almost every Friday volunteering at W.W. Knight Nature Preserve and other facilities
within the park district.
Fred Brinker is the elder statesman and unofficial leader of the garden guys. The Perrysburg resident, at
age 79, has been volunteering his time for 13 years. He recruited his friends from childhood, brothers
Mick and Ed Johns, a year later. The Johns brothers, both of Toledo, say that Brinker is the leader
because he is older and has been volunteering so much longer. After all, they have only volunteered for
12 years compared to his 13.
"He has more seniority," said Mick Johns, 77; while his brother is the baby of the group at 73.
"We were kids when we bonded," the elder Johns stated, noting their fathers were good friends.
They have outlasted many far younger volunteers.
"They didn’t last long because it was too hot," Brinker stated.
They, in fact, started long before the park became the W.W. Knight Nature Preserve center.
Each of these men has volunteered more than 300 hours each and every year. Brinker notes they, as a
group, have planted more than 4,000 plants at the nature preserve over the last two years.
"They are absolutely, positively fantastic," said Deb Nofzinger, program coordinator for the
nature center. "They are our go-to guys."
She indicated there are countless projects which would not have been accomplished, if not for the guys.
She listed numerous projects around the nature center which they have assisted with.
"Our staff may not be able to get to something and they just jump right in and help us out,"
Nofzinger added. "I think everyone in the park district knows who they are."
And the guys have nothing but praise and respect for the naturalists, rangers and all the staff of the
park district.
Painting, construction, demolition, weeding, planting, mulching – they have done it all and more.
All three share many common bonds beyond the friendship, volunteerism and love of the outdoors. All three
are married and their wives are on board with their volunteer time. Between them, they have more than
140 years of marriage, with the two eldest being each married more than 50 years.
The three men also, each in their own way, have had their share of health challenges.
Cancer, stroke, lung problems are all set aside.
"It makes us feel younger to be out here," Ed Johns stated. "When you work, it just makes
you feel good."
"When you’re old you have health problems," Brinker said. "But when you come out here, you
forget about that."
Rather than use health issues as an excuse to forego working at the park; these guys use their work to
forget about the problems and energize themselves to carry on.
All of them enjoy walking the trails, seeing the birds and the flowers, "nature in bloom,"
Brinker noted.
One of their first projects at the current preserve was to plant three gardens around the lake. They have
since planted all the native plants in what is called the savannah area. One of their more recent
projects is behind the nature center along the trail and around the two garden fountain ponds. And yes,
they helped construct the two water features.
"We may have too many out there," Ed Johns said noting how the plants have multiplied and grown
to the point, where some areas may need to be thinned out.
The guys have also worked at Zimmerman School and the Carter-Loomis farm, where they used a total of 55
gallons of red paint to spruce up five buildings at that site. They also have a vegetable garden at the
location which they have planted and maintained.
There are also countless bluebird houses which have been placed around the various parks. Brinker
estimates they have installed at least 50 bird houses, but only two have bluebirds in them. Other birds,
including mostly tree swallows have taken up residence rather than the bluebirds.
"This is so beautiful, look at all the color out there," Brinker said gesturing toward the
vista at Knight Preserve. "All those yellow flowers; last month there were mostly red flowers. It’s
amazing how all these native plants bloom."
He added, "This is nature, and even though we have to weed, you’re right out there in God’s
creation."
