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Returning Glen Helen to prominence among Antioch’s goals

Nick Boutis, the executive director of Glen Helen, stands at on a path into the glen. Boutris is hopeful the glen will restored to its former glory now that control has been given to the new Antioch College.

Glen Helen forest restoration is more than a dream

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By Jim DeBrosse, Staff Writer Updated 9:02 PM Saturday, October 31, 2009

YELLOW SPRINGS — Along one of the hiking trails through Glen Helen, Executive Director Nick Boutis spotted a patch of forest free of honeysuckle, privet and other invasive species that have crowded out native plants in so many parts of the 1,000-acre nature preserve.

“There you have paw paw under shagbark hickory,” Boutis said. “Now that looks natural to me.”

Glen Helen officials are asking volunteers Nov. 14 to help fight back against invasive plants, particularly in the 250-acre core designated as a National Natural Landmark.

But an even bigger challenge lies ahead for the glen’s new owners at Antioch College — raising the money to return Glen Helen to its prominence as one of the nation’s premier outdoor education centers.

Built in the 1950s, Glen Helen’s dormitory, classroom and museum spaces are aging and out of step with today’s green technology, Boutis said.

Facilities that should be community models for energy efficiency, handicapped access and walkability are mired in the past, while newer centers in Washington and Wyoming are setting the standard for the nation, he said.

The preserve’s change in ownership in September from Antioch University to an independent Antioch College creates an opportunity to restore the glen while also making it an even stronger part of the school’s curriculum, Boutis said.

“The vision is for a new Antioch College with a new emphasis on environmental programs,” he said.

The drive launched last month among alumni to raise $2.8 million this year for the new college includes the glen for the first time, said Matthew Derr, chief transition officer of Antioch College.

“Our goal is to restore the glen to robust financial health” after a decade of neglect by previous university officials, he said. “The glen has been the living classroom of the college for generations.”

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Tony, you clearly don't live in Yellow Springs.
The Glen is a wonderful place as it is, and Nick Boutis has done a wonderful job of creating and maintaining that. Charge admission? Are you crazy? That would ruin everything about Glen Helen. The OEC is a wonderful place (I know from experience as a student and staff member). Yellow Springs is only a commune from the eyes of those who drive through and stare.

truth
2:25 PM, 11/11/2009

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To Tim:

Do you realize that Antioch University was the previous owner of both the Glen and the campus? AU didn't seem to care much about either one, and is responsible for the current state of the campus. That's why the Antioch College alumni took over and purchased them both from AU.

Now that Antioch College is independent and run by people who care about it, we should start to see improvements to both the campus and the Glen.

Amy
11:11 AM, 11/2/2009

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Please don't try to enlighten folks like TL and Tony- they can keep their dated stereotypes and those of us who live in the village, raise our families there and work our professional jobs will find our niche to act locally and contribute our time and/or money to make Yellow Springs a great place for families. BTW- there are plenty of benches downtown- come and enjoy!

WS
9:30 AM, 11/2/2009

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Tony and TL - I moved to YS a year ago. I work for corporate America and am not a hippie, nor do I see any sign of this town being a commune, but hey, I just live here...I am sure you have a much better understanding of this town sitting in the little bubble that you call home than I do. I also enjoy the Glen and what it brings to my family and this community. Get over your old school opinions (that aren't even close to reality) and move into the 21st century with the rest of us.

NF
9:04 AM, 11/2/2009

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I shudder to think what they'll do to Glen Helen. I'm all for removing invasive species, but I hope they don't cut go overboard trying to make a green area "green".

Return?
7:30 AM, 11/2/2009

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