Brian Gara is a Wetland Ecologist with a strong interest in studying native Ohio fern species. He graduated with a BA in Art and Biology from Bluffton College (1985), an MS in Botany from Ohio University (1987), and a PhD from The Ohio State University in Environmental Science (1995). Brian is currently employed as an Environmental Specialist with the Ohio EPA. His hobbies include hiking central Ohio parks, playing basketball, and throwing the Frisbee with his daughters, Sarita and Rajeshwari. Brian’s two-part article, “Ferns in the Ravines of Central Ohio,” appeared in the Fall 2004/Winter 2005 and Spring/Summer 2005 issues of Ravinia. His fern photography was the centerpiece of Friends of the Ravines’ display at Riverfest in 2005.

VICE-CHAIR OF THE BOARD

EXECUTIVE OPERATIONS DIRECTOR

Martha Harter Buckalew has been active in Friends of the Ravines since its inception. She served on the original advisory board, has been involved in the Glen Echo restoration since it began, and has contributed articles to Ravinia. She is a Nationally Certified Teacher of Music and has held numerous district and state offices in the Ohio Music Teachers Association.

SECRETARY

Maureen Crossmaker has been restoring her ravine home since 1985. After the Glen Echo slope restoration project was completed, she engaged the city's contractor, who agreed to partner on a private initiative, and her home's slope restoration was completed. Maureen has also been improving a small farm, removing invasives, restoring native trees and shrubs for wildlife habitat, and transitioning to organic practices. For the last twenty years she has worked in a public legal agency that serves individuals with disabilities.

MEMBER AT LARGE

Alice Waldhauer is a geologist and environmental consultant with a keen interest in preserving natural settings within the urban environment.  She graduated with a B.S. in physical sciences from the Ohio State University and has been involved with environmental remediation and water-quality assessment at industrial facilities for more than 20 years.  Her hobbies include hiking and biking in central Ohio parks, gardening, wildflower observation, and birdwatching.  She has lived in Clintonville between Glen Echo and Walhalla Ravines for more than 15 years.  In the past, Ms. Waldhauer has volunteered for other central Ohio organizations including the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, the Soil Conservation Service (now the Franklin Soil and Water Conservation District), SWACO Hazardous Household Waste Collection Events, and the American Institute of Professional Geologists.

HONORARY MEMBER

Salle Cleveland, former editor of Ravinia and founder of Friends of the Ravines, now resides in Delaware, Ohio. The Board of Trustees is grateful to Salle for her vision and her commitment.

GLEN ECHO RESTORATION PROJECT DIRECTOR

Chris O’Leary has served as the project director of the Glen Echo North Slope Restoration since 2000. He has coordinated volunteer work crews, donations of logs and topsoil from the city, purchase of supplies, the Civilian Conservation Corps and volunteer planting crews. Chris has served as coordinator for Friends of the Ravine on Glen Echo (FORGE) and has organized annual cleanups and invasive plant removal in Glen Echo Park. Professionally Chris is a freelance illustrator.

SUPPORT PERSONNEL

Development Advisor

Anne Paterson is a ravine aficionado. Formerly a resident of Walhalla Ravine, she now lives on Glen Echo Ravine. She has 14 years of experience with fund raising at The Ohio State University where she worked in University Communications and Development in the Office of Corporate and Foundation Relations and as Development Officer for the College of Biological Sciences. She is currently pursuing a master’s degree in geology and has an extensive background in botany. Her interests include river running, planetary science, and natural history.

Membership Chairman

Louis Buckalew recently retired from forty-four years of service as a United Methodist Minister. After serving churches in West Virginia, Missouri, and Ohio he was appointed Director of the Office of Ministry of the West Ohio United Methodist Conference in 1987. In 1998 he was appointed Assistant to the Bishop. Louis is an avid reader and loves music, especially opera. He brings meticulous bookkeeping skills to Friends of the Ravines Membership Committee.

Restoration Technician and Spokesman

John Husted has worked for the Ohio Department of Natural Resources as Manager of the Abandoned Mine Land Reclamation Program for 22 years and served as Board Supervisor for the Athens County Soil and Water Conservation District in 1990–91 before he moved to Columbus. John is an avid volunteer who has given his services by educating K-12 students on resource conservation, serving as a volunteer for Athens County Arbor Committee 1989-91, and has been volunteering his time generously to Friends of the Ravines since 1999.