Habitat creator recognized

NORWALK — The Ohio Department of Natural Resources awarded a Huron County nonprofit with a special designation. The organization gave Love Grows Love its "WILD School Site" designation. The groups invite the public to celebrate the award from 3-6 p.m. on Saturday, July 26 at Love Grows Love's location, 4418 Medusa Road in Norwalk. WILD School Sites are considered an extension of Project WILD — a state nature education initiative — and can involve any school property used by students, teachers, and the community as a place to learn about and benefit from wildlife and the environment, according to information from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. "This program was created to get groups to create wildlife habitats at their location. It's a celebration recognizing that Love Grows love prioritizes native wildlife habitat and will be using that habitat to educate the community," the agency's public information officer, Sarah Schott, said. "They created it and we are recognizing it." Love Grows Love is a Norwalk-based organization that offers "animal assisted learning programs" utilizing horses, goats, miniature donkeys, guinea pigs, cats, bunnies and dogs to help individuals gain insight into their behaviors, according to co-director Donna Hammann. "The purpose of our programs is to build awareness for emotional intelligence and strength-based learning for leadership in all people," Hammann said. Although animal-assisted learning may sound "new age" to some, Hammann focuses on the bond that has existed between human and domesticated animals for thousands of years. "Equine-assisted learning uses goal-based, ground activities with horses to provide insight about your thoughts, beliefs and patterns of behavior," she said. "Horses have the innate ability to discern our thoughts, emotions and energetic vibes much easier than even we can." The event is free to attend and will include: • Crafts and games • Food • Silent auction and prize drawings • Farm tours and special demonstrations