Deerassic Nature Center renamed for couple who has volunteered for 21 years

Heather Sevigny
·3 min read

CAMBRIDGE − The guiding philosophy at the Deerassic Park Education Center is to reconnect youth and families with the outdoors through activities and recreation that help foster and develop a life-long appreciation for the outdoors and nature. On Monday, the organization recognized two special people who have helped shape Deerassic into what it is today.

Alan and LouAnn Huthmaker of Cambridge have been there since the inaugural Deerassic Classic in 2002. Their time and dedication to Deerassic Park is unmatched and the foundation could not be more thankful. They’ve helped in many ways over the last 20 plus years, but their main contribution has been with boots on the ground helping staff Deerassic’s Education Team.

LouAnn Huthmaker and husband Alan in the nature center at Deerassic Park. The Huthmakers have been a valuable resource at Deerassic Park for more than 21 years. The nature center recently was renamed the Alan and LouAnn Huthmaker Nature Center.
LouAnn Huthmaker and husband Alan in the nature center at Deerassic Park. The Huthmakers have been a valuable resource at Deerassic Park for more than 21 years. The nature center recently was renamed the Alan and LouAnn Huthmaker Nature Center.

The education team helps prep, facilitate, execute, and coordinate outdoor educational events such as field trips, summer camps, Open Park hours, public events and classes, youth hunts, and more. During their tenure, one activity held a special place in Alan's heart, the Deerassic Nature Center.

Due to their longtime service, the foundation officially renamed the nature center the Alan and LouAnn Huthmaker Nature Center. The couple revealed the building’s new name and sign during the recognition event on Monday with staff, board members, friends, and family in attendance.

The nature center hosts a vast array of Ohio native wildlife and plans hands-on educational displays. The structure is home to more than a half dozen live reptiles and amphibians, educational pieces on mammal furs, Ohio animal skulls, taxidermy displays, animal artifacts such as antlers, shells, nests and feathers, sections on entomology, geology and more.

Luke Fabian (right), educational director at Deerassic Park, honors LouAnn and Alan Huthmaker at the Deerassic Nature Center. The center was renamed after the Huthmakers for their years of dedication to the park.
Luke Fabian (right), educational director at Deerassic Park, honors LouAnn and Alan Huthmaker at the Deerassic Nature Center. The center was renamed after the Huthmakers for their years of dedication to the park.

The building was originally the Deerassic Classic ticket office and was repurposed in 2018. The Huthmakers can distinctly remember purchasing their Classic ticket for the first event in 2002 in that same building where they now educate youth on the wonders of Ohio’s nature.

While addressing the crowd, Alan remarked "Witnessing and being part of the growth here at Deerassic has been an adventure with more to come." He continued with an emotion-filled voice, "We're looking forward. LouAnn and I pray to continue working with the kids, (to) mentor and encourage the next generation of team members. I thank you again for this special day."

LouAnn also addressed the crowd of friends, family, and Deerassic staff. "It's been fun and a privilege to help out here at Deerassic. We didn't know how many friends we were going to meet over the years and get to work with. The insight God has given the people out here to develop this facility so that families and kids can have a fun place to come and a time to learn about the outdoors....it's been a really special honor that you have done this for us. We are very humbled and honored that you thought enough of us to give us this honor today."

Alan Huthmaker, Luke Fabian and LouAnn Huthmaker in front of the newly named Alan and LouAnn Huthmaker Nature Center.
Alan Huthmaker, Luke Fabian and LouAnn Huthmaker in front of the newly named Alan and LouAnn Huthmaker Nature Center.

Visit Deerassic during Open Park hours from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from May to September. You may see LouAnn out at the fishing dock or Alan giving a live tour.

This article originally appeared on The Daily Jeffersonian: Deerassic Park Nature Center named after Alan and LouAnn Huthmaker