Nick Moskos

Planning & Development Manager



Thank YOU for your support of the parks, caring about the planet and its inhabitants, and the opportunity to allow me to serve. I am a graduate of The Ohio State University, a licensed Landscape Architect and LEED Accredited Professional with over 30 years of experience. My wife, Sujata, and our 7 kids, are huge fans of the outdoors. I am an avid skier, backpacker, and runner. I enjoy a daily meditation practice, traveling and connecting with friends and family. I have been in awe of the Portage Park District since I first worked on the Franklin Connector Trail design in 2000. It is impressive to see how much can be achieved by a small group of people who are passionate about their work. I hope to carry that great legacy forward, arm in arm with my coworkers and those whom we serve.   

Chris Poling

Natural Areas Steward

Greetings park friends! I am a graduate of Kent State University, having earned both a bachelor’s degree in biology in 2020 and my master’s in environmental biology in 2024. I am an absolute fanatic about botany and conservation. During my schooling I worked for several land management agencies in northeast Ohio and West Virginia, searching for and protecting rare plant species. I greatly look forward to continuing this work for the Portage Park District, in addition to maintaining and enhancing the park district’s many beautiful natural areas. In my free time I enjoy exploring new parks with my dog Lucy, biking, native plant gardening, and reading.

Wilder Hritz

Seasonal Natural Areas Specialist

Hello everyone! I am a lifetime resident of Portage County and have been a huge enjoyer of Portage Parks ever since my parents took me hiking at Towner’s Woods when I was very little. I interned at Portage Park District in the summer of 2021 and loved my time here so much that I knew I would love to work for Portage Parks if the opportunity ever came to me. I graduated from Kent State University in 2022 with a bachelor’s in environmental studies and a minor in geology. I worked at Davey Resource Group as an Environmental Technician in 2023. This position allowed me to hone my skills in stewardship, natural areas restoration, invasive and native plant identification, and much more. In my free time I love backpacking, hiking, and herping. I am so excited to be able to protect and better the natural areas of the parks that I and many others love! 

Lifetime Achievement: Virginia Shaw

Environmental Activism: Sandra Engle

Environmental Education: Herbert "Guy" Gillespie

Environmental Stewardship: Russ Fletcher

Green Business: McKay Bricker Framing and Black Squirrel Gifts

Green Business: North Water Brewing

Green Building Development: Wright Family Farms

Kent Environmental Council Edith Chase Award for Conservation: Jeff St. Clair

Volunteer of Distinction: Fred Skok (posthumously)

Volunteer of Distinction: Brad Bolton

Honor Roll for Land Conservation: Ron Echelberry

We celebrated these environmental heroes at the 2024 Environmental Awards Dinner on Saturday, April 27! Thank you to our attendees, sponsors, donors & volunteers for a wonderful evening!

Family Fun Day

with Leadership Portage County

The Portage Park District is excited to partner with Leadership Portage County to host the first LPC Family Fun Day at Trail Lake Park on Sunday, May 19! There will be lots of family friendly activities and community resource tables to visit. Register today!