The JC Reuthinger Memorial Preserve was donated to the Park District in 2005 by the late Lucille Reuthinger Knepper. The Stewardship Department’s shop and office is located at this preserve as well as the two greenhouses and the native plant nursery. Tens of thousands of native plants are grown here and sown throughout the parks.

The Stewardship Department of the Wood County Park District stays current with conservation practices through research, training and attending conferences. This knowledge is implemented into the plans and practices at each park. Depending on season, flora, watershed, location and more, the Stewardship practices may involve controlled burns, mowing grasses, removing invasive plant species, planting native plants and much more. All of these efforts are for the best health of the land and ideal habitat for the local flora and fauna.