On Sunday, August 3, at 1:00 PM, approximately 80 people attended the dedication of the Historic Duff Vineyard.  A sunny sky and warm temperature set the stage for the magnificent venue for the dedication. The ceremony was held against the back drop of the Historic Duff property, lush vineyards, grassy fields, and the blue waters of Lake Erie.

The Chair of Put-in-Bay Township Park District Kelly Faris welcomed the visitors and stressed his privilege to work with Lisa Brohl and the Lake Erie Islands Conservancy.

He stated, “with the encouragement, support and financial assistance of the community and the especially the assistance of our partners the Lake Erie Islands conservancy, the Park District has been able to safeguard and protect forested lands, wetlands, grasslands – that are disappearing at an alarming rate. Today more than 160 acres are preserved on Middle Bass and South Bass Islands. This acreage is ecologically sensitive. The acquisition of the Duff Homestead Preserve and Vineyard took a lot of hard work and patience.”

He continued, “Walt’s mother and father worked this land as did his grandmother and grandfather.  Walt and Sue Duff put their heart and soul into these vineyards, probably the oldest vines on the Island.  Some over 100 years old…  Walt can remember his father tending to the vineyards with a horse and plow.  This was the last working farm on the island.”

The Duffs were absolutely adamant that they did not want the property to be lost to development.  They wanted it to remain a vineyard and an historic site.

Mr. Faris emphasized that, “We are now in one of the most beautiful, the most spectacular places on the Island.  The “Sonoma Valley” of Put-in-Bay!”

The Duff Vineyard will be an historic park, highlighting the importance of the grape industry to the Islands.  A walking trial with interpretive signs will identify the buildings on the property.  As much as possible, the old buildings will be restored.  On the property is an original RSJ marker.  Jose De Rivera St. Jurgo, who at one time, owned all the Bass Islands, had the Island surveyed and encouraged development.  John Brown, Jr., the Island surveyor, probably put the stone marker in place.

Faris thanked Walt and Sue Duff for their patience in making this purchase a reality.

Faris said, “We hope that we can maintain this historic vineyard and live up to the high expectations of Walt and Sue Duff.

Faris then stated that he had a surprise.  Sunday, August 3, 2025, is declared as “Lisa Brohl Day.”

There were two Special Presentations.

The Honorable Judy Berry, Mayor of the Village of Put-in-Bay read a proclamation:

Whereas, Lisa Brohl has dedicated her life to conservation and protection of natural and agricultural lands in the Lake Erie Islands for the benefit of this and future generations, and

Whereas, Lisa Brohl is an educator, an inspiration, and a model of excellence, and

Whereas, Lisa Brohl is an activist, a motivator and influencer who has brought awareness to the public of the importance of preserving and protecting our precious resources, and

Whereas Lisa Brohl deserves recognition and appreciation for her tireless, heartfelt efforts,

Now, therefore, I, Judy Berry, Mayor of the Village of Put-in-Bay, Ohio, do hereby proclaim Sunday, August 3, 2025, as Lisa Brohl Day in the Village of Put-in-Bay. I urge all citizens to celebrate Lisa Brohl this day and to support efforts to protect our trees, woodlands, and the flora and fauna of the Lake Erie Islands.

Faris introduced The Honorable Eric Engel, Trustee of Put-in-Bay Township.  Mr. Engel presented Lisa Brohl with a personalized glass plaque, etched with her name, accomplishments, and declaring August 3, as Lisa Brohl Day.

Mr. Engle stressed how Lisa Brohl spearheaded the drive for conservation and protection of natural and agricultural lands in the Lake Erie Islands for the benefit of this and future generations “She was a founding member of the Lake Erie Islands Conservancy, Put-in-Bay Township Park District, the Village of Put-in-Bay Tree Commission and a founding member of the Lake Erie Islands Nature and Wildlife Center.  It is appropriate to recognize Lisa Brohl’s leadership and celebrate Lisa Brohl’s accomplishments.”

The celebration of Lisa Brohl Day was a complete surprise to Lisa.

Lisa Brohl addressed the attendees and noted how much cooperation and financial support was involved to purchase the Duff Vineyard.  She displayed the prototype of the signs that will be placed on posts to recognize those people who sponsored a row of grapes.

Lisa made a presentation to board member Brian Alford for his service to the Conservancy Board. (Brian has accepted a position in Tennessee.) She also recognized Neal Hess for his help in preserving the property and for purchasing a bench with his family.

Dustin Heineman spoke of the importance to preserve the vineyards and recognized the partnership of the Park District and Heineman’s Winery to preserve them.

Paula Ziebarth spoke next.

Paula Ziebarth, Lake Erie Islands Conservancy Board Member and Ottawa County Contact of the Blue Bird Society, pointed out the newly installed Barn Owl box on the pole near the dedication ceremony.  Ms Ziebarth also reviewed the plans to install approximately 40 Tree Swallow nesting boxes on the 2 acres of pollinator habitat near the vineyard.  The pollinator habitat is part of the Rusty-patched Bumblebee habitat protection program sponsored by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service.

After the formal program, a walking/golf cart tour of the vineyard and old barns was narrated by Walt and Sue Duff.  They rode on the back of a golf cart and used a portable PA system to regale the participants with old stories of the family, the numerous barns on the property, and the history of the vineyards.

A reception, featuring grape themed cookies, cheese and crackers and lemonade and ice tea, was held in the newly remodeled Duff home.

A special thank you to newsletter editor Michelle Penington for the lovely dedication flyer that was distributed at the dedication and delivered in person! We appreciate the special decorating touches and donations from Sara Booker, Kendra Koehler, Patty LoPresti, Zoe Titchener, and Susan Byrnes and the assistance with parking from Mary and Roger Parker and Jay Faris.

We are grateful for the speedy work of Bright Idea Sign Shop, Mark Lekanka and Richard Gump in getting the signs in place for the dedication, timely mowing from Yardworks as well as the assistance of the Crews Nest with the chairs for the event.