STEUBENVILLE — I have often wondered what our natural area looked like in the past. What did the river look like before industry or the lock and dam system? What did the forest look like before settlers carved communities from the wilderness? Just how large were the trees? What animal species lived here, and were they hunted by early peoples?

These questions have long fascinated me because there is something special about being outdoors in nature. My wife and I have always enjoyed spending time outside in the garden, the woods, at the beach or lake. We have worked to instill a love for the outdoors in our children.

We are fortunate in our area to have many opportunities and places where our children can experience nature firsthand. For our family, we often visit Tomlinson Run State Park. A walk in Beatty Park is another great way to experience nature locally. The trails, creek and stone bridges are full of natural life. Just across the state line in Paris, Pa., the Paris Sportsmen’s Club has a lake and on May 30 will host a Kids Fishing Day at 20 Paris Lake Lane. There is no cost to attend, fishing begins at 9 a.m. Participants should bring a pole and bait, though some will be provided. Prizes and a small lunch will also be offered.

I cannot think of a better way to get children interested in the outdoors than spending a Saturday at the lake.

Spending time hunting and fishing is not new to our region. Looking specifically to the Native Americans in this area, notably the Panhandle Archaic culture present here about 4,000 years ago, evidence suggests these peoples hunted and gathered from the land, including wild game and more than 26 species of freshwater mussels from the Ohio River.

I have written and spoken about this group for many years because I find the story and culture fascinating. It is remarkable that these groups would carry shellfish up the 300-foot ridge to the top of the hill to essentially have a clambake. Many shell pits were found at the East Steubenville Site, a 4,000-year-old Native American encampment located on a high ridge across the river from Historic Fort Steuben and adjacent to Highland Hills Memorial Park. Much of this information can be found through publicly available research on the site.

When settlers arrived, they too took advantage of the region’s wildlife as Native Americans had done. With the expansion of hunting and trapping in the backcountry, questions of land ownership became more complicated. This was one of the many factors leading to the French and Indian War in the 1750s. The area was claimed by both French and British governments, each seeking control of its abundant wildlife and resources. The beaver was especially valuable for its waterproof fur. At the fort, a fur press was used to compress pelts into bundles for transport.

When Steubenville was established in 1797, wild game was still abundant. One could still make a living as a trapper in the Northwest Territory. As settlements expanded in Jefferson County, larger predators were increasingly seen as a nuisance. County officials sought to reduce their numbers and in 1803, according to the 1897 Centennial Souvenir publication, “a premium was paid out of the county treasury for the scalp of each wolf or panther killed within the county. For those under 6 months old the bounty was 50 cents, for those over that age, one dollar.” This premium was increased on June 3, 1807, to $1.50 and $3.

There were numerous premiums paid for the scalps of these animals in the early years.

Spending time in nature is a wonderful thing. It is something our early ancestors experienced daily and used for survival. Today, while we are not as dependent on nature, it is still rewarding to return to the woods and streams of our area. There is something special and grounding about it that connects us to the past, and I hope that message continues to resonate with others.

(Zuros is the executive director of Historic Fort Steuben)