PROGR AM GUIDE NOV-FEB 2019-20 VOL 10 ISSUE 3 - Elkhart County Parks
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PROGR AM GUIDE NOV–FEB 2019–20 • VOL 10 ISSUE 3
Administration Office Hours: Mon–Fri / 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. ( Closed weekends & County holidays ) Office Location: 211 W. Lincoln Avenue, Goshen, IN 46526-3280 Our Mission Phone: 574-535-6458 The Elkhart County Parks Department mission is to Park Hours ( Subject to change without notice ) enhance the quality of life, Jan / Feb / Nov / Dec Apr / Sept preserve the County’s cultural, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. 9 a.m. – 8 p.m. historical, and natural resources; Mar / Oct May / Jun / Jul / Aug and provide educational and 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. recreational opportunities. Note: Boot Lake Nature Preserve closes one hour before all other parks. Friends of the Elkhart County Parks 211 W. Lincoln Ave. Goshen, IN 46526-3280 Features PHONE / 574-535-6458 FAX / 574-535-6616 5 TDD / 574-535-6420 WEBSITE / elkhartcountyparks.org EMAIL / parksinfo@elkhartcounty.com Flock DIRECTOR / Ronda DeCaire Together DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF PARK From eagles to owls, cranes to OPERATIONS / Bernard J. Cunningham IV ducks, experience the soaring DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF INTERPRETIVE SERVICES / Dr. Kelby Rose beauty of winter birds at one of our birding programs or trips. Elkhart County Parks Board PRESIDENT / William Wilson VICE PRESIDENT / Larry Andrews SECRETARY / John P. Hardy MEMBERS / Jeff Burbrink, Karin Frey, Karen Mackowiak, Klaus Mueller Elkhart County Council Members DISTRICT 1 / Douglas S. Graham / A Winter's Eden by Carrie Kobb DISTRICT 2 / Randall D. Yohn DISTRICT 3 / Darryl J. Riegsecker DISTRICT 4 / David L. Hess AT LARGE / John K. Letherman Crossroads 4 AT LARGE / Thomas Stump Traverse to the next AT LARGE / Tina Wenger chapter of Elkhart County's history. Elkhart County Board of Commissioners PRESIDENT / Mike Yoder VICE PRESIDENT / Frank Lucchese MEMBER / Suzanne Weirick Let's keep Friends of the Elkhart On the Cover County Parks Board MEMBERS / Judy Ferrell, Larry Ford, Patricia Frank, Kay Bontrager-Singer in touch. + /e l k h a r tc o u n t y p a r k s vi s it elk ha r tcou nt y pa rks.o rg 2 currents | n o v ‒ f e b ’1 9 / 2 0
2 YE ARS L ATER ... BOOT LAKE IMPROVEMENTS E lkhart County Parks staff and volunteers have been busy enhancing the visitor experience at Boot Lake Nature Preserve since acquiring the property in fall 2017. Some are big and some are small; here are the improvements you will notice the next time you visit: SITE ENHANCEMENTS •• Updated upper deck railing on Prairie Overlook •• Smoother driving on graded entry road •• 34 acres of restored prairie maintained by prescribed burns ADA-ACCESSIBLE TRAIL ••Completely resurfaced trail with 600 tons of gravel! ••Nearly a half mile of new trail extending to the lower prairie ••New bench at the end of the trail NEW SITE FEATURES ••New entrance sign, gate, and welcome kiosk built by Concord High School ••100-foot floating boardwalk on Boot Lake ••Nearly one mile of new burn break trails ••Newly-designed wayfinding maps and kiosks throughout the preserve ••Six raccoon-proof trash cans built from reclaimed materials ••Expanded parking for events at the former tree nursery ••Last but not least – new permanent restroom facility to be installed this fall! x VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT The museum was very lucky to “I’m not originally from the area Anthropology and History. have Elana Moss as a volunteer but I feel very connected to the She is on track to graduate in intern for the summer of community through my school 2021 and is already starting 2019! She was part of the so I especially like that I get to think about grad school. team helping with a major re- to dig into local history while “I’m thinking I would like to organization of the collections getting practical experience work in Archeology, especially center as well as the on-going working with artifacts.” in a museum setting.” cataloging and inventory of Elana is a student at IUSB the museum’s 30,000 objects. Thanks so much, Elana. earning dual degrees in GET INVOLVED > elkhartcountyparks.org/volunteer elk hartcount y par k s .o rg 3
CROSSROADS OF ELKHART COUNTY CLAIMING THE LAND The Elkhart County Historical Museum opens its newest exhibit, Claiming the Land, with a celebration on November 15, 2019. C laiming the Land is Phase II of the 3-part Crossroads of Elkhart County exhibit project. This chapter focuses on the period of history from 1671 with the arrival of French explorers, traders and missionaries to the Peter Rindisbacher watercolor arrival of the railroad in 1851. Claiming the of Voyageurs in a bark canoe Land builds on the popular success of Forging a Path, which was completed in December 2018. Phase III is slated to open in mid-2020. Did you know that from 1671 to 1851 numerous cultures claimed the area that became Elkhart County? Native groups were encountered by European and American cultures and major changes occurred in the region as each group tried to claim, steal, fight for, manage, and control the land. Those cultures all left successive marks, especially in place names across the County. Claiming the Land will help visitors understand the complex interactions between groups that lived and explored this area. Claiming the Land is divided into sections exploring Native – specifically Miami & Potawatomi, French, British, and American relationships and the formation of Elkhart County. George Winter sketch of Potawatomi 4 currents | n o v ‒ f e b ’1 9 / 2 0
WINGS IN WINTER It may be cold out, but don't let that fool you into thinking that birds have flown the coop. Many of Indiana's most breathtaking birds can only be found during these colder months – from elegant Tundra Swans to powerful Snowy Owls. So bundle up, grab some binoculars and a birding buddy–soaring adventure awaits! 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 ROA DTR I PS GUI DE D TOURS FEED THE BIRDS 1 NOV 2 See Indiana's tiniest 2 NOV 6 See iridescent ducks 5 DEC 7 Learn tips on setting owl upclose on an exclusive and elegant Sandhill Cranes in up the perfect bird feeder behind-the-scenes banding detail through a scope at Boot buffet and how to make suet at program at the Indiana Lake Nature Preserve. [ Pg.10 ] Ox Bow County Park. [ Pg.12 ] Dunes State Park. [ Pg.10 ] 4 DEC 4 Enjoy a scenic FE E D YOURSE LF 3 NOV 16 Witness waterfowl walk at Ox Bow County Park 8 JAN 11 Start your morning migration at its peak at while encountering turkeys, at Ox Bow County Park Pisgah Marsh Wildlife Area woodpeckers, and owls. [ Pg.12 ] and enjoy a light breakfast and watch as colorful flocks while watching the birds soar in at sunset. [ Pg.11 ] 6 JAN 1 Kick off the new enjoying theirs. [ Pg.14 ] year on a first day hike with MA KE IT COUNT the birds at Bonneyville 7 JAN 4 Count birds in Mill County Park. [ Pg.14 ] your backyard or with a birding team at sites within 9 FEB 5 Celebrate the 50th Elkhart County and help official Wednesday Bird Walk fuel future conservation at Ox Bow County Park on a efforts for birds. [ Pg.14 ] fun group challenge to try and find 50 bird species. [ Pg.16 ] elk hartcount y par k s .o rg 5
I-SPY Winter Fun Winter adventure is all around – with fun ideas waiting to be found. If you seek winter fun, we're here to assist – with 7 ideas for your bucket list. Explore the picture above, and you will soon find... ¨ a sled, a flashlight, 4 tracks pg11 pg13 left behind. pg17 ˇ pg13 A frog–currently a pine, it's 4 fallen pg10 frozen in hibernation pg10 pg15 and one cones, constellation. After the challenge is done–you've found where each object lies, flip to their event pages to see what they symbolize. 6 currents | n o v ‒ f e b ’1 9 / 2 0
The American rural crossroad is an important ON EXHIBIT AT THE ELKHART part of our cultural fabric. The Smithsonian COUNTY HISTORICAL MUSEUM exhibit, Crossroads: Change in Rural America, FEB 1 – MAR 15, 2020 explores the stories of rural America. In conjunction with Change in Rural America, the Elkhart County Historical Museum will SPECIAL HOURS: In addition to regular present a complimentary exhibit, Profiles in museum hours, Tuesday-Saturday, Rural Life, centered on Elkhart County. 9 a.m.–5 p.m., Crossroads: Change in Rural America will be open Sundays, February 2–March 15, 2020, 1–5 p.m. elk hartcount y par k s .o rg 7
N E Y V I L L E MI L L BO N f f Z Bread Machine Z Season's Eatings f Bonneyville Mill closes for the 2019 season on Thursday, October 31 and the last chance Brown Sugar & Cinnamon Bread Ingredients 2 cups Bonneyville Hard Red Flour to stock up on Bonneyville flour is Holiday at 2 cups regular bread flour the Mill on November 9th. Winter is no reason ¾ cup packed brown sugar to stop enjoying delicious foods made with 1 package active dry yeast our water powered stone-ground products. 2 tsp cinnamon Bonneyville flours and meals can be stored for ½ tsp salt well over a year in the freezer. Simply place the flour into a tightly sealed freezer bag and 1 ¼ cups warm (not hot) water store in the freezer until needed. Allow flour ¼ cup softened butter or oil to warm to room temperature before each Mix all dry ingredients well in a mixing use. Enjoy wholesome Bonneyville flour all bowl. Place the mixed dry ingredients into winter and prepare for the 2020 mill season the bread machine pan. Place the pan into the which begins on Friday, May 1, 2020. bread machine. Add remaining ingredients to the pan. Set bread machine to regular loaf Here is a simple recipe that can keep you (about 3 hours). Set desired crust setting if applicable. Start machine immediately. thinking warm Bonneyville thoughts all winter. Slice and eat the bread while it is still warm. The remaining bread makes excellent cinnamon toast or French toast. 8 currents | n o v ‒ f e b ’1 9 / 2 0
Nature’s Calendar NOVEMBER DECEMBER Northern Saw-whet While the ice makes it a challenge Owls will be migrating for Great Blue Herons and Belted south through our region Kingfishers to find food they still thrive this month. These tiny here in Elkhart County. Look for open, owls are only about the unfrozen water and try to spot one size of a robin, and weigh hunting for fish this month. in at less than a pound. Some aquatic insects like the stonefly Eastern Box Turtles begin a and dragonfly stay active in the winter in 5‒7 month long brumation (the their immature, nymph stage. They keep reptile version of hibernation) in warm by constantly moving deep below early November. Box turtles will the water’s surface, while enjoying a burrow as deep as 2 feet into the buffet of unlucky hibernating insects. soil to wait out the cold. JANUARY FEBRUARY ? The full moon on February 9 will also be a super moon, which occurs when the moon is January 4th is National both full and at its perigee (its orbit is closest Trivia Day. Celebrate by to Earth). Because the heaviest snows usually heading over to our website fall this time of year, coinciding with the second at elkhartcountyparks.org/ full moon of winter, common names for this blog to test your knowledge on phenomenon include Storm Moon, Hunger Elkhart County trivia! Moon, and Snow Moon. Eastern Chipmunks spend the winter During the cold of January, hibernating in their burrows, food can be scarce for herbivorous awakening every couple of mammals, but the Eastern days to eat. This month Cottontail Rabbit makes do by is when they emerge eating the small twigs and buds of and begin mating, with woody trees. Look for their chew litters of 2-5 born in marks on stems low to the ground. early spring and another litter in late summer. elk hartcount y par k s .o rg 9
NOV 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 1 0 1 1 1 2 1 3 1 4 1 5 6 Wednesday Bird Walk: Boot Lake While summer songbirds have flown the coop, late fall offers tremendous opportunities to see migrating and wintering birds of all kinds—from Sandhill Cranes and soaring raptors to a dazzling array of waterfowl, including Buffleheads, Hooded Mergansers, and Northern Pintails. After a short hike, we'll head to the boardwalk to see the waterbirds in detail with the aid of our spotting scopes. The group will head out at 8 a.m., so please plan travel time accordingly. Date: Wed, Nov 6 Cost: Free Time: 8–10 a.m. Location: Boot Lake Age: 8+ Nature Preserve 2 Herbal Oils & Salves Join herbalist Nicole Craig for a fun, hands-on workshop on using herbs to make your own oils and salves. Participants will learn how to acquire the plants (locally foraged, 8 Pinecone Centerpiece Create a beautiful handcrafted pinecone centerpiece for your holiday table. All tools and materials will be provided. grown, or purchased), how to use fresh or dried herbs, and the beneficial properties of each. Everyone will custom-blend herbal Date: Fri, Nov 8 Register by: Tue, Nov 5 oils to create a salve to take home. Handouts, herbal tea and Time: 6 p.m. Location: Ox Bow Haus treats will also be provided. Age: 12+ Shelter, Ox Bow County Park Date: Sat, Nov 2 Register by: Wed, Oct 30 Cost: $6/person (Limit 15) Time: 1–3 p.m. Location: Baldwin One-room Schoolhouse, Bonneyville Mill 9 Age: 18+ County Park Cost: $15/person (Limit 15) Holiday at the Mill We're closing out the 2019 milling season at Bonneyville Mill with one last hoorah! See the historic Bonneyville Mill 2 in action and purchase stone ground products for your holiday Saw-whet Owl Banding Trip baking. Participate in various fun holiday-themed activities and Join Indiana Audubon and the Indiana Dunes State Park sample baked goods made with Bonneyville Mill flour. for a behind-the-scenes program on northern Indiana’s smallest owl, the Northern Saw-whet owl. This program will allow Date: Sat, Nov 9 Cost: Free participants to arrive earlier than the public for an intimate talk Time: 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Location: Bonneyville Mill on the research being conducted. Attendees will get the chance to assist staff directly at the mist nets and observe the banding 15 process. This program is weather-dependent and will not take place under rainy or windy conditions. Crossroads of Elkhart County: Claiming the Land Exhibit Opening Date: Sat, Nov 2 Register by: Wed, Oct 23 Celebrate the opening of the museum’s newest exhibit: Time: 4:15 p.m..–12 a.m. Location: Meet at the Crossroads of Elkhart County: Claiming the Land. Learn how Native Service Center (north of main groups in this region encountered European and American groups Age: 6+ and the changes that happened to these cultures. Explore how entrance), Ox Bow County Park Cost: $40/person (Limit 11) Americans moved west, Elkhart County took shape, and the Miami and Potawatomi were forcibly removed from the area. 5 Nature Nuts: The Lorax Preschoolers are invited to learn about the importance of caring for our natural resources. We will explore themes from The Lorax by Dr. Seuss and learn through other related Date: Fri, Nov 15 Time: 6–8 p.m. Cost: Free Location: Elkhart County Historical Museum activities, such as reenacting the story and planting a seed. Date: Tue, Nov 5 Register by: Sat, Nov 2 Time: 9:30–11 a.m. Location: Ox Bow Haus Shelter, Ox Bow County Park Register Online r Age: 3–5 Cost: $4/child (Limit 12) VISIT > elkhartcountyparks.org/events 10 currents | n o v ‒ f e b ’1 9 / 2 0
16 17 18 19 2 0 2 1 2 2 2 3 24 2 5 2 6 2 7 2 8 2 9 3 0 16 Mushing 101 Heartland Mushers Association Inc. has partnered with Elkhart County Parks to offer a crash course on dog mushing. Dog owners are invited to bring their own dogs and see if 19 Hiking Club Awards 2019 Hiking Club participants are invited to attend the annual Hiking Club Awards Night. Light they have what it takes to mush through dryland training techniques refreshments will be served. Attendance awards will be distributed and trails. and hiking stick medallions will be available for purchase. Date: Sat, Nov 16 Cost: $10/person (Limit 2 dogs per registrant) Date: Tue, Nov 19 Location: Baldwin One-room Time: 1–4 p.m. Schoolhouse, Bonneyville Mill Register by: Fri, Nov 15 Time: 6–7 p.m. Age: All (kids under 18 must County Park be accompanied by an adult) Location: Benton Dam, Cost: Free River Preserve County Park 21 Tails to Trails Explore Ox Bow County Park with your canine companion. Signs will be placed along the path, so visitors can choose to walk at their own pace with their dogs or join the group for a naturalist-led walk. Water and doggy bags will be available. All dogs must be on a leash and controlled at all times. Date: Thu, Nov 21 Location: Ox Bow Haus Time: 6–7 p.m. Shelter, Ox Bow County Park Cost: Free 16 Pisgah Marsh Trip Join the Elkhart County Parks on a wildlife-watching trip to the beautiful Pisgah Marsh Area in Kosciusko County. This biodiverse region features 445-acres of unique wetland, grassland, and upland habitat to explore. After a scenic hike through the prairie, our group will head over to the boardwalk, where we'll set up scopes, and enjoy phenomenal views of cranes and waterfowl soaring onto the marsh. Vans will depart from the Service Center in Ox Bow County Park. Be sure to bring hiking shoes and dress for activities outdoors. Date: Sat, Nov 16 Register by: Wed, Nov 13 Time: 12–5:30 p.m. Location: Meet at the Service Center (north of main Age: 8+ 23 entrance), Ox Bow County Park Cost: $20/person (Limit 11) Curator’s Talk: Crossroads of Elkhart County: Claiming the Land Get an inside look at our newest exhibit. In this tour of 16 Crossroads of Elkhart County: Claiming the Land, you’ll learn how Ox Bow Volunteer Work Day the exhibit was developed, researched, edited, and much more. Volunteers are needed to assist park staff with splitting Participants will also be some of the first to offer valuable feedback and stacking firewood behind the Ox Bow Service on the new exhibit, as we plan for Phase III. Center. The firewood will be used in future years for winter warming houses (Ox Bow Haus & Briar Patch Shelters). Date: Sat, Nov 23 Location: Elkhart County Time: 1–2 p.m. Historical Museum Date: Sat, Nov 16 Cost: Free Cost: Free Time: 10 a.m.–12 p.m. Location: Meet at the Service Center (north of main Age: 18+ entrance), Ox Bow County Park elk hartcount y par k s .o rg 11
DEC 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 1 0 1 1 1 2 1 3 1 4 1 5 1 6 1 7 3 Nature Nuts: Pinecones Discover the fun and variety of pinecones through fun, hands-on activities such as crafts, games and a story. A themed snack will also be provided. Date: Tue, Dec 3 Cost: $4/child (Limit 12) Time: 9:30–11 a.m. Register by: Sat, Nov 30 Age: 3–5 Location: Ox Bow Haus Shelter, Ox Bow County Park 4 Wednesday Bird Walk: Ox Bow The feeders are filled and wintering birds are flocking to Ox Bow to grab a bite. Observe these feathered visitors up- close at the feeding station and on a morning walk. Species we are likely to encounter include Pileated Woodpeckers, Cedar Waxwings, 7 Wild Turkeys, and Barred Owls. After a short hike, we'll warm up by Digitization Workshops the hearth. Plan to bring hiking shoes and dress for extended time Want to make digital copies of your family photographs but outdoors. The group will depart at 8 a.m., so please plan travel don’t know where to start? In this workshop, small groups will time accordingly. get hands-on training and practice using the scanning equipment at the Elkhart County Historical Museum. Participants with come away Date: Wed, Dec 4 Cost: Free with tips for how to apply these skills to digitization projects at home. Time: 8–10 a.m. Location: Ox Bow Haus This 45-minute workshop will have six time slots available. Age: 8+ Shelter, Ox Bow County Park Date: Sat, Dec 7 Register by: Tue, Dec 3 Age: 16+ Location: Elkhart County Cost: $5/person (Limit 4/class) Historical Museum Workshop 1 Time: 10–10:45 a.m. Workshop 2 Time: 11–11:45 a.m. Workshop 3 Time: 12–12:45 p.m. Workshop 4 Time: 2–2:45 p.m. Workshop 5 Time: 3–3:45 p.m. Workshop 6 Time: 4–4:45 p.m. 6 Animated Pull Toy Workshop Looking for a unique gift idea? Build an animated wooden dog toy. All parts are pre-cut allowing for easy assembly at the program. Completed toy stands approximately 7.5 inches tall 7 Bird Feeding Basics Learn the basics of backyard bird feeding, which birds are likely to visit your feeders, and what individual species like to and is 8.5 inches long. eat. We will watch the birds that visit the feeding station at Ox Bow Haus and create suet to take home. Date: Fri, Dec 6 Register by: Tue, Dec 3 Date: Sat, Dec 7 Register by: Fri, Dec 6 Time: 6–7:30 p.m. Location: Baldwin One-room Schoolhouse, Bonneyville Mill Time: 9–10 a.m. Location: Ox Bow Haus Cost: $8/person (Limit 12) Shelter, Ox Bow County Park County Park Cost: $3/person (Limit 20) 12 currents | n o v ‒ f e b ’1 9 / 2 0
18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 13 Park in the Dark Discover how the dark can sharpen the five senses you use every day on a nighttime prowl at Ox Bow County Park. This interactive program will explore our understanding of how our senses work and how our bodies adapt to different conditions – especially at night. Activities will include a night hike experiencing our nocturnal senses, the illusion of the disappearing head, and listening to mysterious sounds of the night. Date: Fri, Dec 13 Register by: Thu, Dec 12 Time: 7 p.m. Location: Ox Bow Haus Cost: Free (Limit 25) Shelter, Ox Bow County Park 14 Bonneyville Bake Day: Yeast Bread Learn the ins and outs of baking with yeast and Bonneyville flour. Participants will learn tips and techniques to working with yeast recipes from the miller of Bonneyville himself. Samples will be provided. Date: Sat, Dec 14 Register by: Fri, Dec 13 Time: 10:30–11:30 a.m. Location: Baldwin Age: 18+ One-room Schoolhouse, Bonneyville Mill County Park Cost: $5/person (Limit 30) 17 Illuminated Trail Hike Join us for a special lighted night hike at Bonneyville Mill County Park. Hike a one-mile loop trail with illuminated markers guiding the way, and enjoy the sights and sounds of 14 Winter Wetland Survival Bonneyville Mill County Park on a winter’s night. Did you know some turtles can breathe through their Date: Tue, Dec 17 Cost: Free skin? Learn how, and discover other techniques wetland animals use to survive harsh winters in Elkhart County. Attendees Time: 6 p.m. Location: Main Parking Lot, will enjoy a talk by the fire followed by an optional, short wetland Bonneyville Mill County Park hike to look for tracks and signs of winter wetland life at Ox Bow County Park. Please dress accordingly if you plan to participate in the hike. 19 Date: Sat, Dec 14 Register by: Fri, Dec 13 Stories of Elkhart: Native Removal As more and more settlers pressed west in the early Time: 1–2:30 p.m. Location: Ox Bow Haus 1800s, the Native people who had lived here for Cost: Free Shelter, Ox Bow County Park generations were being forced on to smaller and smaller parcels. Pressure for land continued to build, and in 1830, President Jackson signed into law the Indian Removal Act. Join us as we chronicle the removal of Native populations from this region and the lasting impacts still felt today. Register Online Date: Thu, Dec 19 Time: 7–8 p.m. Location: Elkhart County Historical Museum Cost: Free VISIT > elkhartcountyparks.org/events elk hartcount y par k s .o rg 13
JAN 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 1 0 1 1 1 2 1 3 1 4 1 5 1 6 1 Wednesday Bird Walk: First Day Hike Get outdoors for your New Year's Resolution and experience something new! Join us on a Wednesday Bird Walk as we kick off the new year with a "First Day Hike." From tiny hummingbird-sized 1 First Day Family Hike Start the new year with your family and friends on a stroll through Boot Lake Nature Preserve. Hikers will learn about the preserve’s history, what improvements have been made recently and Golden-crowned Kinglets to swooping Barred Owls, see some of our many of the ways to enjoy this beautiful property in every season. A county's spectacular birds. After the hike, we’ll warm up around the few natural highlights will be the unique lake feature found on the hearth with hot drinks, snacks, and shared stories of our adventure. property, what animals are active there in winter and a bit about Plan to bring hiking shoes and dress for the weather. The group will their winter survival strategies. Entire program will be outdoors, head out at 8 a.m., so please plan travel time accordingly. please dress for the weather. Date: Wed, Jan 1 Cost: Free Date: Wed, Jan 1 Location: Boot Lake Time: 8–10 a.m. Location: Briar Patch Shelter, Time: 12–12:45 p.m. Nature Preserve Bonneyville Mill County Park Cost: Free Age: 8+ Elkhart County's 22nd Annual 4 CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT Ever wanted to be a scientist for a day? Interested in birdwatching? Make every Perfect! Join the Elkhart County Christmas Bird Count, part of a nation- wide Audubon event centered on the beauty and conservation of birds. bird count. During the count, volunteer teams tally all the birds seen and heard in their assigned area to help provide a one-day snapshot of bird populations across the county. Counters can join a team in the field or count from the comfort of home. Participants can choose to gather data all day or as little as one hour. Come be a part of this annual event! Date: Sat, Jan 4 Time: Dawn–Dusk To Register: Call 574-535-6458, or send an email inquiry to Cost: Free rdecaire@elkhartcounty.com Location: Throughout Elkhart County 7 Nature Nuts: Animal Tracks Preschoolers are invited to investigate clues left behind by an animal, such as tracks and scat. We will learn through stories, games, and a hike into the woods. All participants will make 11 Breakfast with the Birds Have a breakfast treat in the comfort of the Ox Bow warming house while watching overwintering birds at our well-stocked feeders. An interpretive naturalist will identify birds as a track ID book to take home. they visit the feeders and share facts about our feathered friends. We’ll have coffee, hot chocolate, and donuts to enjoy. Date: Tue, Jan 7 Cost: $4/child (Limit 12) Time: 9:30–11 a.m. Register by: Sat, Jan 4 Date: Sat, Jan 11 Cost: Free Age: 3–5 Location: Ox Bow Haus Time: 9–10:30 a.m. Location: Ox Bow Haus Shelter, Ox Bow County Park Shelter, Ox Bow County Park 14 currents | n o v ‒ f e b ’1 9 / 2 0
1 7 1 8 19 2 0 2 1 2 2 2 3 2 4 2 5 2 6 2 7 2 8 2 9 3 0 31 16 24 Stories of Elkhart: Museum Matinee: CG Conn Myths and Legends Can’t attend our museum programs in the evening? Is it true? Is it false? The study of history is full of stories Now you can enjoy programs right before lunch! that have been accepted as fact but may be more complicated than This first program will feature the life of CG Conn. Learn about we believe. This program will explore some of the biggest myths his major accomplishments, which include the growth of his band and legends in the history of our communities, and we’ll reveal if instrument factory – the first major industry in Elkhart. these stories are real, fake, or somewhere in-between. Date: Fri, Jan 24 Location: Elkhart County Date: Thu, Jan 16 Location: Elkhart County Time: 11 a.m.–12 p.m. Historical Museum Time: 7–8 p.m. Historical Museum Cost: Free Cost: Free 17 Winter Astronomy Have fun learning about the exciting world of astronomy including the Greek and Roman mythological origins of the constellations. Weather permitting, there will also be viewing of the night sky through a Dobsonian reflector telescope. All participants will make and take a star chart which can be used any time of year. Refreshments will also be provided. Date: Fri, Jan 17 Register by: Thu, Jan 16 Time: 9 p.m. Location: Ox Bow Haus Cost: $4/person (Limit 20) Shelter, Ox Bow County Park 25 Beginning Beekeeping Steve Lesniak of Peace Bees, LLC has partnered with Elkhart County Parks to offer a special Beginning Beekeeping course. What is normally three sessions will bee combined into one highly educational day! This program is aligned with the traditional beekeeping calendar, so upon completion of the course participants will have the time and know-how to begin beekeeping for the coming season. Participants will leave with expert guidance, handouts, and a copy of The New Starting Right With Bees. Lunch included. Date: Sat, Jan 25 Register by: Mon, Jan 20 Time: 9 a.m.–3:30 p.m. Location: Baldwin Age: 12+ One-room Schoolhouse, Bonneyville Mill County Park Cost: $55/person (Limit 15) 18 Winter Tree ID Join Bill Minter, Director of Land Management at Merry Lea Environmental Learning Center of Goshen College, as he walks participants through steps in identifying local tree species in winter. Workshop will include information about different Register O nline species, identification tips & tricks and a short hike. Date: Sat, Jan 18 Register by: Wed, Jan 15 Time: 2–4 p.m. Location: Baldwin Age: 12+ One-room Schoolhouse, Bonneyville Mill County Park Cost: Free (Limit 20) VISIT > elkhartcountyparks.org/events elk hartcount y par k s .o rg 15
FEB 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 1 0 1 1 1 2 1 3 1 4 1 5 1 6 1 7 1 Exhibit Opening – Get Two for One! Join us for the opening of two new exhibits: The 2020 Elkhart County Parks Photo Contest Winners and Crossroads: Change in Rural America from the Smithsonian’s Museums on Main Street program. Enjoy light refreshments as you celebrate the talents of local photographers and tour Change in Rural America. The Photo Contest will be on exhibit through February 16 and Change in Rural America is open through March 15. Date: Sat, Feb 1 Cost: Free Time: 10 a.m.–12 p.m. Location: Elkhart County Historical Museum 1-22 Junior Indiana Master Naturalist Course Budding naturalists will experience the natural resources, places, and professionals Elkhart County has to offer through hands-on exploration, fun activities, and unique encounters with nature. Each participant will receive their official Jr IMN designation from the Indiana Department of Natural Resources upon completion of course and six volunteer hours. 40th Annual Elkhart County Parks Dates: Sat, Feb 1, 8, 15 & 22 Locations: (first 3 weeks) Baldwin PH OTO CO NTEST Time: 9:30 a.m.–3 p.m. Age: 9–12 One-room Schoolhouse, Bonneyville Mill County Park Cost: $50/person (Limit 15) (4th week) Elkhart County Register by: Fri, Jan 24 Historical Museum Visit the display of photo entries at the Elkhart County Historical 3 Museum for the 2020 edition of the Elkhart County Parks Photo Nature Nuts: Hibernation Contest. Categories will include Explore the phenomenon of hibernation through Rural Life, Local Wildlife, and investigation of furs and mounts, building a den to crawl Elkhart County Parks themed into, and a short hike into the park. A story, craft, and snack will photos. There will be a special also be provided. grand opening to celebrate Date: Mon, Feb 3 Cost: $4/child (Limit 12) the joint Photo Contest and Crossroads: Change in Rural Time: 9:30–11 a.m. Register by: Fri, Jan 31 America exhibitions on Feb 1 Age: 3–5 Location: Ox Bow Haus from 10 a.m.–noon. Shelter, Ox Bow County Park Regular visiting hours at the 5 Elkhart County Historical Museum are: Tues–Sat, Wednesday Bird Walk: 50th Birdathon 9 a.m.–5 p.m. More than 50 species can be found at the park this time of the year—from colorful bluebirds and waxwings to majestic eagles and owls. Let's see how many we can find! To celebrate our Photo Contest Date: Saturday, Feb 1 50th Wednesday Bird Walk, join us for a fun, light-hearted race to Reception Time: 10 a.m.–12 p.m. find 50 birds. After the hike, we’ll celebrate at the warming house with drinks, bird-themed snacks, and shared memories. Plan to Photo Contest Date: Feb 1–16 bring hiking shoes and dress for the weather. The group will head out at 8 a.m., so please plan travel time accordingly. Exhibition Time: Regular Hours at Museum Date: Wed, Feb 5 Cost: Free Age: All Location: Elkhart County Location: Ox Bow Haus Time: 8–10 a.m. Cost: Free Historical Museum Shelter, Ox Bow County Park Age: 8+ 16 currents | n o v ‒ f e b ’1 9 / 2 0
18 19 20 21 2 2 23 24 25 26 2 7 28 2 9 3 0 31 7 27 Zero-Waste Cleaning Stories of Elkhart: Exploring Take a new approach to spring cleaning this year, with an Hoosiers & the Places They Reside emphasis on environmental consciousness. Cleaning supplies In celebration of Crossroads: Change in Rural are readily available in stores, but making your own can be much America, political scientist Dr. Chad Kinsella, Ball State University, cheaper and safer for the environment and your home. Participants will lead a lively discussion exploring Indiana’s rural, suburban will leave this program with their own zero waste kit, as well as and urban areas are and how opinions about political and social plenty of resources and recipes to make even more zero waste issues vary by place. Dr. Kinsella appears courtesy of the Indiana cleaning swaps at home. Humanities Speakers Bureau. Arrive early to visit the Smithsonian traveling exhibit, Crossroads: Change in Rural America. Date: Fri, Feb 7 Register by: Tue, Feb 4 Time: 6–7 p.m. Location: Baldwin Date: Thu, Feb 27 Cost: Free Age: 6+ One-room Schoolhouse, Time: 7 p.m. Location: Elkhart County Bonneyville Mill County Park Historical Museum Cost: $4/person (Limit 15) 11 Change in Rural America with Speaker Chuck Fluharty Chuck Fluharty, founder of the Rural Policy Research Institute, will present a lively program on contemporary issues facing rural communities in collaboration with Goshen College’s Yoder Public Affairs Lecture Series. Fluharty is a Clinical Professor in the University of Iowa College of Public Health and a graduate of Yale Divinity School. This program is presented in conjunction with the Smithsonian’s Crossroads: Change in Rural America on exhibit at the Elkhart County Historical Museum February 1–March 15, 2020. Visit elkhartcountyparks.org for details. 27 Tails to Trails Date: Tue, Feb 11 Location: Reith Recital Hall, Time: 7:30 p.m. Goshen College Explore Ox Bow County Park with your canine Cost: Free companion and kick off a new season of Tails to Trails. Signs will be placed along the path, so visitors can choose to walk at their own pace with their dogs or join the group for a 14 Museum Matinee: E. Hill Turnock naturalist-led walk. Water and doggy bags will be available. All dogs must be on a leash and controlled at all times. You may have walked past the works and art of E. Hill Turnock and not even noticed. Elkhart County’s most Date: Thu, Feb 27 Cost: Free prominent architect designed private homes, businesses, and public buildings that are icons in our built environment. Come learn about Time: 6 p.m. Location: Ox Bow Haus Turnock’s career and see many of the examples of his designs. Shelter, Ox Bow County Park 29 Date: Fri, Feb 14 Cost: Free Time: 11 a.m.–12 p.m. Location: Elkhart County Backyard Maple Sugaring Tap into one of Indiana’s sweetest traditions and learn Historical Museum how to turn your backyard maple trees into “liquid gold.” In this hands-on workshop, visitors will learn art of making maple syrup—from picking the perfect tree down to techniques on 15 Wildlife Track Trek simmering or “sugarin’” the sap to perfection. To sweeten the deal, In winter, wildlife leave stories in the snow with every pancakes, maple syrup, sausages, and drinks will be included in the step they take. Each track is a mystery waiting to be program price. Starter kits will also be available for purchase. revealed. Come grab a warm drink, gather around the hearth, and join fellow wildlife detectives as we explore tips to identify the Date: Sat, Feb 29 Register by: Fri, Feb 28 tracks and clues hidden in the snow. We’ll bundle up and head Time: 9:30–12 p.m. Location: Baldwin One-room out for a short outdoor investigation to crack some of these cold Schoolhouse, Bonneyville Mill Cost: $5/person (Limit 35) cases and reveal the critters behind the clues. County Park Date: Sat, Feb 15 Cost: Free Regis t e r Online Time: 1–2:45 p.m. Location: Briar Patch Shelter, Age: 8+ Bonneyville Mill County Park VISIT > elkhartcountyparks.org/events elk hartcount y par k s .o rg 17
park information Come experience the Elkhart County Parks! Each site offers fantastic recreational opportunities–from scenic hikes to family picnics. Discover more about our park destinations on our website at elkhartcountyparks.org/parks Boot Lake Nature Preserve Ox Bow County Park 51430 C.R. 3 • Elkhart, IN Acres: 300 23033 C.R. 45 • Goshen, IN Acres: 200 Experience the natural beauty of Mere minutes from Elkhart and Boot Lake now restored to its former Goshen, Ox Bow County Park offers natural state of wetland, forest, and countless ways to make the most out prairie habitat. The state-dedicated of your visit–from nature programs nature preserve hosts a wide variety and woodland hikes to archery and of plants and wildlife. disc golf, you’ll be spoiled for choice on what to do next. Ð è : X X ) Bonneyville Mill County Park Pumpkinvine Nature Trail 53373 C.R. 131 • Bristol, IN Acres: 222 1302 E. Lincoln Ave • Goshen, IN Miles: 16.5 A unique blend of regional history The Pumpkinvine Nature Trail is a and natural beauty can be found at linear park and greenway on the the 222-acre Bonneyville Mill County former Pumpkinvine railroad corridor. Park. Gently rolling hills, woodlands, Take a stroll or bike ride through lush marshes, and open meadows form a woodland corridors surrounded by perfect background for picturesque rolling farmland on this scenic 16- Bonneyville Mill. mile trail running from Goshen to Shipshewana. Ð è ) Ð X X è ) Cobus Creek County Park River Preserve County Park 30680 C.R. 8 • Elkhart, IN Acres: 84 67380 C.R. 29 • New Paris, IN Acres: 358 Spend the day by the creek and take in Historic canals, dams, and foundations the natural beauty of the region in this blend seamlessly with wild beauty in local Elkhart gem. Once farmland, the this vast linear park that runs along the park now features a diverse landscape, Elkhart River. Get away from the crowds including a Sensory Garden, restored and let your inner-explorer go wild prairie, woods, wetlands, and a cold for these timeless landscapes rich in water trout creek for which it is named. history and natural splendor. X è ) : ) X DeFries Gardens Treasure Island 17477 C.R. 46 • New Paris, IN Acres: 13 56226 Armour Ave. • Elkhart, IN Acres: 4 Nestled in River Preserve County Located on the banks of the lower Park, DeFries Gardens is a reminder St. Joseph River, Treasure Island of our human connection to the offers a place for visitors to relax environment. Explore seasonal and enjoy nature. The park is closed gardens of ornamental flora and in winter from December thru March native plant collections at this (dependent on weather conditions). picturesque property. ) X X 18 currents | n o v ‒ f e b ’1 9 / 2 0
park information Bonneyville Mill Elkhart County Historical Museum 53373 C.R. 131 • Bristol, IN 304 W. Vistula St. • Bristol, IN Mill Hours (open May–Oct) Museum Hours (closed Sun-Mon) Wed–Sun • 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Tues–Sat • 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Bonneyville is the oldest continually The Museum fosters appreciation operating mill in Indiana, producing and preservation of local history and quality flour for more than 180 years. culture through exhibits, educational Interpretive staff are on duty to lead programs, and an accessible library and visitors through the “daily grind.” archives. Come hear the stories of the While you are there, purchase freshly many people, places, and events that ground flour for a taste of local history. make up the history of Elkhart County. ) X X LEGEND THINGS TO DO SITE AMENITIES Ð è : X ) BIKING CROSS-COUNTRY FISHING KAYAK / PLAYGROUND RESTROOM SHELTER HANDICAPPED SKIING CANOEING ACCESSIBLE Boot Lake Nature Preserve 51430 County Road 3 Elkhart IN, 46514 ,boot lake nature preserve elkhart county Bonneyville Mill ,cobus creek , historical museum County Park 53373 County Road 131 Bristol, IN 46507 county park treasure , BRISTOL ,bonneyville county park mill ELKHART Cobus Creek island County Park 30680 County Road 8 MIDDLEBURY Elkhart, IN 46561 DeFries Gardens 17477 County Road 46 New Paris IN, 46553 ox bow, county park Ox Bow County Park 23033 County Road 45 GOSHEN ,pumpkinvine nature trail Goshen IN, 46528 Pumpkinvine Nature Trail 1302 E. Lincoln Ave Goshen IN, 46526 WAKARUSA riv er pres pr eserve erve River Preserve MILLERSBURG County Park 67380 County Road 29 ,county county park park New Paris, IN 46553 NEW Treasure Island PARIS ,defr defrie ies garden gardens s s 56226 Armour Ave. Elkhart, IN 46516 Elkhart County Historical Museum 304 West Vistula Street NAPPANEE Bristol, IN 46507 elk hartcount y par k s .o rg 19
FRIENDS OF THE ELKHART COUNTY PARKS 211 W. LINCOLN AVENUE GOSHEN, IN 46526-3280 PARKSINFO@ELKHARTCOUNTY.COM c G EAR UP, O EXPLORE. ON EXHIBIT AT THE ELKHART COUNTY HISTORICAL MUSEUM FEB 1 – MAR 15, 2020 SPECIAL HOURS: In addition to regular museum hours, Tuesday-Saturday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m., Crossroads: Change in Rural America will be open 0 115 E WARREN ST, MIDDLEBURY, IN 46540 Sundays, February 2–March 15, 2020, 1–5 p.m. (574) 849-6955 !
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