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Spring 2015
THE TRAIL GUIDE
The Newsletter for the Friends of the Upper Wabash Interpretive Services
MISSION
The mission of the Friends of the
Upper Wabash Interpretive
Services is to develop and
support projects and events that
enhance the natural and cultural
heritage of the property and
promote community awareness.
Mark Your Calendar
Mississinewa
Fishing Derby (6/6)
Outdoor Adventure
Showcase (6/12, 6/13)
Outdoor Adventure 5k Fun
Run (6/13)
Youth Target Shoot (6/27)
Ouabache
Welcome Back-Bison Hike
(5/2)
Fishing Derby (6/6)
Ouabache Wonders Day
Camp (6/15, 6/16, 6/17)
Bison Bash (6/20)
Salamonie
Taste of Spring (5/2)
Bird Extravaganza (5/3)
Senior Monday Luncheon
(5/4)
Senior Monday Luncheon
(6/1)
Fishing Derby (6/6)
Horse Lovers Day Camp
(6/23, 6/24, 6/25)
Mississinewa Lake
Welcome to the Friends of the Upper Wabash Interpretive Services!
Naturalist John Muir once said, “In every walk with nature
one receives for more than he seeks.” In that spirit, the
Friends group exists to support opportunities for all people
to “walk with nature.”
Formed in 2009, the Friends have supported numerous
projects such as: the Raptor Center, raptor supplies,
handicap accessible doors, Interpretive Services
programming supplies and equipment, the Nature Center
television, and the conference room projection system. To
secure finances for these projects, and future projects, the
Friends rely on membership dues, grants, Adopt-A-Bird,
and fundraisers such as: fall pumpkin sales, pancake
breakfasts, and the vending machine at the Roush Lake
Shooting Range.
As you can see, there are a variety of ways for you to get
involved! Please contact us to see how you can use your
passions and gifts to make a difference in someone else’s
life so that he can “receive far more than he seeks.”
Ouabache State Park
Salamonie Lake
www.friendsofuwis.org
WE NEED YOUR HELP!
To help support our mission, the
Fr i e n d s a r e p l a n n i n g t w o
pancake fundraisers.
The first
event will take place during
“Christmas in July” on July 18th.
The second event will take place
d u r i n g “ O c t o b e r Fe s t ” o n
September 12th.
Both events
will take place at the Salamonie
Lake Modern Campground.
Watch for email, website, and
Facebook updates to see how
you can get involved!
Recently, Friends member Rex
Whiteleather received a grant to
make horse trail improvements at
Salamonie Lake.
With support
from the Friends, he is purchasing
and installing new signage which
will improve safety and
navigation. Thanks for all your
hard work on this project Rex!
2015 Officers
President Steve Park
Vice President Charles Chapman
Secretary Open
Treasurer Liz Sanders
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Although the
colorful spring
wildflowers are
beginning to
bloom and the
spring peepers
are performing
their nightly
concerts, the
realities of a frigid, harsh winter are still fresh in our
memories here at the Salamonie Lake Raptor Center.
Our great horned owl, in particular, developed a severe
infection in his foot. The infection, called bumble foot,
requires daily intensive care as well as trips to a
veterinarian. With financial support from the Friends,
our great horned owl is expected to make a full
recovery.
In addition, the Friends purchased materials to
construct various new interchangeable perches for the
raptors.
The perches will improve the health and
conditioning of the birds by encouraging them to stay
off the ground.
Next time you are at the Salamonie Interpretive and
Nature Center, be sure to check out the new signs
attached to the fence of the Raptor Center. The signs,
purchased by the Friends, educate visitors by providing
a description of each raptor. The removable signs were
designed so that Interpretive Specialists can take them
on the road when giving presentations away from the
Center.
Director At-Large Sharon Ernst
Director At-Large Jean Ross
Director At-Large Jim Emmons
Mississinewa Lake
Spring 2015
2015 Friends Meetings
June 10
August 19
October 21
December 16th
Unless otherwise noted, meetings are held at the Trinity United
Methodist Church, 530 Guilford St., Huntington at 6pm
Ouabache State Park
Salamonie Lake