The chatterbox November 2014 - February 2015 Leisure Guide Director Patterson’s “Jewell” of a message Pg. 3 Nature’s Inspirations Express Yourself…by Feb. 6! Pg. 5 Field Trippin’? Check out Hamilton County Parks Pg. 12 Calling All Pops and Princesses! Daddy Daughter Dance - Feb. 5 & 6 Pg. 14 www.myhamiltoncountyparks.com Hamilton County Commissioners inistrati e e - - Christine Altman Steven Dillinger Mark Heirbrandt Mon. – Fri., 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Please call the numbers listed for holiday hours of park o ces and fac l t es. Hamilton County Council Director, Allen Patterson [email protected] Paul Ayres Brad Beaver Jim Belden Meredith Carter Amy Massillamany ck Mc nney Steve Schwartz Hamilton County Park Board Stephen Andrews Dr. Judith Campbell Jan DeJarnatt Mark McCauley Susan Peterson Andrew (Terry) Prather Larry Roudebush Philip Shelby Mission Statement The Hamilton County Parks and Recreation Department shall e st to ser e the le sure and recreat onal needs of the residents and tourists of the county. We will strive to be the leader in providing well-maintained, high-quality ass e arks and fac l t es, e cellent ro rams and services, and the preservation of greenspace to enhance the quality of life in the county. Park Board Meetings The Hamilton County Parks and Recreation Board meetings are held on the third Monday of each month, e ce t hol days. hey are held at .m. n the Cool Creek Nature Center auditorium, located at 2000-1 East 151st Street, Carmel, IN 46033. The meetings are open to the public. Park Hours All parks operated by Hamilton County Parks and Recreation are open 365 days a year from dawn to dusk. Some sections of the park may be closed due to special e ents, shelter reser at ons or ood n . lease refer to The Chatterbox or call the adm n strat e o ce. On the cover: Members of Brownie Troop #796 dance around a majestic maple tree during the annual Maple Syrup Program at Bray Family Homestead Park. This year’s FREE special event takes place on Saturday, February 28th. More details on page 8. Cover photo by Amanda Smith Deputy Director, B. Christopher Stice [email protected] Resource Development Specialist, Don Nicholls [email protected] ce Mana er, Alesa Co alesa.co ham ltoncounty. n. o Admin Technical Coordinator, Carrie Jones [email protected] oo ree at re enter - Superintendent of Natural Resources and Education, Amanda Smith [email protected] Naturalist, Dan Popiela [email protected] a or enter o at ra istor Mon. – Sat., 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Sun., 1 – 5 p.m. - - Regional Parks Operations Manager, Bruce Oldham [email protected] Historical Resource Specialist, Christy Brocken [email protected] ite i er a gro n Season: Apr. 15 – Oct. 31 ce hours Mon. – Thurs., 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Fri. and Sat., 8:30 a.m. – 8:30 p.m. Sun. 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. - - Regional Parks Operations Manager, Bruce Oldham [email protected] o a ar ens Dawn – Dusk - - Co hall ardens ark Mana er, ary no lton [email protected] www.myhamiltoncountyparks.com Proud Member of: - Mon. – Sat., 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Sun., 1 – 5 p.m. For info on other parks visit: www.hampa.org www.inpra.org Find us on Facebook and Twitter! Greetings, and welcome to the Fall/Winter 20142015 edition of The Chatterbox Leisure Guide. Last month I had the honor to be invited to join the US Secretary of the Interior, Sally Jewell, for a roundtable discussion on park and recreation funding and community building. This was not my first time meeting ecretary ewell, it was however, the first time since she was named ecretary of the nterior. Our first meeting took place when I attended the grand opening of the new REI store in Castleton, Director Patterson shown and at that time she was CEO of REI. Secretary Jewell is an amazing lady with US Secretary of the with an amazing vita, everywhere she has been, she has produced success. Interior, Sally Jewell. My staff and were very impressed with her when we met her at R and I am thrilled that she is now Secretary of the Interior. Her mission on the trips she was making when she visited Hamilton County was to tout success stories and to energize communities. She very professionally toed the company line and didn’t do any politicking. My take-away however, was that I need to do a better job of informing and creating advocates for the funding sources and quite literally lifeblood of recreational resources for our communities. Many “programs” and “pots of money” are under the microscope right now. What I heard is that some great programs are in jeopardy. Programs like the Land and Water Conservation Fund. This program is funded from motorboat fuel tax, fees from recreational use of federal lands, proceeds from the sales of surplus federal real property, and mineral leasing receipts from the Outer Continental Shelf. It was set up specifically to help state and local governmental units with recreation planning, ac uisition, and development. ll communities in Hamilton County have benefitted from this funding. o date, your Hamilton County Parks and Recreation Department has received and matched more than $540,000.00 in funding which has led to acquisition and permanent protection of over 550 acres and improvements at Morse Park, Forest Park Pool, Cool Creek Park, and Strawtown oteewi Park. hat s significant ow this ederal ct is up for re-authori ation and faces a stiff uphill battle. Please, if you care about the future and growth of parks and recreation in your community, call or write your US Congressional Representative and US Senators and urge them to support the re-authorization of the Land and Water Conservation Fund. nough of the soap box preaching. ow relax and in the following pages read about all the wonderful offerings that are being prepared for you to help weather the on-coming winter that will soon be upon us. See you in the parks! Al Patterson Allen W. Patterson, CPRP, CPSI Director, Hamilton County Department of Parks and Recreation Solar Panels at the Cool Creek Nature Center Update View the energy generated by our solar panels on the roof of the Cool Creek Nature Center. Visit www.myhamiltoncountyparks.com and click on the Cool Creek Solar Panels link ANNUAL SAVIGNS $4,000 Savings For One Year Snapshot taken September 28, 2014. Data generated since September 2, 2010 Visit the Cool Creek Nature Center! Annually, more than 40,000 people visit the Nature Center ur e h ts, h ch are all des ned and created y our sta , chan e seasonally. Additionally, a free daily craft is o ered e ery t o eeks, sca en er hunts are available everyday, and the Wildlife Viewing Area and reenhouse are also a a la le. here s A A S someth n ne to e lore at the Cool Creek Nature Center. While you are here, be sure to allow time for a nature hike and sto at our o ular lay round e ho e you will make plans to visit us sometime this season or more nformat on, lease call us at 317-774-2500. Hours: Monday-Saturday 10:00 am-5:00 pm Sunday 1:00 pm-5:00 pm Cost: Free PLEASE NOTE: Nature Center closed on: November 4, 11, 27-30; December 24-26; January 1, 19; February 16. Fall Exhibit: Autumn Attractions Autumn is a beautiful time of year here in am lton County he Nature Center s cele rat n the season th an e h t featur n some of the most remarkable aspects of autumn. Discover the secrets behind leaves changing colors and the amazing journey Monarch utter es e n th s t me of year. i it r ns t ro g o e er Dates: (Please note when we are closed for holidays) 4 Winter Exhibit: Snowy Slumber The eauty and eacefulness of nter s e lored at our Nature Center throu hout th s e h t. earn a out the onder of sno akes, the o ls l n n the sno - lled oods, and ho to identify animal tracks in freshly fallen snow. While you are here, we invite you to check out our Wildlife Viewing Area, as winter is a great time to begin bird-watching. Dates: December 8 -March 10 (Please note when we are closed for holidays) www.myhamiltoncountyparks.com Nature Trunks on Loan at the Cool Creek Nature Center! We now have five trunks available for area educators to use as an additional resource for their classes hese kits would make a great addition to any classroom or program that focuses on Indiana wildlife. Educators including scout leaders, teachers, and home-school families are all eligible to borrow the trunks. The trunks were originally put together by educational professionals formally at the DNR Natural Resources Educational Center. The trunks available are: The Wildlife Trunk consists of a variety of native skulls/bones, shells, skins, mounts, track molds and cards. e ree- en o s ree r n includes many books, field guides, lesson plans, activity ideas, movies, wood samples and posters. The Fur File includes fifteen real mammal furs with corresponding fact cards, and additional lesson plans and resources for educators. The Bird Trunk includes bird skulls, silhouettes, bird books, and other bird-related education materials. The Go FishIN’ kit contains fishing rods, reels, games, fishing tackle, and related literature. The nature trunks are available to borrow, free of charge, and are scheduled for use on a first-contact-first serve basis. Contact Holly aust at - 500 or email [email protected] with questions and/or to check on the availability for your up and coming program Nature’s Inspirations: Art Exhibit at Cool Creek Get inspired by the work of artists who capture nature and its majesty. his exhibit features nature-inspired artwork including paintings, photography, and other art media. Work from both professional and amateur artists will be featured. isitors to the exhibit will be encouraged to cast a vote for their favorite entries. e sure to mark your calendars and make plans to see the inspirational artwork on display. Dates: February 21-March 8 Times: Cool Creek Nature Center hours Cost: Free Location: CCNC Interested in Exhibiting? rtists interested in exhibiting fine art in this exhibit should contact us at 317-774-2500 or [email protected] before Friday, February 6, 2015 for more information and entry procedures. Penny Roberson’s award-winning 2014 - oil painting entry entitled “Early Morning.” 317.770.4400 5 Park Programs ccp/ ccnc Preschool GatheringNature Kids ring the little ones and join us as we get to know nature Parents stay with their children and explore alongside them fter circle time and a craft, the group will head outside We will try to get outside rain or shine so dress for the weather pending time in nature makes kids happier, healthier, and smarter Fall Harvest for Animals Dates: Wednesday, November 12 Thursday, November 13 Pajama-Rama Put on your cutest pair of pajamas, grab your favorite teddy bear, pack up an old blanket, and join us for Pajama-Rama amilies looking for a fun program to enjoy with their toddlers and preschoolers will love the Music Educator from Moriah Music who will lead us in songs and stories about some of our favorite animals. Dates: November 7, December 5, January 2, March 6 (No program in February) Time: 7:00-7:45 pm Ages: Best for families with children ages 1-7 Pre-registration: Yes, call 317-774-2500 or email [email protected] Location: CCNC Gifts from Nature Dates: Wednesday, December 10 Thursday, December 11 Let’s Find Hibernating Bugs! Dates: Wednesday, January 14 Thursday, January 15 Maple Syrup! Dates: Wednesday, February 11 Thursday, February 12 Times: 10:30 am Pre-registration: Is preferred by calling 317-774-2500 or emailing [email protected] Location: CCNC Home-school Hike Bring your home-schoolers to Cool Creek Park to learn about our Indiana nature and get outside for active fun and learning. Dress for the weather. Come be merry with us as we welcome Mrs. Claus and the Jolly Old Elf himself, Santa Claus. The Claus’s will be available for photos throughout the program. Jingle John of Silly Safaris will be presenting his Animals of the North Pole program which will include several animals that like the cold weather, including a reindeer Crafts and cookies will also be available Date: Sunday, December 14 Time: 2:00-4:00 pm Jingle John Program: 2:30-3:30 pm Photos with Santa: 2:00-4:00 pm Location: CCNC* * For this event and throughout the season, bring a non-perishable or canned food item to donate to Amanda Strong Food for the Needy. 6 Dates: Thursday, November 20 - Engineering Challenge - Fort Building Thursday, December 18 - Hibernating Insects Thursday, January 22 - Fabulous Food Chain Thursday, February 5 - Making Maple Syrup Time: 1:00 pm Pre-registration: Is preferred by calling 317-774-2500 or emailing [email protected] Location: CCNC Cool Creek Storytime Families can warm up on the carpet inside the Nature Center during nature-inspired storytime. Dates: Tuesday, November 18 Tuesday, December 2 Tuesday, December 16 Tuesday, January 6 Tuesday, January 20 Tuesday, February 3 Tuesday, February 17 Time: 11:00 am Ages: Preschoolers Pre-registration: Is preferred by calling 317-774-2500 or emailing [email protected] Location: CCNC www.myhamiltoncountyparks.com Winter Break Programs Hey students! Have you been stuck in the house all winter break? Do you have a little bit of “cabin fever?” Would you love to get out for a fun afternoon activity? Look no further than Hamilton County Parks as we present some fun and interactive programs. Indiana WILD Survivor Animal-style The survival strategies and techniques of animals will be explored with ndiana W . ive animals and fun stories will help us understand the adaptations of our animal friends. day, December 29 Date: Monday, Time: 1:00-2:00 pm Ages: Best for school-aged children Location: CCNC Turtles of Indiana! Come get a closer look at some of Indiana’s most beloved creatures UR earn more about ndiana s native turtle species and the conservation issues impacting them in our area. You’ll be allowed to touch a few of the turtles Date: Wednesday, December 31 Time: 1:00-2:00 pm Ages: Best for school-aged children Location C H- P Games from Long Ago Before the internet and even before gaming systems, people had fun playing games with family and friends. Join us for an afternoon of gaming from yesteryear. We will have a variety of games available to play, including board games, table top games, marbles and jacks. Winter Critters with ANIMALIA Have you ever wondered how animals survive the harsh winter weather? Food is scarce and plants have gone dormant. Water is frozen as snow and ice. Warm shelter is limited or occupied by other animals. xplore with ANIMALIA the many unique ways animals have developed to survive during hibernation, migration, or just toughing it out through the chilling cold of winter. Date: Tuesday, December 30 Time: 1:00-2:00 pm Ages: Best for school-aged children Location: CCNC Date: Friday, January 2 Time: 2:00 pm Pre-registration: Yes, by calling 317-774-2574 or emailing [email protected] Ages: Great for families Location C H P Snakes with Snakehead Ed Snakehead Ed will bring lots of live snakes to show the audience. He will also dispel many of the myths people have about these fascinating creatures. Date: Friday, January 2 Time: 1:00-2:00 pm Ages: Best for school-aged children Location: CCNC Animals of the North with Silly Safaris Winter break is awesome with Silly Safaris oin Coyote Chris as he visits with some animal guests from way up north. This arctic adventure will be heaps of fun. Date: Wednesday, December 31 Time: 1:00-2:00 pm Ages: Best for school-aged children Cost: Free Location: CCNC 317.770.4400 7 Naturalist-led Tour at Coxhall Children’s Garden ake a tour of the Ch ldren s arden located at Co hall ardens th a Natural st and d sco er the ns rat on behind this magical little spot. All sorts of ideas went into designing this play area and our Naturalist will let you in on the story as we walk around and ‘play’ in the area. This program will meet at the entrance of the Children’s arden. Date: Thursday, November 13 Time: 11:00 am Ages: Parents and their children Location: C Home-school Maple Syrup Field Trip Home-school families are invited out to Bray Family omestead ark for a eld tr -styled ro ram a out maple syrup, maple trees, and with a good deal of history included. The Bray family’s strong Quaker roots and h story as one of the rst settlers n ash n ton Township will lead us into discussion about the Underground Railroad and maple syrup’s use as “freeman’s sugar.” Date: Thursday, February 26 Time: 1:00-4:00 pm (each group presentation will last about 1 hour) Pre-registration: Yes, by calling 317-774-2500 or emailing [email protected] Location: BFHP Maple Syrup Program at Bray Family Homestead Park et sa y th am lton County arks. he sta ll be demonstrating the tapping process on some of the same trees that the Bray Family tapped over the last 150 years. Traditional and modern equipment used in the process will be featured as well as information about the folklore, history, and facts about maple trees. During this open-house styled program, visitors will rotate throu h the Ma le ro e, the Su ar Shack, and the Sugar Store which takes about an hour total. Enter the ark o of nkle oad nto the ark n lot. rou s ll e cked u y our a on and trans orted to the rst station. Dress for the weather and potentially muddy conditions. Date: Saturday, February 28 Time: 10:00 am to 1:00 pm (tours take about one hour) Pre-registration: Yes, by calling 317-774-2500 or email [email protected] Location: BFHP 8 Traditional Plants of the Christmas Season Why do we “Deck the Halls with Boughs of Holly,” decorate our homes with poinsettias, steal kisses under the mistletoe, and gather around the yule log? Come join us to learn about fun traditions and folklore surrounding the traditional and not-so-traditional plants we celebrate with during this joyous holiday season. There will be real plants present and a fun craft. 7 at 1:00 pm Dates: Wednesday, December 17 (Home-schoolers) Saturday, December 20 at 1:00 pm (Public) Pre-registration: Yes, call 317-774-2500 or email [email protected] Location: CCNC Birding 101 Bird-watching is the fastest growing outdoor activity in the United States with over 51 million Americans art c at n If you ant to kno more a out th s ho y, you ll ant to o n us for th s resentat on. e ll e la n why winter is actually a great time to start ‘birding’, what equipment is needed, and hopefully shed some light on why so many eo le are so ass onate a out atch n rds Date: Saturday, January 24 Time: 1:00 pm Location: CCNC Groundhog Day Program Why does this rodent deserve its own holiday? Come nd out as e cele rate roundho ay earn culture, history, and folklore, as well as the natural history about this local “furry friend.” Due to hibernation, no actual groundhog will be in attendance. Date: Monday, February 2 Time: 1:00 pm Location: CCNC www.myhamiltoncountyparks.com Hikes Owl Prowl Beginning Bird Hikes Birds are fascinating and watching them can be an awe-inspiring experience. Catching a glimpse of these gorgeous creatures however can be frustrating and learning how to identify all of them can be overwhelming oin our aturalist staff and other guest leaders (when available) Sunday and Wednesday mornings and we will learn together. This will be a great opportunity for bird-watchers of all levels. You may begin anytime during the season and come as often as you like. Pre-registration is not re uired. on t forget your binoculars Cool Creek Park: These hikes meet in the north parking lot of Cool Creek Park past the ature Center. ovember , , , , ecember , 0, , , anuary , , , , ebruary , , 5, , 5 Days: Wednesday and every other Sunday Time: 9:00-10:00 am Strawtown Koteewi Park: These hikes will meet at the Taylor Center of Natural History. Dates: ovember 5 ecember anuary February 4 Time: 9:00-10:00 am oin park staff to learn about native ndiana owls and their amazing nocturnal adaptations. After our indoor program, we will go outside for a short hike to call for wild owls. Please dress for an evening outside in cold weather. Date: Friday, November 14 Time: 5:30 pm Pre-registration: Yes, by calling 317-774-2574 or e-mail [email protected] Location: TCNH Christmas Bird CountHamilton County Celebrate the holidays by helping our department and the National Audubon Society conduct its annual Christmas Bird Count. Join us for a day of hiking and birding. A $5 donation is requested by the National Audubon Society to help cover production costs of the result report. Lunch for participants will be provided by the Hamilton County Parks and Recreation Department. Call the Cool Creek Nature Center at 317-774-2500 to preregister or to receive more details. Date: Saturday, December 27 Time: 8:00 am-1:00 pm Ages: Adults and older children Pre-registration: Yes, call 317-774-2500 or email [email protected] Location: CCNC and county-wide Volunteer Spotlight: Glen Kesler Enthusiastic. Kind. Inquisitive. These are some of the words that describe volunteer Glen esler. certified ndiana Master aturalist, Glen is eager to continue learning about nature and pass on his wisdom to others. Now in his second season as a volunteer, Glen is gratified for the many opportunities to observe the natural world and give back to our community. Helping people is another important aspect of volunteering. Whether answering questions at the front desk in Cool Creek Nature Center, assisting guests at our summer concerts, or registering entrants at our intage ehicle xpo, Glen s kindness, cheerfulness and good humor always shine through. Several patrons have noticed this and thanked him for his involvement. Glen Kesler, a valued HCPR volunteer, can be found regularly assisting and spreading goodwill a on ark staff and uests at the Cool Creek Nature Center and throughout the Hamilton County Parks system. And WE at Hamilton County Parks appreciate you for your tireless dedication, Glen. hanks for all the time, energy and enthusiasm you ve invested with us Glen reali es that many park activities cannot take place without volunteers. We could not agree more f you would like to learn how you can join these vital ranks, please call 317-774-2509 or email [email protected]. 317.770.4400 9 tcnh/skp Park Programs Taylor Center of Natural History at Strawtown Koteewi Park he aylor Center of atural History is open daily isitors are invited to discover the colorful local history that stretches thousands of years into the past. Artifacts recovered by professional archaeologists in previous excavations are on display in our exhibit room. More than eight miles of trails are open, so bring your hiking shoes and sense of adventure Group tours or presentations can also be arranged by calling - 5 . Hours: Monday-Saturday 10:00 am-5:00 pm Sunday 1:00 pm-5:00 pm PLEASE NOTE: Taylor Center closed on: November 4, 11, 27-30; December 1, 24-26; January 1, 19; February 16. Strawtown Enclosure Native American Village Tours Our interpretive staff will be conducting tours about the trawtown Enclosure, a Native American village that was inhabited more than 700 years ago. During these tours we will discuss the Native Americans who built and used the enclosure and see some of the artifacts recovered by archaeologists. The tours will begin inside the Taylor Center of Natural History and include a short stroll to the village site. For more information, please contact us at 317-774-2574. Dates: Saturdays at 11:00 am-12:00 pm Sundays at 2:00-3:00 pm Archery Range Offificially Pre-opens! This past Labor Day, Hamilton County Parks’ much-anticipated archery facility, oteewi Range, pre-opened. Retail partner and range manager, ony Girt and his team from Girt rchery, were on hand to provide professional services to more than 150 archery enthusiasts that have been anxiously waiting to access the range and adjacent 3D course. The first-class archery facility, supported with 10 funds from DNR’s Indiana Division of Fish and Wildlife, will officially open in spring 2015 and will offer a fully operational range, pro shop and services, as well as a classroom that will be employed for archery education programs. Watch for details about the grand opening celebration and exciting activities for the entire family or hours of operation and additional facility details call 765-635-1432. www.myhamiltoncountyparks.com Experienced archery staff are on hand at the new range to instruct and assist archers of all ages and skill levels. Weaving from the Canebrakes The Taylor Center of Natural History is very e c ted to welcome Robin McBride Scott a traditional weaver of river cane basketry. She is a recipient of the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian Visiting Artist Fellowship in 2008, studying the pre-contact river cane basketry of the Southeastern Native Peoples. Participants in Robin’s workshop will learn about the Native American traditions of harvesting and processing of river cane (once plentiful in Indiana). Each participant will create a small woven mat using commercial materials and traditional patterns. Date: Saturday, November 8 Time: 2:00-4:00 pm Cost: $8.00 Pre-registration: Yes, by calling 317-774-2574 or emailing [email protected] Ages: Older children and adults Location: CN S Stop by the Taylor Center of Natural History for an afternoon of making festive food o er n s for the rds and other wildlife that will spend their holidays at Stra to n otee ark. After e make our treats e ll decorate a few trees around the Taylor Center of Natural story. on t orry, hot chocolate ll e ser ed Date: Saturday, December 13 Time: 2:00-4:00 pm Pre-registration: Yes, by calling 317-774-2574 or emailing [email protected] Ages: Older children and adults Location: CN S Snowshoes and Cross-Country Skiing White River Guard and the War of 1812 h te er uard, Ind ana Volunteer M l t a ll demonstrate camp life for militia during the War of 1812 on the (Indiana) Western Frontier of the United States. Demonstrations of ranger tactics, wood lore, and hunting will take place. Young, future volunteers will be taught basic drill and the importance of the volunteer militia during the settlement of Indiana, nclud n ts d rect l nk to the current Nat onal uard system. The activities of the Indiana Rangers active in this area during the war will be discussed as well as the role of ll am enry arr son, err tor al o ernor of Ind ana and later eneral of the estern .S. orces which included erecting forts in Indiana, the Battle of Tippecanoe, and the Battle of Thames. Militia members will regale the public with their war stories about these battles and more. Pastimes of games and cooking will be demonstrated as they were practiced by the men to break the monotony between battles. Date: Saturday, November 15 Time: 10:00 am-5:00 pm Location: CN S This Holiday Season is for the Birds! a e you e er anted to e lore Stra to n otee Park n the nter ell here s your chance o n us for a crosscountry ski and snowshoe tour of the park to enjoy the beauty of Indiana’s winter. Indiana’s weather can change almost instantly, so please prepare by dressing accordingly. Of course, if there is no snow, there will be no tour. art c ants ll e not ed f a change of date is necessary. Dates: Saturday, January 3 Sunday, January 11 Time: 1:00 pm Pre- egistration: Yes, by calling 317-774-2574 or emailing [email protected] Experience Level: Intermed ateert Equipment: Will not be provided Location: CN S Ice Age Animals Learn about Ice Age animals at this fun and engaging orksho resented y the Ind ana State Museum. Sta from the museum will bring pelts, fossils, skulls, teeth, and more to llustrate th s e c t n t me er od hen Ind ana as a much d erent en ronment and cl mate from today. h s nteract e orksho features a ar ety of e er ences that appeal to a wide range of learning styles. Date: Saturday, January 17 Time: 2:00 pm Pre-registration: Yes, by calling 317-774-2574 or emailing [email protected] Ages: Older children and adults Location: CN S 317.770.4400 317.770.4400 11 Park Programs tcnh/skp Planning Your Pollinator Garden and Landscaping with Native Plants Pollinators, such as bees and bats, affecting 5% of the world’s food production are in decline. Whether you have acres of land, a suburban yard, or patio, you can help pollinators thrive oin Hamilton County oil and Water Conservation District as they present how to create a beautiful and functional pollinator garden. Garden design and plant selection and sourcing will all be covered. Date: Saturday, February 14 Time: 2:00 pm Pre-registration: Yes, by calling 317-774-2574 or emailing [email protected] Ages: Older children and adults P Location: C H Love is in the Air In February, people are celebrating Valentine’s Day in many different ways - like buying their sweetheart candy, taking them out to dinner, dancing, and delivering owers. t turns out birds are also reestablishing pair bonds with their mates around this same time, too uring this program we will explore the similarities between our traditions and birds’ by taking a peek into their lives. Audience members will then be invited to the Rookery Preserve to see the Great lue Herons who should be busy working to repair their nests and courting their mates. Date: Saturday, February 28 at 3:00 pm Indoor presentation 3:00-4:00 pm Rookery Presentation 4:15 pm-5:00 pm Location: TCNH/RP Group Educational Opportunities Scout Groups Activities Are you looking for a great activity for your scouts? Look no further than Hamilton County Parks. Scouts can experience a hike or an animal talk with a naturalist and also participate in a craft. Whether you are working towards a badge or just looking for a fun scout activity, our staff is up for the challenge. Groups are typically scheduled at least two weeks in advance and dates do fill up fast so don t wait o schedule your scout trip or receive additional information concerning them, please call 317-774-2500. Cost: Free/Hamilton County scouts $1 per child/Out of county scouts Donations are accepted Pre-registration: Yes, by calling 317-774-2500. Adult/Senior Programs Gardening clubs, senior citi en organi ations, high school science or nature clubs, and other adult groups looking for programs and presentations should look into Hamilton County Parks Our park staff is available to conduct themed hikes, lectures, and presentations on many nature-related topics at any of our parks. Our staff may also be scheduled for outreach offsite programming when available. 12 School Field Trips with Hamilton County Parks Put the fun back into your school s field trips by visiting one of Hamilton County s parks Our aturalist staff knows that kids love being outside as they learn through discovering, and teachers love an organized, safe, and educational experience for their students. We’ve provided the equipment and enthusiasm needed for a hands-on field trip to area schools for more than ten years. With a variety of parks and themes to choose from, you are certain to find a program that fits your needs. We will be glad to tailor parts of your visit to fit your grade s curriculum. Our field trips are geared toward students of all ages and group sizes. Call us today to schedule an exciting nature trip at any of our parks for example, Cool Creek, River Road, Potter s ridge, Coxhall Garden, or trawtown oteewi Parks. on t wait pots fill up fast o schedule your school s field trip or receive additional information concerning them, please call 317-774-2500. Cost: Free/Hamilton County students $1 per child/Out of county students Donations are accepted Pre-registration: Yes, by calling 317-774-2500. Cost: Free/Donations are accepted Pre-registration: Yes, by calling 317-774-2500. www.myhamiltoncountyparks.com Duke Energy’s Volunteers in Action on Target at Koteewi Range! n ri a ne t irt ar - or ing e o ees from Duke Energy came together as part of the company’s Volunteers in Action community service rogra to assist a i ton o nt Par s sta in onstr tion o its -anti i ate ar er center – Koteewi Range. The facility and range o e is t e rst o its in in a i ton o nt e o nteers or ing a ongsi e ar sta an Master Gardner Judy Corman, tackled assignments ranging from fabrication of safetyfence panels to trai - tting or t e enter s o rse rri ane i s an re o s ere insta e insi e t e building that will house a classroom and Girt’s Archery Pro Shop. Ms. Corman’s crew pruned trees along the park’s trails, while others in the group cleared trail debris. Mark LaBarr, with Duke Energy, worked with HCPR Volunteer Coordinator, Susan Daniels in coordinating the army of volunteers. Thanks to ar an t e entire gro o o nit - in e Duke Energy employees that contributed their s eat e it or a s e ia ro e t t at i ene t Hamilton County and Central Indiana archers for years to come! Learn more about Koteewi Range on page 10. 317.770.4400 13 Race to the New Year Join Washington Township Parks & Recreation, Hamilton County Parks, and the City of Westfield for the 0th nnual Race to the ew Year he race is a 5k run/walk through Cool Creek Park and along the Natalie Wheeler Trail. This year’s event is presented by Guerin Catholic High School and will take place on December 27, 2014 at 9:30 am. 9th Annual Daddy Daughter Dance Early bird registration is $20.00 (postmarked) by December 12. After December 12, the fee is $25.00. You may register the day of the event. Registration fee for children 15 and under is $15.00. Participants who register after the 12th are not guaranteed a shirt. n case of extreme weather conditions, the event may be cancelled and your registration fee will be accepted as a generous donation to the Washington Township Parks Department. Registration required! Early Bird Registration required by 12/12/2014 Date: Saturday, December 27 Location: CCNC/CCP Time: 9:30 am Age: 8 & Up Cost: $20 early bird $25 after 12/12 $15 children - 15 & Under Code: 8143.101 SPONSORED BY Dads, spend a quality night at the Cool Creek Nature Center with your little girl and dance the night away at our seventh annual Daddy-Daughter Dance. Snacks, refreshments, music and games will be on the agenda for a fun-filled night. Pre-registration and pre-payment is re uired and space is limited Date: Thursday, February 5 and Friday, February 6 Time: 6:00 - 8:00 pm Cost: $10 per father-daughter couple $3 for each additional daughter Pre- egistration: Yes, call 770-4400. Payment is required at the time of registration. Registration opens December 1 and closes ebruary or until spaces are filled. Location: CCNC Hamilton County Parks and Recreation Department will publish its eleventh annual a en ar t is inter e ent a en ar is a st- a e or a ar atrons ot only is it a wonderful way to keep track of your busy schedule, it also includes the o ing ates or an o t e a i ton o nt Par s a orite rogra s s as Summer Day Camps, Cool Creek Concert Series, special events like Potter’s Bridge Fall Festival, and much more. ro ee s ro t e sa e o t e a en ars s ort t e rogra s o ered at the Cool Creek Nature Center. Be sure to pick up a copy while visiting the Nature Center this winter! Hamilton County Parks 2015 Event Calendars Available 14 www.myhamiltoncountyparks.com ow er s be ac h bo at do sh ck n ca no el a m us unc ic h p pi cn avil i ic t a on pi cn ble s ic res she lt e tro r pl oms s ay gr o di sc und go l so cc f er ba s e el d b b a a ll/ so sk ft e vo tbal ball lc lle o y bic ball urt yc l gr ing ee ns na pac tu re e tr pa ve ail dt eq r ue ail str i ca m an t pi ra n il we g t la nd /p ra ir i e sh inistration e (317) 770-4400 15513 S. Union Street, Carmel Bray Family Homestead Park (BFHP) (317) 770-4400 Cool Creek Park (CCP)/(CCNC) (317) 774-2500 Coxhall Gardens (CHG) (317) 774-2582 Geist Park (GP) (317) 770-4400 Lafayette Trace Park (LTP) (317) 770-4400 Morse Park & Beach (MPB) (317) 770-4400 Potter’s Bridge Park (PBP) (317) 770-4400 River Road Park (RRP) (317) 770-4400 Riverwood Canoe Landing (RCL) (317) 770-4400 4528 Sheridan Ave, Noblesville 2000 E. 151st Street, Carmel 116th Street & Towne Road, Carmel 10979 Florida Road, Fortville 6. 15796 E. Strawtown Ave, Noblesville 19777 Morse Park Lane, Noblesville 19401 N. Allisonville Road, Noblesville 12575 River Road, Carmel 20814 Riverwood Ave, Noblesville Rookery Preserve (RP) 25440 Scherer Ave, Arcadia NOW OPEN! (317) 770-4400 Strawtown Koteewi Park (SKP)/(TCNH) (317) 774-2574 White River Campground (WRCG) (317) 770-4430 12308 Strawtown Ave, Noblesville 11299 E. 234th Street, Cicero SAVE the DATE PROGRAMS N Day Camps 2015 Registration details and camp dates will be published on our website www.myhamiltoncountyparks.com beginning January 9, 2015. Camp Registration: Saturday, March 14th beginning at 10:00 am Contact the Cool Creek Nature Center at 317-774-2500 with any questions. Towne Rd. 9. 317.770.4400 15 White River Campground Operating Dates: April 15 - October 31 Location: 11299 East 234th Street, Cicero, IN 46034 Amenities: • 100 modern campsites • 7 primitive campsites • water, electric & sewer hook-ups • camp store, includes bait and tackle • recreation room • restrooms/shower facility • laundry facility • playground • picnic shelter • White River access • WiFi CAMPSITE/FACILITY Reservations are a e te a s in advance. Please a to make your reservation... today! Family DAILY WEEKLY Hamilton County Out of County Hamilton County Out of County Full Hook-up $25 $30 $130 $150 Electric and Water $20 $25 $120 $130 Primitive Site $15 $20 $100 $120 FREE FREE / / Recreation Room Rental $60 $80 / / Shelter House Rental $60 $80 / / Boat Launch $3 $5 / / Dump Station $5 $8 / / Day Visitor Fun Times! Join us at White River Campground this coming spring for am ly un mes nce a month, e ll enterta n you and your family. A variety of entertainment will e o ered throu hout the cam n season to make your stay more enjoyable. Be sure to check out the S Stra to n otee ark , CN aylor Center of Natural History) and PBP (Potter’s Bridge Park) sections in this leisure guide to learn more about other nearby park programs and events that provide enterta nment for the hole fam ly or s ec c deta ls regarding Spring/Summer 2015 events, we invite you to call 317-770-4430. Be a Parks Volunteer! Volunteering for the Hamilton Parks and Recreation Department can be a fun and re ard n e er ence Volunteer opportunities include general park upkeep, assisting with special events, helping with gardening, caring for the Nature Center ’s wildlife friends, greenhouse tending, landscaping, cleaning, socializing, educating and more. A lone runner enjoys the solitude Cool Creek Park offers following a freshly fallen snow. Photo by Don Nicholls 16 Check out the programs and events in this issue that o er olunteer o ortun t es. ook for the volunteer symbol throughout The Chatterbox! To volunteer, please call 317-774-2509 or visit us at myhamiltoncountyparks.com. www.myhamiltoncountyparks.com Park Rentals Osprey Pointe Pavilion Planning a shower, wedding reception, or any other special event? Our indoor rental facility at Morse Park and each offers a lodge-like setting and is available for private functions. Osprey Pointe is located on the banks of Morse Reservoir with a scenic view. The facility’s seating capacity is 101 people and features a kitchenette and restrooms. Facility Rental Rate: on-resi ent ate: Additional Hours: Damage Deposit: Alcohol Deposit: $160.50 for 4 hours $240.75 for 4 hours $42.80 per hour $100 $400 Rental Rates include an on-site security guard and use of all tables and chairs. Coxhall Gardens Centerpiece and Cripe Pavilion Looking for a beautiful and serene location to hold your upcoming wedding and reception he Coxhall Gardens Centerpiece and Cripe Pavilion are now ready to rent for weddings, wedding receptions, and any other special event you may have on your calendar. Rental is available from April through October. For more information and to rent this facility, please call Ritz Charles at or visit ritzcharles.com Cool Creek Park Shelters A,B,C,D Shelter Size 0 x 0 County Resident $50 tax Non-County Resident $80 tax Grill located at each shelter. helters hold approximately 50 people. Park Shelters Geist Park Looking for a place to have a picnic and enjoy your summer Our affordable picnic shelters are a perfect place to have a get-together helter rental is available from May 1st until September 30th. • Shelter rentals are for all-day use. • No refunds • Cash, check, money order, VISA or Mastercard only P ease a - - or renta in o Shelter Shelter Size 0 x 0 County Resident $50 tax Non-County Resident $80 tax Grill located at each shelter. helters hold approximately 50 people. Morse Park and Beach Shelters A,C,D Shelter B Shelter Size 0 x 0 0 x 0 County Resident $50 tax $100 tax Non-County Resident $80 tax $140 tax Grill located at each shelter helters ,C, hold approx. 50 people. helter holds approx. 00 people. 317.770.4400 17 Calendar 2014 When ground level temperatures are below freezing, condensation of water vapor can occur. The resulting formation of ice crystals on exposed surfaces is known as hoar frost, as seen enveloping this prairie plant in Stawtown Koteewi Park. Photo by Bruce Oldham KEY Su – Sunday M – Monday Tu – Tuesday W – Wednesday Th – Thursday F – Friday Sa – Saturday 18 Bray Family Homestead Park (BFHP) Cool Creek Nature Center (CCNC) Cool Creek Park (CCP) Coxhall Gardens (CHG) Geist Park (GP) Lafayette Trace Park (LTP) Morse Park & Beach (MPB) Potter’s Bridge Park (PBP) River Road Park (RRP) Riverwood Canoe Landing (RCL) Rookery Preserve (RP) trawtown oteewi Park (SKP) Taylor Center of Natural History (TCNH) White River Campground (WRCG) December November Sa 1 a. Indiana Bluebird Society – 9am – CCNC b. Enclosure Tour – 11am – TCNH M Su 2 Enclosure Tour – 2pm – TCNH W Tu 4 Election Day – Facilities Closed W 5 a. eginning ird Hike am b. our the Coxhall Mansion CHG F 7 P.J. Rama – 7pm – CCNC Sa 8 a. Weaving from the Canebrakes – 2pm – TCNH b. Enclosure Tour – 11am – TCNH P 0am 1 2 3 F 5 Sa 6 Su 7 Tu our the Coxhall Mansion CHG 0am Storytime – 11am – CCNC eginning ird Hike am P P.J. Rama – 7pm – CCNC Enclosure Tour – 11am – TCNH a. Beginning Bird Hike – 9am – CCP b. Enclosure Tour – 2pm – TCNH M 8 Winter xhibit Opens CCNC W 10 a. Beginning Bird Hike – 9am – CCP b. Preschool Gathering 0 0am CCNC Th 11 Preschool Gathering CCNC Sa 13 a. Enclosure Tour – 11am – TCNH b. Holiday Season for the Birds – 2pm – TCNH 14 a. Holly Jolly Jamboree – 2pm – CCNC b. Enclosure Tour – 2pm – TCNH 0am Su 9 a. Beginning Bird Hike – 9am – CCP b. Enclosure Tour – 2pm – TCNH Tu 11 Veteran’s Day – Facilities Closed W 12 a. Beginning Bird Hike – 9am – CCP b. Preschool Gathering 0 0am CCNC Th 13 a. Preschool Gathering – 10:30am – CCNC b. Children s Garden our am CHG Su W 16 17 Th 18 a. Home-school Hike – 1pm – CCNC b. our the Coxhall Mansion 5pm CHG Sa 20 a. Enclosure Tour – 11am – TCNH b. Traditional Plants of the Christmas Season (Public) – 1pm – CCNC F 14 Owl Prowl – 5:30pm – TCNH Sa 15 a. White River Guard and the War – 0am C H P b. Enclosure Tour – 11am – TCNH Su 16 Enclosure Tour – 2pm – TCNH Tu 18 Storytime – 11am – CCNC W 19 a. Beginning Bird Hike – 9am – CCP b. our the Coxhall Mansion 5 pm CHG Th 20 Home-school Hike – 1pm – CCNC Sa 22 Enclosure Tour – 11am – TCNH Su 23 a. Beginning Bird Hike – 9am – CCP b. Enclosure Tour – 2pm – TCNH W 26 Th 27– Su 30 Tu Su W Sa 21 Storytime – 11am – CCNC a. Beginning Bird Hike – 9am– CCP b. Traditional Plants of the Christmas Season (Homeschoolers) – 1pm – CCNC a. Beginning Bird Hike – 9am – CCP b. Enclosure Tour – 2pm – TCNH 24 - F 26 Facilities Closed 27 a. Christmas Bird Count – 8am – CCP Beginning Bird Hike – 9am – CCP b. Race to the New Year – 9:30am – CCP c. Enclosure Tour – 11am – TCNH Facilities Closed www.myhamiltoncountyparks.com 0 0am Su M 28 29 Enclosure Tour – 2pm – TCNH a. our the Coxhall Mansion 0am CHG b. Indiana Survivor – 1pm – CCNC Tu 30 Winter Critters with Animalia – 1pm – CCNC W 31 a. Beginning Bird Hike – 9am – CCP b. Animals of the North with Silly Safaris – 1pm – CCNC c. Turtles of Indiana – 1pm – TCNH January Th 1 New Year’s Day - Facilities Closed F 2 a. Snakehead Ed – 1pm – CCNC . ames from on A o m TCNH c. P.J. Rama – 7pm – CCNC Sa 3 a. Enclosure Tour – 11am – TCNH b. Snowshoes and Cross-Country Skiing – 1pm – TCNH Su 4 a. Beginning Bird Hike – 9am – CCP b. Enclosure Tour – 2pm –TCNH Tu 6 Storytime – 11am – CCNC W 7 Beginning Bird Hike – 9am – S Su 11 a. Snowshoes and Cross-Country Skiing – 1pm – TCNH b. Enclosure Tour – 2pm – TCNH W 14 a. Beginning Bird Hike – 9am – CCP . reschool ather n am CCNC c. our the Co hall Mans on m C Th 15 reschool CCNC Sa 17 a. Enclosure Tour – 11am – TCNH b. Ice Age Animals – 2pm – TCNH ather n – 10:30am – Su 18 a. Beginning Bird Hike – 9am – CCP b. Enclosure Tour – 2pm – TCNH M 19 President’s Day – Facilities Closed Tu 20 Storytime – 11am – CCNC W 21 Beginning Bird Hike – 9am – CCP Th 22 Home-school Hike – 1pm – CCNC Sa 24 a. Birding 101 – 1pm – CCNC b. Enclosure Tour – 11am – TCNH Su 25 Enclosure Tour – 2pm – TCNH W 28 Beginning Bird Hike – 9am – CCP Th 29 our the Co hall Mans on C February Su 1 M 2 Tu 3 W 4 Th 5 a. Home-school Hike – 1pm – CCNC b. Daddy Daughter Dance – 6pm – CCNC F 6 a. Art h t ntry eadl ne m CCNC b. Daddy Daughter Dance – 6pm – CCNC Sa 7 Enclosure Tour – 11am – TCNH Su 8 Enclosure Tour – 2pm – TCNH W 11 a. Beginning Bird Hike – 9am – CCP . reschool ather n am CCNC Th 12 reschool CCNC Sa 14 a. Pollinator Landscaping Program – 2pm – TCNH b. Enclosure Tour – 11am – TCNH a. Beginning Bird Hike – 9am – CCP b. Enclosure Tour – 2pm – TCNH roundho ay m CCNC Storytime – 11am – CCNC e nn n rd ke am ather n S 2015 am The park staff will occasionally take pictures of participants at our parks, programs, and special Su 15 a. Beginning Bird Hike – 9am – CCP b. Enclosure Tour – 2pm – TCNH M 16 M Tu 17 Storytime – 11am – CCNC marketing purposes. If you do not W 18 Beginning Bird Hike – 9am – CCP want your picture taken, please Sa 21 a. Nature s Ins rat ons Art h t begins – 10am – CCNC b. Enclosure Tour – 11am – TCNH inform the photographer. r. ay ac l t es Closed Su 22 Enclosure Tour – 2pm – TCNH Tu 24 our the Co hall Mans on C W 25 Beginning Bird Hike – 9am – CCP Th 26 Home-school Maple Syrup Field Trip – 1pm – BFHP Sa 28 a. Maple Syrup Event – 10am – BFHP b. Enclosure Tour – 11am – TCNH c. Love is in the Air Program – 3pm – TCNH d. Rookery Presentation – 4:15pm – RP am 317.770.4400 m events. Photos may be used in future publications or online for ADA Notice: Hamilton County, will upon request, provide appropriate aids and services leading to e ect e commun cat on for ual ed ersons th disabilities so that they can participate equally in Hamilton County’s public meetings. For special accommodations for a meeting contact the ADA Facilities Coordinator/Safety & Risk Manager at (317-770-1976) or dan.papineau@hamiltoncounty. in.gov at least two (2) business days prior to the scheduled meeting or event to request an accommodation. Hamilton County Parks and Recreation is committed to accommodating all individuals with special needs. If assistance is required at any county park event, program or fac l ty, lease contact the Adm n strat e ce n advance at 317-770-4400. 19 Hamilton County Parks and Recreation 15513 South Union Street Carmel, Indiana 46033 Pr nted on recycled , ost-consumer a er stock. hen you are n shed en oy n The Chatterbox, please pass it on to a friend or recycle it. If you would like to be added or removed from the list, please call 317-770-4400 or email [email protected] or visit www.enfront.com/HamiltonCountyParks. ......................................................... If the name shown on the address is incorrect or NOT the intended recipient, please contact us at 317-770-4400 and let us know. We’ll update our list and send you free Chatter o . Tour the Coxhall Mansion am lton County arks s no o er n tours of the ne ly reno ated Co hall Mans on and Museum, located on the stately rounds of Co hall ardens. The tours cover the history of the mansion, the rounds and the Co fam ly, as ell as others that played a role in the creation of one of Hamilton County’s most prestigious residences. Tours are free, but registration is required. Please call 317-770-4400 for details or if special accommodations are needed. Dates/Times: Wednesday, November 5, 10 am Wednesday, November 19, 5 pm Monday, December 1, 10 am Thursday, December 18, 5 pm Monday, December 29, 10 am Wednesday, January 14, 5 pm Thursday, January 29, 10 am Tuesday, February 24, 5 pm Ages: All ages are welcome, but children must be accompanied by an adult. Cost: Free Pre-registration: Yes, call 317-770-4400 Dads, spend a fun night at the Cool Creek Nature Center with your little girl and dance the night away at the 9th Annual Daddy Daughter Dance Thursday, February 5 and Friday, February 6 See page 14 for details.
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