Summer 2023 St. Joseph County Parks Activity Guide

St. Joseph County Parks www.sjcparks.org

Summer Activity Guide 2023 St. Patrick’s County Park Beverly D. Crone Restoration Area Chamberlain Lake Nature Preserve

St. Joseph County Parks

Bendix Woods County Park Spicer Lake Nature Preserve Ferrettie/Baugo Creek County Park

Calendar of Events Follow or like us on Facebook for program updates and for fun family activities in the parks.

For program information or reservations, call 574/654-3155.

May

Grassland Bird Hike

Armed Forces Day: Vets Golf Free

Saturday, May 20, 10am-7pm Ferrettie/Baugo Creek County Park Fee: Free for military To pay tribute to the men and women who serve across all six branches in the US military, we are offering a round of disc golf to them and their immediate family. Gate fee and disc rental included. Valid military ID required.

Saturday, May 27, 8-10:30am Beverly Crone Restoration Area Fee: Free Enjoy a morning of birding at Beverly Crone Restoration Area. We will walk the gravel path in search of Dickcissel, Eastern Meadowlark, Bobolinks, and other grassland birds. The Restoration Area is located at Jackson Road and Locust Road, west of U.S. 31. Park on the spur on the south side of Jackson, just east of Locust. Registration required by May 24.

Night Orienteering

Wednesday, May 24, begins at 8pm St. Patrick’s County Park: Brown Barn Fee: $10/team, up to 4 people It’s National Scavenger Hunt Day so grab a partner(s), bring a flashlight and let’s go play outdoors and enjoy the falling darkness!

Use your flashlight and locate checkpoints throughout the park within the 60-minute time limit. Registration and payment required

by May 19.

Best Poker Hand Wins

Thursday, May 25, 2-7pm Ferrettie/Baugo Creek County Park Fee: $1/poker hand & *Regular disc golf fees We combined disc golf and poker! As you play the course, switch out a card at select holes to make the best hand you can. Prizes will be awarded to top hands. Pay at the Gatehouse.

June

Thursday, June 15, 2-7pm Ferrettie/Baugo Creek County Park Fee: $1/poker hand & *Regular disc golf fees We combined disc golf and poker! As you play the course, switch out a card at select holes to make the best hand you can. Prizes will be awarded to top hands. Pay at the Gatehouse.

Summer Fling for the Little Ones

Friday, June 23, 10am-12pm St. Patrick’s County Park: Brown Barn Fee: Free!

Summer is the perfect time to get outdoors with kids! Join us for a special morning of activities for children five and under. We’ll explore the world of dirt by digging for worms, making mud pies, and painting with mud. We’ll also enjoy a worm story time and a dirt-themed treat. This program is free thanks to a generous grant from the Dr. Elmer R. Graber Youth Fund for Exploring Nature. Registration required by June 21.

Overhead and Underfoot: Life Springs into Action

(Last session in the Spring Series) Saturday, June 3, 8:30-10:30am St. Patrick’s County Park: Brown Barn Fee: $7/person Meet a naturalist at a county park to discover and observe life’s post-winter rebirth. This program begins with an indoor introduction to what’s going on with the plants, animals, and insects that share our world. Then head out for a hike to look and listen for nature in action.

Nature On the Go at the River Ramble: Pollinator Powers!

Join our email list for updates, park news, and events! Or, to receive this Quarterly Activity Guide by mail, call 574/277-4828.

Best Poker Hand Wins

Friday, June 9, 1-2:30pm St. Patrick’s County Park: River Ramble Fee: Free!

Drop in on a nature-themed program at our unique outdoor play park, the River Ramble.

Activities are geared towards families and include a nature-themed craft.

July Nature On the Go at the River Ramble: Flight of the Firefly!

Friday, July 14, 1-2:30pm St. Patrick’s County Park: River Ramble Fee: Free!

Drop in on a nature-themed program at our unique outdoor play park, the River Ramble.

Activities are geared towards families and include a nature-themed craft.

For program updates and nature notes, “like” us on Facebook at facebook.com/sjcparks and follow us on Twitter at @SJCoParks.

Baugo Creek Kayak/Canoe Clean-Up

Thursday, July 20, 11am-1pm Ferrettie/Baugo Creek County Park Fee: Free, *Vessels and required life jackets provided. *Minimum age 14 yrs. and older; must be accompanied by an adult.

Help us keep the creek clean! The goal is to remove small debris and trash. Do your part and support a healthy and thriving environment for plants and wildlife who rely on this habitat while enjoying an afternoon paddle.

Registration required.

Running Wild: 5K Trail Run & 3K Fun Walk

Saturday, August 19 Run/Walk start time 8:30am St. Patrick’s County Park: Red Barn Fee: varies, pre-registration required A FUNd-raising run and walk to benefit the St. Joseph County Parks! Help us raise funds for park projects, including scholarships to help schools cover the cost of transportation to the parks for programs. Our fun walk will have a nature scavenger hunt and is pet friendly (dogs must be leashed). To pre-register, visit www.sjcparks.org.

August Nature On the Go at the River Ramble: Adaptation Exploration!

Friday, August 11, 1pm-2:30pm St. Patrick’s County Park: River Ramble Fee: Free!

Drop in on a nature-themed program at our unique outdoor play park, the River Ramble.

Activities are geared towards families and include a nature-themed craft.

Marshmallows and Meteors!

Friday, August 11, 9pm-12am Bendix Woods County Park: Van Paris Shelter Fee: $5/person The Perseid meteor showers peak during this week in August. Bring a blanket and bug spray and watch for meteors on Carlisle Hill.

Marshmallows will be provided at the campfire. *Weather back-up date is Saturday, August 12.

Registration required by August 9.

St. Joseph County Parks Photographer Recognition Thank you to all photographers who participated in the 2022 Life Through the Lens Photography Contest! We sincerely appreciate your contributions that showcased the beauty of the county parks. Featured in this Activity Guide are photographers: Ellen Van Arsdale Amber Radivojevic

*Program Series Overhead and Underfoot: Summer in Full Swing!

Saturday, June 24, 8:30-10:30am Bendix Woods County Park: Nature Center Saturday, July 29, 8:30-10:30am St. Patrick’s County Park: Brown Barn Saturday, August 26, 8:30-10:30am Spicer Lake Nature Preserve: Visitor Center Fee: $7/person per session $15/person for three-part series Meet a naturalist at a county park on three Saturdays in Summer to find and observe nature in its summer glory. Each program begins with an indoor introduction to what’s going on with the plants, animals, and insects during the month. Then head out for a naturalist-led hike to look and listen for nature in action. Registration and payment required by the Tuesday prior to each program: June 20, July 25, and August 22.

Outdoor Adventures Summer Nature Camp Come be a part of Outdoor Adventures summer nature camp at St. Patrick’s County Park! Bring on the summer and outdoor fun by hiking, paddling, and splashing your way into natural fun!

Enjoy the many health benefits of spending time outdoors and experience new adventures every day.

Six camps are offered for children entering Kindergarten through 8th grade!

• Tuesday, June 13: Hooks and Arrows (Ages 11-14) • Friday, June 16: Escape Room (Ages 11-14) • June 26-30: Pollinator Power! (Ages 8-9) • July 10-14: Slime Scientists (Ages 6-7) • July 17-21: Who Done it? (Ages 10-11) • July 24-28: Mud Monsters! (Ages 5-6) For more information, or to request registration materials, please call 574/654-3155, or visit www.sjcparks.org.

Volunteer Spotlights NIMBA Meijer Friends of Bendix Woods and Spicer Lake Lise and Ed Schools Liz Zapf Tapping Day Volunteers: 101 people Evie Kirkwood Cody Wittling Catherine Pellegrino and family Yasuko Duff David Suter Jamie Robbins and family Fritz Hancock Stacie Jeffirs Brian and Keegan Rowe Dean and Pat Skaggs Tonya Cook Ally Pudlo and family Gary and Nancy Beall Deb Flemming Meg and Gabe Buss Ruth Nieboer Joanne and Tom Blodgett Bob and Linda Leliaert Jill Delucia Del and Nancy Meyer Larry Catanzarite Mary Dominick Todd, Terri, and Jacob Zeiger Ken Peterson Steve Hummer Kimberly, Aiden, and Kathy Min Nikki Rector Ben Reinoehl Gene and Linda Matzat Linda Raven William and Drew Wolter Rachael Zeiger Nick Timm Mike Ebersole Josh Toppen Matt Wilken Todd Elliott Jim Rahilly Ken Neumann Dick and Donna Pfeil Judy Carlson Chris Patterson DeAnna Varela Susan Antonovitz Evelyn Teske Emma Brewer Julia Hostetler Joe Kielton Dan Traylor Pete and Ella Farrough Jeff Holston John and Alice Bentley Jeff McGowan Greg Kutis Nancy Biggum Lori and Jim Anderson Luke Gaboury Marty Brennan Jeremiah and Autumn Ziaya Kathy Gallagher Rick, Cindi, and Kevin Clawson Brian, Alana, and Kayla Witkowski

Volunteers and donors help the county parks in many ways! Thank you to these recent volunteers and donors! If you would like to become a volunteer, join the St. Joseph County Parks Foundation, or join the Friends of Bendix Woods and Spicer Lake, visit www.sjcparks.org.

Picnic Shelter and Facility Rentals The Glenn Bauer Shelter

V.I.P. Dan Traylor

Dan Traylor recently began as a new volunteer at Bendix Woods County Park. His hardworking spirit and dedicated attitude was felt throughout the park as he volunteered his time with maintenance staff and during the maple sugaring season.

From Tapping Day and Sugar House Cooking, to trail maintenance and Gatehouse painting, Dan’s eagerness to work kept staff busy and made the park more beautiful than before.

Thank you for all of your time, effort, and hard work.

It takes a special person to be so generous and kind.

Park Hours & Gate Fees Bendix Woods, St. Patrick’s, and Ferrettie/Baugo Creek County Parks: April-May 28: 10am-8:30pm May 29-August 6: 10am-9pm August 7-September 17: 10am-8:30pm Park entrance fee in effect on weekends and holidays April-October: $4/in-county vehicle $5/out-of-county vehicle $8/vehicle at special events *Gate fees will also be collected on Fridays at St. Patrick’s and Ferrettie/Baugo Creek County Parks beginning June 2 through Labor Day weekend.

Spicer Lake Nature Preserve opens one hour later and closes one hour earlier than above times. No entrance fee.

The Glenn Bauer Shelter at Bendix Woods County Park is the perfect setting for a family gathering, holiday party, or indoor wedding reception. The surrounding historic Studebaker trees make a beautiful backdrop for an outdoor wedding ceremony.

For picnic shelter and facility rentals, please call 574/277-4828.

Note: Fees for special events or programs may be different from, or in addition to, park entrance fees. Consult the activity listing in this guide or www.sjcparks.org for more information.

Parks Board: Virginia Calvin, Larry Catanzarite, Emily Evers, John Ferrettie, Thomas Panzica, Donna Pfeil, Tim Sexton

Summer Leisure Activities Free Fishing Days

Public Canoe/Kayak

Disc Golf

When: June 3 & 4, September 23 Site: Ferrettie/Baugo Creek and St. Patrick’s County Parks Time: Available during park hours Fee: Free gate fee for those fishing, just show us your poles!

Rentals

When: Open daily, Pro Shop hours vary Site: Ferrettie/Baugo Creek County Park Pro Shop located in Gatehouse Time: Course open 10am-park closing Fee: Daily pass: $4/adult $3/youth (age 15 and under) Annual pass: $40/adult $20/youth (age 15 and under) Combo disc golf/gate pass: $60 Bring your friends and family to this newly renovated18-hole course. Check out the Pro Shop for all your disc golfing needs. We carry INNOVA and have a great selection for beginners to advanced players.

These days only, Indiana residents may fish without a state fishing license in Indiana waters. Free Fishing Days were created by the Indiana General Assembly in 1995 and are designated each year by the Department of Natural Resources to promote angling as a recreational activity.

When: Thurs-Sun and Holidays Beginning May 24 Closed Mon-Weds (except holidays) *Operation is weather and creek conditions permitting.

Site: Ferrettie/Baugo Creek County Park Time: 11am-5pm Vessels must be returned by 7pm Fee: *Gate fee in effect Fri-Sun. All rentals are for up to 2 hours.

Thurs-Fri

Sat, Sun, & Holidays

1-person kayak

$20

$25

Canoe or 2-person kayak

$25

$30

Patrons will have the opportunity to paddle on Baugo Creek as well as paddle out to Baugo Bay. Rental includes vessel, paddles, and required life jackets. Renters must be at least 18 years old and present a valid picture ID. Adults must accompany anyone under 18.

This activity is not recommended for children 3 years of age and younger.

Coming This Fall: Indiana Master Naturalist Series During this 11-session series for adults, explore the world of Indiana’s natural history with local experts on fish, glacial geology, freshwater ecosystems, birds, invasive species, and more! Earn your Indiana Master Naturalist certification!

To guarantee a kayak during our busy times (weekends & holidays), we strongly recommend making reservations. To check availability, please call 574/654-3155 by 4pm on the Thursday before the upcoming weekend. No refunds will be issued unless rental closes due to weather or creek conditions.

Activity Guide Sponsor: Lehman’s Orchard/ Winery/Farm Market Estate-grown, sustainable, tree-ripened, hand-picked fruit. Farm market selling jams, cider, salsas, fudge, and more.

U-Pick and already-picked strawberries, currants, raspberries, blackberries, blueberries, sweet and tart cherries, peaches, pears, and apples!

To receive the registration brochure, please email afarrough@sjcparks.org.

Group Canoe/Kayak Rentals Group rental reservations of 6 or more vessels are only available at Baugo on weekdays or before public hours. To check availability please call 574/654-3155 at least 7 days in advance.

Call 269/683-9078 for crop updates.

Mon-Sat 9am-5pm, Sun 12pm-5pm. www.lehmansorchard.com or visit Lehman’s Orchard on Facebook.

Lehman’s Farmhouse Brewery is now open in Buchanan!

Open Mon-Thurs 11:30am-7pm, Fri 11:30am-9pm, Sat 9:30am-9pm, Sun 9:30am-7pm.

Serving pizzas and sandwiches.

Park Locations Bendix Woods County Park 56960 Timothy Rd. • New Carlisle, IN 46552 Ferrettie/Baugo Creek County Park 57057 Ash Rd. • Osceola, IN 46561 St. Patrick’s County Park 50651 Laurel Rd. • South Bend, IN 46637

50651 Laurel Rd. South Bend, IN 46637-1004 574.277.4828 Return Service Requested

Spicer Lake Nature Preserve 50840 County Line Rd. • New Carlisle, IN 46552 Chamberlain Lake Nature Preserve 58111 Crumstown Hwy. • South Bend, IN 46619 Beverly D. Crone Restoration Area Jackson Rd./Linden Rd. • South Bend, IN 46614 LaSalle Trail Roseland, IN to the Michigan State Line Jasinski Public Access Site Crumstown Hwy. • North Liberty, IN 46554 Access to All St. Joseph County Parks’ programs and facilities are available to all, regardless of race, color, national origin, limited English proficiency, sex, age, or disability. Reasonable accommodations may be requested in advance to provide participation in desired programs and activities. Persons needing services, accommodations, and support for accessibility, or for complaints, please call the County Parks’ office: 574/277-4828.

• St. Joseph County Parks are smoke-free. •

St. Joseph County Parks Summer Activity Guide 2023

Running Wild 5K Trail Run and 3K Fun Walk Saturday, August 19 St. Patrick’s County Park

Look inside or visit sjcparks.org for more information.

PRESORTED STANDARD U.S. POSTAGE PAID SOUTH BEND, IN PERMIT NO. 374