Meet: Peggy Wihebrink

PEEPS | those who Serve

Nominated by our readership,

Meet: Peggy Wihebrink

Lake conservation activist + Chapman Lake property owner

by Loren Shaum

Have the lakes always been part of your life?

Growing up in Madison County, Ind. I was the guest of many friends whose parents owned lake cottages on Kosciusko County lakes; going to the lake with friends just could not be beat. Then, after marriage and starting a family, my husband, Dave, and I were fortunate to purchase a lake cottage in 1980 on Chapman Lakes. We packed the car with four children and three dogs to pursue an entire summer of fun!

Fast-forward 20 years, and we knew we wanted to make Chapman Lakes our permanent home. So, in 2001, the old, reliable lake cottage was replaced with our new permanent residence. LAKElife Magazine celebrates those who give of themselves to better our community—those who, day by day, make the world a better place.

Peggy Wihebrink

Tell us about your teaching career.

I was very involved in the Logansport community, which I left behind to live permanently at the lake. I taught art at Logansport’s All Saints Catholic School, and later became Logansport’s Downtown Coordinator for revitalization and historic preservation.

We’ve been told that you are the “ultimate volunteer.” How did you get involved in conservancy?

I’ve always been involved with the art community and preservation. Now living on Chapman Lakes, I needed to find my niche. It was right out my front door: maintaining and preserving my lake while creating awareness for preservation of all Kosciusko County lakes for future generations.

Like anyone who moves to a different community, you start fresh by simply observing what’s close at-hand. By keeping that circle small and comfortable, you develop confidence. My first step was simply volunteering for summer events with the Chapman Lakes Conservation Association (where I’m now also a board member). Helping from pancake breakfasts to cleaning the lake clubhouse develops a sense of community and belonging.

My first board involvement, however, started with Chapman Lakes Foundation. My identity started changing from being a ‘laker’ to being a lake resident and steward.

In what other organizations have you served?

I’m involved with many great organizations that are advocates for the lakes. I have volunteered at the Lilly Center for Lakes and Streams with third graders learning about pollution in the lakes, and booth sitting at the Wawasee Area Conservancy Earth Day Event.

I am also involved in a new organization to the area, Kosciusko Water and Woodland Invasive Partnership (KWWIP); it’s a 501(C)3 under the umbrella of State of Indiana Cooperative Invasives Management. Our goal is to stop the spread of nonnative invasive plants.

Lastly, volunteering for The Watershed Foundation has increased my knowledge of lake conservation to where I’m comfortable in conversation concerning such topics.

What’s the greatest byproduct of volunteering in the community?

It’s the many friendships that are developed along the way.

With all these activities, what do you do in your spare time?

Travel has always been a big part of my life. I was very fortunate to travel with fellow teachers to Europe. On one two-week trip, we visited four European cities with a three-day stay at each city. My most leisurely trip was to Australia and New Zealand, with a two-day stop in Tahiti. I’ve since exchanged jet travel with RV travel with Dave. My pace now is much slower and no airport stress!

Any comments to share with the community?

I’ve always known this fact and now feel confident in sharing knowledge that Kosciusko County lakes are socially, economically, and environmentally critical to our region, the nation, and the planet. We all must have a vested interest in fostering an environmental stewardship ethic to preserve this resource.

Do you know a community steward who we should learn more about? Great! Email us at sue@lakelifemagazine.com.

magazine

Thinking about advertising YOUR lake lovin’ business? Now’s the perfect time!

Call Steve at 1.800.733.4111 ext. 2328 or smeadows@the-papers.com + join the LAKELife Family.