St. Joseph

Continued from page 1 history and resources of Indiana. This 11-week course will offer sessions on soils, water, botany, birds, insects/spiders and much more. Sessions will be presented by area specialists and educators at the county parks.

Another program is “Overhead and Underfoot.” Participants can 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 people may head out for a naturalist-led hike to look and listen for nature in action. The next one is at 8:30 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 26, at Spicer Lake Nature Preserve, New Carlisle. Registration and payment are required by Tuesday, Aug. 22.

McGowan said St. Patrick’s Park is a great place to take grandchildren.

“We have nature on the go at the river ramble,” she said.

“Nature On the Go at the River Ramble: Adaptation Exploration” is a program geared toward families and includes nature-themed crafts.

It will be from 1-2 p.m. Friday, Aug. 11, at St. Patrick’s County Park’s River Ramble Natural PlayScape and it’s free.

McGowan said the parks department has two divisions: interpretive and leisure services.

“Every month, there’s something new going on in ecology in our natural environment,” she said. “Indiana parks are wonderful assets.”

Amal Farrough said “Running Wild,” one of the interpretive programs, will take place Saturday, Aug. 9, at St. Patrick’s County Park. There are age categories for those age 50-plus.

“Running Wild” is a trail run and 3K Fun Walk on the park’s wooded and meadow trails.

The 3K Wacky Nature Scavenger Hunt Walk is on similar, relatively flat surfaces. Dogs on leashes are allowed on the walk. Age category awards and nature medallions are available for participants. Breakfast, music and door prizes for registered participants will also occur. The proceeds from the event benefit park facilities and programs; however, it is rigorous.

“It can be intense,” Farrough said.

Disc golf, an 18-hole course, is also popular with people of all ages. Open daily, it can be played at Ferrettie-Baugo Creek Park, Osceola.

Bendix Woods County Park has a 6.6 mile mountain bike trail. People may also find hidden geocaches in St. Joseph County Parks.

Orienteering is an activity for all ages and levels of fitness and skill. The object is to locate control points within the park using a detailed map. It can be enjoyed as a leisurely walk in the woods or as a competitive sport combin-