Elkhart County Parks Information and Program Guide November - February 2016 Volume 6, Issue 3

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1 Elkhart County Parks Information and Program Guide November - February 2016 Volume 6, Issue 3 Meet the New Museum Manager Take a Winter Scavenger Hunt Choosing the Right Christmas Tree Upcoming Programs

2 Elkhart County Parks 211 W. Lincoln Ave. Goshen, IN Phone Fax TDD Website: Diane Madison, Director Ronda DeCaire, Superintendent of Operations Bernard J. Cunningham IV, Superintendent of Parks Our Mission The Elkhart County Parks Department mission is to enhance the quality of life, preserve the County s cultural, historical, and natural resources; and provide educational and recreational opportunities. Elkhart County Park Board Karen Mackowiak, President Karin Frey, Vice-President Klaus Mueller, Secretary Larry Andrews Jeff Burbrink John P. Hardy William Wilson Elkhart County Board of Commissioners Terry Rodino, President Mike Yoder, Vice-President Frank Lucchese, Member Elkhart County Council Members David E. Foutz, District 1 Randall Yohn, District 2 Darryl J. Riegsecker, District 3 David L. Hess, District 4 John K. Letherman, At Large Thomas Stump, At Large David M. Ashe, At Large Friends of the Elkhart County Parks Board Members Mac Boyer Judy Ferrell Larry Ford Don Bontrager Bree Herring Patricia Frank Kay Bontrager-Singer The Majesty of Nature: A golden sunrise breaks over the park, illuminating the clouds and painting a techno color sky. Photo by Joyce McGuire Administration Office Hours Monday - Friday Closed weekends and County holidays 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. For all park-related information, shelter reservations or program registration call the Elkhart County Parks Administration Office For information on a program s status after regular business hours please call the Ox Bow Park Gatehouse at or visit us on Facebook. Park Hours January, February, November, December March, October April, September May, June, July, August Park hours subject to change without notice. 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. 9 a.m. - 7 p.m. 9 a.m. - 8 p.m. 9 a.m. - 9 p.m. On the Cover: The forms and textures of winter replace the colors of summer in the Calendar Garden at DeFries Gardens. Photo by: Jon Cutrell The Currents Information and Program Guide is published three times a year. It is a publication of the Elkhart County Parks, 211 W. Lincoln Avenue, Goshen, Indiana Phone:

3 Director s Corner Winter and the holiday season are upon us. This time of year it is easy to eat more, exercise less and feel a lot of stress. Why not let the Park Department help? A brisk walk on one of the many trails in our parks can help reduce stress, promote a good night s sleep and boost your mood for up to 12 hours. And while on your walk, leave your cell phone behind. The constant buzzing of cell phones can cause bursts of adrenaline that lead to feelings of exhaustion. Instead of listening to ring tones, relax and listen to the sounds of nature. Studies show that just 15 minutes of quiet solitude allows the brain to replenish, which can lead to improved concentration and increased productivity. If you are one of the many people who spend most of the holidays surrounded by family and can t carve out any alone time, gather the gang and enjoy one of the sledding hills in our parks, or participate in one of our many family-friendly programs. Families who spend time together have children who are happier, healthier and who do better in school. And as an added benefit, most of the park programs are free or very low cost. Saving money is just another way to reduce holiday stress. And don t stop after the holidays are over. Winter is a great time for fat tire bike riding, bird watching (who doesn t love the sight of a bright red cardinal on a snow covered branch?), cross-country skiing or snowshoeing. Exercise is a great way to curb that holiday weight gain and fend off post-holiday blues. Exercise also can help reduce blood pressure, strengthen your heart and build muscle tone. So, don t delay. Get out in the parks and enjoy this winter! Diane Madison, Park Director Park News Field Trips Available Each year the interpretive division of the Elkhart County Parks presents programs to a wide variety of schools, home schools, scout, and youth groups audiences. Thousands of children visit the various parks, Elkhart County Historical Museum, Bonneyville Mill, and One Room School House to learn about the natural and cultural resources of Elkhart County. Topics range from exploring nature with your senses to hands-on pond exploration looking for water insects. On the history end, students can experience what school was like in a real One Room School House or witness the grinding of grain at the historic Bonneyville Mill. The Elkhart County Historical Museum also offers an array of programs ranging from Regional Native Americans to The Story of Elkhart County. Many of these programs can be adapted to adult audiences as well. For more information about scheduling a program, please contact our administrative office at or look for the education brochure on-line at Ox Bow Passes Now Available A new year is almost upon us which means a variety of 2016 Ox Bow County Park Annual Passes are now available for sale. The passes make great holiday gifts or stocking stuffers that can be used each day of the year! The annual sticker pass is $20 which allows entry into the Ox Bow County Park. If you have more than one park lover in your life, then the family pass is $35 and includes two stickers for your vehicles. For senior citizens 65 and older as well as DAV and active military, the fee is only $15. Additional annual passes that are available include the disc golf pass for $20 and an archery pass for $10. These can be combined with an annual entrance pass for Students learn of the natural world around them during a field trip to Cobus Creek County Park. a $5 discount. For more information or to purchase passes contact our administrative office at or visit 211 W. Lincoln Avenue Monday through Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Passes are also available at the Ox Bow Park gate house. Preservation Recreation Education

4 Environmental Programs November Nature Nuts: Deer Preschoolers are invited to learn all about what deer eat, where they live and other fun facts. We will learn through games, crafts and stories. Space is limited. Date: Tuesday, November 3 Time: 9:30 11 a.m. Age: 3-5 years Cost: $4/child, $3/additional sibling Preregister by: Tuesday, October 27 Location: Nature Game Time (Age 50+) It s a good old game time for the age 50+ crowd. We ll feature all sorts of table games but with a nature twist. Fun and learning will top the agenda for what s sure to be an exciting time. Indiana Animal Bingo, Skink and What s That Fish? are a few of the games we ll be playing. Come on out and enjoy the fun! Date: Thursday, November 12 Time: 10 a.m. Age: 50+ Preregister: by Monday, November 9 Location: Baldwin Schoolhouse, Thanksgiving Centerpiece It s the Holiday season and what Thanksgiving dinner is complete without a beautiful Holiday centerpiece for the Thanksgiving table? This beautiful centerpiece is made of Red Pine cones adorned with lots of nuts and seeds. The large scented candle adds the perfect finishing touch for a heartwarming Thanksgiving centerpiece. Please bring a pair of needle nose pliers with wire cutters. Only one centerpiece per/ person please. Space is limited so please reserve your spot while you can. Date: Friday, November 13 Time: 6 p.m. Age: All ages Cost: $6/person Preregister by: Tuesday, November 10 by calling (574) / Limit 12 Location: Science Sleuths: Ox Bow History Learn about the rich history of Ox Bow County Park. Discover why it s named that, what used to be here and how it became a park. Space is limited. Date: Monday, November 16 Time: 1:30 3 p.m. Age: 6-9 years Cost: $4/child, $3/additional sibling Preregister by: Monday, November 9 Location: Hiking Club 2015 Party/Awards Night This party is for anyone who participated in the 2015 Hiking Club. It doesn t matter if you only did one hike or if you attended all eight. Come out to help celebrate the first year of this great event. We ll have snacks and memorabilia available. Share your stories and memories of the 2015 Hiking Club. Date: Thursday, November 19 Time: 6 p.m. Location: Grandparents in the Park: Fall Fun Grandparent/grandchild duos are invited to join in activities to celebrate fall that are specifically designed for them to do together. Enjoy crafts, stories and other hands-on activities. Date: Saturday, November 21 Time: 1 3 p.m. Cost: $5/duo Preregister by: Wednesday, November 18 Location: December Nature Nuts: Woodpeckers Woodpeckers come in all sizes and are a common sight at our feeders. Learn through games, crafts and stories about these fun and beautiful birds. Space is limited. Date: Tuesday, December 1 Time: 9:30 11 a.m. Age: 3-5 years Cost: $4/child, $3/additional sibling Preregister by: Tuesday, November 24 Location: Christmas Door Wreath Door wreaths add a spirit of warmth to the holiday season. It is a beautiful way to welcome in the Christmas spirit. You are invited to make one of these beautiful holiday wreaths! They are very easy and fun to make and it s a great way to spend time with the family. All materials will be provided so be creative and have fun designing your own unique Christmas wreath. Space is limited. Date: Friday, December 4 Time: 6 p.m. Age: All ages Cost: $6/person Preregister by: Wednesday, December 2 Location:

5 Environmental Programs Scat Learn about the animals that live in the park by something they leave behind their scat. We will learn skills that every scatologist needs: looking closely, using your resources and making reasonable deductions. Much of the program will be outside, so please dress appropriately. Date: Saturday, December 5 Time: 10 a.m. Location: Cobus Creek Shelter, Cobus Creek County Park Recycled Adirondack Ski Chair Those in attendance will construct their own Adirondack style chair using retired downhill or cross country skis. All materials will be provided. You may be asked to come in before the program to pick out your skis. These chairs make a great Christmas gift for the skier on your list. Date: Saturday, December 12 Time: 8 a.m. Please allow up to 4 hours (most finish in 3 hours) Age: Anyone under 18 years old should sign up with an adult Cost: $65.00 per constructed chair Preregister by: Wednesday, November 25 Location: Service Center (first drive north of the Ox Bow Park entrance) Science Sleuths: Hibernation Join in the fun as we learn about which animals hibernate, why they hibernate and where they hibernate for winter. We will try out our own hibernation den to see if we have what it takes. Space is limited. Date: Monday, December 14 Time: 1:30 3 p.m. Age: 6-9 years Cost: $4/child, $3/additional sibling Preregister by: Monday, December 7 Location: January 20th Annual Elkhart County Christmas Bird Count Become a citizen scientist for the day! The South Bend-Elkhart Audubon Society and the Elkhart County Parks are calling upon volunteers to participate in this annual day count of winter birds. Observers will count birds from their yard/feeders, or assist with field counts assigned in area parks, waterways and along roads. Bird watchers can gather data all day or just for an hour. All the data will then be compiled and submitted to the national database, ensuring that participants truly are helping with science. The Christmas Bird Count is the longest running citizen science project and has documented over 100 years of data in certain locales. Date: Saturday, January 2 Time: Dawn to Dusk Preregister by: Calling or rdecaire@elkhartcounty.com Location: Data is collected within the Elkhart County CBC circle which extends from the state line to Goshen, and Elkhart to Middlebury. Nature Nuts: Feed the Birds Learn about what birds like to eat and how to feed them. We will make homemade feeders to take home and some to hang in the park. Space is limited. Date: Tuesday, January 5 Time: 9:30 11 a.m. Age: 3-5 years Cost: $4/child, $3/additional sibling Preregister by: Tuesday, December 29 Location: Winter Constellations The public is invited to join us for a presentation with your favorite stars. Learn about telescopes, stars, planets, Greek and Roman mythology. Bring your binoculars and make a star chart! Enjoy a hot dog and hot chocolate while viewing the beautiful clear skies we are sure to have that night. You don t need a telescope just a set of binoculars. Space is limited. Date: Friday, January 15 Time: 9 p.m. Age: All ages Cost: $3/person Preregister by: Thursday, January 14 Location: Briar Patch Shelter, Preservation Recreation Education

6 Environmental Programs January Elkhart County Parks Photo Display The 36th annual Elkhart County Parks Photo Contest Display will take place in the Community Room of the Concord Mall. There will be programs taking place during the week that the photos are on display. Specific program topics and presenters will be announced later as we get closer to the event. We will post these programs on our web site. Date: Saturday-Friday, January Time: to be announced Location: Community Room, Concord Mall, Elkhart, IN Science Sleuths: Through Nature s Eyes Can you become a fox, squirrel or an otter, make wise decisions and survive? We will role-play our way through a number of books that put you in the perspective of the animal and the dangers it faces. Space is limited Date: Monday, January 25 Time: 1:30 3 p.m. Age: 6-9 years Cost: $4/child, $3/additional sibling Preregister by: Friday, January 15 Location: February Nature Nuts: Groundhogs Learn about these chubby, furry diggers through stories, games and a snack. We will also learn all about Groundhog s Day and what makes it so special. Space is limited. Date: Tuesday, February 2 Time: 9:30 11 a.m. Age: 3-5 years Cost: $4/child, $3/additional sibling Preregister by: Tuesday, January 26 Location: The American Beaver Experience the wonderful world of the beaver and other semi-aquatic animals as we learn about their habits and history. This program will begin with a slide show and end with a trek in search of the elusive beavers of Elkhart County. Most likely we won t see active beavers during the daytime may see their lodges or underground tunnels. Please come dressed for the weather and bring your camera. Date: Saturday, February 6 Time: 9 a.m. Age: All ages Cost: Free Preregister by: Friday, February 5 Location: Baldwin Schoolhouse, Make a Bluebird Box Think spring by building your own Bluebird nesting box to take home. Information on bluebirds, nest box design and placement will also be covered. All supplies will be provided. Space is limited. Date: Saturday, February 20 Time: 10 a.m. Age: 12 and older Cost: $15/box Preregister by: Friday, February 12 Location: Baldwin Schoolhouse, Science Sleuths: Scat Discover the fun and educational value of studying scat. We will investigate scat, go on a hike and learn a scatty song. Space is limited. Date: Monday, February 22 Time: 1:30 3 p.m. Age: 6-9 years Cost: $4/child, $3/additional sibling Preregister by: Monday, February 15 Location: Backyard Maple Syrup Making Program participants will learn the art of making maple syrup at home. Just a few dollar s worth of equipment and a single maple tree are all you need to make delicious maple syrup. Everything you need to know will be discussed at the program. Backyard Sugarin Kits will be available for purchase. Pancakes, maple syrup, sausage and drinks will be available during the program. Date: Saturday, February 27 Time: 9:30 11 a.m. Cost: $4/person Kits available for $15 each Preregister by: Friday, February 26 by 2 p.m. Location: Baldwin Schoolhouse,

7 Environmental Journal Evergreens: An environmentally friendly choice for the holidays? Paper or plastic? solar or wind? Artificial or real? Life is full of questions! Most Americans believe in going green but the reality is both artificial and live evergreens have their advantages and disadvantages as Christmas trees. The expense of buying a real tree every year can be disappointing but the experience of the family tradition and that fresh pine scent may be worth the price. Cut trees may also be used for mulch or shelter for wildlife or leave it in the stand after Christmas, secured to the ground and place it outside with food for birds and squirrels you can watch outside your window. A potted Christmas tree can be replanted after the holidays but prep a hole beforehand when the ground is thawed! Seeing these trees year after year can be a memorable experience for years to come! You may also wish to plant a tree every year in place of the one you cut down. Consider donating your potted tree to your neighbor, a city, town or a park department and buy local when possible. Commercial growers 95% of live evergreens and they utilize large amounts of land to raise these trees. This, combined with trimming, mowing, pesticides and cultivation of trees, makes the land of little use to wildlife or anything else. However evergreens produce a large amount of oxygen, can be grown in poor soil, help to enrich the soil and can be recycled. Did you know that artificial Christmas trees were actually created by a toilet bowl company because the toilet brush resembled Christmas tree branches? Most artificial trees are shipped from China and are made from 100% recycled PVC packaging material, making it expensive to recycle them. Buy an artificial tree at a yard sale and use it year after year. It has already been purchased so you are not adding to the artificial Christmas tree demand and you can think of creative ways to recycle it in the end. Dismantle your tree and use the branches to adorn your home or make a wreath. The tree trunk can be recycled in most cases. Donate your artificial tree to a local church or civic group. Many cities recycle artificial trees. Live trees and artificial trees can be a fire hazard, though most artificial trees are made of PVC material making them fire retardant but not fire resistant. About 240 homes are destroyed each year by Christmas tree fires. Real trees are without question more eco-friendly for the environment. The sad truth is most artificial trees have a life span of 6 to 10 years and will eventually end up in the landfill unless the demand for better recycled Christmas trees becomes more popular. Andy Langdon, Interpretive Naturalist Nature scalendar November As the migratory birds make their way through our area: put up a feeder, count the birds and report what you find to Project Feeder Watch. More information at Look for lumps or bulges in stems or on leaves called galls. Galls often form around developing insects and will serve as protection during the cold, winter months. December Muskrats are active above and below the ice all winter. Their lips close behind their teeth, allowing them to gather food underwater and they have thick, waterproof fur to keep them warm and dry in their cattail dens. In the thick of the pines, look up and try to spot a Long-eared owl resting in the branches. This northern owl has a long, slender body and large ear tufts which help it hide in its preferred winter roosting area. January The Quadrantids will be the first major meteor shower of the year, peaking after midnight on January 4. If there are clouds that night, try another time that week. On cold, damp mornings you might see stems and branches covered with thick ice crystals called hoarfrost. It can be a very beautiful sight, but it will melt quickly once the sun rises. February Other than Punxsutawney Phil, the only groundhog you might see out of his underground burrow this month would be a male looking for locations of hibernating females before returning underground until March or April when mating season begins. The full moon on February 22 is called the Full Hunger Moon because Native Americans were often kept hungry by the snow and cold of this month. Krista Daniels, Interpretive Naturalist Preservation Recreation Education

8 Environmental Journal Take a Winter Scavenger Hunt In Indiana we experience four distinct seasons. Everyone has their own favorite season and reasons to back up their choice. If you enjoy living in a region that experiences four seasons, finding joy in each of those seasons is crucial. Finding joy in the winter is a matter of getting outside and sampling what winter has to offer. If winter is not your favorite season make it a point this year to get outside and find some of the joy that winter has to offer. Elkhart County Parks offer the perfect back drop for finding joy in the winter season. Set aside some time to take a winter scavenger hike this year. Turn it into a game and have some fun. Here are a few things to look for: 1. Find some animal tracks in the snow. See if you can identify what animal made the tracks you found. 2. Locate an animal trail that is packed into the snow or soft soil. 3. Find some animal scat and try to figure out what type of animal left it. 4. See if you can find air bubbles trapped in the ice on the edge of water. Do not walk out onto the ice. 5. Find a sapcicle hanging from a broken maple branch. 6. Look for snow fleas on top of the snow at the base of a tree. 7. Find a squirrel nest in the upper branches of a large leafless tree. 8. Check out the bird feeding station at. Try to identify four different birds. These are just a few things to get you started in your winter exploration. Getting outside and examining the winter season will build a curiosity for the season. It may not take long to find out that winter is an exciting time of the year. Get out and enjoy what winter has to offer. Courtney Franke, Interpretive Naturalist Volunteer Spotlight: The McGuire Family According to the Webster s dictionary, a volunteer is a person who does work without getting paid to do it. While this is true, a volunteer is much more than that. Take the McGuire family, for example. As dedicated volunteers, they have provided encouragement, support, leadership, friendship and immeasurable value to many of our programs and program participants over the last 10 years. All of this, while working for free. The entire family, Allan, Joyce, Mark, Andrea, Audrey, Adrian and Megan McGuire, has contributed to the educational efforts of Elkhart County Parks in big and small ways and we want to thank them for it. They have regularly assisted with monthly Nature Nuts and Science Sleuths programs, led activities at events such as Bug Night and Nature Explorer Day Camp and have helped build and place bluebird boxes in Ox Bow County Park. They have also enriched our programs and our facilities with special talents, such as expertise in raising butterflies and tadpoles, photography and other special projects like bubble-making. We are thankful and grateful to the entire McGuire family for the hundreds of hours of time given, unique talents shared and steadfast commitment to the parks and our programs. We are honored to have this giving and thoughtful family as a part of our team. Krista Daniels, Interpretive Naturalist

9 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday November 1 2 Nature Nuts: Deer 9:30 11 a.m Holiday at the Mill 10 a.m. 3 p.m. Bonneyville Mill, 6 7 Tribute to the Troops Display 9 a.m. Elkhart Co. Historical Museum Nature Game Time 10 a.m. Baldwin Schoolhouse,. Thanksgiving Centerpiece 6 p.m Science Sleuths: Ox Bow History 1:30 3 p.m Hiking Club 2015 Party/Awards Night 6 p.m Elkhart s Early Settlement 1 p.m. Elkhart Co. Historical Museum Grandparents in the Park: Fall Fun 1 3 p.m. 21 Happy Thanksgiving

10 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday December Nature Nuts: Woodpeckers 9:30 11 a.m. 1 2 Christmas Door Wreath 6 p.m. Scat 10 a.m. Cobus Creek Shelter Cobus Creek County Park Recycled Adirondack Ski Chair 8 a.m. Service Center, Science Sleuths: Hibernation 1:30 3 p.m. Surviving the Cold 1 p.m. Elkhart Co. Historical Museum Happy Holidays

11 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday January 20th Annual Elkhart County Christmas Bird Count Dawn to Dusk Elkhart County 1 2 Nature Nuts: Feed the Birds 9:30 11 a.m Winter Constellations 9 p.m. Briarpatch Shelter, Museum Selfie Day 9 a.m. 5 p.m. Elkhart Co. Historical Museum Parks Photo Display 10 a.m. 9 p.m. Community Room, Concord Mall Parks Photo Display 10 a.m. 9 p.m. Community Room, Concord Mall Science Sleuths: Through Nature s Eyes 1:30 3 p.m. Parks Photo Display 10 a.m. 9 p.m. Community Room, Concord Mall 25 Parks Photo Display 10 a.m. 9 p.m. Community Room, Concord Mall Parks Photo Display 10 a.m. 9 p.m. Community Room, Concord Mall Parks Photo Display 10 a.m. 9 p.m. Community Room, Concord Mall C.G. Conn Factory Fires 10:30 a.m. Elkhart Co. Historical Museum Parks Photo Display 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Community Room, Concord Mall

12 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday February 1 Nature Nuts: Groundhogs 9:30 11 a.m The American Beaver 9 a.m. Baldwin One Room Schoolhouse, 5 6 Artifact Interpretation Class 7 p.m. Elkhart Co. Historical Museum Make a Bluebird Box 10 a.m. Baldwin Schoolhouse, Science Sleuths: Scat\ 1:30 3 p.m. Museum Open House: Rank our Exhibits! 6:30 8 p.m. Elkhart Co. Historical Museum Backyard Maple Syrup Making 9:30 11 a.m. Baldwin Schoolhouse,

13 Historical Journal Millstone As the Turns... As the millstone turns... One of the most frequently asked questions at the mill is, What kind of stone are the millstones made of? We are very fortunate at Bonneyville to have two run of millstones, one French buhr-42 diameter and one granite-42 diameter. The French buhr is a fresh water quartz stone which came from an area known as La Ferte-sous- Jovarre near the town of Chalons in the Marne valley in Northern France. The French buhr stone became the most popular stone used for grinding wheat into white flour. Most French buhr stones are made up of small pieces of stone ranging from twelve to eighteen inches long, six to ten inches thick. Once the pieces are shaped to form a circular stone, they were held together by plaster of Paris. An iron band was then heated red hot and driven onto the stone to keep it from bursting when in use. The French buhr was preferred by the millers because of its hardness and high porosity. The buhr stone was less abrasive than other types of stone. More abrasive stones tended to shred the outer part of the wheat, the bran, into powder. The fine bran particles would pass through the bolting cloth and fall into the white part of the flour, thus producing a darker flour. Because of its hardness, the buhr stone could run for long periods of time without being dressed. The French buhr stones were also very porous. As the stones naturally wore away, new cutting edges would appear. The French buhr stones being used at Bonneyville are one of possibly three sets that were used in the mill historically. It is unclear whether Edward Bonney brought the stones with him when he came from New York or whether he purchased them after settling in York Township in the mid-1830s. Our granite stones came from a mill in North Carolina. They were installed during the restoration in the early 1970s. The granite stone is made of one solid piece of stone. This piece of granite probably came from Rowan County in North Carolina. Granite from this area is still being used by the Meadows Mill Company, of North Wilsboro to produce millstones ranging in size from eight to thirty inches in diameter. Granite stones were a favorite for producing cornmeal and animal foodstuffs. Although the mill is closed for the season, we will reopen on May 1, 2016 John W. Jenney, Mill Interpreter III Welcome Dr. Kelby Rose The Elkhart County Parks Department welcomes Dr. Kelby Rose as the new museum manager at the Elkhart County Historical Museum. Kelby accepted the position in July and brings a strong work ethic and excitement for the future of the museum. One of his first goals is to begin work with the Elkhart County Parks and Elkhart County Historical Society on a master plan for the museum that will help to develop new exhibits, expand community outreach, and promote broader engagement with the cultural heritage and history of Elkhart County. Before joining the museum, Rose earned a bachelor s degree in Religious Studies from the University of Minnesota and a Ph.D. in Anthropology, specializing in Nautical Archaeology, from Texas A&M University. A long-time believer in the power of artifacts to educate and inspire, he has served in interpretation and development at Mystic Seaport Museum in Mystic, Connecticut and as a researcher at the Vasa Museum in Stockholm, Sweden. He has also conducted underwater excavations of shipwrecks in Turkey and Italy, and most recently worked with the Office of Digital Learning at the University of Notre Dame in developing the first-ever massive open online courses for the university. Rose replaces former manager Matthew Schuld who was instrumental in building community relationships, developing the Corson Library, instituting the Christine Brown Education Lab, and increasing the local profile of the museum. On joining the museum at this critical moment for the organization, Rose stated, There is a lot of momentum behind the museum right now and I look forward to lending my skills and experience to propel it forward in this exciting new chapter for such a vitally important part of the community. Ronda DeCaire, Superintendant of Operations Preservation Recreation Education

14 Historical Journal Elkhart County Historical Museum A Great Winter Destination Special exhibits, programs, and new museum activities make the Elkhart County Historical Museum a great wintertime indoor destination. Even if you have visited recently, here are jmany reasons to visit again this winter. Come take your picture with a lifesize picture of a mammoth or a 23,000 year-old mammoth tusk and share it with everyone using our new museum hashtag #ElkhartCountyHistory. Photo spots and props around the museum encourage visitors to share their experience on social media. Watch the museum Facebook and Twitter pages (@ECHistoryMuseum) for more ways to engage online. Be sure to come in for Museum Selfie Day on January 20, The winter is a great time to start a personal or family research project. Our archives hold images, documents, and artifacts ready to be discovered and unlock mysteries of your past. Start by checking out our online resources (www. elkhartcountyhistory.org), submit a research request, and then set up an appointment to come in and meet with staff to begin your personal journey back in time. A new museum-wide scavenger hunt awaits our younger visitors. This exciting new activity will challenge players to solve riddles, puzzles, and use their wits to follow the trail of clues through the exhibits. This interactive adventure promises to challenge the whole family and special prizes await those who can complete it! Have you ever thought about volunteering at the museum? The winter is the perfect time to get started. Come in and talk to current volunteers to hear about their experience and the many ways you can help out. We are always looking for community members to come in and lend a hand in preserving and sharing our shared cultural heritage. Whether you are helping create new exhibits, assisting with field trips, researching local history topics, or posting on social media, no two days will be the same at the museum. There is a place for everyone at the Elkhart County Historical Museum come and sign up this winter. Some big changes are coming to the museum and the winter is the perfect time to come and join us on this exciting journey. Kelby Rose, Museum Manager Photo Caption: Municipal Christmas tree at Lexington and Second Sts., Elkhart, IN. Print by David W. Yoder from glass negative by John Inbody. Yesteryear s Cultural Tools of the Landscape We hope you joined in the merriment of the Bonneyville Mill Heritage in September. One item of yesteryear that you may have seen while enjoying the scenery is a 1860s grain drill. The massive grain drill at Bonneyville Mill has nine V shaped discs for sowing nine rows of grain. It contains a grain box, tongue, and cross members that are wood with balance metal casting. The drill was produced by company owner P.D. (Philo D.) Beckwith in Dowagiac, Michigan. P.D. Beckwith was the founder of Round Oak Stove and Mayor of Dowagiac, Michigan in the 1880s. In 1854, Beckwith settled in Dowagiac and opened a foundry. His foundry produced roller grain drills and eventually heating stoves. His experiments with heating stoves put Beckwith on the map and reshaped his foundry business. They eventually became the primary product of Round Oak and reformed the quality of heating stoves at that time. If you didn t spy the grain drill, don t wait until next year to see it. Visit Bonneyville Mill to view the agricultural tools of our past. Also, to learn more about the Round Oak Stove Company and P.D. Beckwith, visit the Dowagiac Area History Museum. Liz Fisher, Museum Curator of Collections

15 Historical Programs November Holiday at the Mill Are you looking for a unique gift for someone? Come to Bonneyville Mill for some early holiday shopping during the 5th Annual Holiday at the Mill. Pick up some Bonneyville Mill wholegrain flour products to bake those holiday treats for your family and friends or visit the gift shop and find your unique items for that special child or adult. Visit with Santa and meet a reindeer. Enjoy hot drinks and other goodies during your visit to Bonneyville Mill. Date: Saturday, November 7 Time: 10 a.m. 3 p.m. Location: Bonneyville Mill, Tribute to the Troops Display In celebration of Veterans Day, the museum will be displaying some of the great uniforms in our collection all month long! See examples from different military branches from different eras of our nation s history. Date: Tuesday, November 10 Time: 9 a.m. Location: Elkhart County Historical Museum Elkhart s Early Settlement Learn about the first people that arrived in our region by taking a guided tour of the museum. Guides and guests will explore the exhibits and examine artifacts to learn how Paleo people, Native Americans, and the Early American Settlers lived as they came into the Elkhart County area. Date: Saturday, November 21 Time: 1 p.m. Cost: $1/person Location: Elkhart County Historical Museum December Surviving the Cold Whether with animal skin, wool or flannel, people have combatting the winter temperatures for centuries. Learn how people dressed, adapted, and created items to keep themselves warm! Date: Saturday, December 19 Time: 1 p.m. Cost: $1/person Location: Elkhart County Historical Museum Bonneyville Mill as it looked in This was during the period when the mill was producing hydro-electric power. Preservation Recreation Education

16 Historical Programs January The C.G. Conn Factory Fires On January 29, 1883 fire completely destroyed the C.G. Conn band instrument factory. Fire would strike again in Hear the stories surrounding the fires, the reaction from the community, and how Conn and his company responded after losing their facility. Date: Friday, January 29 Time: 10:30 a.m. Location: Elkhart County Historical Museum Museum Selfie Day Be a part of this Internet social media campaign by taking a Selfie at the Elkhart County Historical Museum. Visit the museum anytime between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. and post your photo to Facebook or Instagram. Date: Wednesday, January 20 Time: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Location: Elkhart County Historical Museum February Artifact Interpretation Class Learn the various ways to weave stories from a simple item. After a few lessons, you ll get to choose an artifact and test your skills by researching and interpreting artifacts on your own. This is a great program for teachers, homeschoolers, and anyone interested in telling history through objects. Date: Wednesday, February 10 Time: 7 p.m. Cost: $5/person Preregister by: Tuesday, February 9 Location: Elkhart County Historical Museum Museum Open House: Rank our Exhibits! Join us as we open our doors to the public after hours. We want you to come and enjoy the museum, but also share your ideas. In planning for the future we want you to look at our exhibits, tell us what you like, don t like, and what stories we should tell so you can learn your history! Date: Wednesday, February 24 Time: 6:30 8 p.m. Location: Elkhart County Historical Museum

17 Parks Bonneyville Mill Park C.R. 131 Bristol, IN Park Information Regional history and natural beauty can be found at. The park s 223 acres form a perfect background for the picturesque Bonneyville Mill. Seven miles of hiking trails provide nature enthusiasts a chance to view wildlife and wildflowers. The Little Elkhart River offers anglers a variety of fish throughout the season. Several miles of mountain bike trail runs through the park. In winter, cross-country skiers can enjoy miles of challenging terrain and beautiful scenery. The park s two sledding hills provide hours of winter fun for the whole family. Picnic tables throughout the park are available for use. Five open-air and one semienclosed shelter can be rented for family gatherings, group activities and company events. The Baldwin One Room School, located within the park, is a reconstructed turn-of-the century school house. The Elkhart County Park Foundation Community Room in the lower level can be reserved and includes a small kitchen, restrooms, tables, chairs and a wood-burning fireplace. Ox Bow Park C.R. 45 Goshen, IN Located on the banks of the Elkhart River, Ox Bow Park s 200 acres are a reflection of Elkhart County s natural beauty. The park provides four seasons of outdoor activity. Seven open and one enclosed shelters are available for picnicking and rentals. Volleyball courts, horseshoe pits and playgrounds can be found throughout the park. Other features include a paved bike trail, archery range, athletic fields, canoe launch, open-air chapel and an 18-hole disc golf course. During the winter, groomed trails for cross-country skiing, two sledding hills and a warming house offer hours of snow-filled fun. Cobus Creek Park C.R. 8 Elkhart, IN Cobus Creek County Park s 84 acres contain a variety of natural habitats including meadows, woods and wetlands. Cobus Creek, a cold water trout stream, runs through the property providing beautiful views and fishing opportunities. Hard-packed and natural surface hiking trails lead visitors through the park and around the five-acre pond. An open-air shelter is available for rent which includes a catering kitchen with sink, counter space, cabinets and a roll-top window with serving counter. The shelter has electricity, picnic tables, charcoal grill and a fireplace. Wood for the fireplace is not provided. The shelter is handicapped accessible. The park features a fishing access structure, playground and a sensory garden filled with the sweet scents, sights, sounds, tastes and textures of nature. River Preserve Park C.R. 29 New Paris, IN Located on the Elkhart River, the River Preserve is a perfect spot to discover the natural beauty of Elkhart County s rural countryside. The park covers over 1,000 acres with access sites along its length. Miles of hiking trails will take you along canals, past the dams and foundations of early milling and hydroelectric operations. Rich in wildlife, it is listed as an Indiana Wildlife Viewing Area. The park provides visitors excellent opportunities for picnicking, fishing, canoeing, hiking and nature study. Two open-air shelters are available for rent. Both shelters offer picnic tables, charcoal grills, open areas for recreation, accessible latrines, drinking fountains, fishing and small boat access. Preservation Recreation Education

18 Park Information DeFries Gardens C.R. 46 New Paris, IN Nestled in the River Preserve County Park, DeFries Gardens is a reminder of our human connection to the environment. This 13-acre site was once a private homestead and hosts an 1880s Victorian-style home surrounded by perennial gardens and woodland plantings. The site also hosts the enchanting Calendar Garden. This one-acre showpiece is a giant circular garden and flowering calendar. Its design features the solstices and equinoxes with unique structures marking each. Native and horticultural plantings follow the seasons throughout the year. A 365-foot circular path marks each day as it leads visitors through seasons of bloom. The site also provides a drinking fountain, modern restroom facilities and a hiking trail. The garden is handicapped accessible. Treasure Island Park Armor Ave. Elkhart, IN Treasure Island is a four-acre site located west of Elkhart on the St. Joseph River. Treasure Island provides beautiful views of the river and its surrounding environment. Facilities in the park include picnicking, fishing, nature observation and canoe access to the river. Lieber Nature Preserve C.R. 23 Bristol, IN The preservation of Pipewort Pond and the surrounding property is a partnership with the Indiana Division of Nature Preserves. The preserve features a cranberry bog, wildlife viewing and a variety of Indiana s endangered and threatened plant species. The site is open to the public for hiking and nature study. Pumpkinvine Nature Trail - Abshire Park Access 1302 E. Lincoln Ave Goshen, IN The Pumpkinvine Nature Trail is a linear park and greenway, mainly on the former Pumpkinvine railroad corridor. Over 16 miles of the trail are complete, featuring both asphalt and packed limestone surfaces suitable for narrow-tired bicycles. The trail is a delight for walkers, runners, roller bladers and bikers as they travel through urban areas, small towns and agricultural communities. The countryside along the Pumpkinvine Nature Trail includes the third largest Amish community in the United States. A shelter and bathroom facilities are located at Abshire Park. General Shelter Information: Reservations made Monday thru Thursday with the exception of holidays are half price. Shelters not already reserved can be used on a first-come basis. To reserve a shelter, call the Park Administration Office, Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (EST). Visit for current prices and descriptions.

19 Historical Sites Bonneyville Mill C.R. 131 Bristol, IN Park Information Working antiquity and picturesque beauty await you at Bonneyville Mill. This water powered mill is the oldest continually operating mill in Indiana, producing quality flour for over 150 years. Historical interpreters are on duty to lead visitors through the daily grind while the massive grist stones vibrate under their feet. While you are there, purchase freshly ground flours and visit the Barn Gift Shop where you will find a variety of unique historical and natural items for sale. Bonneyville Mill is open to the public 10 a.m. -5 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday from May through October. Elkhart County Historical Museum 304 W. Vistula St. Bristol, IN The Elkhart County Historical Museum features over 22,000 artifacts reflecting the county s cultural heritage in its twelve permanent galleries. Temporary or touring exhibits are also frequently hosted. Its research center and genealogy library contain photos, diaries, family records, plat maps, census lists and more to help researchers discover their past. Over 30 events are hosted annually. The museum is open Tuesday thru Saturday from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., closed Sunday and Monday. Park Amenities Legend Fishing Hiking Playground Biking Cross-Country Ski Trails Sledding Hills Interpretive Services Nature Study Cobus Creek County Park Treasure Island Lieber Nature Preserve Elkhart County Historical Museum Elkhart Bristol Bonneyville Mill County Park Middlebury Ox Bow County Park Disc Golf Archery Boat Landing Boat Launch Observation Tower Picnic Area Shelter Restrooms Handicapped Accessible Wakarusa Nappanee Goshen Pumpkinvine Nature Trail River Preserve Millersburg DeFries Gardens New Paris Preservation Recreation Education

20 Friends of the Elkhart County Parks 211 W. Lincoln Avenue Goshen, IN