By Kathy Schwartz
The changing of the seasons provides visitors to Ouabache State Park a front row seat to Mother Nature’s wonders. As the greens of summer give way to the yellows, reds, orange, and browns of fall, I am filled with wonderment. It is as if Mother Nature is putting on her best attire to celebrate the season and to prepare for the whites and grays of winter.
Fall visitors are treated to crisp mornings and views of the mist rising from Lake Kunkel and enjoy the warmth of the sun as it dances off the array of colors the trees provide. Deer gather around the base of oak trees to dine on the acorns that are dropped by the gentle breezes of fall. Squirrels compete for the spoils as they too need to prepare for the cold temperatures of winter. Migrating sandhill cranes can be heard overhead as they head south for their winter homes. We bid farewell to a variety of songbirds but enjoy spotting the cardinals who choose to stay. The symphony of rustling leaves beneath your feet provides a different experience from the steamy hikes of summer.
The campground continues to be busy as week-long camping adventures turn to attempts to catch short weekend visits. Campers gather around crackling fires and appreciate the waves of warmth that arise from the dancing flames. Hot chocolate becomes the beverage of choice. Children dash about grabbing the last rays of sunshine.
Ouabache sets aside two weekends in October to celebrate with Fall Fest. This year an added celebration is dedicated to the Friends of Ouabache as they mark 10 years of service to the park.
Congratulations to the Friends of Ouabache. Their support for the park is known statewide. In 10 years, they have contributed more than $180,000 for a variety of projects. But even more important, they have volunteered their time and energy to help make Ouabache the special place it is. Discover acknowledges the Friends group in this issue and knows you will be amazed at their accomplishments and contributions to the park.
All this is yours to enjoy, but it is also your responsibility to cherish the memories and work to maintain and preserve all that is Ouabache. It is a treasure to behold and to hold close to your heart.
Kathy Schwartz is a past president of the Friends of Ouabache State Park and a board member. She was recently recognized by the Indiana DNR for her service to the park.
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