By Kathy Schwartz
Spring is coming! Already showing signs of an early arrival of warm mild days and the greening of the forest, Ouabache prepares for the hustle and bustle of the camping season and the multitude of day visitors that come to behold the wonders of nature.
Winter found our staff working at removing threatening branches and fallen trees to ensure our campground and trails are safe for our visitors. Care is also taken to provide our wildlife with adequate shelter and nesting areas. We are stewards of this land and its inhabitants.
Since the last issue, we celebrated the Wonderland of Lights. I am always humbled by the community support we receive. More than 1,900 vehicles passed through the gate. Much appreciation is given to the volunteers that made the event possible, the Elf Cocoa and Cookie Shop elves and Santa, and the crew that battled winter weather to take down the many displays. We have already started to prepare for next December’s event and hope we can add a few surprises for our visitors.
It also must be noted that nature will supply us with an amazing event on April 8. The last one for many of us, for another total solar eclipse won’t occur here until 2099. We don’t know what to expect. We do know what the event is, but we have no idea on the impact of our visitor numbers. We have prepared, planned and yes, prayed that we meet the needs of those choosing to view the event from Ouabache State Park. The number of vehicles allowed to enter has been restricted to the number of available parking spaces at the park. Time will only tell what footprint will be left behind by our visitors.
The Friends of Ouabache is sponsoring the Nature Lovers Lunch and Learn program beginning the second Thursday in March, continuing until October. A wide variety of speakers and topics have been scheduled, and I encourage you to try to attend each one. There is a complete listing of programs in the magazine. Note the one in April is the third Thursday, due to scheduling conflicts.
I would be remiss if I didn’t note that this issue begins the second year of Discover Ouabache. It has been a privilege to edit this magazine. It is a combination of writing, photography and design skills of a group of 15 very talented people. This past year, our website has been visited by nearly 3,400 individuals. The statistics show a peak in viewers, the first week an issue is published and every weekend. The viewing area is concentrated throughout Indiana and the surrounding states, but there are many areas on the east and west coast that Discover is reaching. A special thank you to the visitors that sent in their photos of memorable times at Ouabache. The Editorial Board has met and agreed to continue publishing the magazine for another year.
A final thought. Spring is a time of new beginnings. Please come visit our park where spring awakens in the most wonderful ways. I guarantee your heart and soul will warm as the sun warms your face, the fragrance of spring flowers tickles your nose and the songs of the birds fill your ears with a concert that only nature can create.
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