By BARBARA
BARBIERI
At the Friends of Ouabache State Park’s Lunch & Learn gathering Thursday at the park, program presenter Jody Heaston, Indiana State Park Naturalist, told about the five hiking trails and one bicycle trail at Ouabache.
All those attending were provided a map for locating the trails.
Trail 1 is one mile in length and travels around the bison enclosure. It is rated easy with a level, but not paved, path.
Trail 2 is 1.25 miles in length and is also rated easy.
Trail 3 is 1.5 miles in length and is known as the Tree Trail as it has 25 trees labled with QR codes for identifying them. It begins by the campground area.
Trail 4 is 3 miles in length and is labeled moderate for ease in walking. It goes around Kunkel Lake as well as parts of other trails in the park.
Trail 5 is 6 miles in length and covers almost the entire park. It too can be started by the campground area.
The Bike Trail covers 2.68 miles and is considered moderate in difficulty.
Heaton then discussed the Adventure Backpacks that may be checked out at the park’s office to go along with the hiking experience.
Next she went over what every hiker should have in their backpack as they hike—starting with the backpack being rain resistant.
Her backpack includes: a first aid kit with IVYX wipes, small army knife, whistle, compass, small flashlight, bandana, small binoculars, field guide or nature apps on a cell phone (Eye Seek or Merlin), snacks (including candy and Doritos), matches some lint for fire starting, water. (Did you know that Doritos are a good fire starter?)
She also explained that a hiking stick also can be of great help and be used for brushing aside debris to clear a path. Another handout from the American Hiking Society added sun screen, sun glasses and rain gear on their backpack list.
Another “trick” Heaston shared with the learners was that a cap of an acorn can be detached and used as a whistle in an emergency—which she demonstrated.
Attendees also were presented a tree identification handout that explained by examining the leaves and how they grow on a tree that the tree can be identified. She further explained that folks may take leaves, nuts and berries out of the park, but never rocks.
As the program was presented attendees enjoyed a dessert of cherry cobbler, provided by Corner Depot Catering.
The next Lunch & Learn event will be held on Thursday, Oct. 12 when Janet McGowan from St. Joseph Parks will present a program on how animals prepare for the winter. Reservations to friendsofouabache@gmail.com or call (260) 824-0926.
