In the 15th year of Daubenspeck Community Nature Park, visitors of all ages and from all over Indiana enjoyed the park’s many features and programs. 2021 continued to be a difficult year for many of us, with a persistent pandemic that kept many people indoors and at home. However, many people chose to venture outdoors to DCNP.
We continued to host our monthly bird walks and volunteer work days. Other special events focused on a bio-engineering project in Alverna Creek by an Eagle Scout, a bat program, and a spring ephemerals eco-walk. We are so grateful for the experts and volunteers who gave selflessly of their time and talents to lead walks, host events, and create exciting projects to share their knowledge and passion.
Volunteers and scouts enhanced the park with a number of needed projects and
efforts. Some examples of the work done include removing blackberry bushes in the
prairie area, and clearing fallen trees on the trails. We also planted hundreds of tree
seedlings where ash trees had once stood. Ongoing maintenance included trail
mowing, doggie doo bag replacement, repair of rotting boards on boardwalks and
bridges, cleaning of birdhouses and general tasks.
Thanks to generous donations, the professionally-led effort has continued this year to eradicate non-native, invasive species of plants. Honeysuckle, winter-creeper, Bradford pear and Canada thistle are strongly on the decline, and newly-planted and naturally-occurring natives are thriving. Be sure to take notice of the difference in biodiversity as you hike the trails! The effort has really paid off as the invasive species are largely under control in most
natural areas of the park.
Some plans for 2022 include a complete renovation of our web page, trail guide reprint,
more educational nature walks, repair of structures, more invasive species control,
increased scout projects and a spring plant sale!
Please consider attending one of our volunteer work days (normally held in May and
October) or one of our birdwatching tours in 2022. Remember, it’s your park!
Of course, all of this needs your tax-deductible support to make it happen. Your
financial contributions, employer matches, stock donations, and grant opportunities are
very important and truly appreciated. Every penny and every minute you give has a
direct effect on the park. The Park is totally volunteer run. Thank you for whatever you
can do this season to support this local nature that you nurture.
Have a happy, healthy, and green holiday season,
The Board of Directors of Daubenspeck Nature Park
