Those taking a recent tallgrass prairie hike at Oak Ridge Prairie County Park in Griffith experienced more than just physical exercise among the flora and fauna.
Some were able to identify specific flowers or plants growing in their own yards. Others took the opportunity to photograph nature at its finest. Still others simply enjoyed the peaceful atmosphere only an early morning stroll can provide.
“We’ve been doing this particular hike for about 13 years,” said naturalist Joy Bower, who led the group on a 2-mile jaunt through the prairie. “It’s proven very popular.”
History lessons were part of the agenda, as Bower explained how the area was developed, as well as how the plants and trees were used by Native Americans and colonists.
Northwest Indiana is on the eastern edge of the tallgrass prairie ecosystem, where it meets the western forest region, so there’s not one area that is all forest or all prairie.
And the environment has to be controlled on a regular basis so the forest and invasive species don’t take over.
As the group walked past myriad colorful — and sometime strange-looking — flowers, plants, grasses, trees and bushes, many paused to get a closer look.
Kim Harmon of Hammond is an avid bird-watcher, so she used her high-powered binoculars to focus on what was in the air as well as on the ground.
“I really enjoy nature,” she said. “It’s great to be out here … this is all natural and we can see how things work together as an ecosystem.”
Harmon’s love of the outdoors was fostered during her childhood, when the family went camping.
“My dad worked three jobs, so when he did get vacation time, we just got in the camper and traveled,” she said.
Kim Moor of Hammond brought her tablet to take pictures and record things she found interesting on the hike.
“There are some plants and flowers in my garden at home that I haven’t seen before,” she said, at the beginning of the walk. “I’m hoping to come across some of the same type here today, so I will know what they are.”
Dan Bovino of Lansing, Ill., is recently retired and is spending more time on his hobby of photography.
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“I’m getting some great shots,” he said, as he stopped to take a picture of a large bee on a flower. “And learning about the prairie and what’s involved here is really interesting.”
CoCo Venturian of Crown Point loves prairie areas and is well-versed on what can be found in them.
“But I’m always open to learning more,” she added, as she joined the group. “Nature is peaceful, relaxing and tranquil. This kind of walk revives me.”
Prairie cordgrass was one of the first plants identified for the group.
“This was used by Native Americans for their wig-wam frames,” Bower told the group, as she held up the high grass. “It was very sturdy.”
Down the lane, a sassafras tree showed its unique leaves. “This tree is kind of misunderstood,” Bower said, as she gave the group a close-up look. “It is very colorful, but it has to be controlled. We can’t let natural progression take over.”
In the old days, sassafras roots were boiled by Native Americans for tea, and the early Americans made root beer.
Bower also discussed restoration efforts and controlled burns at both Oak Ridge Prairie County Park and Gibson Woods Nature Preserve in Hammond. Clearing out invasive plants, flowers and trees keeps these area in their natural state, she said.
“Invasives are an ongoing concern,” she said. “They can never be eliminated entirely, but we have to control them as best we can.”
Sue Ellen Ross is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.
Learn more
For more information about programs at Oak Ridge Prairie County Park or Gibson Woods Nature Preserve, call Lake County Parks: 219-947-7275.