Although the scheduled nature walks at the recent Earth Day-Green Gary Celebration at Paul H. Douglas Center for Environmental Education didn’t materialize, visitors to the annual affair still found much to do.
Youngsters received their paper “passports,” which were stamped at the various stations with unique activities around the nature center.
“We’re working with a project for a clean Earth,” said Elizabeth Edmond, who brought four children from the Gary Youth Services Bureau. “This event fits right in, and the kids are excited to be here.”
Dunes Learning Center naturalist Alana Murray was all set to take a group on the day’s first nature hike.
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As soon as the youngsters stepped outside and she began to explain items of interest, a light rain began.
The walk was canceled as the rain began to come down harder. No worries, there was enough to do inside the building.
Art teacher Rhondalyn Cox, owner of Artopia, a local arts and crafts cultural academy, was one of the vendors who offered free instruction to those wanting to learn a new craft.
Knitting needles, crochet hooks and colorful yarn were spread out on a horseshoe-shaped table.
“This is a lot of fun,” said Sydney Muhamhad, 9, as she intently listened to Cox and wrapped yarn around a needle. “It really isn’t hard at all.”
Kentyata Scott brought his daughter Kelis, 7, to the event.
“It’s great that they’re showing the importance of nature to the kids,” he said. “And this also lets us know what’s available in this area.”
Vendors offering various information about local organizations and events also were present during the event, and six break-out sessions were offered as well.
Topics covered included beekeepers, biking and bike safety, plants and wildflowers, invasive species, the Tuskegee Airmen, and a water safety class.
David Benjamin, of The Great Lakes Surf Rescue Project, discussed the latter. The GLSRP’s mission is to eradicate drowning by providing public information on Great Lakes water safety.
“If you’re in trouble in the water, remember the three Fs — flip, float and follow (your way to a safe path),” he told the audience. “If you’re caught in a rip current, you’ll waste energy fighting it. Floating takes less energy.”
The Paul H. Douglas Center for Environmental Education offers many ongoing, annual and special event activities for the public. Many school classes and organizations visit for field trips on a regular basis.
Nature Hikes in the adjoining Miller Woods trail system is a favorite for many returning visitors. Interactive exhibits inside the nature center and a nature play zone are always at the ready.
The building is named after Paul H. Douglas, an Illinois senator who was instrumental in creating the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore.
For more information, call (219) 395-1821.
Sue Ellen Ross is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.