As the Sierra Club Hoosier Chapter kicked off the Protecting Indiana Forests Campaign, we took a field trip to explore some of Indiana’s great waterways and spectacular forests.
The group gathered at Cataract Falls State Recreation Area on Saturday, June 7. Observing the nationwide Public Lands Day of Action, Hoosier Chapter members and supporters gathered to stand in solidarity with forest protection across the country.
After days of rain, the weather cooperated and we had a spectacular field trip, starting our day learning the history of Cataract Falls. The town of Cataract was founded in 1851, and Cataract Falls Covered Bridge was built in 1876. The falls were generously donated by Agnes Steiner Stuckey in 1952 to the state of Indiana, allowing for the creation of the park.
The hiking trail from the upper falls to the lower falls follows a scenic path along the protected forest around Mill Creek. The variety of tree species was incredible as were the size of some of the trees, especially the big oak near the upper falls. Several mulberry trees grew along the path reminding me of the trees missing in our state forests these days. The old covered bridge adds to the mystique and history of the place. The lower falls were roaring with water as trekkers of all kinds shared this great place. From fishers to hikers to picnickers, Hoosiers were enjoying one of Indiana’s treasures.
Keeping with the historical theme, we then ventured into Cataract Village to the Schoolhouse which has been turned into an ice cream shop providing a great treat, and a little more history about the area. I am familiar with the history as I am related to the Stuckey Family and I enjoyed sharing the area and history with folks who had never ventured to Cataract before. When we explained to the ice cream shopkeeper we were with the Sierra Club Hoosier Chapter, the shopkeeper explained she was trying to turn part of the town into a pollinator garden and wondered if we could help explain to the locals why this is important. Building friendships and community while enjoying ice cream in this beautiful setting, it made us all feel a little better.
Carpooling and caravanning across the Owen and Putnam Co. countryside led us to Cagle’s Mill Dam where we picnicked by Mill Creek at the base of the dam while creating our signs for our Day of Action for Public Land. Our Action? Well, enjoying this beautiful piece of public land maintained by the Army Corps of Engineers and hiking the trail on top of the hill, that was our action. The hardwood forest in this area is beautiful, amazing, and protected to help maintain the integrity of the dam.
The best part of the day? Finding a few species we have never seen before; jelly fungus (clear, weird, and cool); and the creepy dead man's fingers fungus. Amazing that nature still shows us something new!
Would you like to know more about our Protecting Indiana Forests Campaign? Email me at lorakemp1221@gmail.com.
Lora Kemp
Vice Chair, Sierra Club Hoosier Chapter
Conservation Committee member, and team leader of the Protecting Indiana Forests Campaign