St. Joseph County Parks www.sjcparks.org
Fall Activity Guide 2023 St. Patrick’s County Park Beverly D. Crone Restoration Area Chamberlain Lake Nature Preserve
St. Joseph County Parks
Bendix Woods County Park Spicer Lake Nature Preserve Ferrettie/Baugo Creek County Park
Calendar of Events For program information or reservations, call 574/654-3155. Follow or like us on Facebook or Twitter for program updates and for fun family activities in the parks.
August
September
Overhead and Underfoot: Summer in Full Swing!
Hoosier Riverwatch Basic Training
Saturday, August 26, 8:30am-10:30am Spicer Lake Nature Preserve: Visitor Center Fee: $7/person Meet a naturalist to observe nature in its summer glory. This program begins with an indoor introduction to what’s going on with the plants, animals, and insects during the month. Then head out for a naturalist-led hike to look and listen for nature in action. Registration and payment required by August 22.
Orienteering Meet
Saturday, August 26, 10am-12pm St. Patrick’s County Park: Hurwich Shelter Fee: $10/person In the international sport of orienteering, you have a mission to find all the checkpoints on your map. Use your wits and powers of observation to find checkpoints in the woods. For more information, e-mail miller.115@nd.edu. Register on-site, the morning of the event.
Beginner Kayaking Trip
Wednesday, August 30, 4pm-6:30pm Ferrettie/Baugo Creek County Park: Canoe/Kayak Launch Fee: $20.00/Kayak *includes life jacket and paddle Have you ever wanted to try kayaking, but do not want to invest too much money into a new hobby? Join us for a kayaking trip on Baugo Creek where participants will learn the basics of kayaking in a safe environment. Please bring a bottle of water, sunscreen, and bug spray. Registration required by August 25.
Fall StoryWalk
St. Patrick’s County Park: Starts across from the playground A StoryWalk combines two fantastic activities: reading and hiking! Walk a trail through the pine trees and read a fall hiking story as you go. The StoryWalk will be available throughout the fall, and you can make a day of it by visiting the playground and the River Ramble Natural PlayScape while you’re there! The StoryWalk was created as a partnership with the St. Joseph County Public Library.
Saturday, September 9, 8:30am–4:30pm St. Patrick’s County Park: Brown Barn Fee: Free! Become certified to monitor stream health with the Hoosier Riverwatch Program, using chemical test kits and aquatic insect identification. Certified volunteers can evaluate local streams and submit results to a statewide database. Dress for the weather, wet feet, and bring a lunch. Earns 7 professional growth points for educators. Instruction provided by the St. Joseph County Parks, St. Joseph County SWCD, and the St. Joseph River Basin Commission. Registration required by September 1.
Ringing of the Bell
Monday, September 11, 9am St. Patrick’s County Park: Freedom Memorial Fee: Free Clay Fire Territory, Mishawaka Fire, and South Bend Fire will join together and commemorate the 22nd anniversary of the events of September 11, 2001.
Friends of Bendix Woods and Spicer Lake: The Nature Preserve
Wednesday, September 13, 5pm-7pm Bendix Woods County Park: Runnels Shelter Fee: Free! Join the Friends of Bendix Woods and Spicer Lake for a program by Dr. Deborah Marr, Associate Professor of Biology at IUSB, about the research she has done in the Bendix Woods Nature Preserve. How old are the trees in this old-growth forest? How has the forest’s composition changed over time? Dr. Marr’s program will include a hike and will be followed by refreshments and a brief meeting where you can hear updates about volunteer opportunities and other ways that the Friends organization supports the parks.
Disc Golf Poker
Thursday, September 14, 1pm-6pm Ferrettie/Baugo Creek County Park Fee: $1/poker hand & regular disc golf fees We combined disc golf and poker! Stop by the gatehouse to pay and pick up your hand. As you play the course, switch out a card at select holes to make the best hand you can. The person with the top hand will win a 2023 Disc Golf Combo Pass.
Fall Plant Exchange
Saturday, September 23, 2pm-4pm St. Patrick’s County Park: Brown Barn Fee: Program is free, gate fee is in effect Need new plants for the garden? Join us for a fall plant exchange to trade your extra plants for some new plant varieties. This program is open to those who have been gardening for years and those who are brand new to gardening. Please bring healthy potted plants, please no invasive species, and make sure to label all plants, seeds, and bulbs.
Guided Kayak Tour
Wednesday, September 27, 4pm-6:30pm Ferrettie/Baugo Creek County Park: Canoe/Kayak Launch Fee: $20.00/Kayak *includes life jacket and paddle If you enjoy nature hikes, join us for an interpretive-led kayak trip of Baugo Creek and Baugo Bay. On this trip we will explore the natural beauty of Baugo Bay while learning about native plants and animals that can be found along the banks. Please bring a bottle of water, sunscreen, and bug spray. Registration required by September 20.
October Public Hayrides
Sunday, October 8 Departure times: 1:30pm, 2pm, and 2:30pm Bendix Woods County Park: Playground Fee: $3/person Hayrides are one of the best ways to enjoy the cool autumn air and fall colors at Bendix Woods. Make an afternoon of it! Bring a picnic, play on the playground, go on a hike, and enjoy the park! *Weather conditions permitting.
For program updates and nature notes, “like” us on Facebook at facebook.com/sjcparks and follow us on Twitter at @SJCoParks.
All-Abilities Hike
Thursday, October 12, 5pm-6pm St. Patrick’s County Park: Auten/LaSalle Trail Fee: $5/person The St. Joseph County Parks are committed to being an accessible, inclusive environment for people to make connections with the natural world. Join us for a walk on a paved trail, geared towards people of all abilities. Discover a restored prairie habitat and a forest edge, and enjoy refreshments in the open air. Registration and payment required by October 10.
Fall Fling for the Little Ones
Friday, October 13, 10am-12pm Bendix Woods County Park: Playground Fee: Free! Fall is the perfect time to get outdoors with kids! Join us for a special morning of activities for children five and under. Explore squirrel and chipmunk play stations and go on a hayride! Kids can also create a unique craft, hear a fall story, sample a tasty snack, and play on the playground. This program is free thanks to a generous grant from the Dr. Elmer R. Graber Youth Fund for Exploring Nature. Registration required by October 11.
Cupcakes & Hayrides
Wednesday, October 18, 6pm-8pm Bendix Woods County Park: Van Paris Shelter Fee: $5/person There is no better way to celebrate National Chocolate Cupcake Day than on a tractor-drawn hayride through Bendix Woods County Park! Enjoy the crisp autumn air, warm crackling campfire, and selection of chocolate cupcakes to sample. Participants will get to take home their favorite cupcake recipe! Beverages will also be provided. Registration and payment required by October 13.
Spicer Lake Lantern Walk
Friday, October 20, 6:30pm-8:30pm Spicer Lake Nature Preserve: Visitor Center Fee: $5/person Come explore nature at night with a guided twilight stroll along a lantern-lined boardwalk. Enjoy the brisk air and an opportunity to stargaze. Fall themed food and drinks will be provided. Registration required by October 18. *Weather conditions permitting.
Science Sunday
Sunday, October 29, 1pm-4pm St. Patrick’s County Park: ND-LEEF Morrison Family Pavilion Fee: Free! The Notre Dame Linked Experimental Ecosystem Facility (ND-LEEF), a unique environmental research collaboration between the University of Notre Dame and St. Patrick’s County Park, invites you to its tenth annual Science Sunday! Come learn about a variety of innovative environmental research happening at Notre Dame. Scientists from the Colleges of Science and Engineering will conduct on-site demonstrations at ND-LEEF. Science Sunday also offers hands-on exhibits for children of all ages and public tours of the facility, which is home to a pair of bald eagles! Complimentary refreshments will be provided.
November Tail Waggin’ Hayride
Sunday, November 5, 2pm-4pm Bendix Woods County Park: Van Paris Shelter Fee: $5/person, and pet-related donation Bring your dog for a tractor-drawn hayride through the crisp autumn air. Afterwards, warm up by the campfire with free hot cocoa and s’mores. Pet-related donations aid PetsConnect! Pets must be on a 6-foot leash at all times. Pet costumes welcome!
December Disc Golf Poker
Saturday, December 2, 12pm-5:30pm Ferrettie/Baugo Creek County Park Fee: $1/poker hand & regular disc golf fees We combined disc golf and poker! Stop by the gatehouse to pay and pick up your hand. As you play the course switch out a card at select holes to make the best hand you can. The person with the top hand will win a 2024 Disc Golf Combo Pass.
Life Through the Lens Photographer Recognition
Thank you to all photographers who participated in the 2022 Life Through the Lens Photography Contest! We sincerely appreciate your contributions that showcased the beauty of the county parks. Featured in this Activity Guide are photographers: Ellen Van Arsdale & Benjamin Ollen
Cocoa, Candy Canes, and Crafts
Saturday, December 9, 10am-12pm Bendix Woods County Park: Nature Center Fee: $5/person It’s not too early in the season to start making your own ornaments! Put a unique, nature-themed spin on this year’s handmade projects by using materials collected right from nature. Tunes, treats, and a warm drink will be provided. Registration and payment required by December 6.
Pet Pics with Santa
Our Santa Paws Photo Event will be back again at St. Patrick’s County Park! This program is in partnership with PetsConnnect! Along with Santa Paws photos, there will be hot chocolate and s’mores for sale that can be enjoyed by an outdoor fire pit, an elf hunt, and more fun activities. *Date and time still to be determined.
*Program Series Overhead and Underfoot: Autumn’s Subtleties and Splendor
Saturday, September 23, 8:30am-10:30am Bendix Woods County Park: Nature Center Saturday, October 28, 8:30am-10:30am Spicer Lake Nature Preserve: Visitor Center Saturday, December 2, 8:30am-10:30am St. Patrick’s County Park: Brown Barn Fee: $7/person per session or $15/person for the series Meet a naturalist at a county park on three Saturdays in Fall. Observe how life prepares for the onset of Fall, the diminishing sunlight, and cooler temperatures. Each program begins with an indoor introduction to what’s going on with the plants, animals and insects that share our world. Then head out for a naturalist-led hike to look and listen for nature in action. Registration and payment due the Tuesday prior to the program: September 19, October 24, November 28. Join our email list for updates, park news, and events! Or, to receive this Quarterly Activity Guide by mail, call 574/277-4828.
Volunteer Spotlights NIMBA Kathy Gallagher Friends of Bendix Woods and Spicer Lake Patty Fowler Ken Neumann Alana, Brian, and Kayla Witkowski DeAnna Varela Matt Wilken Evie Kirkwood Kay Easton Ken Peterson Aidan, Kathy and Mark Lee Evelyn Teske Nick Timm Gene and Linda Matzat Jamie Robbins Nancy Biggum *Jeff McGowan Jim and Lori Anderson Dave Suter Del and Nancy Meyer Susan Antonovitz Judy Martin Godshalk Kimberly Min Gary and Nancy Beall Alexander Wilson Catherine Pellegrino John and Alice Bentley Henry Peters and friends Jim Rahilly Joanne and Tom Blodgett Donna Pfeil Linda Raven Marty Brennan Antonette Needham Brian Rowe Larry Catanzarite Gibson Edge Dean and Pat Skaggs Judy Carlson Justin Russo Jacob Waldrin Rick, Cindi and Kevin Clawson Nicholas Madlem Cody Wittling Tonya Cook Logan Leniski Todd and Terri Zeiger Mary Dominick Ryan Ziegert Autumn and Jeremiah Ziaya Yasuko Duff Aaron Lenishi UND ATLAS Group Autumn and Jeremiah Ziaya Carol Rolfs Dan Traylor Deb Fleming Mark Mankowski Nikki Rector Julia Hostetler Corvilla Bob and Linda Leliaert Joe Kielton Liz Zapf Ella, Catherine, and Pete Farrough
Volunteers and donors help the county parks in many ways! Thank you to these recent volunteers and donors! If you would like to become a volunteer, join the St. Joseph County Parks Foundation, or join the Friends of Bendix Woods and Spicer Lake, visit www.sjcparks.org.
Picnic Shelter and Facility Rentals The Moat Room in Baugo Station
V.I.P. Jeff McGowan “The Eradicator”
The St. Joseph County Parks hosted their first ever nature-themed outdoor escape room. The Eradicator was trying to destroy the St. Joseph River and the campers needed to stop him! In fun, dramatic fashion, Jeff McGowan graciously agreed to play our evil villain. Donning a costume, props, and villain persona, Jeff recorded videos and made an appearance at the camp! Fortunately for us, the campers stopped him before he could destroy the park. Thank you Jeff, for going above and beyond to create a memorable moment for all.
Park Hours & Gate Fees Bendix Woods, St. Patrick’s, and Ferrettie/Baugo Creek County Parks: August-September 17: 10am-8:30pm September 18-November 4: 10am-7pm November 5-December 31: 10am-5:30pm Park entrance fee in effect on weekends and holidays April-October: $4/in-county vehicle $5/out-of-county vehicle $8/vehicle at special events *Gate fees will also be collected on Fridays at St. Patrick’s and Ferrettie/Baugo Creek County Parks through Labor Day weekend. Spicer Lake Nature Preserve opens one hour later and closes one hour earlier than above times. No entrance fee.
The Moat Room in Baugo Station at Ferrettie/Baugo Creek County Park is the perfect setting for a family gathering, holiday party, or indoor wedding reception. For picnic shelter and facility rentals, please call 574/277-4828.
Holiday Closings: The County Parks will be closed on November 23 and December 25 for county-observed holidays. On Dec. 24, Bendix Woods, Ferrettie/Baugo Creek, and St. Patrick’s County Parks will close at 3:30pm. Spicer Lake Nature Preserve will be closed on December 24.
Parks Board: Virginia Calvin, Larry Catanzarite, Emily Evers, John Ferrettie, Thomas Panzica, Donna Pfeil, Tim Sexton
Fall Leisure Activities Book a Hayride
Public Canoe/Kayak
Disc Golf
When: Wednesday-Sunday September 27-November 4 Site: Bendix Woods County Park Time: Begins at 1pm, 3:30pm, 6pm, or 8:30pm Fee: $140/up to 80 people
Rentals
When: Open daily, Pro Shop hours vary Site: Ferrettie/Baugo Creek County Park Pro Shop located in Gatehouse Time: Course open 10am-park closing Fee: Daily pass: $4/adult $3/youth (age 15 and under) Annual pass: $40/adult $20/youth (age 15 and under) Combo disc golf/gate pass: $60 Bring your friends and family to this newly renovated 18-hole course. Check out the Pro Shop for all your disc golfing needs. We carry INNOVA discs and bags and have a great selection for beginners to advanced players.
Looking to start a yearly tradition with your friends, family, or organization? We have just the event for you! We offer a private hayride with a campfire. This tractor-drawn hayride gives your group the chance to relax, bond, create memories, and just have fun! For availability or to book your group, call 574/654-3155.
Free Fishing Days When: September 24 Site: Ferrettie/Baugo Creek and St. Patrick’s County Parks Time: Available during park hours Fee: Free gate fee for those fishing, just show us your fishing poles! Indiana residents may fish without a state fishing license in Indiana waters. Free Fishing Days were created by the Indiana General Assembly in 1995 and are designated each year by the Department of Natural Resources to promote angling as a recreational activity.
Join the FUN! Hiring Part-Time Winter Sports Staff The St. Joseph County Parks provide winter tubing, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing opportunities for park patrons. Help us make this winter fun for our community! Positions available at both Ferrettie/Baugo Creek and St. Patrick’s County Parks. Minimum age 15 and must be able to work weekends beginning December 26–March 12. Pay starts at $15.50/hr. Apply online at sjcindiana.com beginning October 17.
When: Thurs-Sun and Holidays through September 30 Closed Mon-Weds (except holidays) *Operation is weather and creek conditions permitting. Site: Ferrettie/Baugo Creek County Park Time: 11am-4pm Vessels must be returned by 6pm Fee: *Gate fee in effect Fri-Sun through Labor Day. After Labor Day, only Sat-Sun All rentals are for up to 2 hours.
Thurs-Fri
Sat, Sun, & Holidays
1-person kayak
$20
$25
Canoe or 2-person kayak
$25
$30
Patrons will have the opportunity to paddle on Baugo Creek as well as paddle out to Baugo Bay. Rental includes vessel, paddles, and required life jackets. Renters must be at least 18 years old and present a valid picture ID. Adults must accompany anyone under 18. This activity is not recommended for children 3 years of age and younger.
Innertubing Parties On Monday, December 4, we will begin accepting reservations for private winter innertubing parties at St. Patrick’s and Ferrettie/Baugo Creek County Parks. For more information or to make a reservation, call 574/654-3155.
Coming This Fall to St. Patrick’s County Park:
“Extended” Fall Paddle
Defeat the Eradicator! Outdoor Escape Room
When: Saturdays, October 7th-14th *Operation is weather and creek conditions permitting. Site: Ferrettie/Baugo Creek County Park Time: 11am-3pm Vessels must be returned by 5pm Fee: $20/canoe or kayak (up to 2 hours) *Gate fee in effect
An evil villain is planning to destroy the St. Joseph River! If he succeeds, not only will the river die, but the entire Great Lakes will be harmed, too! In order to save the St. Joseph River and defeat this vile villain, you must solve his riddles and puzzles to thwart his destructive plans. Only you can save it!
Paddle through fall colors on Baugo Creek out to Baugo Bay. Cooler temperatures and diminished crowds make this a perfect time to enjoy the water. This activity is not recommended for children 3 years of age and younger.
When: Weekends in September and October Site: St. Patrick’s County Park Time: 2-hour long time-slots Fee: $15/person; Must pay for a minimum of 4 people. Complete puzzles and riddles while hiking and enjoying the outdoors. For ages 13+ and recommended group size of 4-8 people. An adult must accompany children under 18. Registration and payment due the Thursday prior to the event. For more details, or to schedule your group, call 574/654-3155 or email hbranchick@sjcparks.org.
Park Locations Bendix Woods County Park 56960 Timothy Rd. • New Carlisle, IN 46552 Ferrettie/Baugo Creek County Park 57057 Ash Rd. • Osceola, IN 46561 St. Patrick’s County Park 50651 Laurel Rd. • South Bend, IN 46637
50651 Laurel Rd. South Bend, IN 46637-1004 574.277.4828 Return Service Requested
Spicer Lake Nature Preserve 50840 County Line Rd. • New Carlisle, IN 46552 Chamberlain Lake Nature Preserve 58111 Crumstown Hwy. • South Bend, IN 46619 Beverly D. Crone Restoration Area Jackson Rd./Linden Rd. • South Bend, IN 46614 LaSalle Trail Roseland, IN to the Michigan State Line Jasinski Public Access Site Crumstown Hwy. • North Liberty, IN 46554 Access to All St. Joseph County Parks’ programs and facilities are available to all, regardless of race, color, national origin, limited English proficiency, sex, age, or disability. Reasonable accommodations may be requested in advance to provide participation in desired programs and activities. Persons needing services, accommodations, and support for accessibility, or for complaints, please call the County Parks’ office: 574/277-4828. • St. Joseph County Parks are smoke-free. •
St. Joseph County Parks Fall Activity Guide 2023
Wizards & Wildlife
Explore and discover the magical world of nature at night! Discover magical creatures along a lantern-lit trail Make your own wand • Meet live owls • Enjoy magical treats Visit the herbology and potions stations • Go on an enchanted hayride Wizard robes are welcome! Bendix Woods County Park September 30, 2023 5pm - 9pm • $8/vehicle Visit sjcparks.org for more information.
PRESORTED STANDARD U.S. POSTAGE PAID SOUTH BEND, IN PERMIT NO. 374