St. Joseph County Parks www.sjcparks.org
Spring Activity Guide 2024 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 X (Twitter) for program updates and for fun family activities in the parks.
March Sugar Camp Days
Saturday and Sunday, March 16 and 17 8am-3pm Bendix Woods County Park Fee: $8/vehicle Join us in celebration of the end of winter! Watch sap cook into syrup, enjoy a pancake and sausage breakfast (a New Carlisle Lion’s Club fundraiser), tour the Sugar Bush, purchase homemade baked goods made with pure maple syrup, enjoy family music, and much more!
Easter Egg Hike
Saturday, March 30, 11am-1pm St. Patrick’s County Park: Brown Barn Fee: $5/person Hop on over for this fun hike! Hunt for Easter eggs along a 1-mile trail, then trade them in for candy. Don’t forget to bring your baskets! Registration and payment required by March 22.
Sky Dance of the Woodcock
Saturday, March 23, 7:30pm-8:30pm St. Patrick’s County Park: ND-LEEF entrance Fee: $5/person Treat yourself to the sky dance of the American Woodcock! This unusual shorebird performs an unparalleled “sky dance” to win mates. Prior to sunset, meet with a park naturalist to learn about the life, history, and lore of the woodcock. Then take a short, quiet walk to the woodcock’s staging grounds to observe this amazing spring ritual, which begins shortly after sunset. Registration due by March 19. Program is weather-dependent; payment can be made upon arrival.
Bike Swap Meet
Sunday, March 24, 11:30am-2pm St. Patrick’s County Park: Red Barn Fee: Free This annual event is sponsored by the Michiana Bike Association (MBA) and the Northern Indiana Mountain Bike Association (NIMBA). Anyone is welcome to buy or sell. Table space is first come, first served.
Monday, April 15 and May 13 8:30am-10:30am Spicer Lake Nature Preserve Fee: $10/Person Enjoy a bagel and an early morning stroll down the Spicer Lake Boardwalk to look for birds and other signs of wildlife. Dress for the outdoors and wear comfortable hiking shoes. Optics are available for use. Registration required by the prior Thursday.
Audubon Rummage Sale
Signs of Spring Hike
Saturday, March 23, 9am-11am St. Patrick’s County Park: Brown Barn Fee: $5/person Step into spring with a scenic, self-guided hike. While on the trails, complete a nature scavenger hunt for the chance to win park prizes. Afterwards, enjoy light refreshments in the Brown Barn. Registration and payment required by March 15.
Birds and Bagels on the Boardwalk
April Spring Break Disc Golf
Monday-Friday, April 1-5, 10am-7pm Ferrettie/Baugo Creek County Park Fee: Free for youth 17 and under With school out for the week, get the kids outdoors for a FREE round of disc golf!
Spring Break Orienteering Challenge
Tuesday, April 2, 11am-5pm Ferrettie/Baugo Creek County Park Thursday, April 4, 11am-5pm St. Patrick’s County Park Fee: $5/per map Spring into the parks with your family and friends to complete an orienteering challenge over spring break. Locate different checkpoints using only a map and your navigational skills. Maps will be provided at the Gatehouse.
Cloud-Watching Hike
Wednesday, April 3, 10am-11am Bendix Woods County Park: Van Paris Shelter Fee: Free! Has your child ever asked you about those white puffy things in the sky? Join a park naturalist to learn about different types of clouds! After a brief introduction, make a Cloud Spotter and use it on a guided hike where you’ll look for and identify different types of clouds. This program is free thanks to a generous grant from the Dr. Elmer R. Graber Youth Fund for Exploring Nature. Registration required by April 1.
Saturday, April 20, 8am-1pm St. Patrick’s County Park: Red Barn Fee: Free Shop through a barn full of treasures! This annual event is organized by the South Bend – Elkhart Audubon Society. Drop off donations April 17-19 from 1-6pm in the Red Barn. Electronics and sofas not accepted. For more information, please call 574-339-2675.
Girls Ambitious about Learning Science (GALS)
Saturday, April 20, 10am-2:30pm St. Patrick’s County Park: Hurwich Shelter Fee: Free! Calling all 5th-8th grade girls interested in science! Come enjoy a day of outdoor fun with hands-on, feet-stomping learning experiments and presentations led by local women in science. Lunch and snacks will be provided. This program is free thanks to a generous grant from the Dr. Elmer R. Graber Youth Fund for Exploring Nature. Registration required by April 17.
For program updates and nature notes, “like” us on Facebook at facebook.com/sjcparks and follow us on X (Twitter) at @SJCoParks.
Upcycled Terrarium Workshop
Sunday, April 21, 2pm-3pm St. Patrick’s County Park: Brown Barn Fee: $20/per person Help us celebrate Earth Day by making a terrarium using upcycled glass jars. In this workshop, participants will learn the basics of making terrariums such as what plants and substrate to use and the required maintenance once the project is complete. Participants will make their own open-air terrarium by selecting a jar and plants they want to use! Registration and payment required by April 12.
Pink Moon Night Hike
Tuesday, April 23, 8:30pm-10pm St. Patrick’s County Park: Brown Barn Fee: $5/person Put on your ‘pinkest’ outfit and join us for a self-guided night hike! Enjoy the sights and sounds of nature at night while hiking under the Pink Full Moon. Afterwards, enjoy a pink drink and treat while making pink slime! Lanterns will be available to help guide the way. Registration and payment required by April 16.
Spring Fling for the Little Ones
Thursday, April 25, 10am-12pm Bendix Woods County Park: Runnels Shelter Fee: Free! Spring is the perfect time to get outdoors with kids! Join us for a special morning of activities for children five and under. We’ll explore the spring woods to get to know the blooming wildflowers! Kids can also create a unique craft, hear a spring story, and sample a tasty snack. This program is free thanks to a generous grant from the Dr. Elmer R. Graber Youth Fund for Exploring Nature. Registration required by April 23.
Weed Wrangle
Saturday, April 27, 9am-12pm St. Patrick’s County Park Fee: Free Bring your work gloves and enthusiasm to pull garlic mustard and other invasives found at St. Patrick’s County Park. Meet at the Berta Shelter across from the River Ramble Natural PlayScape. Trash bags will be provided.
May Bat Count Training
Thursday, May 2, 7:30pm-9pm St. Patrick’s County Park: Red Barn Fee: Free Volunteers are needed to assist with the citizen science bat counts. The counts begin in May and end in July. A passion for bats is all that is required for the training! Contact Michaele at 574-654-3155 to sign up for the program.
May the Forest Be With You
Saturday, May 4, 12pm-3pm St. Patrick’s County Park: Brown Barn Fee: $5/person Dress as your favorite character and come celebrate all things Star Wars at St. Patrick’s County Park! There will be a Jedi training course, galactic concessions for sale, and a costumed parade/hike along our trails. Registration and payment required by April 26.
Wildflower Tea Party
Sunday, May 5, 2pm-4pm Bendix Woods County Park: Runnels Shelter Fee: $10/person Experience one of the most beautiful spots in St. Joseph County – the Bendix Woods Nature Preserve in spring! Join us for a wildflower walk with a naturalist to discover the spectacular display of woodland flowers. Afterwards, enjoy tea and treats served outdoors in the fresh spring air. All ages welcome. Registration and payment required by May 1.
Friends of Bendix Woods and Spicer Lake: Spring Wildflowers
Wednesday, May 8, 5pm-7pm Bendix Woods County Park: Runnels Shelter Fee: Free! Join the Friends of Bendix Woods and Spicer Lake to discover Indiana’s spring ephemeral wildflowers. A park naturalist will lead a hike to identify wildflowers and explore how they fit into the forest ecosystem. The presentation 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.
Marigolds for Moms
Saturday, May 11, 10am-12pm St. Patrick’s County Park: Hurwich Shelter Fee: $8/person Celebrate the mother figure in your life! Use your creativity to paint a flowerpot and plant a marigold in it. While the paint dries, create a heartfelt, handmade card. Registration and payment required by May 3.
Spring Plant Exchange
Saturday, May 18, 2pm-4pm St. Patrick’s County Park: Brown Barn Fee: Free Are you looking for a new houseplant? Do you have extra plants in need of a new home? Join us for a spring plant exchange at St. Patrick’s County Park. Please bring healthy, potted plants and label all plants, seeds, and bulbs. Do not bring invasive species. Patrons are asked to bring an item to swap if they wish to participate.
Scavenger Hunt
Friday, May 24, 10am-6pm St. Patrick’s County Park Fee: Free It’s National Scavenger Hunt Day! Pick up a clue sheet from the Gatehouse and put on your thinking caps! Decipher riddles and hike around the park to find the location of hidden objects. Turn in your sheet to be entered into a drawing to win a park prize!
June Grassland Bird Hike
Saturday, June 1, 8:30am-11am Beverly D. Crone Restoration Area Fee: Free Enjoy a grassland bird hike in search of Henslow’s sparrows, Dickcissels, and other grassland birds! Meet on the west side of the Beverly Crone Restoration Area parking lot, located on the corner of Jackson Road and Locust Road. Wear comfortable shoes. Optics are available for use. Registration required by May 29.
Series Spotlight Overhead and Underfoot
Life Springs into Action Saturday, March 30 St. Patrick’s County Park: White Barn Harvest Room
Saturday, April 27 Bendix Woods County Park: Glenn Bauer Shelter
Saturday, May 25 Spicer Lake Nature Preserve: Visitor Center
Color our trails with your words and art! In the first installment of our new “Art in the Park” Series, draw and write about your favorite spot in one of our parks. We will laminate your work and post it at your favorite place! There is no cost for this project and artwork paper will be provided. Visit a park office for instructions and materials and let your creativity shine! For more information, visit sjcparks.org or email mslattery@sjcparks.org.
8:30am-10:30am Fee: $7/person per session or $15/person for the series Meet a naturalist at a county park on three Saturdays in spring to discover and observe life’s post-winter rebirth. 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 by the Tuesday prior to each program.
Art in the Park
My Special Spot Project April 1 – 20
Bendix Woods County Park Ferrettie/Baugo Creek County Park St. Patrick’s County Park Spicer Lake Nature Preserve
Looking for the “BIG TREES” of St. Joseph County! We are now accepting nominations for The Big Trees of St. Joseph County. A list of the largest of each native tree species can be found online. The response to this program has been outstanding in past years, but the program is continually seeking new nominations. Categories which have no current champion include Black Walnut, Red Oak and Flowering Dogwood. To nominate a tree, find out more information, or to get a nomination form, please visit sjcparks.org. Questions? Contact Amal at afarrough@sjcparks.org.
Volunteers and Donors You all help the county parks in many ways! 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 sjcparks.org.
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Activity Guide Sponsor
Steve Sass • Evie Kirkwood • Yasuko Duff • Michael Denman • Camden Graf and Scouts • Steve Hummer • Ben Reinoehl • Brenda Phillips John and Alice Bentley • Gary Beall • Pat Higgins • Meg, Gabe, Adeline, and Cora Buss • Jacob Tuszynski • Zoe Pietrzak • Emma Homes Isabella Beall • Andrew Mrozinski • William Wolter • Todd Elliott • James Elliott • Dennis Staffelbach • New Carlisle Boy Scouts • M. Beasley Scout Troop 541 • Tim Carter and Ball State University • Brian, Keegan, Finn, and Cora Rowe • DeAnna Varela • S. Allison • T. Slattery A. Tobolski • Jamie Robbins • Cora and Jacob Waldron • Emma Lichtenbarger Parks Board: Virginia Calvin, Larry Catanzarite, Emily Evers, John Ferrettie, Thomas Panzica, Donna Pfeil
Spring Leisure Activities Free Fishing Days When: May 12, June 1 & 2, September 28 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 poles! These days only, Indiana residents may fish without a state fishing license in Indiana waters. Free Fishing Days were created by the Indiana General Assembly and are designated each year by the Department of Natural Resources to promote angling as a recreational activity.
Opportunities for Early Birds! One Saturday per month, St. Patrick’s County Park will open at 7am! Enjoy hikes in the early morning light. Be the first to see and hear migrating birds. Paddle on the St. Joseph River in the glory of a new day. Gate opens at 7am on the following dates. No gate fee until 10am.
Canoe, Kayak, and Stand-Up Paddleboard Rentals Return to the St. Joseph River! Get your family and friends together and paddle on the St. Joseph River as rentals return to St. Patrick’s County Park! When: Friday-Sunday and Holidays Beginning May 24 through October 6 Closed Mon-Thurs (except holidays) *Operation is weather and river conditions permitting. Site: St. Patrick’s County Park: Brown Barn Time: 11am-4pm Vessels must be returned by 7pm Long trip rental ends at 2pm Fee: *Gate fee in effect Fri-Sun & holidays Short Trip - 4 miles (3 hours) 1-person kayak
$25
Canoe or 2-person kayak
$30
Stand-up paddleboard
$25*
April 13 - Explore on your own.
*Stand-up paddleboard not available on Fridays
May 11 - Explore on your own. OR Join a guided bird hike at 8am. Meet at the White Barn parking lot. Space is limited. Pre-registration required at 574/654-3155.
Long Trip - 10 miles (5 hours)
June 8 - Explore on your own OR Canoe/Kayak the St. Joseph River! Short trip only from Keller Park to St. Patrick’s County Park. Arrive at 7am—shuttle departs at 7:30am. Don’t miss it! Space is limited. $20/vessel. Pre-registration and pre-payment required at 574/654-3155.
*Long trip rentals not available on Fridays
1-person kayak
$35
Canoe or 2-person kayak
$40*
Rental includes vessel, paddles, required life jackets, and shuttle service. Renters must be at least 18 years old and present a valid picture ID. Adults must accompany anyone under 18. Alcoholic beverages are not allowed on county vessels. This activity is not recommended for children 3 years of age and younger.
Life Through the Lens Photographer Recognition Thank you to all the wonderful photographers who have participated in the Life Through the Lens Photography Contest! We sincerely appreciate your contributions showcasing the beauty of the county parks. Featured in this Activity Guide are photographers: Amy Nicklas Emma Brewer Ellen Van Arsdale
Group Canoe/Kayak Rental at St. Patrick’s County Park St. Patrick’s County Park will be offering pre-registered group canoe or kayak trips this summer. Call ahead at least 10 days in advance to reserve your caravan of vessels. To check availability or to schedule your group, call 574/654-3155. Check our Summer Activity Guide for the opportunity to kayak at Ferrettie/Baugo Creek County Park on certain dates offered throughout the summer.
Disc Golf 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! Bring your family! See what disc golf is all about. The 18-hole course is available for public use year-round. Varying levels of terrain and obstacles will challenge beginners and experienced players alike while enjoying the park.
Join the FUN! Hiring Part-Time Canoe Rental Staff: Weekends and holidays, May-September Canoe Shuttle Drivers: (Must have a For-Hire license) Weekends, June-September Gatehouse Staff: Weekends and holidays, April-October
New to paddling? Beginners and families may use the pond outside of the Brown Barn for $7/hour for safe practice and fun! Have your own vessel? We provide shuttle service for $12 during shuttling operations.
Seasonal Maintenance: Days vary, May-August Leisure Services Internship: 15 hours/week, end of May-August Apply online at sjcindiana.com.
Outdoor Adventures Summer Nature Camp Come be a part of Outdoor Adventures Summer Nature Camp at St. Patrick’s County Park! Bring on the summer and outdoor fun by hiking, paddling, and splashing your way into natural fun! Enjoy the many health benefits of spending time outdoors and experience new adventures every day. Six camps are offered for children entering Kindergarten through 8th grade! Tuesday, June 18: Survival Skills (Ages 11-14) June 24-28: Nature’s Superheroes (Ages 5-6) Tuesday, July 2: Escape Room (Ages 11-14) July 8-12: Wonders of Water (Ages 10-11) July 15-19: Fun is Natural! (Ages 8-9) July 22-26: Treasure Hunters (Ages 6-7) For more information, or to request registration materials, please call 574/654-3155, or visit sjcparks.org.
Park Hours & Gate Fees Park Hours: Bendix Woods, St. Patrick’s, and Ferrettie/Baugo Creek County Parks: March 10-April 7: 10am-7pm April 8-May 26: 10am-8:30pm May 27-August 4: 10am-9pm August 5-September 15: 10am-8:30pm
Note: Fees for special events or programs may be different from, or in addition to, park entrance fees. Consult the activity listing in this guide or visit sjcparks.org for more information.
Spicer Lake Nature Preserve opens one hour later and closes one hour earlier than the above times. No entrance fee.
Park Entrance Fee: Fees 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 from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend.
Park & Trail Locations Chamberlain Lake Nature Preserve
Bendix Woods County Park
58111 Crumstown Hwy. • South Bend, IN 46619
56960 Timothy Rd. • New Carlisle, IN 46552
Beverly D. Crone Restoration Area
Ferrettie/Baugo Creek County Park
Jackson Rd./Linden Rd. • South Bend, IN 46614
57057 Ash Rd. • Osceola, IN 46561
LaSalle Trail
St. Patrick’s County Park
Roseland, IN to the Michigan State Line
50651 Laurel Rd. • South Bend, IN 46637
Spicer Lake Nature Preserve
50840 County Line Rd. • New Carlisle, IN 46552
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. •