“Climbing, Clinging, Grasping”, Second Sunday Nature Walk – Ouabache Trails Park

Join with other participants at Ouabache Trails Park for the Second Sunday Nature Walk on August 8! This month’s theme, Climbing, Clinging, Grasping at Ouabache Trails Park will enlighten us on how plants have ways of climbing higher in order to reach the sunlight, attract pollinators, or disperse their seeds. Some wind around other things, some reach with tendrils, some even have tiny suction cups. During this slow walk, we will look for any plants that are climbing and clinging, taking a close look at how they are doing this. We’ll also check out other details we see, such as flowers, stems, and fruits/seeds/nuts, as well as what may be visiting these plants. Magnifying lenses are very beneficial to bring. A limited number will be provided.

This is a casual walk, being observant of what is around us and how they are all connected to one another. There will be a group activity at the start of the walk, and then an observation activity will take place during the walk, which participants can do by themselves or with another person. Both are simple activities in which children can participate, too. we will also be keeping our eyes out for various kinds of spider webs! Participants should meet at the Sacajawea Shelter House.

• All walks occur on the second Sunday of each month, start at 2:00 pm Eastern, usually last 1 – 1.5 hours, and held rain, snow, or shine, but not in severe weather! The meeting places change according to what trails will be used that day. The walks are held free of charge, no registration is required, all ages are welcome and families encouraged to participate.
• This year we will be exploring various ways to be observant with emphasis on exploration and discovery. We will also be exploring ways that different parts of an ecosystem are connected.
• Please be aware that some walks involve steep slopes or wet places, and dress accordingly. Trails vary from easy to moderate to rugged; the description of each walk includes the conditions.
• The walks are provided by Independent Naturalist Terri Talarek King. Any questions can be emailed to her at leapingfrog55@yahoo.com , or leave a voice message (no text) at 812-881-8987.
• Each walk is announced via local media. Also, interested persons are encouraged to join the Facebook page, The Nature of Knox County, Indiana.
• Note on COVID-19 restrictions: The walk leader takes the Coronavirus very seriously. Until the situation becomes much safer, interpretive methods will be used for facilitating social distancing while exploring and learning. All attendees are strongly advised to wear masks for the protection of themselves and others. Future walks are tentative and will operate on a “wait-and-see” basis, but the walk leader remains optimistic!