prairie management 101 - Potawatomi Wildlife Park

“HIKE INTO HISTORY”
Volume 23 Issue 2
Copyright © FALL 2014
PRAIRIE MANAGEMENT 101
Many of you enjoy walking the open prairie at the
park. This time of year, it is a beautiful experience
with all of the wildflowers in bloom and the bees
actively pollinating them.
We mange the prairie using various methods
included in a written management plan. Several
methods are available to us include mowing, disking,
chemical control, and periodic burning.
For managed burning, we follow a written burn plan
that dictates proper weather conditions to burn,
direction, and how frequently we should burn.
Usually managed burning occurs every three years
and only parts of the prairie are burned to ensure
adequate habitat remains for wildlife while the burnt
Above- Almost hidden by cottonwood, the front mounted rope
wick and tractor works it way through the prairie.
areas grow back.
These management practices help maintain the
prairie from invasive cold season grasses, shrubs and
trees. You may have noticed the abundant
Cottonwood trees growing in the prairie. This has
been our focus as we experiment with methods of
controlling them.
This year a chemical application was tested utilizing
a rope wick which is a PVC pipe mounted on the
tractor. The rope wick travels above the prairie
targeting only those species that have grown taller
than the prairie and forbs we want to save.
The rope wick has nylon ropes that are mounted to
the pipe. These ropes wick chemical from within the
pipe. The wick applies high concentrated herbicide
by brushing the nylon rope against the target plant
transferring the chemical onto the plant. For proper
transfer, the process is done at a very slow speed and
from two directions to ensure adequate contact.
The benefit of using a rope wick is that less chemical
is used which keeps costs down. Another benefit is
the ability to target the species you want to kill
without also killing those species (grasses and wildflowers) you want to save. This year we mainly
experimented with Glyphosate (Roundup) which had
a high kill effectiveness.
IN THIS ISSUE
Summer Fun in Review
3
Fall Schedule of Events
4
2
THE FIREKEEPER
POTAWATOMI PARK, INC.
ADVISORY COUNCIL
Don Fites……………………….…………………...Peoria, IL
Dave Gibson…………….……………………….Plymouth, IN
Ginny Gibson……………...…………………….Plymouth, IN
Suzie Light………..……………………………….Warsaw, IN
Ralph Mason…………………………….……….Bourbon, IN
Dr. Dane Miller..………………………………….Warsaw, IN
Dr. Mark Schurr……………………………...South Bend, IN
Dr. Michael Williams……………………………..Warsaw, IN
John Zeglis…………………….....………………...Culver, IN
POTAWATOMI PARK, INC.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Lynne Baldwin…………………………………..Bourbon, IN
Vision Statement
Potawatomi Wildlife Park shall be a place where
the natural, historical, and cultural features of
the area are conserved, protected, and restored
for use and enjoyment by present and future
generations.
Mission Statement
The mission of Potawatomi Wildlife Park is to:
 Maintain a place for low-impact recreation
where the public can enjoy the solitude of
nature, commune with wildlife, and gain an
understanding of local history.
 Provide educational programs and
opportunities for all people.
 Provide a community and regional gathering
place.
ROCK THE PARK!
Don’t forget our “Rock the Park!” campaign to raise
funds to resurface the Bessinger Pavilion limestone
parking lot to make it easier to walk on.
Larry Beeson……………………………………... Bremen, IN
Tana Beeson……………………………………....Bremen, IN
Betty Bessinger……...………………………...Tippecanoe, IN
Sylvia Bieghler……………….…...……………..Plymouth, IN
You can help by sponsoring
individual loads with a gift
of $500/load of limestone
which will cover the cost of
the load and spreading it.
Carol Bowen……………………………………....Bremen, IN
Lisa Eiser………………………………………....Bourbon, IN
Mark Espich ……………………………........…..Bourbon, IN
Tim Gochenour......................................................Bourbon, IN
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PARK NEEDS
Jay Grossman……………………..……………...Bourbon, IN
Jeff Klinefelter……………………………….. Etna Green, IN
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR/EDITOR
Michael Stephan…………………………….Tippecanoe, IN
General Operating
Gifts
 Cabin Décor (Early
1800’s)
 Hay wagon for hay
Rides

Kayaks/canoes
Funds for a Gator/
Ranger
 Funds for a tractor
 Bulk corn for feeders
 Funds for bird seed


3
THE FIREKEEPER
SUMMER FUN IN REVIEW
Right- The entrance to the trail system has been
enhanced this summer thanks to board members
Tana Beeson and Sylvia Bieghler.
Their sweat equity, along with the assistance from
Larry Beeson, Philip Bieghler and Betty Bessinger
has spruced up the entrance with mulch around the
trees, wildflower and grass plantings.
Above- The 2014 Music In The Park event hosted Sentimental
Journey’s, a local band specializing in the music of the Big Band
Era. If you want to attend our next musical event, don’t miss our
Chili Fest . A fundraiser that includes music by the Marshall
County Church Orchestra. -See flyer to right-
Above- Potawatomi Wildlife Park was again the host
site for the Marshall County Day Camp. Webelos
pose next to the completed wigwam they and other
Cub scouts from throughout Marshall County
enjoyed building at the Benack Village as one of the
day camp stations.
4
THE FIREKEEPER
2014 FALL EVENTS
Sept 13 PANCAKE BREAKFAST FUNDRAISER 7am - 9:30am . All you can eat pancakes. Free Will Donation, All
proceeds support the park!
Sept 13 22th ANNUAL FAMILY FISHING DERBY 8 am—12 noon, Bring your family out to enjoy a morning of
quality fall family time. Food, prizes & awards. Fee charged based on age: 0-9 Free, 10-16 $5, 17+ $7
Sept 27 PUBLIC ASTRONOMY NIGHT Pending clear skies, come enjoy a night of observing with the
Warsaw Astronomical Society. 1 Hour after sunset. Call if partly cloudy.
Oct. 5 CHILI FESTIVAL 11-3pm, Chili, Drink & Dessert, All-you-can-eat $8. See flyer on page 3 for details.
Nov 22 PUBLIC ASTRONOMY NIGHT Pending clear skies, come enjoy a night of observing with the
Warsaw Astronomical Society. 1 Hour after sunset. Call if partly cloudy.
Jan. 3, 2015 TRI-COUNTY ROCHESTER CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT We need your help to count birds in
the park! All count data is forwarded to National Audubon Society for compilation. Contribute to our list of birds found on the park.
Kick-off time: 8:00a.m @ Potawatomi Wildlife Park Interpretive Center. Cost: Free
March 7, 2015 2nd ANNUAL BANQUET Set your calendar for our next annual banquet. A time of fellowship and fun!
EVENTS & DETAILS SUBJECT TO CHANGE. CHECK THE WEBSITE FOR UPDATES
5
THE FIREKEEPER
FRIENDS OF POTAWATOMI
Potawatomi Park, Inc. is successful only with the help of dedicated supporters who provide financial resources necessary for us to
accomplish our mission. We thank our supporters for their generosity and acknowledge those listed below who chose to share in the
vision and mission of the park by contributing since our last newsletter. We apologize for any omissions or misspellings.
BASIC
Shelia Ulmer
Charles & Gretchen Kimble
Dale & Deloris Blackford
Adriane Utter
John & Daisey Hepler
Lila O’Connell
Larry & Susan Gochenour
Aimee & Larry Ross
Mark & Kitty Suhovecky
John & Elaine Elliott
Linda & Charles Redinger-Heritage
Farm
Jean & Al Henderson
Paul Bedics
Duane & Geneal Walters
Red Hochstetler
Johannah Gard
Mary Troxel
Tom & Sheila Bowers
Lorna M. Cooksey
Lois Nielson
Sabine Shive
Carol Boyer
Emilie Huffman
Ron & Ruth Weist
Lynne Fellows
Mary A. McIntyre
Steve & Darla Stoneburner
Lowell A. Metheny
Brian & Ginger Bell
Steve Bruski & Lizbeth Pease
Ken & Betty Mart
Richard Latta
Megan & James Drew
Steve & Donna Feldman
Ralph & Norma Booker
Jaymie Westafer
Allen & Patricia Sharkey
Peggy Stover
Duane & Geneal Walters
Robert & Ann Weirick
John Flory
Joan L. Eiser
Phillip & Diana Anderson
Lena Coplen
Karl & Carole Keiper
Jeremy & Heather Weissert
Johannah Gard
PATRON
Charles Bottorff
Michael Fairchild
Leroy Heckaman
RT & Virginia Henke
Irma Walter
Thomas Laskowski
John Felton
Beverly Garner
Sandra Ruff
Norman & Pat Cretcher
Don Wysong
Randy & Georgia Smythe
Mary Lou Durkes
Wilma Hepler
Steve & Pam Miller
Evelyn L. Leiter
Roger & Jane Leland
Jeanette Mattern
Dannie & Bonnie Barrett
William R. Thorne
Dallas Stouder
Leroy Heckaman
Roger & Kandi Shori
Roger & Paula Hazen
Melanie Robertson
John & Linda Vialard
Tim Harmon/Bourbon Street Pizza
SUPPORTING
Dennis & Cindy Bailey
Bruce & Jennita Speicher
Allen & Ann Metheny
Martha Hershberger
George & Catherine Hahn
Gordon & Christina Pendleton
Everett & Melba Holmgren
Thomas & Kristi King
Bob & Linda Leliaert
Gene & Lynette Ramsbey
James & Lois Watkins
Plymouth Optimist Club
Bourbon Lions Club
Morrow Insurance
Susan Spurgeon
Mary Lou Durkes
ASSOCIATE
Alta Grossman
Steve & Kathy Blackford
Jesse & Priscilla Gonzales
Mike & Debra Emenaker
SPONSOR
Hand Family Foundation, Inc.
Sponseller Brothers
Carol L. Bowen
BENEFACTOR
Betty Bessinger
Dave & Ginny Gibson
Don Fites
Thomas & Theresa Kulb
ENDOWMENT CONTRIBUTER
INNOMED, Inc.-Jim Anderson
OTHER
Mr. & Mrs. Joel Zehner
Rhidley & Sandra Edel
Thomas & Bernice Zimmerman
Verlin Martin & Family
Thomas Dean
Susan Cameron
Mary Troxel
Rhidley & Sandy Edel
HONORARIUM/MEMORIALS
In memory of Arthur E. Birk- P.D.G.25G & Culver Lions
Patricia Birk
In memory of Johnny Lee Mason
Dannie & Bonnie Barrett
In memory of Ben McFarland & Bob
McGriff
Rex & Nancy McFarland
6
THE FIREKEEPER
Yes, I want to invest in the programs and goals of Potawatomi Wildlife Park by
being a “FRIEND Of POTAWATOMI”.
Please accept my donation of:
Basic-$35+ Patron-$50+
Supporting-$100+
Associate-$250+
Corporate (Under 25 Employees)-$250+ Sponsor $500+
Corporate (Over 25 Employees)-$500+ Benefactor $1,000+
Endowment Contributor-$5,000+
Other____________
General Fund
History Fund
Where most needed
Endowment: (KCCF or MCCF)
Wildlife/Conservation Fund
Youth Fund
Land Acquisition Fund
Technology Fund
This gift is from (please print)
Name:_______________________________________________
Address: _____________________________________________
Phone:(___) _________________________
Email: ______________________________
My interest/s:
Nature
History
Other/Specifics____________________________
HOW TO CONTACT US:
Potawatomi Park, Inc.
16998 State Road 331
Tippecanoe, IN 46570
WEB: www.getintonature.com
E-MAIL: park@getintonature.com
PHONE: (574)498-6550
ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
BOURBON, IN
PERMIT 29
POTAWATOMI PARK, INC.
16998 State Road 331
Tippecanoe, IN 46570
PAID
Non-Profit Mail
POSTAGE & FEES