Friends of Brown County State Park courtesy photos
~by Rachel Berenson Perry
A
re you interested in gardening? Hiking? Mountain Biking? Horseback Riding? Historical restoration? Pickleball? Picnicking? Admiring the sunset? Or do you just love the Brown County State Park? There’s a group of people out there who welcome your help and support. Friends of Brown County State Park encompasses all of these passions, working constantly to better your experiences in the park. With a mission to conserve natural resources (including recycling), educate the public about the park and park-related issues, historical preservation, natural and cultural interpretive activities, and scientific research, we work closely with the Indiana Department of Natural Resources’ employees to enhance experiences in the park and provide funding for otherwise unfunded projects. In 1998, management at the Indiana Department of Natural Resources realized the importance of collaborating with the surrounding communities. With help and encouragement of IDNR, the Friends group
24 Our Brown County • Nov./Dec. 2023
idea was pitched by then-park naturalist Jim Eagleman in public meetings located in Bloomington, Columbus, and Nashville. “It was great that several individuals stepped up to join, and heartening to have 24/7 advocates of the Park,” he said. In addition to volunteer help, the separate non-profit 501(c)(3) group can raise funds to initiate projects to augment the IDNR budget. The Brown County State Park is the largest and most widely used state park in the Indiana system. It’s a haven for mountain bikers, horseback riders, hikers, fishermen, and family outings. It has a stellar reputation, and was just voted the sixth most beautiful park in the United States by National Social Media Awards. Its historical buildings are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. During Covid, the park saw a sharp increase in use by all area residents; a welcome change requiring increased maintenance. The Friends group is proud of its amiable collaboration with the Indiana Trail Riders Association, Hoosier Mountain Bike Association, and Hoosier Hikers Council to maintain and improve trail systems.
