Jeanne Newman, Tippecanoe River State Park’s Naturalist Interpreter, brings fun, knowledge, and inspiration to local residents and campers through guest speaker visits she organizes and the programs she offers every weekend and Tuesdays.

So, what is a Naturalist Interpreter?

According to the Indiana Department of Natural Resources website, “We use the title interpretive naturalist because we do much more than identify plants and wildlife. We are biologists, geologists, botanists, and historians. More importantly, we are communicators who encourage our visitors to discover the outdoors for themselves and to value the places they visit. We share our experiences and knowledge. We investigate and describe relationships between people, plants, rocks, soils, and wildlife. We help create memories for our visitors; memories of a hike along a wooded trail, a canoe trip in the morning mist, a night time walk with owls hooting overhead, or a trip back in time to grind corn or garden in the 1800’s.”

I recently had the privilege to talk with Jeanne Newman at the Nature Center.

What training did you have for this position?

I went to a week of training that the state sends all interpreters to for the first and second year. Then we are invited after that, in May. I also chose to go to some of the different trainings. Then I chose to go to the Learning Tree and some of the Wild and Wet classes. Then they also have two more opportunities during the season to get more in service training.

How many years have you been the Naturalist at TRSP?

This is my second season as a Naturalist.

What did you do before becoming the Naturalist?

I worked one season in housekeeping.

Do you offer programs year round?

Programs start the first weekend in May. The last day the Nature Center is open is October 31.

---

 

 

 

 

 

 

---

 

Do you have favorite program?

I have a couple favorites. I like the Star Gazing, and when Kim Hoover brings her owls. And when Dr. Barb Lucas comes to do something for birding. Linda Byer comes and does a wild flower hike, and I like that, too.

What are some of the new programs this year?

We have several new bird boxes, a few different hikes. We offered a photography class with Dr. Barb Lucas. Linda Byers is going to do a compass class. We offer programs from people who are available to come speak and who want to share their expertise.

Are the programs just for campers, or is anyone welcome to join in the fun?

The public is welcome to enjoy along side campers. All the activities are free.

 

Do you invite guest speakers?

We just had a bird photography expert, Dr. Barb Lucas, and Kim Hoover brings her owls. The Dutch oven cooking speakers could’t make it, but we hope to have them come back soon. And we have people like Rod Lowry who builds bird box kits for us. We could not do everything we do without our great Friends group and the volunteers we have.

 

What does a person need to do to become a volunteer?

If you have a skill or knowledge you would like to share, you can contact me or Carol Grostefon in the main office at Tippecanoe River State Park, 574-946-3213.

Where can the public find upcoming events?

People can find out about upcoming events on the Tippecanoe River State Park Facebook page. It is usually up on Wednesdays.