Outdoor Living

INDIANA CHILDREN AND NATURE NETWORK

OUTDOOR LIVING

Community members explore macroinvertebrates at Wellfield Botanic Gardens. Natural and other loose parts make great art!

Toddlers stack tree cookies.

How often do your children get outside? Indiana Children and Nature Network (ICAN), part of the Environmental Education Association of Indiana, strives to help children and families enjoy nature and dismantle myths around outside time. ICAN notes:

Our mission is to foster the connection of children, families and communities to the natural environments so they can receive the physical, emotional and intellectual benefits of spending time outdoors, while building a lifelong love of nature.

ICAN does this by: • Raising awareness of the many benefits of connecting children with nature; • Promoting unstructured play and time outdoors for children and adults; • Engaging a diverse network of people and facilitate collaborations.

Additionally, ICAN has several initiatives: • ICAN Play 30—Pledge to spend 30 minutes outside daily. ICAN suggests making nature part of your regular routine, with ideas such as reading outside, exploring new playgrounds, creating a nature bucket list, or jumping in puddles. There is even an #ICANPlay30 hashtag to share the outdoor play on social media and a downloadable certificate on the ICAN website. • Nature Play Days—Groups across the state host Nature Play Days in early June. For 2022, Nature Play Days are being held June 4th-12th. Watch for (or even host) a play in Middlebury or a nearby town. ICAN hosts a resource packet, promotional materials, NPD success tips, social media items, and a map and list of play days across the state. I have hosted several of these in the area—what a fun time to play and gather with other community members. There is a webinar on March 24th to learn more about hosting this. Find details on social media or the ICAN website. • Community Outreach—ICAN hosts Family Nature Club training and Brown Bag lunches to help promote children getting outside. We also hosted a webinar about enjoying winter with children recently, including a spotlight with Megan Coryell, educator at York Elementary School. Find it at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IaDV5fIuSy4 • Resources—The ICAN website lists places to play in Indiana, resources for the medical community, nature play blogs, and more.

Through each of these initiatives, ICAN helps support children and communities getting outside, just as we can in our community. Join the initiative and conversation at https:// www.indianachildrenandnature.org/

Dr. Carla Gull blogs at www.insideoutsidemichiana.com and hosts the podcast Loose Parts Nature Play. She is often seen with four tag-along explorers in the greater Michiana area.

DON’T FORGET TRAIL TALES!

While there is no specific parks programming for March, and snow and ice may have kept you away from the parks recently, remember the book in the Trail Tales stations is changed each month, even during the winter and early spring. Come out to Riverbend and follow the trail to read a new book each month. And while you’re there, explore our other trails!

OUR HISTORICAL MARKER

Did you know that Middlebury has one of 14 state historical landmark designations in Elkhart County? The historical marker honoring the Krider World’s Fair Garden is located near the intersection of Bristol and Railroad Streets. It was recognized in 2001 as a state historical site. The text of the sign reads: “Krider Nurseries constructed and exhibited Krider’s Diversified Garden at Century of Progress International Exposition in Chicago 1933-1934. Some plants and structures were returned to Middlebury, and garden was reconstructed here 1935. After falling into decay, garden was restored by community 1995. Founded 1896 by Vernon Krider (1876-1955), Krider Nurseries produced its first catalog 1906. Primarily regional wholesale business; also served mail-order market. Bought patent to produce and sell first thornless rose. For many years, Krider’s was one of Middlebury’s largest industries. Ceased operation 1990.”

To find the other historical markers in our county go to www.in.gov › history › state-historical-markers

Wildflower and Wetland Walk

Wednesday, April 27 5:00 - 6:00 p.m.

Join Park Superintendent Tom Enright at Riverbend Park to walk through the wooded wetlands looking for some of the first wildflowers of the year. We will also observe how the wetlands in the park act as a sponge and filter to hold and clean the flood waters that typically take place in spring. You will leave with a better appreciation for the wetlands of Riverbend and the free benefits they provide for our community. Meet in the pavilion in the park.

Rest Area Re-opening

The Pumpkinvine Rest Area will be reopened around April 1 or maybe even sooner, depending on the weather.

Contact us via email at parks@middleburyin.com Follow us on Facebook @ http://www.Facebook.com/ MiddleburyParks or call us at 574-825-3283

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Jonah says, “What I enjoy most about being a part of a team here at Northridge is the competitiveness and discipline, along with the friendships I’ve made. Making connections with the community through Northridge Basketball is also something I am grateful to have experienced.”

Outside of school, Jonah attends Belmont Mennonite Church and works in the mornings at Ziggity Systems Inc. through a work based learning program. He also has enjoyed coaching younger kids through Raider Ball.

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Middlebury Teen Loves Sharing What Club Means To Him

Highlighting the growth and experience teens gain through Club is a key part of the Youth Of The Year competition. All four Boys & Girls Clubs of Elkhart County Clubhouses are selecting their winners who will move on to compete county-wide in February. Andrew Deal will represent the Middlebury Club. He said he had no hesitation entering the contest. “I really look for every opportunity. I want to represent our Club and what I think Club will do for others,” he said. Deal said he was challenged by the requirements for the competition, which includes public speaking and essays. “They (essays) were challenging. It helped me think through and organize my ideas. What really felt good was looking back at all I’ve done at the

Club,” he said. That sentiment was echoed by Rhonda Eicher, the program manager for the Middlebury Club. “I’ve seen him grow up in the Club over the past seven years, and have loved watching all the activities he’s been involved in here,” she said. “It has been amazing to watch him grow into the leader he is today.” Deal said he considered the influence Club has had on his life as he worked through the materials for the award.

“Club has impacted me in many ways. It’s my home away from home. It’s a family here. It’s not perfect, but it’s fun. I couldn’t imagine Club without the people we have here. It wouldn’t be the same,” he said.

Now, he’s looking forward to meeting the winners from the other three Clubs at the countywide competition and sharing his story.

“I do like the competition, but it’s really about sharing what Club means to me -- what it stands for. I like the feeling of being around people who are trying to do the same things as me and go to the same places. I’m anxious to see what they do with their talents,” Deal said. Eichersaidshe’sconfident Dealwill continue to show his leadership skills beyond Club walls.

“I know he wants to be on the national Keystone Conference Steering Committee. He would be the first from Middlebury to be on it. I feel Andrew has grown to the place where he could do that,” she said.

“He’s a great story of a Club kid who has been super involved and a great example of what Club can do.”

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March Programs and Events

Please visit our website for more details on library events and programs.

Family Story Time Tuesdays at 2pm & 5:30pm Wednesdays at 10:30am 3 Lego Crew for Kids 4-4:45pm Fly Tying & Fishing 9am-1pm

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8Let’s Talk About It 7-9pm 9 Pages & Pints 5:30-6:30pm 10 Board Meeting 6-7pm

15 Books & Brews 5:30-6:30pm 19 Tales to Tails 11am-12pm March is . . . Women’s History Month National Deaf History Month

April Preview

• Norval Poyser Seed Library Launch • Poetry in the Garden: A Nature Poetry

Writing Workshop • Closed Good Friday (4/15/22) • Middlebury Literary Carousel June 13-18 • Summer Reading 2022: Oceans of Possibilities • Yak, Snack, and Read Summer 2022

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