Have you ever seen trees or other plants in nature and wished you could identify them? Maybe you’ve wanted to learn how to identify birds? Kosciusko Lakes and Streams is hosting an interpretive hike along the Heritage Trail near Winona Lake on Oct. 6 that can help you do just that.
Luke Hunt, a certified naturalist in Indiana, will be the hiking guide. He is a retired secondary science educator from the Whitko school district and an adjunct faculty member at Grace College.
Dr. Nate Bosch, KLAS director, said “Very few people in northern Indiana know as much about our natural resources as Luke Hunt. His passion for our local forests, streams, prairies and lakes is contagious.”
The hike will be a non-strenuous walk suitable for participants of all ages and fitness levels. In case of questionable weather, go to www.water.grace.edu for news concerning the potential cancellation of the hike. The hike is scheduled to begin at 9:30 a.m. and end at 11 a.m. Participants should meet at the Heritage Trail parking lot at the end of Boys City Drive in Winona Lake.
As part of the hike, participants will identify plants and learn about plant medicinal values. Hikers will learn to identify trees based on characteristics of their bark and explore how trees spread their seeds. Birds will be identified, their nests will be studied and some of their fall migration habits will be described. Other natural features along the Heritage Trail will be noted on the hike as well.
According to Bosch, “This is a unique opportunity to go for a walk in the woods with a local expert and enjoy a fall morning out in nature.”
