Most of the state parks, as well as one state nature preserve, have volunteer organizations (Friends groups) dedicated to supporting the mission of that property. Each is an independent 501(c)(3). IPA works closely with them as part of our overall mission to support state parks and state owned nature preserves. Today we feature Friends of Brown County State Park, written by Rachel Perry, Secretary of that organization.
Brown County State Park is the largest and most widely used state park in the Indiana system, a haven for mountain bikers, horseback riders, hikers, fishermen, and family outings. It has a stellar reputation, having been voted the 6th most beautiful park in the United States by National Social Media Awards. Its historical buildings are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The Friends of Brown County State Park (FBCSP) is proud of its amiable collaboration with the Indiana Trail Riders and Hoosier Mountain Bikers Associations, as well as the Hoosier Hikers Council to maintain and improve trail systems. In the past the Friends have constructed an easy access Friends trail (soon to be ADA accessible); helped fund Go Bike Beginner Mountain Bike workshop; restored the original West Gate log building; and purchased naturalist trail cameras.
A group of avid gardeners, the Friends plant all gardens associated with the Nature Center and gatehouses. Plans for restoration of the west side of the Nature Center building, where new sewer lines were recently installed, are in the making. FBCSP received a grant from Indiana Parks Alliance to pay for native trees and shrubs as well as two 10-slot bicycle racks to help replace gardens and sitting area there.
Other 2024 projects included the completion of outdoor pickle ball courts; the establishment of a hummingbird garden complete with outdoor rocking chairs for viewing; and the restoration of Peachtree Shelter, a log building on Trail 10 originally constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s.
Repairs to this historical structure, along with the possible re-establishment of a vista overlook, provide a wonderful opportunity to preserve a piece of our history. During the Great Depression, President Franklin D. Roosevelt initiated the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), young men who were paid to implement conservation projects and construct facilities in the fledgling state parks. Several log shelters with shake shingle roofs were constructed, including Peachtree, the only shelter with exclusively hiking access, about a quarter of a mile from car parking.
Friends of Brown County State Park is open to all for membership and meets the first Wednesday of each month at 6:30 either in the Nature Center or in the adjacent Friends shelter house, depending on the weather. www.friendsbcsp.org