Projects and Events - Friends in the News
The 2020 Trail Challenge has begun!Please visit the 'Trail Challenge" tab on this website for more info!
The Friends Support Prairie Restoration
Have you been to the park lately? Perhaps you have noticed that a lot of work has been done over the fall and winter to clear invasive Asian bush honeysuckle from the park. Unfortunately, this variety of honeysuckle deposits toxins in the soil which discourage germination of native plants, however, plans are being made for future restoration of these areas.
To aid in restoration, the Friends of FHSP approved the purchase of native wildflower seed for the park. The seed that was purchased is native varieties not currently in abundance in the park. The seed will initially be sowed in areas not affected by honeysuckle and allocated to areas in need of restoration in the future. Friends volunteers were able to provide several plants grown from seed this year. In addition, Prophetstown State Park donated over 50 native plants that were not sold at their native plant sale this year. Both efforts provided an additional 100 plants of approximately 10 varieties not commonly observed in the park. Playground Repair
The Friends group funded the replacement of a playground panel at the large playground across from the sledding hill. This panel replaced one of the chime panels that was in disrepair.
Kids Stuff Play Systems from Gary IN offered to repair the 2nd broken chime panel. The children have been seen enjoying the new equipment |
Trees planted near the Harrison Trace
The Friends of Fort Harrison have been limited in regard to volunteer opportunities due to the pandemic, however, this fall, we have planted 10 trees to date along the Harrison
Preparation work begun for drinking fountain installation
Work has begun at the site of the new drinking fountain. The fountain will be located near the west side of the facilities across from the sledding hill.
Although the fountain installation will not be completed until the Covid-19 pandemic subsides, the park staff would like to be ready to put in in use when advised to do so. The fountain is ADA compliant and will also come with a bottle filler and pet fountain The purchase was made possible by a grant provided by the Indiana Parks Alliance and donations from our community partners Cohron Homes, the Indiana Trail Running Association and from general donations. 
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