Patrick Haulter explaining the behavior of the timber rattler and black rat snakes on display at the Nature Center.
in geology.“ It blew my mind, learning about the composition of the land right around us,” he says.“ I like telling people who visit the park about how Brown County is what happens when glaciers have no place to go. You hear so much about Indiana’ s flat terrain and limestone, and here it’ s hills and sandstone. It really affects the type of natural systems we have here, and they’ re like no place else in Indiana in a lot of ways.”
But it isn’ t just his love of science and nature that makes Patrick feel like he’ s a perfect match for his role as the only full-time Naturalist at Indiana’ s largest state park, a position he’ s held for the past three years.“ I’ ve also always loved history too, and I’ ve always loved art and culture,” he says.“ That’ s another thing that’ s so great about Brown County: there’ s a big focus on history and culture, as well as a big focus on nature. You see those three things overlap all the time— our love of nature here is a big part of our history, and nature and history are big themes in our culture. I try to bring all three to my job at the Park.”
Patrick admits he’ s a little biased in saying a visit to Brown County State Park is a must for anyone planning a trip to Nashville or other nearby destinations. Aside from the breathtaking views, camping, hiking, and other attractions, he says,“ There’ s just a special feeling here that’ s hard to describe. You’ ll get that feeling of a genuine experience, and it’ s unique to this place. You gain a new appreciation for the natural world and slowing down.” Even for those who don’ t consider themselves outdoor types, Patrick recommends simply enjoying the scenery from their car.“ Sixteen thousand acres is huge, and driving the park’ s roads is an incredible experience. There are so many hidden gems, you’ ll be glad you came no matter what you choose to do.”
This fall’ s program lineup at Brown County State Park gives people of all ages the opportunity to enjoy learning about nature through direct experience. A number of hikes, animal presentations, and special events will be offered.
For a complete schedule of programs, visit < https:// www. in. gov / dnr / parklake / 2988. htm >, or call the Nature Center( 812) 988-5240. •
Sept./ Oct. 2018 • Our Brown County 25