The Explorer Magazine Winter Spring 2026 | Page 2

HENDRICKS COUNTY
PARKS & RECREATION
Photo by Deb Stukenborg
MAIN OFFICE 4481 Gibbs Road
Danville, IN 46122 Phone:( 317) 718-6188 hcparks @ hcparks. net www. HendricksCountyParks. org
PARKS DEPARTMENT ADMINISTRATION Superintendent Ryan Lemley rlemley @ co. hendricks. in. us
Assistant Superintendent Eric Ivie eivie @ co. hendricks. in. us
Administrative Assistant Patty Seymour hcparks @ hcparks. net
PROGRAMMING Park Naturalist Ryann Hoffman rhoffman @ hcparks. net
Alexis Weidman
Assistant Naturalists Joy Fulk • Hannah Mossbarger
MAINTENANCE Park Manager Jim Holtsclaw jholtsclaw @ hcparks. net

MISSION STATEMENT

To lead in the protection of outstanding natural, historic and recreation areas, and linkages. To practice and promote the highest conservation ethics and provide environmental education and recreation opportunities to the community. To lead in enhancing quality of life and individual health while driving economic development to ensure a sustainable future for our community.
ON THE COVER
A Red-Shouldered Hawk stares down local photographer Traci Patterson, who snapped this amazing photo and generously shared it with us! The hawk dropped to the ground close to Traci, made sure she wasn’ t going to steal his lunch, and then devoured a worm right in front of her. Traci says it remains one of her most memorable shoots to date.
Maintenance Assistants Oather Duncan III • Caleb Hawkins Scott Hawkins • Wayne Huffman Jason Kittle • Phillip Lawson Kurt Steuer • Ralph Wilkinson
HENDRICKS COUNTY PARK BOARD Vicky Byarley • Brad Eisenhart Gary Emsweller • Matthew Freije Mike Hayden • Paul Miner • Jeff Pell
PARK BOARD MEETINGS The Hendricks County Park Board generally meets the first Wednesday of each month at 2 p. m. in the main office although dates and times are subject to change( see website for scheduling updates). Meeting agendas are posted one week prior at the office and at the Hendricks County Government Center. The public is always welcome to attend Park Board meetings.
HENDRICKS COUNTY CIRCUIT COURT Hon. Daniel F. Zielinski, Judge
HENDRICKS COUNTY COMMISSIONERS Dennis Dawes • Bob Gentry Brad Whicker
FEATURES
Maple Syrup Days
As the temperatures rise, the sap of the sugar maple trees at McCloud starts to flow. Learn how it goes from the trees to your pancakes or waffles!
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Meet Hannah
Hannah Mossbarger joined our naturalist staff this summer. Learn a little bit about her before you see her in our parks!
Pancake Breakfast
Always a delicious time, the annual pancake breakfast fundraiser at McCloud coincides with Maple Syrup Days! Learn how to score your spot at the table!
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Summer Day Camps
It may feel strange to think about summer camps during the winter and spring, but you’ ll want to see what we’ re offering this year during the warm months!
HENDRICKS COUNTY COUNCIL David Cox • Larry Hesson Nancy Marsh • Chuck Parsons Larry Scott • Eric Wathen David Wyeth
ARTICLES
3 Park Guide 6 Family Programs 12 Tear-Out Event Calendar 14 Programs for Seniors
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16 Junior Explorers 17 Tadpole Time 18 Vandalia Trail Expansion 19 Potty in the W. S. G.
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21 Exciting Fishing Season Ahead 22 Homeschool Ecology Series 23
2 • www. HendricksCountyParks. org