"The Secret is Out" at Nature Park, Which Welcomed 60,000+ Visitors This Year

December 30, 2006

December 30, 2006, Greencastle, Ind. - More than 60-thousand people have visited the DePauw University Nature Park in 2006, a year which saw increased use of the 520-acre site by joggers, hikers, nature lovers, DePauw classes and groups of visiting students.  Announced in September 2003 and dedicated a year later, the Nature Park's features include seven trails, a campground and canoe launch, an outdoor amphitheatre, research areas, and the Ian and Mimi Rolland Welcome and Activities Center and the Manning Environmental Field Station.

Based on surveys conducted in the spring, it's estimated that 1,200 to 1,500 people visit the Nature Park each week.  Using the more conservative number creates a total of 62,400 estimated visitors this year.  Among them were more than 200 area school children who visited the park on educational field trips.

"The number of visitors, and the miles they travel to visit the Nature Park, continue to increase," says Brien Holsapple, the park's ranger.  "The secret is out, so to speak, and I can't tell you how many times each week I overhear someone saying, 'This is amazing.  I plan to tell my friends about this place.'  The Nature Park is bringing visitors to Greencastle and to the DePauw campus, which is obviously great for both communities.  But most importantly, people seem to leave with a good feeling about coming here and a determination to return."

Hanson Aggregates mined a limestone quarry on the site, which is located one-third of a mile from the western edge of the DePauw campus, for nearly a half century. The company donated 280 acres of the land, and is leasing the remaining 178 acres to the University for $1 annually for ninety-nine years. DePauw acquired adjacent property to increase the total to 520 acres.

The Manning Environmental Field Station, which is located within the Nature Park, recently received the Indiana Chapter of the American Institute of Architects' "Honor Award," the highest honor given in the state-level program. Read more here.

In its August issue, Indianapolis Monthly magazine cited the park as it listed DePauw and Greencastle among Indiana's "best college towns."  It noted, "On sunny days, students head for the trails, woods and turqoise waters in an old limestone quarry at the DePauw University Nature Park, or rent canoes and kayaks to paddle down Big Walnut Creek."

In the Fall of 2007, the Janet Prindle ('58) Institute for Ethics will open in the DePauw Nature Park.  Read the original announcement by clicking here.

The DePauw University Nature Park is open to the public from sunrise to sunset, seven days a week.  Camping is permitted only in designated areas and with authorization.  For more information, contact Brien Holsapple, park ranger, at (765) 658-1076, or the Public Safety Office at (765) 658-4261. 

Visit the DePauw Nature Park online by clicking here.

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