Outdoor Explore!
2015 was the year for Tippecanoe County’s Outdoor Explore! debut. Outdoor Explore! was fashioned after the Hoosier Outdoor Experience with a local flair and was created to provide a free opportunity for people of all ages to experience a variety of outdoor activities.
Exhibitors at the event shared their expertise with fun, hands-on activities in a host of outdoor pursuits (mountain biking, fishing, geocaching, beekeeping, camping, archery and more). The SWCD led the geocaching activity; combining technology and natural resources to introduce attendees to native plant communities and invasive species. In addition, local park and recreation agencies were also on hand.
Attendees were encouraged to return to their local parks to participate in newly-discovered activities in the out-of-doors. They were also encouraged, as they spend more time outdoors, to give careful consideration to caring for their local natural resources for the next generation to come.
Approximately 450 community members participated in the event and WLFI TV18 sent a reporter to the event, providing TV coverage. In addition, the Lafayette Journal and Courier also provided us with a full page of coverage in the local events portion of the newspaper, thus sharing information with all of their subscribers.
Outdoor Explore! was developed and carried out by two local government agencies — the Tippecanoe County Soil & Water Conservation District (SWCD) and the Tippecanoe County Park & Recreation Department. In addition, the “Tippecanoe County Power of Partnership” was formed by these two agencies and is now recognized as an important education asset to Tippecanoe County.
Education continues to be a high priority for the SWCD and we believe that it is one of the most effective ways to guarantee the wise use of our natural resources for the future. Each year, our District hosts or participates in numerous education events in our community in addition to the Outdoor Explore! event. Children’s activities or programs include Ag Days, 4-H Soil and Water Projects, James Cole Elementary Pond Day & Amazing Race, “WOW” River Expedition, and the Make-A-Splash water education event, to name just a few.
For adults, there are field days promoting practices such as cover crops, conservation tillage, equipment modifications, nutrient management, forestry and many others. Additionally, we promote cost-share opportunities that are available.
It is our role is to consider all resources, i.e., soil, water, air, plants, animals, and humans and to promote good resource management. This, plus providing detailed information about Tippecanoe County’s streams, wetlands, soils, and topography continue to be of utmost importance to encourage wise management and development of our sustainable communities, both natural and manmade.