“To me the Limberlost is a word with which to conjure; a spot to wherein to revel.” - Gene Stratton-Porter, Moths of the Limberlost.
If you are looking for an opportunity to celebrate Indiana's Bicentennial in the great outdoors, consider signing up for a special upcoming Autumn event at the Loblolly Marsh Nature Preserve which connects nature and literature to Indiana's 200th Birthday. On October 8th , Indiana Humanities is sponsoring a Next Indiana Campfires event at the Limberlost State Historic Site. The event includes a 90 minute easy hike through the Loblolly Marsh Nature Preserve with Dr. Rachel Blumenthal, an assistant professor of English at Indiana University Kokomo, and Limberlost State Historic Site naturalist Curt Burnette. The hike will be followed by a campfire dinner including Upland Beer for those over 21. As of September 13, there were 20 spots remaining. The cost is $10 and includes food and beverage. The event lasts from 4 p.m. - 7 p.m. and is geared towards those aged 12 and older. There is also an option of a tour of the Limberlost Cabin at 2 p.m. for an additional $10. To register, go to www.eventbrite.com/e/next-indiana-campfires-limberlost-state-historic-site-geneva-tickets-24091929610?aff=es2
Participants are asked to bring a filled, reusable water bottle, sunscreen and bug spray and wear hiking boots or tennis shoes. In case of inclement weather, participants will be notified 2 hours in advance and have the opportunity to apply their fee to a future Next Indiana Campfires event.
For more opportunities to read, learn, discover and talk, go to IndianaHumanities.org/Campfires and sign up to receive a FREE “Trek and Talk Toolkit”in the mail! This creative resource kit includes a guide with text by Scott Russell Sanders, discussion questions and a map of Indiana with literary quotes about natural landscapes. Also in the toolkit are an UGo Bar to snack on while hiking, a patch, a “Gone Trekking” sign, and a card deck including quotes, environmental facts and conversation starters.
Next Indiana Campfires events have been taking place around the state since May, 2016 and you can find more information about past and upcoming adventures at INHumanities#ttrekandtalk on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. The program has received support from the Efroymson Family Fund, Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust and Pulitzer Prizes Centennial Campfires. Additional support for this event comes from the Friends of the Limberlost. Indiana Humanities is supported by the Lilly Endowment, Inc. and the National Endowment for the Humanities.