Recap Time!
Trail Work
On September 20th, Friends volunteers turned out to help armor another portion of muddy trail, this time along the Fall Creek Trail. It took only 2 hours to armor the spot with limestone slabs!
On October 4th, our hard working volunteers were back at it, widening a narrow section of trail and beginning on the construction of a footbridge across a creek on the trail. This work will be continued on October 18th (see above call for volunteers).
Public Lands Day
September 30th was National Public Lands Day and the Friends group joined forces with some amazing people from REI to tackle the playground area across from the Sledding Hill. Weeds and grass was pulled, errant brush cut back, gravel in the steps refreshed, fence repairs and painting galore of benches and fencing. This work was a great boon to the Park and its Staff and the Friends wants to thank all the hard-working volunteers from REI and elsewhere who put in a great effort.
On Sunday October 8th, we had some more volunteers on hand to help finish off the painting at the playground. Further painting will be needed, so keep your eyes on our FaceBook page for further events!
Cowboy Bob Bark Walk
Volunteers from the Friends group helped out with water stations for humans and their four-legged friends during the Cowboy Bob Bark Walk held on October 1st at the park. This was the inaugural Bark Walk and this walk will be back next year around the same time of year - it's not too early to put it on your doggie calendar!
The River Flows Through Us
In Celebration of Fall Creek at Fort Ben
By: Marco Ray
The river flows through us,
Blood and water
In our veins.
The river flows all around us,
In the melting snow
And rain and ponds.
The river flows in a place called Fort Harrison,
Where it travels from Geist Dam
And before that Pendleton.
It meanders through falling leaves
On a warm autumn day
After I have seen it in all seasons
And clarifying moments of my life,
This fortieth year.
The river takes some of me with it,
And the energy of the community,
When my daughter followed it
To Riley Hospital,
Where it meets with the great White River,
Which is an artery for the nation,
Contributing to its living circulation,
Helping to pump waters through
Its body,
And continuing on to the sea.
This river is a place,
And no place.
It always moves,
Sometimes slowly,
Other times with great force.
It is always there,
In my memory, my mind,
And in the physical, the actual,
Waiting for me to approach it in silence,
To join with it again,
As it cuts through the earth,
Both marking and erasing time.
