How did Indiana State Parks get Started?

School children throughout the state contributed nickels and dimes to the cause. State funds from taxes were not used to buy our state parks until the early sixties.

Richard Leiber, the "Father of  Indiana State Parks", was an arche-type of the creative, hard-working conservationist with a plan.

Having come over from Germany in 1891, young Lieber became a newspaper art critic and city editor in Indianapolis. He became a strong conservationist in 1910 when he was entertained by "outdoorsy" friends in Brown County and was amazed that such naturalness existed so close to the capitol city.

In 1915, Lieber and a few others began raising funds to acquire the scenic Turkey Run area in order to donate it to the state. Difficulties with the lumber companies slowed down the effort therefore, the McCormick Creek and Turkey Run Park were established by the State Park Commission in 1916.

 Richard Lieber became the first director of Indiana State Parks and made a statement that is still cherished today.

"State Parks are meant to be the show windows of a state but more than that..State Parks are dedications to the soul of the land."

Lieber died in 1944 during a visit to one of his first two parks, McCormick's Creek.  In the other, Turkey Run, his remains rest in a peace-filled old growth oak forest, beneath the deeply touching Lieber Memorial near an original log church of pioneer days.

Lieber could have accomplished little without a multitude of little known co-workers and support troops, or the Indiana department of Natural

Resources, within the Division of Indiana State Parks and Reservoirs.

One of my favorite parks is Mounds State Park, which is located on 332 off Mounds Road on Anderson's eastside.

It is along the White River, in which our group "White River Watchers" is helping to protect.

Our mission is "to protect the White River ecosystem for the present and future use by all by means of community involvement and education."

There is an excellent staff to help you have a "beautiful day at an Indian State Park".

Mounds Sate Park, features 10 unique earth works built by a group of prehistoric Indians known as the Aden-Hopewell people.

The largest earth work, the "Great Mound" is believed to have been constructed around 160 B.C. Archaeological surveys seem to indicate it was used as a gathering place for religious ceremonies.

Mounds State Park has alot to offer. Just completed last year at the 288 acre park is a new office and nature complex complete with a bird viewing room. Mounds also has 75 Class A camping sites, a youth tent area, camp store, fishing (White River), 5 hiking trails, interpretative services, children playgrounds, picnic areas with grills, tables, and lots of parking. Rental shelters are available. Swimming pool opens Memorial weekend.

Indiana has a bald eagle population growing stronger every year. In 1991, Indiana had its first successful eagle nesting at Lake Monroe with the Department of Natural Resources Bald Eagle Reintroduction Program.

See more at DNR's Endangered Species By Counties

• Bald eagles can live up to 40 years
• Bald eagle have one mate for life
• The white crown and tail only appear on an eagle when it is 5 or 6 years old.

• An eagles favorite food is fish.
• Eagles spend most of the day perched (landed).
• Female eagles are usually bigger than the males.

Information from the Missouri Conservationist and Indiana Department of Natural Resources