Management and volunteers at Tippecanoe River State Park were honored recently by the state Department of Natural Resources for the effort they’ve put into the property north of Winamac on U.S. 35. Manager Vernon Gillum, assistant manager Jason Hickman and the rest of the park staff were recognized with a Natural Resource Management Award for promoting, managing and protecting natural resources through prescribed fires and the removal of invasive plants. State officials also honored two members of the Friends of Tippecanoe River State Park volunteer organization for their dedication to the park. Jon Chapman and John Wheeler, both of Winamac, were recognized with Volunteer of the Year awards for their leadership in building a river overlook and other projects at Tippecanoe River State Park. Work on a second river overlook will be done later this year.
Portions of Tippecanoe River State Park Closed Due to Flooding
The water level at the Tippecanoe River State Park is still a bit high, according to Property Manager Vernon Gillum. Gillum said parts of the park remain closed following the rains two weeks ago that caused a bit of flooding throughout the area, and the water level is dropping very slowly.
He explained that while flooding doesn’t usually impact the property too much, there are a few problems that they’ll need to address.
Inmate Work Crew Lends a Hand at Tippecanoe River State Park
Inmates from the state prison in Westville have proven to be an invaluable asset to the management at Tippecanoe River State Park north of Winamac. Property manager Vernon Gillum says the work crew comes out a few days a week and assists with big jobs like cutting trees down and hauling them off so they can be split for firewood and raking acres of leaves at the family campground.
Tippecanoe River State Park Manager to Share “State of the Park”
Join Tippecanoe River State Park officials for a special “state of the park” address tomorrow evening. Park Manager Vernon Gillum and assistant Jason Hickman have worked closely over the past year with the volunteer Friends of Tippecanoe River State Park group on several projects at the park, and have more in the works for this summer. Highlights of the past year include the addition of manure pits in the horseman’s campground, the placement of bird boxes around the property and the ongoing replacement of the overlooks behind the nature center. The Friends of Tippecanoe River State Park also hosted several successful events at the park, including a volunteer day last spring, a Halloween event in October and a Christmas at the Park in December. Plans are under way for a 70th anniversary celebration later this year. Gillum will highlight some goals for the upcoming year as well. The public is welcome to attend his presentation Wednesday, April 10 at 6:30 p.m. EDT at the Pulaski County Highway Garage on U.S. 35 on the north side of Winamac. The Friends of Tippecanoe River State Park will also conduct a brief business meeting.