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Michigan waterfowl hunter survives nearly drowning

Indiana Conservation officers investigated a near-drowning accident on Dec. 30, 2008, at approximately 9:10 a.m. Gayton Marks, 33, of Niles, Mich., launched his kayak at the Menominee Wetland Conservation Area to float down the Yellow River to hunt for geese.
Once on the river, Marks realized the river current was much stronger than he had realized. He was attempting to go back to shore, when his kayak came to rest alongside a submerged log, which caused his kayak to capsize and float downstream. Marks attempted to stay with the kayak, but was unable to do so because of the swift current.

Marks’ grip was torn from the kayak and he floated downstream until he was finally able to take hold of a fallen tree and pull himself into chest deep water. He then retrieved his cell phone from a plastic bag in his pocket and called 911 to summon rescue personnel.

Plymouth City police officers were able to locate Marks and make their way to him, as a diver from the Marshall County Dive Team and a diver from the Indiana State Police were able to enter the river and bring Marks safely back to shore. The Marshall County Police Department also assisted at the scene.

Marks was treated by members of the Plymouth Fire Department and EMS, and was then transported to Plymouth St. Joseph Hospital to be treated for hypothermia. He was later released.

Marks had a lifejacket with him in the boat, but it was behind the seat in a storage area. Conservation officers strongly recommend all boaters, including waterfowl hunters, wear a lifejacket.

Winter hikes

Opportunities for some great wintertime outdoor experiences are at hand. Winter hikes at Brown County and Charlestown state parks offer the chance to observe some of Indiana’s finest wintertime scenery, as well as a chance to beat the crowds.

Brown County State Park is hosting a winter hike Jan. 17 to highlight the experience of nature during the quiet month of January. Hikers may choose between two routes in the park.

The Southern Loop begins at the Nature Center and offers a leisurely 3.5-mile hike along a limited access road into Strahl Valley, and around Lake Strahl. The Woodland Hike begins at the park’s recreation building and offers a 2.75-mile hike through Ogle Hollow Nature Preserve, and around Lake Ogle.

Both hikes begin at 9 a.m. Boy Scouts will be on hand to provide “s’mores” at Strahl and Lake Ogle shelters during the hikes.

A hiker’s buffet breakfast, featuring naturalists who will discuss what to expect and what to look for along either trail, begins at 7 a.m. in Abe Martin Lodge. The price for the buffet is $8.99. A Hiker’s Buffet luncheon will be served from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. The price of the lunch buffet is $9.99.

Winter Hike patches and yearly chevrons will be sold by the Friends of Brown County State Park at the lodge, starting at 11 a.m.
There are no gate fees at Charlestown State Park during the winter months and plenty of nature and wildlife to enjoy. It will be offering guided winter hikes once a month through the season. All hikes begin at 1 p.m. at the trailheads.

•Jan. 17, Trail 3
•Feb. 21, Trail 1
•March 21, Trail 6
•April 18, Trail 4

There are no fees, currently. The park is located on Indiana State Highway 62 in Charlestown, just 20 minutes from I-65. For more information, call 812-256-5600.

Salamonie Bird Club to host eagle watch

Outdoor lovers will have the chance to enjoy the majesty of bald eagles in Indiana with the Salamonie Bird Club’s Eagle Watch field trip on Jan. 17. The trip runs from 9 a.m.-noon, starting from the Salamonie Interpretive Center in the Lost Bridge West Recreation Area.

A carpool will travel along the Wabash and Mississinewa rivers near Peru. Participants are urged to dress for the weather and to remember to bring binoculars, snacks, sack lunches and drinks. The planned travel route is about 30 miles, so drivers need to be sure to have plenty of gas in their vehicles.

Register by calling Upper Wabash Interpretive Services at 260-468-2127, or by visiting the Salamonie Interpretive Center.

Maple syrup workshop

On Feb. 4 at 6:30 p.m., Spring Mill State Park will offer a two-hour maple syrup workshop at the Nature Center. During the workshop, participants will learn about the tradition and history of maple sugaring, winter identification of maple trees and how to select trees for tapping.

They will also explore the tools used, proper tap placement and the process of converting sap into syrup and sugar. The evening will conclude with a maple syrup taste test.

Workshop space is limited and the cost is $8 per person. Pre-registration is required to be in the park office by no later than Feb. 1. Call at 812-849-4129 for more information or to register.

“This is a great opportunity to learn the basics of making maple syrup,” noted Mitzi Flynn, a seasonal naturalist at Spring Mill. “It’s a classic winter activity – and a delicious hobby!”

No fee will be charged for park entry on Feb. 4. For more information on this and other events, contact the Spring Mill Nature Center at 812-849-4129.

The views and opinions expressed in this column are those of the author and not necessarily those of Farm World. Readers with questions or comments may contact Jack Spaulding by e-mail at jackspaulding@hughes.net or by writing to him in care of this publication.

1/14/2009