Parks departments showcase the "Art of Nature"

The sounds of children running, banjos playing and people laughing could be heard at Karst Farm Park, Saturday during. The Bloomington and Monroe County Parks and Recreation department sponsored the annual event in order to raise awareness about local environmental issues and provide fun nature-based activities. \nThis year's theme was "Art of Nature," and could be seen in the many nature-themed activities throughout the day. These included flower-pressing, pottery design, painting and wood crafting. Kids also gathered around a small stage to watch skit performances such as Dr. Seuss's "The Lorax."\n"We want to increase appreciation for nature," said Marcia Veldman, a Bloomington Parks and Recreation employee, who helped organize the event. \nVeldman felt this year's turn-out was good, despite the unseasonably chilly weather. \nMost people didn't seem to mind having to wear their sweatshirts. One 10-year old girl was thrilled that she got to create a wooden spinning top with the help of local wood-turner David Beery. The wood crafting and flower-pressing seemed to be the most popular with the kids. \nIt may have been the only non-art activity, however, that attracted the most attention. A large climbing wall allowed people to test attendees agility and strength. \nThe event also included about 10 tables stationed by local environmental groups including: Wild Care Inc., Indiana Forest Alliance, Indiana Audubon Society, Indiana Karst Conservancy and Sycamore Land Trust. People stationed at the booths were distributing information and talking with passers-by. \nVal Frazee of the Lost River Conservation Association, a sub-group of the Karst Conservancy, was trying to get an important message out about the water quality in the Bloomington area. His group and others urge citizens not to eat locally-caught fish or ingest ground water because of water contamination. \n"The city government is doing as much as they can to solve the problem," Frazee said, adding that more time and money is needed to make a real difference. \nIndiana Forest Alliance member, Todd McDonald, was aiming to recruit members for his group. The local activist forest protection group meets weekly to organize events and campaigns. \n"We're really looking for dedicated activists right now," McDonald said. \nAnother highlight of the day was a silent auction to benefit the Indiana Audubon Society. The items included a homemade chili dinner for eight, T-shirts and artwork. \nIn addition to all of the art and information, Earth Fest also offered a tour of Leonard Springs Nature Park, located just a short bus ride away from Karst Farm Park. The tour involved hiking and art activities as well. \nYou would have to spend all day at Karst Farm Park to experience every part of Earth Fest 2002. At the end of the day, kids left with tokens to remind them of nature. The volunteer sign-up sheets on most of the tables ended up full of new names. \n"We want people to be more aware of environmental issues," Veldman said.