Heaven and Earth

The sunset reflects off of a sea of snow and the sky seems to trace out the paths of the people on the ground in an answer to our wanderings.

Mid Winter's Eve

The darkness meets the day early on the Indiana landscape in the winter. One day this week it was as if the daylight was fighting for its right to remain---shoving the dark away.

A Scene from the Farm

Silently standing as the snow fell down on his back---he could have gone into the shelter, this pony seems to prefer the snowfall.

Or it could be he doesn't like the billy goat companions he rooms with.  

Top of the Morning

The king of the chickens at Sunset Hill Farm Park says good morning to you.

Rainbow at Sunset

The Parks Department has big plans for Sunset Hill Farm County Park. There are plans to expand the campground, put in an amphitheater that would hold 3000 people, and upgrade the playground.

Here's hoping that all these projects that may enhance the parks ability to attract more people for different uses won't detract from the parks special, natural features; the wildlife, wildflowers, unique ecosystems, and forest trails.

And this park is the premier place in Northwest Indiana to watch the sunset or create a rainbow.  

August Morn

The Sun wasn't the only thing shining this morning in August.

The Babies Have Arrived!

Aren't they cute! And quite the handful for Mama!
Born this week at Sunset Hill Farm County Park these babies are prancing around their pen today.

Sunset

Sunsets have been spectacular this week and along with the better than average weather, have crafted the best time of day to be out of doors.

Goats of Sunset Hill Farm

Last years baby goats are having babies of their own this year at the Sunset Hill Farm Park. The males are sporting beards and deep voices but are still pretty cute.

Don't know what you've got till it's gone.....

An October sunset at Sunset Hill Farm County Park in Porter County Indiana. I've sat and watched the sunset on many an October evening---the time of year when sunset naturally occurs during my after work hike through a very special stand of woods here in this part of Indiana.

And just like in all areas of the country, there are people who don't want to share and don't think much before they deface and destroy for their own purposes. And for whatever reasons, the powers that be allow these people to come in and not only stomp wildlife and wildflower areas but deface trees, erect platforms, and post no trespassing signs in a public park set aside for everyone to share.

These are the places I photographed wildflowers, rare Jack in the Pulpits, this spring. It's where coyotes and minks slink, where chipmunks burrow, where the next year's crop of butterflies are growing in the understory that now is stomped and destroyed.

The culprits this time are Abee Inc. I hadn't heard of them until I saw their no trespassing signs posted in the park. In one area they have re-carved a path out of the understory. A path that I have traversed on almost a daily basis over a period of years, this morning I became disorientated on. In addition if it would have been a darker day I or anyone else using the path may not have seen the obstacle course that this organization's members have erected in this beloved forest.  

Fortunately, in this very park there is going to be a meeting soon. Hopefully this will be the appropriate platform to stop this kind of defacing activity and ensure that all park visitors share in the park without defacing the property or destroying wildlife and wildflower habitat.

     
    I've already emailed the Abee organization, along with the county commissioners in charge of the park system and the park system itself. Join me in protecting our beautiful treasure.

Hayrides to Come

An old tractor sits next to the barn at Sunset Hill Farm County Park.

Surely, there are a few more hayrides left in those wheels.

Last of Summer

The last of summer is blooming at the Sunset Hill Farm County Park. Here a sunflower planted in the community garden faces the early morning sunrise with a fiery face.  

Trillium

Don't miss this beautiful variegated variety of Trillium appearing amidst last years oak leaves on the forest floor.