Elkhart County Historical Museum follows footsteps of celebrated Indiana conservationist at Defries Garden

BRISTOL, Ind. -- Elkhart County Parks announced the Elkhart County Historical Museum will explore the life and contributions of conservationist Gene Stratton-Porter with a program hosted at Defries Garden at River Preserve County Park at 2 p.m. on Sunday.

An Indiana native, Stratton-Porter, museum officials say she has inspired generations as an author, nature photographer, and conservationist

Museum officials say Stratton-Porter herself found inspiration in the state's native flora and fauna.

On September 8, 1914, she visited the Elkhart River flats for botanical study and now community members are invited to mark the 110th anniversary of this trip and celebrate the life of Stratton-Porter.

Participants are encouraged to bring along a sketchbook, a notepad, or camera to observe and document the natural world and let it inspire their creativity.

Attendees should be prepared for outdoor conditions like bugs, high grass, or wet riverbanks.

The program is presented in conjunction with the current exhibit, Clues Through the Lens, which features the Museum’s image collection.

The event is free, and no registration is required.

You can learn more about the event on the Elkhart County Parks website.