SPENCER – A powerful display of environmental stewardship and community spirit has emerged from Owen Valley High School, where students have spearheaded a remarkable fundraising effort, contributing nearly $45,000 to the Indiana Natural Resources Foundation (INRF) for vital trail restoration at McCormick’s Creek State Park.
The initiative was passionately led by members of the school’s “Students for the Planet” group, many of whom share a deep personal connection to the park, having grown up exploring the scenic Trail 5 through the Wolf Cave Nature Preserve. Their determination was sparked by the widespread damage inflicted by the March 2023 tornado, which rendered portions of the beloved trail, including a critical bridge, unusable.
“We’ve spent countless hours on those trails, making memories with friends and family,” said a representative from Students for the Planet. “When we saw the damage, especially to Trail 5, we knew we had to do something to help bring it back to its full glory.”
The students embarked on an ambitious fundraising campaign, mobilizing their school and local community. Their tireless efforts, combined with significant contributions from key partners including the Indiana Parks Alliance, the Friends of McCormick’s Creek, and the Owen County Community Foundation, have culminated in a substantial fund that will enable the park to move forward with replacing damaged trail structures.
“This is an incredible testament to the power of young people to make a real difference in their community and for our natural resources,” said an INRF spokesperson. “The dedication of these Owen Valley High School students, coupled with the generosity of all the contributing organizations, will directly impact the restoration of McCormick’s Creek State Park’s trails, allowing countless visitors to once again enjoy its beauty.”
The funds will be instrumental in repairing and rebuilding essential infrastructure along the park’s trails, with a focus on replacing the damaged bridge on Trail 5. This will ensure that hikers, nature enthusiasts, and future generations can once again safely and fully access the stunning landscapes and unique geological features of McCormick’s Creek State Park. The project serves as an inspiring example of how grassroots efforts can lead to significant positive change for cherished natural spaces.
