Member Events
Champion Trees Hike 2024
Member Event: Champion Trees Hike
A Journey Through Eagle Creek’s Living Giants
Our recent member-exclusive event took 25 nature enthusiasts on an unforgettable hike along the West Side Hiking Trail of Eagle Creek Park, beginning at Eagle’s Crest. This 4-mile journey showcased the Foundation’s commitment to protecting and enhancing the park’s natural treasures. Led by Marty, who served as an Eagle Creek Park Ranger in the 1970s and has been an environmental scientist for over 40 years, members gained a unique perspective on the park’s champion trees and ecological stewardship.
Highlights of the Trail
A Walk Among Giants
The hike featured stops at some of the park’s most remarkable trees, including a 170-year-old tulip tree grove, a 240-year-old American Beech, and a 310-year-old Bur Oak, one of the largest in the park. Marty shared stories and insights at each stop, demonstrating how to measure a tree’s age by calculating its circumference and applying a growth factor. Members also learned a simpler method—hugging the tree to gauge its girth—which added a fun and interactive element.
Learning Through Observation and Stewardship
By showcasing the Champion Trees program, the event aimed to inspire members to become good stewards of the park. Marty’s discussions emphasized how understanding and protecting these ancient giants is essential for preserving the park’s history and ecological balance. Members also visited several tree mitigation sites, where new trees are planted to replace those that are cut down.
Secrets of the Forest: Mycelium Networks
One of the most captivating moments of the event was learning about the mycelium networks beneath the forest floor. Marty highlighted sections of the trail rich with older trees, explaining how these interconnected roots communicate and share resources, creating a healthier forest floor and more vibrant understory. Members observed how these areas have fewer invasive species and more thriving native plants.
About the guest
Marty Risch spent most of his career and an environmental scientist working for the state of Indiana and Federal Government. He was a Eagle Creek Park Ranger in the 1970’s. Today he’s a member of the Eagle Creek Advisory Committee and is a regular, enthusiastic volunteer for the Trail Crew. He developed Eagle Creek Parks fantastic Champion Trees program, which was the impetus behind this member event and hike.
Check out Marty’s Big Tree Registry >
Date
April 19, 2024
Location
West Side Trail (via Eagle’s Crest)
PROTECT
The Champion Trees project began when Marty discovered a 300-year-old tree had been accidentally felled on the golf course. This loss spurred his mission to identify, study, and raise public awareness about Eagle Creek Park’s rare, massive trees. Since much of the park was once farmland and clear-cut, only a few of these remarkable trees remain.
ENHANCE
During the event, members gained a deeper appreciation for the rarity and significance of these ancient giants. Marty’s work protects these vital trees, ensuring their legacy and the park’s natural heritage are preserved.
Podcast Episode with Marty
Adam sits down with Marty to learn about the Champion Trees program. You, too can experience the hike!
Champion Trees Hike - Gallery
Membership means more than park access
At the the Champion Trees Hike
Members explored Eagle Creek Park’s majestic champion trees with Marty, a seasoned environmental expert. The hike revealed the hidden stories of these ancient giants and showcased how members can play a part in preserving the park’s natural legacy. Check out our gallery of memorable moments from this inspiring day.
This event was member-only. Members receive invites to roughly monthly member events.
To find out more about Memberships and Passes click here >