Creating Interpretive Materials for the Buffalo Trace, Orangeville Rise, and Wesley Chapel Gulf

In the fall semester of 2019, Indiana University’s Applications in Outdoor Recreation, Parks, and Human Ecology class engaged in a service-learning project focused on the Lost River Watershed and Hoosier National Forest in Orange County, Indiana. Collaborating with the Indiana University Center for Rural Engagement, students researched and developed interpretive media strategies for three significant sites: Wesley Chapel Gulf, Orangeville Rise, and the historical Buffalo Trace. This project aimed to enhance public awareness of watershed issues and conservation practices, blending ecological and cultural history with practical media design skills. Through site visits, guest lectures, and class discussions, students learned about the management of natural resources, the role of public agencies, and the importance of cooperative efforts in preserving and communicating the region’s unique natural and cultural heritage.