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Blatchley Nature Study Club, Inc.
Objectives:
Have you ever felt the urge to embrace a tree (and then looked around to see if anyone was watching!)? Do you gaze at the full moon and surrender to its peaceful glow or look up at the stars and feel the world's troubles drop away from your shoulders? Do you enjoy gardening? Are you a rock hound? If so, you are not alone! Blatchley Nature Study Club, Inc., has been a quiet force for good in the Noblesville community since 1922. This was the year it was founded by Dr. Earl brooks, who was president of the Kiwanis Club at the time, under the name The Hamilton Nature Study Club. At that time the Club met in members' homes. In 1934 the Club's name was changed to "The W.S. Blatchley Club" to honor Indiana's greatest naturalist and State Geologist, Dr. W. S. Blatchley. In 1941, the Club was incorporated as a not-for-profit corporation under the name "The Blatchley Nature Study Club, Inc." Members laid out nature trails at Forest Park, the first park ever established in the state of Indiana. The Club was responsible for planting trees there and labeled hundreds of objects of interest to students of nature. It planted trees in the Court House yard and the lawn of the Public Library. It sponsored the building and erection of bird houses for the protection of birds. It helped with signs marking historical sites in the County. A long-standing dream was fulfilled in March 1963 when Dr. Earl Brooks deeded 15 acres of land to the Club to establish a sanctuary for wild flowers, plants, and wildlife. A generous gift of money from Mr. Eli Lilly to the Club, along with contributions from Club members and friends, made possible the construction of a modern clubhouse at the edge of a sanctuary only minutes away from downtown Noblesville. Monies from the sales of numerous books about nature, written by Dr. Blatchley, and a popular book authored by Dr. Brooks about Indiana birds, were also applied to the construction of the clubhouse. The sanctuary was appointed a Designated Nature Forest Preserve, which also features hiking trails lined by wildflowers and benches for resting and study. Meetings held twice a month feature programs that have included talks by veterinarians, university biology graduate students, Purdue Extension Service agents, Master Gardeners, representatives of the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, university geology and ornithology professors, and photographers. Club members also volunteer to give programs on subjects of nature they have researched themselves. We invite you to join us as a guest to find out what we are all about. Our membership list is open. Dues are only $25 per year. Meetings are held on the second and fourth Thursdays of each month. For further information, please call Brian Jennings at (317) 773-8746. |