RICHMOND, Ind. – The Richmond Senior Recreation Center is inviting the community to join its Earth Day Celebration on Wednesday, April 22, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The event promises a day of activities centered on environmental awareness, sustainable living and community wellness. It combines the center’s Wednesday Wellness program with workshops led by Master Gardeners.

Gail Davis, a wellness instructor, professional life coach, and Master Gardener, said the event grew out of her passion for environmental health. For years she’s focused on promoting non-toxic products, organic living, and healthier home environments.

“One person recycling, one repurposing, one person can make a difference and respect the Earth. The difference is a snowball effect,” Davis said.

The celebration kicks off at 10 a.m. with Upcycled Crafts. This aims to give attendees a chance to transform everyday items into reusable creations. “We have some bags made out of t-shirts, which are very nice,” said Becky Thompson, Senior Recreation Coordinator. Along with the no-sew t-shirt bags, this activity also includes rock painting and birdseed treats.

At 11 a.m., the Purdue Master Gardeners will host a workshop on herbs, teaching participants how herbs can be used for cooking, gardening, and supporting pollinators.

The Plant-Empowered Buffet Luncheon begins at 12:15 p.m. and features plant-based dishes including vegan lasagna made with soy and cashews. Following lunch at 1;15, Davis will lead a panel discussion called “Doing Our Part,” highlighting ways individuals can make an impact.

Throughout the day, attendees can visit vendors and free exchange tables, where household items and upcycled treasures are available to trade or take home. The first 200 participants also receive free trees from the Parks Department, along with guidance on planting them at home.

Thompson said the event emphasizes reuse, recycle, repurpose, and recreate. “It calls attention to something we all need to start paying attention to.”

The celebration is open to the public and takes place at the Richmond Senior Recreation Center, 1600 South 2^nd Street in Richmond. All ages are welcome to attend and learn how small actions at home, in the garden, and in the community can create change.

BROOKVILLE, Ind. – Brookville Lake offers a wide range of outdoor activities that make it a go-to destination for healthy living in the Brookville area.

Situated in the historic East Fork of the Whitewater River Valley, the lake combines natural beauty, wildlife habitats, and a fascinating history, including prehistoric Native American mounds and ancient fossils.

Outdoor enthusiasts can explore more than 25 miles of hiking trails, take to the water for boating or fishing, or simply enjoy a picnic by the lake.

The area is known for its recreational and sport fishing opportunities, including large walleye, making it a hotspot.

The lake includes two state recreation areas: Mounds SRA and Quakertown SRA. Mounds SRA offers a beach and hundreds of campsites, ideal for family outings and active weekends. Quakertown SRA features a 3D archery course with targets of various sizes.

Brookville has over 11,000 acres of forests, wetlands, and open water. The lake also supports wildlife viewing and birdwatching.

The combination of exercise, fresh air, and scenery can boost both physical and mental wellness.

Find more information here: Brookville Lake.

Image source: Brookville Lake, US Army Corpos of Engineers, Louisville District

WAYNE COUNTY, Ind. – Cope Environmental Center is planning to host two outdoor programs aimed at empowering women and girls through hands-on nature experiences.

The two events, EmpowerHER Outdoors: Empowering Women in Nature 2.0 and EmpowerHER Together: Empowering Women and Girls in Nature, will take place April 18—19.

EmpowerHER Outdoors 2.0 will run from 12 to 7 p.m. on April 18. The event invites women to participate in a full-day program of hands-on workshops such as Camping Basics, Wildlife Tracking and Navigation, Wilderness First Aid, Mindfulness in Nature, and Fire Craft & Outdoor Cooking. The day focuses on building outdoor skills, encouraging personal growth, and creating supportive connections among participants.

EmpowerHER Together will be held the following day, April 19, from 1 to 4 p.m. The program is designed for women and girls ages 8-15 to attend together and includes interactive stations featuring Camping Basics, Walking with Awareness, and Outdoor Safety and First Aid. Organizers say the experience is intended to promote teamwork, confidence, and exploration in nature.

EmpowerHER Outdoors costs $50 per person and EmpowerHER Together costs $25 per pair.

Registration is required with spots being limited.

PREBLE COUNTY, Ind. - Hueston Woods State Park in Ohio is celebrating its 59th Annual Maple Syrup Festival over the next two weekends.

The festival runs March 7-8 and 14-15 and will feature a pancake breakfast at the Hueston Woods Lodge from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Maple syrup tours will run from noon to 4 p.m., giving visitors a look at how syrup is made, along with the cultural and natural history of the area.

Food, beverages, and maple syrup will be on sale throughout the day.

GREENVILLE, Ohio – Wayne Healthcare is using Heart Health Month to raise awareness about heart disease prevention.

“Pump Month” is focused on bringing cardiovascular health programs and resources to the community and helping educate the public on ways to stay in shape.

“It doesn’t matter the age. Start early, start young, ask the questions especially with family members,” said Terri Flood, Vice President of Business Development.

Heart screening options are available with no appointment required. In addition to vascular screenings, the appointment also includes $20 EKGs and $15 lipid panel tests.

“Think about your cholesterol numbers, triglycerides, things of that nature,” Flood said. “You need to know your numbers. We offer free blood pressure clinic checks daily Monday through Friday.”

In addition to screenings, there are several educational activities taking place throughout the month.

This past week, Wayne Healthcare featured Healthy Moments Talk, a series that includes health experts that come in and speak with community members. Another talk will be offered later this month.

On February 10 at noon, a free cooking demonstration takes place with diabetes educator, Karen Dash. From now until the end of March, they also offer a strength training class called Geri-Fit on Tuesdays from 11:30 to 12:30.

“We want to keep you pumping whether that’s through the screenings that we have available. We want you to come out and learn about our services in a fun way,” Flood said.

LifeSteps kicks off later in the month. This program is for people looking to make lifestyle changes in a group-setting, with tips on how to eat healthy and meal prep, with addition to their wellness gym.

“There’s a lot of ways you can start that healthy journey. So, if it’s changing your eating habits, if its exercising, we have a lot of tools and resources for individuals.”

More information can be found on waynehealthcare.org.

WAYNE COUNTY, Ind. - The Reid Health Blue Brigade Volunteer Auxiliary has presented a $210,000 gift to the Reid Health Foundation.

The funds are raised through year-round sales and the Ginkgo Boutique, the hospital gift shop.

These funds will help continue programs that support patient care and promote community health across Reid Health in 2026.

Image source: Reid News

RICHMOND, Ind. - Meridian Health Services is offering free dental exams for children ages one to eighteen during a one-day event on Monday, February 16.

The exams run from two to five p.m. at select Meridian locations, including Richmond and Muncie. It will include an exam with a dentist, polishing/cleaning, and flouride application.

Meridian Health encourages appointments to be scheduled by calling the office nearest to you.

The event is part of the national Give Kids a Smile initiative to help underserved children access dental care.

Find more information here.

CENTERVILLE, Ind. - Cope Environmental Center offers a monthly bird walk, with January's being called New Bird for the New Year.

These bird walks venture across Cope's land of forests, meadows, and wetlands.

The January walk looks to spot the first species of 2026, including active winter birds in Indiana and northern visitors that are pushed south by cold fronts.

A guide will help participants identify birds by their sight and sound, while also learning the history of bird species, and provide tips for bird watchers.

The walks are free to enjoy. The first is set for Saturday, Jan. 24, from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. at Cope Environmental Center.

The address is 1730 Airport Road, Centerville, IN.

FAYETTE COUNTY, Ind. – The Mary Gray Bird Sanctuary is inviting the community to kick off the New Year with a refreshing First Day Hike.

The guided walk will cover 1.5 miles of scenic trails on January 1 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. The event is free and open to all ages, offering a healthy way to welcome 2026 outdoors.

While there is no cost to participate, registration is required so organizers can plan for snacks and drinks provided to hikers.

The Sanctuary encourages residents to start the year with nature, movement, and community connection.

Image Source: Mary Gray Bird Sanctuary Facebook

FAYETTE COUNTY, Ind. – Mary Gray Bird Sanctuary sits on 700 acres of land just south of Connersville.

The Sanctuary traces its roots back to the Gray family, whose story is closely tied to the land. It has grown from a family memorial into a significant conservation site.

The Sanctuary was established in 1943 when Alice Gray donated 251 acres to the Indiana Audubon Society in memory of her daughter, Mary, who died in 1940 at age 38 after a long illness. The gift was later expanded by hundreds of acres from the Gray estate in 1949 and another 30 acres from Phyllis Yuhas in 1972.

The Gray family’s ties to the land stretch back generations. Robert P. Gray, an Irish immigrant who fought in the American Revolution, settled in Fayette County in 1843. His descendants remained in the area, and in 1901 Finly H. Gray married Alice Green and later had Mary. Their daughter was born in 1902 but fell ill at the age of 12 and never recovered. Seeking solace after her death, Alice turned to nature and bird study, laying the foundation for what would become the Mary Gray Bird Sanctuary.

Photos provided by Mary Gray Bird Sanctuary.

Today, the Sanctuary has evolved from a protected natural area into a living landscape. It’s shaped by intentional stewardship, research, and public access. The Sanctuary includes eight miles of trails winding through woodland, prairie, and wetland habitats. More than 184 bird species have been documented on the property through eBird, a citizen science platform that collects sightings from staff and volunteers.

“It is both a place for people to experience birds and nature in a peaceful, rural setting away from the Indianapolis metro area, and a site where conservation work is actively taking place,” said Whitney Yoerger, Communications & Outreach Manager with Indiana Audubon Society.

The Sanctuary hosts public programs and annual events, including bird walks, workshops, a First Day Hike on New Year’s Day, and the Hummingbird Migration celebration in August. In the fall, a popular event called Saw-whets & S’mores brings visitors to learn about the Northern Saw-whet Owl and research conducted onsite. MGBS is also a place that many local residents visit to regularly walk or hike.

“People come to the Sanctuary for birds and other wildlife, for hiking and camping, for quiet observation and night-sky viewing, and for the chance to experience natural phenomena like dark skies with very little light pollution and, at times, the northern lights,” Yoerger said.

Photos provided by Mary Gray Bird Sanctuary.

Anyone can volunteer at the Sanctuary, and the role of volunteers plays a big role in supporting MGBS’s continued work. Throughout the year, volunteers help with habitat management projects, trail maintenance, research support, and public events, helping to keep trails open and programs running. Regular volunteer callouts and donation appeals take place throughout the year.

“MGBS contributes to conservation by serving as a living example of what is possible when land is intentionally managed for birds and wildlife,” said Yoerger.

Photos provided by Mary Gray Bird Sanctuary.
Yoerger said the Sanctuary’s main challenges are securing consistent funding for ongoing care, managing invasive species, and maintaining infrastructure.

As part of those efforts, work is planned to replace the bridge at the Sanctuary's entrance. Back by a grant from the Efroymson Family Fund, the project will improve visitor safety and access.

Still, the Sanctuary's true value lies in the experience it offers.

“The significance of a place like MGBS is the opportunity it gives people to slow down, observe, and reconnect with the natural world,” said Yoerger.

The holidays are joyful, but they can also throw routines off track. Here are five easy ways to keep your energy up and stress down this week:

1. Add Movement to Your Day

You don’t need a full workout to stay active. Take the stairs, walk laps at the mall before shopping or around the neighborhood, or park farther away to sneak in extra steps.

2. Balance Indulgences

Holiday treats are part of the fun and should be enjoyed. It helps to balance them with lighter meals. Pair cookies with fruit or incorporate a side of roasted vegetables.

3. Protect Your Sleep

Busy schedules often mean late nights. Try to keep a consistent bedtime and limit screens before bed to avoid fatigue.

4. Stay Hydrated

Cold weather can make us forget to drink water. Keep a bottle handy and sip throughout the day to support energy and immune health.

5. Take Mindful Breaks

Stress builds quickly during the season. A few minutes of deep breathing, stretching, journaling, or a walk outside can be a huge benefit.

Gentle changes add up, making it easier to feel good through the holidays.

RICHMOND, Ind. – Reid Health has been recognized among the nation’s top healthcare organizations for its use of technology to enhance patient care.

The health system earned Level 9 recognition in both the acute and ambulatory categories of the 2025 Digital health Most Wired Survey, marking the second consecutive year it has achieved this distinction.

The annual survey, conducted by the College of Healthcare Information Management Executives (CHIME), evaluates more than 50,000 healthcare organizations worldwide on their use of digital tools and data-driven strategies.

Reid was recognized for excellence in areas including clinical quality, cybersecurity, analytics, infrastructure, and patient engagement, and also received CHIME’S Rural Digital Health Excellence Award for outstanding performance among rural systems.

WAYNE COUNTY, Ind. - Reid Health is taking the initiative as one of the first hospitals across the country to implement "smart patient rooms." These rooms are equipped with AI-assisted technology.

“We actually made the intentional decision nearly seven years ago,” said Misti Foust-Cofield, Vice President/Chief Nursing Officer. “We are finally having that plan come to fruition so that we can have a complete smart room, for all of our patients.”

Each hospital room now features a wall-mounted smartboard positioned across from the patient’s bed. The display provides real-time medical information, including charts, medications, care plans, and staff assignments. Patients and families can also view lab results, imaging, daily schedules, and even order meals directly through the system, helping everyone stay informed and on the same page.

Outside each room, a tablet-sized display provides updates for staff, showing the visitor status and any necessary precautions before entry. It can also facilitate video calls between patients and staff, especially when patients are too ill for in-person visits. 

These AI smart room features were implemented a year and a half ago.

“The desire behind the smart technology is to allow our clinicians to spend time with the patients that we serve and everything that we can to advance their care through allowing technology to assist them and not be a barrier,” said Foust-Cofield.

In addition to improving care coordination, the new system also incorporates ambient AI, a tool that allows nurses to document their patient assessments verbally. As they speak, the system securely transcribes the information into the patient’s medical record, saving time while keeping nurses fully engaged with patients.

“Historically as nurses, we would complete that assessment and not really share with the patient out loud as to what we are seeing,” said Foust-Cofield. “As we're assessing them head to toe, we're sharing that so we can educate them on why they are there or things that are outlying normal standards that we see.”

According to Foust-Cofield, feedback has been positive, with one patient feeling more informed. Reid Health has already implemented the smart room system across all patient rooms, with AI technology now active on one medical-surgical unit and plans to expand to all care areas. The hospital also partners with Ivy Tech Community College, whose simulation lab mirrors Reid’s smart room, allowing nursing students to train on the same technology used in the hospital.

This initiative reflects a growing trend toward more technology-driven care. Looking ahead, Reid Health hopes to expand smart technology into surgical suites, labor and delivery, and even EMS settings.

“The sky’s the limit,” she said. “I would hope that the community would see and identify that the things we are doing are very special and unique, and that we are doing our best to provide compassionate, empathetic care by giving our clinicians the time back to be in the moment.”

RICHMOND, Ind. – Tucked away behind Earlham College lies a hidden treasure: the Earlham Nature Reserve System. Spanning over 400 acres across Wayne County, these properties offer a blend of natural beauty, recreational trails, and hands-on research opportunities for students and the public alike.

The reserve isn’t a single location, but a collection of six distinct properties across Wayne County and each one offers something different. Many of these properties have been accessible to Earlham since the 60's and 70's. Each selection of property was gifted to the college by friends of the college or former professors. It was first used for biology classes and faculty research. Just in recent years, it has grown into a broader community resource with educational signage and walking opportunities.

The system is managed by Jalen Sleet, an Earlham alum and full-time property manager, along with support from faculty, students, and volunteers.

"They're really something that I think the college cherishes and it's a really huge part of student identity," Sleet said. "Is having the sense of place that the properties provide. I think having them be public is a really important part of that rather than having some little secret place that no one interacts with."

Four out of the six properties are open to the public. Two of them are limited access, used as a resource of field studies. 

Publicly Accessible Areas

Back Campus

Earlham’s Back Campus is directly accessible from the main campus. The Back Campus is a blend of ponds, forests, and restored prairies. It’s a frequently visited part of the reserve, used for both academic research and public recreation. Whether you’re collecting data for a class or just taking a walk, this area offers a close connection to nature just steps from campus buildings.

Sedgwicks Rock Preserve

The Sedgwicks Rock Preserve was a gift to the college from biology faculty Carrolle and Millard Markle. This 13-acre woodland preserve features a mix of mature trees and trails ideal for hiking and fieldwork. Frequently used for experimental projects, Sedgwicks Rock is open to the public and offers an escape into the woods.

Wildman and Iverson Woods

These are adjacent properties utilized for hiking and research. Wildman Woods was a gift from Bill and Ruth Wildman. This is a 40-acre property containing a mix of old and regrowing forests in both highland and lowland areas. The woods have several trails that connect to Iverson Woods. Iverson Woods was gifted by John Iverson, a professor of biology. This woodland ecosystem features a dense forest of trees and a picturesque stream valley. "There's a study that's been going on for over 30 years at Wildman woods, where there's three or four acres they've been surveying and measuring the diameter of trees and inventorying the tree species," Sleet said.

Areas that Require Permission

Reller Woods

Located southeast of Richmond, Reller Woods is a 40-acre preserve featuring streams, ponds, and deep forest. This property is reserved for approved research activities and authorized hiking groups, helping to protect ecosystems while supporting scientific exploration.

Test Biological Study Area and Dennis Woods

Donated by Fred Test, this 17-acre property includes wetlands, streams, and agricultural plots. Converted into a research site by Earlham professors, it’s primarily used for long-term ecological studies and is not open to the general public without prior approval.

The ENRS continues to expand its impact through new signage projects, habitat restoration, and plans to restore farmland into wetlands and prairies. Community like owl walks and bird hikes are open to the public, and volunteer opportunities are available year-round.

For maps, information or updates, visit the Earlham ENRS website.

RICHMOND, Ind. – Indiana in the fall becomes a prime destination for outdoor adventures. This season is not just for family and friends; pets are invited too. Whether you’re a local or a traveler passing through with your furry companion, Richmond offers a mix of scenic trails and pet-friendly spots to enjoy.

Here are six pet friendly places to explore with your four-legged friends this fall:

1. Cope Environmental Center

1730 Airport Road, Centerville, IN

Cope offers over 100 acres of preserved natural space for people to explore, including several miles of walking trails that welcome leashed dogs. You and your pup can stroll through wooded areas and wetlands that can capture the beauty of fall in Indiana, all while enjoying educational opportunities of earth’s natural resources.

2. Earlham Nature Reserve System

Earlham Drive, Richmond, IN

Earlham College offers a field of nature reserves. These are used to promote research and recreation but also are open to the public and can be the perfect quiet spot to take your pet. There’s more than 400 acres of natural areas that are owned by Earlham. These areas lie at the College’s back campus and other areas owned by the College across Wayne County. Properties include ponds, creeks, rivers, prairies, forests and trails.

3. Hayes Arboretum

801 Elks Road, Richmond, IN

Hayes Arboretum offers a forested escape with 330 acres of preserved land and trails right in Richmond. As a privately operated foundation open to the public, and pets, Hayes invites trail-goers to explore woodlands that have been carefully protected for generations. The paths lead you through wooded areas, making it a peaceful outing for both people and pets.

4. Whitewater Gorge Trail

544 Test Road, Richmond, IN

Whitewater Valley Gorge Park stretches 100 acres and runs 3.5 miles through the heart of Richmond, from Test Road to Waterfall Road. Trailheads are easily accessible at Test Road, the Richmond High School parking lot on Hub Etchison Parkway, and the Starr-Gennett Walk of Fame. With wide paths, plenty of shade, and lots of new scents to explore, it’s a favorite spot for pet owners.

5. Hills Bark Park

1750 Sylvan Nook Drive, Richmond, IN

As the name suggests, Hills Bark Park is all about dogs. If you’re looking for a place where your pup can run freely, this off-leash dog park offers a safe, fenced-in space for play and socialization. It’s located within Middlefork Reservoir, a 405-acre property that includes a 177-acre lake and stream. Beyond the dog park, visitors can enjoy hiking trails, picnic areas, and opportunities for boating and fishing, making it a great fall outing for the whole family, paws included.

6. Springwood Park

Springwood Park, Waterfall Road, Richmond, IN

Springwood Park offers 104 acres, while featuring a 30-acre lake. One of its highlights is Thistlethwaite Falls, a man-made waterfall that can be striking during the fall months. The park offers a nature trail, lake views and peaceful picnic areas, making for a relaxed afternoon with your pup.

While all the locations listed welcome dogs, most require them to be leased at all times. Always check individual park rules before visiting.