Hamilton County Parks’ newest educational resource, the “Be Naturally Curious” Mobile Nature Center, is a specially outfitted length of 34 that enables park naturalists to deliver nature education programs at park events throughout Hamilton County. Foot enclosed trailer. Presentations can take place in a trailer or off stage that can be lowered for group gatherings. (Photo courtesy of Hamilton County Parks and Recreation)

Hamilton County Parks and Recreation (HCPR) has officially introduced a state-of-the-art educational resource. This is an enclosed trailer that acts as a nature center on wheels. Thanks to funding provided by the Duke Energy Foundation, this unique project he ramped up in 2017, but came to a temporary halt during the pandemic.

Duke Energy’s Government and Community Relations Manager, Mark Lover (right), is recognized by HCPR Parks Director Chris Stis (left) for funding Duke Energy on stage for the final concert of the Cool Creek Concert Series. (Photo courtesy of Hamilton County Parks and Recreation)

Duke Energy’s Government and Community Relations Manager, Mark LaBarr, helped secure some of the funding early on in the project, helping to purchase the trailer and build the intricate interior. The 34-foot-long trailer was officially opened to the public at Cool Creek Park for his Summer concert in the park, the final installment of the parks division of his series. Attending the launch of the trailer, Lavers said he is delighted that the trailer will advance his STEM and environmental education initiatives established by Duke Energy with the aim of benefiting the entire community.

“This trailer allows Natural Resources and Education Director Amanda Smith and her staff to literally experience the acclaimed Cool Creek Nature Center nature education program on the road,” said HCPR. Parks Director Chris Stis said.

The aptly themed “Be Naturally Curious!” trailer not only offers the ability to attract visitors of all ages to the park staff as they walk through the park’s “learning spaces”, but it also features a large stage deck that lowers down. It makes presentations educational and fun. Conducted to large groups in an outdoor setting.

HCPR’s Director of Natural Resources and Education, Amanda Smith, addresses a group of curious young people at an informal wildlife presentation. Naturalist Interpretation epitomizes the programming that takes place in and around Hamilton County Park’s newly completed “Be Naturally Curious” nature education trailer. (Photo courtesy of Hamilton County Parks and Recreation)

Both the interior and exterior graphics of the trailer are designed to act as an extension of the nature education program by promoting interactivity, whether park staffed or not. The challenging application of vinyl graphics to the entire surface of the trailer was done by Vector Sign Solutions, a local sign resource in Noblesville.

The Be Naturally Curious trailer is used at county park events throughout the year. More information about tour schedules can be found online at MyHamiltonCountyParks.com, on the Hamilton County Parks Facebook page, or by calling (317) 770-4400.