The Porter County Parks and Recreation Department has appointed Carolyn Jones as its new educator-interpreter.

Jones, who began working at the parks department this month, is currently expanding the field trip curriculum at Sunset Hill Farm County Park and will also lead the various nature programs during Camp Funset, the summer camp program at Sunset Hill.

“Teaching children about nature is one of the best things we can do for the future,” Jones said. “I am very excited about summer camps, especially our Wilderness Campouts.”

Jones will help organize the Nature Rangers Camp, which takes place from June 13-16, the Wilderness Camps from June 20-23 and July 25-28, and the Wilderness Campouts from June 24-25 and July 29-30.

Katie Rizer, the county parks’ program coordinator, said Jones has brought exciting ideas to the park programs.

“Carolyn is a great addition to our team,” Rizer said. “She has a story about nearly every plant you’ll find along the trails at Sunset Hill Farm County Park. She’s incredibly animated when she talks about the self-guided hikes she’s working on for school groups and casual hikers.”

Each of the summer camps runs Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information, call 465-5192, or e-mail krizer@porterco.org

Posted 5/18/2011