Friends of Geode awards lifetime memberships

The Friends of Geode met May 25 at shelter house 1 in Geode State Park. During their regular meeting, the group awarded three members with a lifetime membership in honor of their contributions to the group and to the state park.

President Dave Smith presented the awards to Michael Fortin, Stewart Judd and Tyler Stigge.

“It’s my pleasure just to help out,” Fortin said. “I live just two miles from the park, and I like to give back to organizations like this.”

Stigge, of rural West Burlington, said he appreciates all the help he’s gotten from others in the group.

“We had a lot of wood to cut up, which is a lot of work,” Stigge said, referring to the firewood project, where group members work to cut and split firewood to be sold at the campground. “All the help made it go really well.”

Judd, of Burlington, said he was excited to get the award.

“I wasn’t expecting this,” he exclaimed. “I have to get a frame!”

Judd said it’s great working with this group.

“They’re not afraid to work, everyone stays busy.”

During the meeting, Stigge told members that the wood cutting project went well. He explained that the pile of wood to split was so tall that he referred to it as “Ash Mountain.”

The group has planted over two hundred trees in the park, and plan to apply for grants to cover the expenses for additional plantings.

Plans to expand the Geode Challenge were discussed, including adding a two-loop race in addition to the 5K and one loop race, which follows trails through the park. An official Facebook page is in the works for the event.

It appears that with the beach closure while the parking lot is under renovation the Yak Attack event will be postponed a year.

Next meeting, election of officers will be held and discussion will be held regarding the future of Fun Day.