Area Park Celebrates Wetlands

Volunteer Ralph Cooley slowly raised a crayfish out of a bowl, presenting the crustacean to astonished onlookers.

“She’s an amputee, motherhood has been hard on her,” Cooley said as he displayed the wiggling crayfish’s only claw before turning the critter over to show the group of eggs attached to its underbelly.

Visitors of Muscatatuck National Wildlife Refuge had the opportunity to see Cooley’s display and others as part of the refuge’s Wetlands Day on Saturday.

Park Ranger Donna Stanley said the event serves as an open house to show visitors the many things the refuge has to offer. It also opens some of the wetlands areas that are normally closed to the public.

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