Landmark Park

Meet Our New Intern

2012-01-18T14:54:00.000-06:00

Bonjour!

My name is Anna and I am the new intern here at Landmark Park, so I thought I would introduce myself before I jump into the task of blogging. I am a Dothan native, but I have not lived in Dothan full time since high school, so I am excited to be back in my hometown. I have a Bachelor's degree in History from the University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg, but I also attended Troy University in Troy, Alabama and The Abbey Program in Pontlevoy, Centre, France prior to transferring to Southern Miss. I love history, reading, being outdoors, painting and traveling. I also have a special place in my heart for Landmark Park.

Landmark Park is part of many childhood memories and life lessons. I grew up at the park and consider it my second home.

At three months old, I visited Landmark Park for the first time:

My first birthday party was at Landmark Park:

Landmark Park inspired me to explore and appreciate nature:

Landmark Park has always been a prominent part of my life, helping to mold me into the person I am today, all while teaching me lessons. Lessons such as:

-Homemade ice-cream is the best kind of ice-cream there is, especially on a hot summer day

-despite their size and general slow nature, cows can run really, really fast

-tents are over-rated- the best way to sleep outside is under the stars

-camp isn't fun unless you get dirty

-running through a freshly cut cotton field can result in some painful injuries

-the best way to learn about nature is to be out in it

-and most importantly, how lucky Dothan residents are to have a place where they can experience an adventure and learn about our local history all in one place.

I consider Landmark Park to be my second home. At one point in time, I considered it my home away from home. After traveling a lot I realized that aside from my family and friends, I missed my bed and Landmark Park. I credit Landmark Park with helping me find my career path. Granted, I do have some pretty awesome parents who introduced me to Landmark Park in the first place, but my parents were not solely responsible for the programs the park offered, the things that drew me to the park, or the things that keep me wanting to come back. That credit belongs to those who have kept the park running after all these years -the staff members, the volunteers, the board members, and even the visitors. Landmark Park introduced me to Historical Preservation and Environmental Education, two things I would have never known were career options without the park. I am lucky in that my experience with Landmark Park stems from the fact that I have had not one, but two members of my family work at Landmark Park (aside from myself.) Both of my parents worked at Landmark Park, and my Dad still works out here today as Executive Director. I have not only been able to watch the park grow over the years, but grow from a behind the scenes perspective.

When Landmark Park acquired Shelly General Store, I went with my Dad to move the building. I was about 6 years old and for some reason I didn't fully understand what was happening. I remember following my Dad around, doing exactly what he did. We walked around the building looking under it, we kicked some things to make sure they wouldn't fall off and then the men with the truck drove off, taking the store with them. I remember screaming "Dad, those men are stealing your house!" and how bizarre it looked seeing a whole building driving down the road. I remember going to the original Martin Drug Store to help pack up boxes to move to the new building. I have watched the park grow and improve right before my very eyes, and it makes me feel proud, because this place is my second home.

Throughout my internship here at the park, I will be updating this blog to keep readers informed on not only what is going on at Landmark Park, but also what it is like to be an intern here. I hope to give some insight into the behind the scenes world that the average park guest doesn't see. I hope you enjoy!

Bisous

-A

Tales from A Volunteer

2011-08-02T14:35:00.000-05:00

Landmark Park welcomes volunteer Kate Kirkland as a guest blogger to share some of her experiences.

Hi! My name is Kate Kirkland and I am a volunteer at Landmark Park. I have been volunteering since 2004.

One of the first tasks I was given when I started volunteering was to help demonstrate washing clothes the old fashioned way. In the 1890s, women would build a fire and bring water almost to a boil. Then, the clothes would go into the massive cast iron kettle with lye soap. To get all the stains out of the clothes, I would move the clothes to a wooden stump and start to beat them with a stick, the same stick that was used to stir the pot. One gentlemen commented that I must have been mad at my brother that day because I was beating the clothes so hard! If the stains did not come out, I would put them back in the hot water. In my opinion, washing with lye soap was hard because it felt so greasy to me.

After the washing demonstration and a few other volunteering experiences, I feel like I have found my calling. I enjoy playing my violin with the Landmark Dulcimer club. They so graciously allow me to play with them, even though I am not a concert violinist by any stretch of the imagination. The dulcimer club has a Jam Session every first Saturday of every month at 1 p.m. in the Interpretive Center Classroom. I try to go as much as I can! The session is for both inexperienced and experienced dulcimer players (or in my case, violin players). The dulcimer is a stringed American folk instrument and the club performs during some of the special events at Landmark Park, including Spring Farm Day, Victorian Christmas and Wiregrass Heritage Festival.

To join the volunteer experience at Landmark Park, call 334-794-3452. Not only does the park depend on volunteers, you may just learn something new while you're there!

Notes From Our Guest Book

2010-06-10T15:49:00.000-05:00

A guest book sits in the Interpretive Center at Landmark Park, just waiting to hear what visitors have to say about the Park. Here are some of our favorites from 2010, so far. On your next visit, make sure to sign in and let us know what you think about the park.

Kata R., Bogota, Columbia: Me Encanto!

Kristin S., Baltimore, Maryland: I came all the way from B-More just to see Dothan

Carol B., Cottonwood: Wonderful place, interesting for visitors

Kathleen M., New Orleans, LA: Very Nice

Amariah W., Portland, OR: I've loved this place since I was very small

Bob H., White Cloud, MI: Neat

Steve O., CA: Loved It!

Jim A., Enterprise: Very cool place for young children

Amanda C., Enterprise: Very nice way to spend an afternoon

Matt P, Eufaula: Very nice for babies

Sophia L., Dothan: It's nice. This is the first time I've been here and I enjoyed the walk

Stephen P., Auburn: I loved it. This was the best place ever

Sarah K., Germany: Great, wonderful place

Angela P., Sicily: Awesome!

The Batista family, Puerto Rico: We love it. Cool!

Don D., MI: Excellent facilities and personal tour of the farm area!

Jessica D., Geneva: Will be back again and again

Krissy P., Germany: The Parrish family loves Landmark Park

Jon H., (no location given): Been gone 10 years and still love this park.

Slamka family, Racine, WI: Clean and comfortable walk

Karla A., Quebec City, Canada: Beautiful escape from the city. Thank you.

Rachel A., Mililani, Hawaii: Thanks! Aloha!

We would love to hear from you!

Q&A With Membership Coordinator Janis Lepley

2010-05-26T16:46:00.000-05:00

ABOVE: Membership Coordinator Janis Lepley presents 2000th Landmark Park member Buster Padgett with his membership packet.

Summer, once again, is upon us. Kids are out of school and looking for something to do. Why not join Landmark Park and take advantage of our special programs to keep kids entertained and engaged in learning.

Landmark Park recently signed up 2000th active member, Buster Padgett. To commemorate this occasion, we have a chance to hear from Janis Lepley, membership coordinator at Landmark Park.

LMP: Janis, tell us a little about your background. How long have you worked at Landmark Park?

JL: I was born and raised in Franklin, TN. I have lived in Dothan for 20 years. My family joined Landmark Park in 1990, several years before I started working for the Park. We grew to love it immediately. My family attended Special Events, camps, workshops, Music by Moonlight, etc. Both of my children worked part-time for the Park while in high school and college. I have worked for the Park a total of 10 years. I was hired as Office Manager in 1995. I left for a few years and was rehired as Membership Coordinator in 2006.

LMP: How has the park changed over the years?

In the 10 years I have been associated with the Park, I have seen numerous changes such as the addition of The Martin Drug Store, The Stokes Activity Barn and the Barnyard Playground. We also have more and ‘bigger’ special events. We also just recently acquired a new Digital Planetarium. Exciting changes are always happening at Landmark Park.

LMP: Tell us about the membership programs offered at Landmark Park. Are there different levels?

JL: We have 8 different levels of memberships for individuals/families. These are as follows: Individual, Senior Couple, Family, Historical, Heritage, Heirloom, Legacy and President’s Circle. The Park of course has members at each level. The most frequently purchased level is the Family level. Your basic membership includes free daily admission, free admission to the Planetarium, free admission to almost all special events, a subscription to our quarterly newsletter "The Lark," and advance notice and discounts on special programs. As the level increases, so do the benefits.

LMP: How can a corporation or business support the membership program?

JL: Landmark Park also offers several levels of Corporate membership. The business may choose to pay for the level of their choice or exchange a membership for goods or services from the business.

LMP: How important are members to the survival of Landmark Park?

JL: Landmark Park is very dependent on memberships. Membership support generates a constant cash flow throughout the year. We have members that visit the Park every week or month and are able to take part in a lot that we have to offer. We also have some members that are not even able to visit us anymore but they remain supportive by renewing their membership yearly. We are so appreciative of our members!

LMP: What are some of the favorite events and activities at Landmark Park?

JL: My personal favorites are Spring Farm Day, Wiregrass Heritage Festival and Victorian Christmas. The general public obviously enjoy these too since we usually have a large crowd attend these events. We offer many other special events and a great number of workshops throughout the year. Since I am a birder and love the outdoors I have enjoyed attending Bird and Tree ID workshops. There is always something fun, interesting and educational going on at the Park.

LMP: How can people join Landmark Park?

JL: There are several ways to join. Potential members can join with a cash, check, debit or credit card while visiting the Park. They may also go on our website at www.landmarkpark.com, print out and complete the membership application and mail it in with payment or join using PayPal. They may also call me and give me the information over the phone or I will be happy to mail out a packet of Park information. Included in that packet is a membership return envelope.

LMP: Thanks, Janis, for talking with us about Memberships! Anything you would like to add?

JL: A yearly membership to Landmark Park also makes a great gift! Families can use this gift all year.

All About Birds

2010-01-04T11:10:00.000-06:00

I tend to think of January as unofficial bird month at Landmark Park. Three Saturdays, January 16, 23 and 30, we will offer workshops on various topics having to do with our feathered friends.

When I was growing up, my father's yard was an eden fora variety of songbirds--finches, cardinals, chickadees, an occasional woodpecker and even the somewhat elusive Indigo bunting. Thanks to his hummingbird feeders, anyone who came through the yard was sure to hear the buzz of the hummingbirds' tiny wings overhead as they filled up on sugar water. When I moved away from home, one of the first things to make an appearance outside my apartment was a bird feeder. Every morning, I would sit with my coffee and binoculars and wait for my customers. I never attracted anything too exotic, living right in the busiest part of Mobile, but I loved watching the quirky behaviors of these creatures of flight.

On January 16, Dr. Gary Manfready will host "Gardening for Birds," offering tips on how to attract birds to your gardens. On January 23, Fred Bassett will give a workshop on Hummingbirds and then on January 30, Manfready will be back to teach us all about Bluebirds. Registration is required for these workshops and admission is free with your paid gate admission. Workshops begin at 10 a.m. in the Interpretive Center Auditorium, and a drawing for a door prize will be held at each workshop. Call 334-794-3452 to register.

Come join the flock of birders at Landmark Park and learn something new about our natural world.

The Countdown Is On!

2009-09-10T13:58:00.000-05:00

Sorry it's been so long since my last update!

On a personal note, just a few weeks after Wiregrass Heritage Festival I will be getting married! Of course, our reception will be held in the Stokes Activity Barn here at the park. It's only natural that I should celebrate this special day at a place that has been the home of such happy memories. Several areas of the park are available for rent for parties, weddings, receptions and other special events. The barn also makes a great site for holiday parties but it books up fast, check it out soon! Below is a photo of my fiance, Nick Stakelum, editor of Dothan Magazine, and me. Photo by Mobile, Alabama photographer Jason Norman.

Mark you calendar for these fall events:

Low Country Boil: Sept 17

DEADLINE FOR QUILT SHOW ENTRIES: Sept 23

Peanut Stacking: Sept 26

Indian Artifact Day: Sept 26

Wiregrass Antique and Collector Car Show: Oct 3

Wiregrass Heritage Festival: Oct 24

Critters

2009-08-07T11:06:00.000-05:00

Being surrounded by farm animals, reptiles, insects, squirrels and various critters makes coming to work every day somewhat of an adventure. We invite visitors to share in the adventure by participating in the feeding programs we offer here at the park.

Every week day at 4 p.m., we open the farm animal feeding to the public. Kids and adults have a chance to help feed the farm animals and learn about their historic roles on the farm. I was delighted one afternoon to hear a child burst into giggles when he came face to face with the black guinea hogs on the Wiregrass Farmstead. He couldn't believe that they were pigs because they're not pink. Another child found it hilarious that he had to watch where he stepped in the sheep pen-- "fresh presents," he said.

Due to the popularity of feeding the farm animals, we also offer a program on feeding the reptiles on the second Sunday of each month at 4 p.m. Indy, our Eastern Indigo Snake, puts on quite a show as he "hunts" for his prey. The next program will be on August 9.
Science on Saturday's topic this week (Aug. 8) is on Dog Training. Canine Specialist Renee Jones will offer tips on training. Give us a call to register. Below, Assistant Director Kathie Moore shows off her new dog, Honey.

Come out and visit us!

--Laura

LOOKING AHEAD TO FALL

2009-07-30T15:39:00.000-05:00

According to agricultural lore, August 1 has traditionally been referred to as "Lammas Day," meaning the feast of the first fruits. The first wheat harvest was often held on this day, ushering in autumn and the harvest season.

For a farmer in the Wiregrass, or really, for a farmer anywhere, fall is an incredibly busy time of year. Everything that was planted in the spring has to be harvested, and the Wiregrass Farmstead at Landmark Park is no exception. Every fall, we have an annual Wiregrass Heritage Festival that salutes farmers, past and present. This year, we are adding the first annual Landmark Park Quilt Show in the Stokes Activity Barn. If you are a quilter, or if you are the lucky owner of antique quilts, you can be a part of our inaugural show. Antique quilts will be for display only, and modern quilts are eligible for prizes in several different categories. We are anticipating over 100 quilts to be on display, and if you can't make it to the festival on October 24, the show will also hang on Oct. 23 and 25. Visit our website at www.landmarkpark.com for applications and rules. We would love to have you be a part of the show. Fall is the perfect time to reflect on the warmth that quilts have offered families from generation to generation.

Landmark Park is also looking forward to September 17, when the annual Low Country Boil, our fall fundraiser will take place in the Stokes Activity Barn. If you have never been to a Low Country Boil, you are in for a real treat. Shrimp, sausage, potatoes, corn and onions simmer in a 60 gallon kettle. When the cooking is done, the feast is served out of wheelbarrows. Tickets are available for presale now, so give us a call if you're interested. Kids are also welcome to come to the party.

Don't forget Science on Saturday begins this Saturday, Aug. 1 at 10 a.m. Topic for this week is Weather Watch. Also this Saturday, the Wiregrass Woodturners will meet in the Alabama Agricultural Museum at 9:30 a.m., and the Landmark Dulcimer Club meet at 12:30 p.m. (beginners) and jam at 2 p.m. (more advanced Mountain Dulcimer players).

Like I always say, learning shouldn't end just because you leave the classroom. Come out the park and explore your world.

Summer Nostalgia

2009-07-23T14:08:00.000-05:00

This afternoon, Education Director Dana Peters and I had the chance to release a butterfly and luna moth that hatched this afternoon. Beautiful, and absolutely amazing.

Summer camps are coming to a close next week. I remember coming to Summer Camp as a child here at Landmark Park. My favorite was always Ecology Camp. I liked sleeping out in a tent, listening to the crickets and roasting marshmallows over a campfire. I know that the kids who have had the privilege of attending this year will carry their own memories with them long after the camps are over.

Our four and five-year-old campers take a break to pose for a photo on the steps of the gazebo.

Several other programs are coming to an end in the next few weeks as well--Animal Adventures ends tomorrow (July 24) with "Life of a Honeybee," Animal Tales will hold the last storytelling program on Tuesday, July 28 and the last Heritage Forum will be this Sunday (July 26).

As these summertime activities wrap up, we usher in Science on Saturdays. Every Saturday in August, families will have a chance to learn something new about the magic of science.

Before we know it, the days will get shorter, the weather cooler and autumn will be upon the Wiregrass. Landmark Park will hold our first annual Landmark Park Quilt Show during Wiregrass Heritage Festival. The quilts will actually be on display October 23-25 and the dedicated ladies who have been helping organize the show are anticipating over 100 quilts. If you have an antique or modern quilt that you would like to display, let us know. We would love for you to be a part of this new tradition. Rules and application forms can be found on our website at www.landmarkpark.com.

Make sure to visit us this Saturday, July 25, at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. for a watermelon sampling. Did you know there are several different varieties of watermelons? I didn't. Well, I knew there were "seedless" and "ones with seeds" but that was it. Apparently, there is a lot more to it than that. Come learn about it with us and have a taste of some of the varieties we grow here at the park.

I hope you are all enjoying your summer!
Laura

Gators and Volunteers

2009-07-17T09:24:00.000-05:00

One of my favorite things about working at Landmark Park is the relationships that develop between the staff and volunteers. Earlier this week, one of our volunteers, Teddy Sherrill, celebrated his birthday with us by treating the staff to a lunch of fried catfish, hush puppies and french fries. We finished the celebration with watermelon from the garden.

Another one of our dedicated volunteers, Tom Boyle, is responsible for planting the beautiful sunflowers in the front field at the park. Next time you're out, take a minute to watch them dance in the breeze.

Volunteers at Landmark Park are an integral part of the operation of the park. With a full time staff of only 8 people--for a 100 acre park--volunteers are essential. Some volunteers come out regularly to help with projects like cutting the grass, while others help staff the special events. Volunteering for Landmark Park is a great way to give back to the community and have a really good time while you do it.

On another note, at this week's Animal Adventures program on Alligators, I got the chance to hold a baby gator! So cute! The last Animal Adventure program, The Life of a Honeybee, will be held on July 24. Make sure to sign up today.

Through the end of July we'll continue with the Heritage Forums, Music by Moonlight, Animal Tales and Animal Adventures. We will also have a Watermelon Harvest and Sampling on July 25 and Science on Saturday begins in August. Check our website at www.landmarkpark.com for more info.

Honey, Dulcimers, Outlaws and More!

2009-07-09T13:37:00.000-05:00

Landmark Park has had a very busy week! This is one of my favorite times of year. The weather is warm, the days are longer and the park is buzzing with activity.

The first piece of news to come out of the park is that our honey is ready for purchase! It was harvested out of our 11 hives and can be purchased here at the park, at the Blue Plate Restaurant and at the Dothan Area Convention and Visitors Bureau for $6 for a pound and $10 for two pounds. Not only is it delicious, it helps people like me who have terrible allergies. Eating local honey made from the pollen of the plants in your own area helps your body build up an immunity to those types of pollen (or so I've been told). SUPPLIES ARE LIMITED. It's going fast, so make sure to get some soon.

I'm very much looking forward to this weekend. On Saturday, July 11, the Landmark Dulcimer Club will meet at 12:30 p.m. in the Interpretive Center for a lesson on the mountain dulcimer for beginners, and at 2 p.m. the more advanced players will jam and practice. When I found out that not only does the club meet here at the park every first Saturday (this week's practice was moved in honor of July 4th), but the lessons are free with paid gate admission, I immediately purchased an inexpensive mountain dulcimer and attended a lesson. It was so much fun! And, the dulcimer was relatively easy to learn. I've been practicing since my last lesson and am excited to have a chance to play with a group again.

Sunday, July 12, the Heritage Forums continue at 3 p.m. with a presentation by Dr. Alan Brown on "Outlaws in Alabama." I'm looking forward to an interesting talk by Dr. Brown on three notorious outlaws of 19th century Alabama—Steve Renfroe, Rube Burrow and Morris Slater (AKA Railroad Bill). The Heritage Forums are also free with paid gate admission...you can't beat that price!

Also on Sunday, we will be feeding the reptiles at the park at 4 p.m. We have some really cool snakes and the staff will feed them and give visitors a crash course on herpetology. Folks will have a chance to meet our two corn snakes, Chainsaw and Amber, and our 6-foot Eastern Indigo snake, Indy. We open the reptile feeding to the public every second Sunday.

Anyone who says there's nothing to do in Dothan should check out Landmark Park! From folk music to reptile feedings, it will keep you occupied and educated.

Make sure to visit our website at www.landmarkpark.com to stay up to date on our events, and add us to your friend list on facebook, twitter and myspace. And become a park member! As a member, you and your family will receive free daily admission and more.

Until next time,

Laura

Welcome to Landmark Park's official blog!

2009-07-02T10:23:00.000-05:00

Welcome to the first official blog of Landmark Park, Alabama’s Official Museum of Agriculture!

For those of you not familiar with the park, we are a 100-acre science and history museum, dedicated to preserving the agricultural heritage of the Wiregrass region. Located on Hwy. 431 North in Dothan, three miles north of Dothan’s Ross Clark Circle, Landmark Park is a cherished place for kids and adults alike.

I, Laura VanLandingham, am the public relations director for the park and will be the main author of this blog. I have been in my position since March of 2008. But Landmark Park has played an important role in my life long before I became an employee. I grew up attending summer camp, walking the boardwalk and enjoying the StarLab Planetarium. I love having the chance to introduce people to the park. I hope to use this space as an extension of our quarterly newsletter, The Lark.

A subscription to The Lark is one of the benefits to joining Landmark Park. Members pay a flat yearly rate and receive free daily admission to the park, free StarLab Planetarium programs, advance notice of special events, and more. The membership program is a great deal that quickly pays for itself.

Check back here for stories about the Landmark Park lifestyle!