The field trip will feature an orientation to the "Classic Portion" of "Indiana's Lost River Karst System." The tour will depart at 8 a.m. from the southeast corner of the town square in Orleans, Indiana (Junction of SR37 & SR 337.) An orientation presentation begins at 7:40 a.m.. The tour will end at approximately 4:30 p.m. at the Orangeville Rise Nature Preserve. The stops-in-route will include numerous road side interpretive sites and opportunities to visit some significant features (i.e. the First Sink, the Terminus Zone, a major swallow hole, and the Elrod Gulf.) The route will provide views overlooking the valley of Lost River in hte Mitchell (sinhole) Plain and of the Springville Escarpment.

LRCA believe's that "Indiana's Lost River Karst System" must be viewed in the context of hte total river system to fully apprecieated. Also included in the field trip are samplings of the area's historic heritage to broaden one's horizons. The goal is to promote the idea that the entire drainage basin of Indiana's Lost River is so unique and so rich in overall heritage resources that it is worthy of being designeated a "Wild and Scenic River" and "World Heritage Site".

You may choose to do the tour in 2 half day increments. We return to downtown Orleans for our lunch stop between Noon and 1 p.m., and present a special demonstration on karst groundwater flow. For more information on the Lost River offerings or to arrange for other tours please contact the LRCA c/o Bob Armstrong, Chairman, 3101 North Washington Blvd., Indianapolis, Indiana 46205-3932. You may also leave a telephone message for Bob Armstrong or Dee Slater at 317-253-6951. To be placed on the mailing liste for event notices, please send a written request to the above address. The Lost River Conservation Association is a designated Conservation Task Force of the National Speleological Society.

Also, it is recommended that you bring plenty of drinking water with you.