Black History Month at Bushnell’s North Star Woods: Honoring Lost Creek

On a chilly but sunny February morning, visitors gathered around a campfire at Bushnell’s North Star Woods—not just to walk the trails, but to listen.

Long before this property was protected by Ouabache Land Conservancy, this area was part of the historic Lost Creek Settlement, one of Indiana’s earliest African American communities. For Black History Month, community members, historians, and the Greater Terre Haute NAACP joined us to share the stories rooted in this land. Local Black historian Dr. Crystal Mikell Reynolds and OLC board member Denise Marie Sobieski collaborated in organizing the event.

Sylvester Edwards, President of the Greater Terre Haute NAACP, opened the morning by reflecting on the importance of Black History Month. Lost Creek descendant Dee Reed shared findings from her extensive research into the families who lived here, while Dr. Reynolds provided an overview of local Black history, including the remarkable life of Cynthia Shepard Perry, who grew up in Lost Creek and later served as a U.S. ambassador.

Participants also learned about Joseph Z. Bushnell, a Civil War veteran who settled in the area after serving in the Union Army. Together, these stories revealed that the woods protect more than habitat. They hold memory.

Caleb Williams, an OLC member, spoke about The Unity Folks, an initiative helping outdoor organizations intentionally create a sense of belonging for people of all backgrounds reinforcing how belonging continues to shape experiences on the land today.

Afterward, attendees explored the preserve on a short hike or stayed by the fire to continue conversations with speakers and neighbors. The morning was filled with people sharing knowledge, asking questions, and reflecting on how the past shapes the present.

Protecting places like Bushnell’s North Star Woods allows both nature and history to endure. As we steward this land, we’re also helping preserve the stories that give it meaning—and ensuring they remain part of our community’s future.