Residents of all counties can resume feeding birds

Hoosiers in all Indiana counties can now resume feeding birds, DNR announced on Sept. 10.

DNR had recommended a statewide moratorium on bird feeding earlier this summer to slow the spread of a still-undetermined illness that is killing birds across the state. Biologists identified more than 750 possible cases in 76 counties that involved a specific set of clinical signs, including crusty eyes, eye discharge and neurological issues.

The actions of many Hoosiers significantly helped the DNR’s work related to the disease outbreak. By taking down their feeders and submitting more than 4,300 reports, residents enabled DNR staff to track the disease, detect regional differences and provide updated recommendations for feeding birds.

Residents throughout Indiana may again put out their feeders if they are comfortable doing so and are not observing sick or dead birds in their yards.

DNR strongly encourages residents who do so to clean seed and suet feeders at least once every two weeks by scrubbing feeders with soap and water, followed by a short soak in a 10 percent bleach solution. Cleaning feeders helps keep birds healthy and helps prevent the spread of disease. Feeders should be thoroughly rinsed and dried before being filled with birdseed. Hummingbird feeders should be cleaned at least once a week with a 10 percent bleach solution and rinsed thoroughly.

DNR biologists also encourage Hoosiers to continue reporting any sick or dead birds they find to on.IN.gov/sickwildlife. Reports help DNR staff continue to track this outbreak and identify new disease events and reoccurrences.

The USGS National Wildlife Health Center’s avian disease experts and other scientists are continuing their investigative work on the unidentified bird disease. Indiana DNR has provided samples to the laboratory to aid with its testing.

For more information and to sign up to receive updates, visit on.IN.gov/songbirddeaths.

Nominations open for Heritage Trail sites

BLOOMINGTON — Indiana residents are encouraged to shape a new statewide project, the Heritage Trail, by recommending sites through a survey.

Through a partnership between the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs, the Indiana Destination Development Corporation and the Indiana University Center for Rural Engagement, the Heritage Trail aims to explore Indiana’s lesser-known histories by collecting and sharing comprehensive stories from Hoosiers of all backgrounds and cultures, with a concentration on typically underrepresented communities.

Heritage trails are recreational and educational walking, biking and driving routes that provide opportunities to explore and experience regional histories. Heritage trails come in many forms, with many using a combination of informational exhibits, staffed demonstration sites and a wide range of digital and interactive media to help us learn about the past while shaping the future.

By combining exciting physical sites and cutting-edge digital components, the Indiana Heritage Trail will provide a valuable opportunity to showcase the state’s commitment to learning and innovation for all communities.

The nomination survey is available at bit.ly/indianaheritagetrail.

Deer hunters urged to remember safety tips

With the deer reduction zone season underway, youth deer season Sept. 25-26, and the statewide archery deer season starting Oct. 1, Indiana Conservation Officers remind hunters to stay safe.

The various deer hunting seasons run through Jan. 31, 2022. It is estimated that more than 300,000 people will participate in some form of deer hunting in Indiana during that span.

The most common injuries during deer seasons are accidents involving tree stands and elevated platforms. Hunters should follow the safety tips listed below when hunting from an elevated position:

Before the hunt:

• Read and understand the tree stand manufacturer’s instructions.
• Check tree stands and equipment for wear, fatigue, and cracks or loose nuts/bolts, paying particularly close attention to parts made of material other than metal.
• Practice at ground level.
• Learn how to properly wear your full-body safety harness.
• During the hunt:
• Wear your full-body safety harness.
• Use a tree stand safety rope.
• Make certain to attach your harness to the tree before leaving the ground, and that it remains attached to the tree until you return to the ground.
• Maintain three points of contact during ascent and descent.
• Use boots with non-slip soles to avoid slipping.
• Use a haul line to raise and lower firearms, bows and other hunting gear.
• Make certain firearms are unloaded, action open, and safety on before attaching the haul line.

Additional safety tips:

• Carry emergency equipment, such as a cell phone and flashlight.
• Make a plan before you hunt.
• Tell someone your plan, including where you will be hunting and when you plan to return.
• Stick to your plan.
• Identify game before pointing a firearm.
• Know your target and what is beyond it.

For more information, see hunting.IN.gov.

Women’s Transition bike demo night

Join Brown County Bikes to try out a mountain bike for free and ride the trails in Brown County State Park on Friday, Oct. 8 from 6 to 8 p.m.

This free event is first come, first serve and is open to the public.

Participants should meet at the lower parking lot for the Pine Loop trailhead.

Youth mountain bike event planned this month

The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department presents a free biking event in partnership with the Brown County Sheriff’s Department this month.

Strider bikes size 16, 20 and 24 as well as small, medium and large 26ers will be available for use, but participants are welcome to bring their own mountain bikes.

A mobile, wooden track will be set up at the Brown County Sheriff’s Office, 55 State Road 46 East, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 23.

The event is being made possible by the IMPD Youth Mountain Bike Project.

Participants are asked to preregister on the Brown County Bikes website www.browncountybikes.com/service/events/.