Nature passport now available
Three Brown County locations have been added to the Indiana State Nature Passport.
Abe Martin Lodge in Brown County State Park, Monroe Lake, and Yellowwood State Forest are now included in the travel activity created by Visit Indiana.
The State Nature Passport includes almost 60 outdoor locations to explore, including state parks, forests and lakes. Checking in at the locations can earn prizes.
Participants who visit ten locations will receive a pair of sunglasses; seeing 25 locations will equal a water bottle; visiting 40 locations gets someone a hat; and if someone checks off 59 locations on the passport they will receive a backpack. Those who visit all 59 locations will also qualify for a grand prize giveaway and drawings throughout the year.
Those interested can sign up at www.visitindiana.com/Explore. The pass is free, but property entrance fees will apply.
Wilderness first aid, CPR class slated
A wilderness first aid and CPR class, hosted by DNK Presents, will take place on Saturday, March 26 from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, March 27 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
This 16-hour, two day course will cover topics from preparation and prevention to assessment and treatment of injuries in the wilderness.
Upon completion of the course, participants will receive a two-year wilderness first aid certification through SOLO. The cost for the classes is $199. Classes will be taught at the Brown County History Center, 90 Gould St.
A SOLO CPR class will be offered on March 27 from 5 to 7 p.m. The cost is $50.
Those interested can sign up for the classes at https://dnkpresents.com/event/wilderness-first-aid-certification/.
Winter hike series set in state park
Brown County State Park will continue the traditional Mysterious Hill winter hike series in 202.
The series included hikes to man-made lakes that were started but never finished, an old village and to a large boulder. Remaining hikes include:
- Ten O-Clock Line Nature Preserve on March 5
- Winter Dog Hike 2 on March 12
Normal park gate fees apply, but the hikes are free.
More information can be found at events.in.gov/brown_county_state_park_309.
Youth Marksmanship program scheduled
Hoosier Hills Rifle and Pistol Club will sponsor a shooting sports program for boys and girls ages 13 to 21. The program will teach gun safety and marksmanship skills.
Skill awards can be earned by shooting paper targets at an outdoor range using 22 caliber rifles. The program will be taught be certified instructors and coaches.
Training and practice sessions will be held on Wednesday evenings starting on March 16.
For information and to apply, email [email protected] or visit hhrpyouth.org.
Bikes and Bourbon Women’s Weekend
Bikes and Bourbon Women’s Weekend, hosted by Brown County Bikes, is planned for May 13 through 15. The weekend will include biking on trails in Brown County State Park, as well as food, music and a distillery tour at Hard Tuth Hills.
Participants will have the option of staying at the Brown County Barn Burner. The cost for the weekend is $650. Bikes can be rented at an additional cost.
Those interested can reserve a spot at browncountybikes.com/product/brown-county-bikes-bikes-and-bourbon-4580.htm.
Dances with Dirt Gnaw Bone
The Dances with Dirt Gnaw Bone Marathon is scheduled for May 21 from 6:15 a.m. to 5 p.m. Races will include a 5K, 10K, half marathon, full marathon, 50K and 50 mile. Registration fees start at $39 and range to $89.
All entries include a post-race barbecue bash, T-shirt and a finisher medal. Overall awards will be given to first male and female racers in all distances. Age group awards will be given in all five age groups for all events.
The marathon’s headquarters will be Mike’s Music and Dance Barn, 2277 State Road 46 West. The majority of the race course will go through the Brown County State Park and Yellowwood State Forest.
Register and get more information at www.dgnawbone.com.
Shelby Spring Fling coming to state park
Shelby and Mustang enthusiasts can enjoy an evening in Brown County State Park and dinner in Nashville on Thursday, May 19.
Pony Trails will occur on Friday morning, May 20, where dozens of Mustangs will drive to a planned destination in Southern Indiana.
On Friday evening, guests can attend the Welcome Bash at Abe Martin Lodge, where hors d’oeuvres and drinks will be served. On Saturday, May 22, cars will be judged in the pool area at the State Park, with awards presented at 3:30 p.m. Vendors and a picnic lunch will be available.
More information is available at www.jdsaleen.com/InsaacSpringFling.htm.
