Raptor show at state park this weekend
Expert educators and bird rescuers from the Indiana Raptor Center will put on a program Friday, Nov. 29 at 7:30 p.m. at the Brown County State Park Nature Center. They’ll provide insights into raptor biology, their roles in the environment and the challenges they face in coexisting with humans.
Indiana Raptor Center’s presentations at Brown County State Park are opportunities to see four birds of prey at close range, take photos and learn about their lives and their importance in the environment.
Presentations are free to attend, but there is $7 admission fee at the park gate.
Donations — which go toward supporting the rehabilitation of the birds in the Indiana Raptor Center’s care — are accepted.
For more information, call 812-988-5240.
#OptOutside with DNR on Black Friday
“Opt Outside” on Black Friday, Nov. 29, and get free admission to any DNR property that charges a gate fee on that day.
Everyone who posts a photo as described below, camps or stays at an Indiana state park inn or participates in the scavenger hunt will be entered into a grand prize drawing for a gift pack from outdoor gear retailer REI in Castleton.
Drawings for DNR annual passes, lake permits, Smokey Bear materials, gift cards and DNR staff-led outdoor experiences, among other items are also happening at DNR properties.
There are three main ways to participate:
Share photos: Post photos of outdoor Black Friday on DNR social media using the hashtag #OptOutsideIN2019. Posts that do not use that hashtag are not eligible for the drawings. DNR social media sites for posting include division and/or property pages as well as the links listed below.
- Indiana State Parks Facebook page: facebook.com/INdnrstateparksandreservoirs
- Indiana Fish & Wildlife Facebook page: facebook.com/INfishandwildlife
- Indiana State Forest Facebook page: facebook.com/INdnrforestry
- Indiana Outdoor Recreation Facebook page: facebook.com/INdnroutdoorrec
- DNR Facebook page: facebook.com/INdnr
- DNR Instagram feed: instagram.com/indianadnr
Stay overnight: Camp at a state park, reservoir or state forest recreation area, or stay at an Indiana State Park Inn on Black Friday. The hashtag #optoutsideINN or #optoutsideCAMP must be used with your post to be eligible for the drawings. Make camping reservations at camp.IN.gov or inn reservations at IndianaInns.com.
Opt Outside Scavenger Hunt: Visit any DNR property and complete the #optoutside scavenger hunt on Black Friday then return it to [email protected] to be entered in a separate drawing for prizes and experiences. The scavenger hunt details and an overview of the prizes for drawings and participation are listed at on.IN.gov/optoutside.
Visitors also will get a 20 percent discount off a meal at an Indiana State Park inn or lodge restaurant on Black Friday; tell the host or hostess that you are “opting outside.”
REI started the #optoutside initiative in 2015, announcing it would close its stores on Black Friday.
Start 2020 with hike at Stone Head preserve
STONE HEAD — Stone Head Nature Preserve, 4645 Bellsville Pike, will host a hike on Wednesday, Jan. 1 from 1 to 2 p.m. All are welcome to enjoy a winter walk among the wetlands and forests of the preserve.
The Christmas Bird Counters will join the hike, scouting many winter birds along the way as well.
Visit stoneheadconservancy.org for more information.
