Campground hosts needed at state parks
Indiana’s state parks, forests and reservoirs, including Brown County, Yellowwood and Monroe Lake, are looking for volunteers to serve as campground hosts in exchange for free camping during their service.
Hosts work a minimum of 20 hours per week. The volunteer period varies based on the number of applicants and on the amount and type of work required.
Properties are looking for dedicated campers who enjoy working outdoors with people and with Department of Natural Resources staff.
A complete list of site availability and detailed information about hosting duties is at stateparks.IN.gov/2404.htm, or contact the property where wanting to serve as a host.
Download a volunteer application form at stateparks.IN.gov/2443.htm
DNR launches historical photography contest
The Indiana Department of Natural Resources’ Division of Historic Preservation & Archaeology is having an annual photo contest to recognize Historic Preservation Month in May and celebrate the state’s bicentennial.
The subject of the photo must be in Indiana and more than 50 years old. Images could include anything from a cemetery to a main street to a grain silo. The contest does not place limitations on the condition of the historic resource.
Photos can be color or black and white, must be 8 by 10 inches and matted with a 2-inch white or ivory mat board. Participants should not frame their photos.
The contest deadline is April 1, 2016. The contest is free, and photographers can submit up to three entries per person. Photos will be judged by a panel of DNR representatives, preservationists and photographers.
For a list of contest guidelines, the mailing address and the required entry form, go to dnr.IN.gov/historic/3994.htm.
Indiana Bicentennial Birding Big Year underway
Bird enthusiasts can celebrate the state’s bicentennial by trying to find and log 200 bird species in 2016 as part of the Indiana Bicentennial Birding Big Year.
Birders who find at least 100 species will receive an IBBY sticker or decal provided by the Indiana Audubon Society.
Birders who find at least 200 species will also be entered in a drawing for Indiana DNR annual entrance permits, DNR Inns gift cards, Indiana Audubon memberships, Eagle Optic binoculars, tickets to the Indiana Dunes birding festival and more.
Because 2016 is also the 100th anniversary of Indiana state parks and the National Park Service, 100 of the 200 species must have been found on an Indiana state park or reservoir or national park site in Indiana.
Participants must log their checklists and download their year list into ebird.com by Friday, Dec. 16.
For more information, call Indiana Dunes State Park Nature Center at 219-926-1390 or visit indianaaudubon.org.
Hikers challenge more Hoosiers to get out
To celebrate Indiana’s 200th year, the Hoosier Hikers Council is sponsoring a hiking challenge through June 30, 2017. Participants who hike 200 miles on natural surface hiking trails throughout Indiana will receive prizes, while supplies last.
Once participants complete the 200 miles, they should email their hiking log to [email protected] or mail it to HHC, P.O. Box 1327, Martinsville, IN 46151.
In addition to completing 200 miles, hikers are encouraged to see more of Indiana by hiking at least 10 trails on the Bicentennial Trail List, which is available at HoosierHikersCouncil.org. Hikers who complete the challenge will receive an Indiana bicentennial patch and certificate. Additionally, all participants will have their names listed on the council’s website.
To register, visit HoosierHikersCouncil.org and click HHC Bicentennial Challenge on the right side of the homepage.
In Brown County, the Bicentennial Trail List includes Brown County State Park trails; two trails at Laura Hare Nature Preserve at Downey Hill; the 1-mile Hemlock Cliffs Trail at Hemlock Cliffs Nature Preserve; the 3-mile Hitz-Rhodehamel Nature Preserve Trail in Hitz-Rhodehamel Nature Preserve; the 1.3-mile Yellowwood Trail in Trevlac Bluffs Nature Preserve; the 8.6-mile Nebo Ridge Trail and the 8-mile Pate Hollow Trail in Hoosier National Forest; and the half-mile High King Trail, the 1.5-mile Jackson Creek Trail, the 1.5-mile Resource Management Trail, the 4.7-mile Scarce O’Fat Trail and the 4.5-mile Yellowwood Lake Trail in Yellowwood State Forest.
Visit HoosierHikersCouncil.org to learn more about both challenges.
Library lets you ‘check out’ state parks
In 2016, Hoosiers can check out state parks by checking out an entrance pass from a public library.
At libraries across Indiana — including Brown County — 240 state park passes have been placed in circulation for check-out. The passes will provide access to Indiana’s 32 state parks and also to Indiana’s state forest recreation areas where entrance fees are charged. Passes will be available for check-out throughout the year.
The program is one way Indiana State Parks is celebrating its centennial anniversary. The Indiana State Parks system was a gift to the people of Indiana in 1916 in celebration of the state’s centennial.
Bike benefit weekend scheduled at CYO camp
Tour de Upland, a benefit for Bicycle Indiana and IndyCog 2016 Tour Routes, will take place from 5 p.m. Friday, Aug. 12, to 11 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 14, at Camp Rancho Framasa, 2230 Clay Lick Road.
A weekend of camping, beer and biking, the event for adults 21 and older costs $65 to $175. For more information or to register, visit eventbrite.com/e/tour-de-upland-2016-tickets-18144808611.
Disc golf fall series being planned at Deer Run
A disc golf tournament will be played Saturday, Sept. 17, at Deer Run Park.
Registration is at 9 a.m. with tee-off at 10. This will be a two-round tourney with lunch in the middle.
Merchandise prizes will be awarded to winners at the amateur level and cash prizes for winners at the pro level. Refreshments will be sold.
For more information, stop by the parks and rec office, 1001 Deer Run Lane, or call 812-988-5522.
