Celebrate the New Year with a First Day Hike on Jan. 1
Usher in 2019 with other outdoor lovers at one of the many First Day Hikes offered Jan. 1 at Indiana’s state parks.
First Day Hikes are a healthy way to start 2019 and a chance to get outside, exercise, enjoy nature and connect with friends.
DNR’s Division of State Parks is hosting 32 First Day events throughout the state.
 Upcoming winter eagle watch programs
Jan. 5 – Patoka Lake
Jan. 11-12 - Mississinewa Lake
Jan. 25-27 – Eagles in Flight Weekend at Turkey Run State Park
Jan. 26 – Monroe Lake
Feb. 9-10 – Salamonie Lake
Gov. Holcomb details Next Level Trails grant program
The Next Level Trails grant program will dedicate $90 million to connect communities through more hiking, biking and riding trails. Next Level Trails is part of Gov. Holcomb’s Next Level Connections, a $1 billion statewide infrastructure program announced in September.
Next Level Trails is the largest infusion of trail funding in state history. The grant program is divided into two components: a $70 million fund for regional projects and a $20 million fund for local projects. Projects funded through this program must be open to the public.
DNR Reclamation donates to kids in need
Underprivileged children at Shakamak Elementary School in Greene County received toys, clothing, and food thanks to the generosity of the DNR Division of Reclamation.
A Christmas raffle and silent auction raised $1,450 to be used in the school’s Brown Bag program. The Brown Bag program provides take-home food to children who are living with food insecurity. There are currently 41 students in this program. Several bags of clothes, shoes, and jackets were also collected and donated to the school.
 2-for-1 State Park Inns discount deal
Our 2-for-1 weekday wintertime special has returned for another year. Available Sunday – Thursday nights until Feb. 28, 2019. Pay for the first night and get the second consecutive night free. Call 1-877-LODGES1 for reservations or go to Indianainns.com.
 2019 upgrades coming to Redbird SRA
Major upgrades and overhauls are coming to Redbird State Recreation Area, which became the DNR’s first property for off-road vehicles (ORV) nearly 15 years ago.
Improvements include new trails, major trail repair and reroutes, and paved access from County Road 350 N to Whitetail Shelter.
Because of the paving project, Redbird will be closed to the public from spring to early fall of 2019. Actual dates will be announced closer to construction time. The goal is to complete the project in one phase, which helps reduce total cost and keeps trail closures to a minimum.
 Falls of the Ohio SP offers ocean program
Falls of the Ohio State Park is inviting people to the ocean in the middle of the Midwest.
The park is launching “Marine Life of Today and Yesterday,” a series of programs that will take place at the park’s interpretive center beginning Saturday, Dec. 29 and running until June 2019.
Indiana Master Naturalist classes starting soon
Want to learn more about Indiana’s Natural Resources and meet new people that share the same passion? Take an Indiana Master Naturalist class. The program provides many hands-on learning opportunities and can connect you to a meaningful volunteer experience with natural resources.
 Indiana’s endangered wildlife needs your help
Did you know that there are more than 750 nongame and endangered wildlife species in Indiana? The Indiana Division of Fish & Wildlife manages these species and conducts research to help prevent the loss of wildlife diversity. All of the funding comes from donations to the Indiana Nongame Wildlife Fund. No state tax dollars are used.
Grants to support trails in Merom, Montezuma
Merom and Montezuma will be receiving new trails thanks to grants from the Wabash River Heritage Corridor Fund.
The Town of Merom is receiving a $150,000 grant to develop multiple amenities along the Wabash River below Merom Bluff Park.
Vermillion County is also receiving a $150,000 grant for the development of a half-mile multi-use trail along an abandoned rail corridor that will connect to the recently completed pedestrian bridge in Montezuma.
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The Indiana Natural Resources Foundation's mission is to support and encourage charitable, educational and scientific programs of the Indiana Department of Natural Resources. Together, we have helped expand public lands, restore wildlife habitat and create educational opportunities.
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