What to know if visiting a DNR property for eclipse
Much of Indiana will be in the zone of totality for the total solar eclipse on Monday, April 8, including 54 properties managed by the DNR that will provide an excellent vantage point for viewing the once-in-a-lifetime event. Many properties have eclipse-themed programming on April 8 and in the days leading up to the eclipse, too.
If you plan to visit a DNR property within the zone of totality, expect to have a lot of company. When parking areas are full, gates will close to cars and pedestrians. We would love to have you visit a DNR property, but if you live in the zone of totality, consider viewing the eclipse from home.
The DNR website provides more information on viewing times and tips if you plan on enjoying the eclipse from a DNR property.
 2024 eclipse tips and answers to FAQs
Entrance gates at Indiana State Park properties will open at 7 a.m., and normal gate fees will be charged. Having cash or an annual entrance pass should speed up entry to the parks. There are no entrance gates/fees at other state-managed DNR properties.
Watch for uniforms and yellow shirts. DNR staff and volunteers will be staffing gates, directing traffic, and answering questions. Please follow their guidance while visiting.
 Commemorate the solar eclipse with keepsake items
To remember this special event, DNR is offering a number of items for purchase. Find them at our online store. You can also find some of these items at State Parks and State Park Inns.
 It’s time to renew your annual license
All annual licenses and stamp privileges from last season expire on March 31. Purchase your 2024 license online, in person, or by mail, and check out our Licenses & Permits webpage for more information on license expiration dates and fees.
Once you have your new license, start planning for your spring fishing fun. The DNR starts stocking fish in early April, and you can take advantage of these opportunities to get an early start on your spring fishing adventures.
View fish stocking locations on the fish stocking webpage and Urban Fishing webpage. Mark your calendars for May 12, the first Free Fishing Day of the year.
 Become an Indiana Conservation Officer
The law enforcement division of the DNR concentrates on full-time police work focused on community needs within natural resource laws and rules. Officers experience interesting challenges that vary from day to day. Officers also have the opportunity to become actively involved in their local community and with many organizations.
Conservation officers are eligible for a variety of benefits. These benefits include a take-home vehicle; department cellphone and laptop; all necessary equipment to perform job tasks; comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage; paid vacation; holidays and comp time; scheduling allocations for schooling; and three paid hours per week to maintain physical fitness.
 Spring into savings with Indiana State Park Inns
Now through May 23, 2024
Stay two or more consecutive nights (4 nights for Cabin Suites and Family Cabins) and get 25% off the best available rate. Some restrictions may apply. Valid on new reservations only. Blackout dates may apply; contact the inn for more information.
 Peregrine falcon nest box demo & rebuild
Since 1995, a nest box on top of Market Tower in downtown Indianapolis has helped peregrine falcon parents raise 88 chicks. As one of the oldest nest boxes in the state, it was falling apart. The DNR ornithology team recently installed a new nest box for the next generations of falcons.
Due to the height of Market Tower, the nest boxes successfully mimic cliffside habitat that is scarce in Indiana. Staff and public efforts to build nest boxes have helped falcon population levels increase. As of 2013, peregrine falcons were taken off the state endangered list and are now considered species of greatest conservation need, which indicates progress.
If you want to learn more about the process of disassembling and installing a new nest box on a 421-foot tower, watch the video that documents the process.
 Easter meal at Indiana State Park Inns
Join us for a delicious family tradition at your favorite inn on Easter Sunday, March 31. Enjoy our famous fried chicken, ham, carved roast beef, mashed potatoes, mac & cheese, pies for dessert, and much more. Make your reservation now while there's still availability.
Update on Spring Mill Inn renovations
Spring Mill Inn opened to the public in 1939. After 83 years in operation with periodic partial upgrades, the inn was due for major mechanical modernization. Work is progressing, and we look forward to welcoming guests to the newly-refurbished inn in late fall 2024.
Celebrate National Volunteer Week
From April 21-27, DNR celebrates National Volunteer Week. This week is a time to show appreciation to our hard-working volunteers around the state who dedicate their time and talents to Indiana’s natural resources for present and future generations of Hoosiers to enjoy.
Thank you to our volunteers for the many ways you support and contribute. Interested in joining the ranks of our volunteer all-stars? Please visit our volunteer webpage to create a volunteer profile and learn more about upcoming opportunities.
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 Angler catches state record smallmouth bass on Monroe Lake
Hoosier angler Rex Remington caught an 8-pound, 4-ounce smallmouth bass on Monroe Lake on March 3, smashing the previous record set in 1992 at Twin Lake in LaGrange County by one pound. The new record fish was released alive back into Monroe Lake.
Many anglers associate smallmouth bass with streams and natural lakes, but several Indiana reservoirs consistently have smallmouth catches, including Patoka and Brookville lakes in addition to Monroe.
Fishing for smallmouth in lakes is best in early spring, as they feed aggressively before spawning. As water temperatures warm, smallmouth move into rocky points and flat rocky areas. They are opportunistic carnivores, consuming insects, crayfish, and fish. Lures that imitate prey, such as spinnerbaits, crayfish-patterned crankbaits, surface lures, and live minnows or crayfish are effective.
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DNR is hiring
Are the outdoors calling you? We have lots of positions open, such as gate attendants, housekeepers, laborers, lifeguards, security, concession attendants, resource management technicians, and more. Work in some of Indiana's most beautiful natural places while gaining professional-level experience in the outdoors and natural resource management.
 Yellow Birch Ravine Nature Preserve
Upcoming guided hikes at nature preserves
The DNR Division of Nature Preserves is teaming with some of its partner organizations and land trusts to hold a series of hikes at nature preserves. We hope you can join us to see some of Indiana’s finest natural areas.
Attendance is free, but registration required. For more information or to register, view the specific hike below.
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April 13 - Calli Nature Preserve, Jennings County
This site contains high-quality limestone cliffs, waterfalls, mesic and dry-mesic upland forests.
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April 20 - Sam Shine Foundation Preserve, Monroe County
This preserve has grown to 814 contiguous acres and includes miles of frontage along Beanblossom Creek.
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April 20 - Yellow Birch Ravine Nature Preserve, Crawford County
This state nature preserve will delight hikers with its moist ravine bottoms, which are dominated by beeches and maples.
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April 27 - Asherwood Nature Preserve, Wabash County
This preserve straddles Asher Creek and includes deep, moist ravines and narrow ridge tops. There are good examples of mesic upland forest and dry-mesic upland forest.
 Powerful partnerships are growing Indiana's forests
Bowles Mattress Company is the most recent partner to join the Indiana Natural Resources Foundation in the effort to grow Hoosier forests. The company's first donation to the Indiana Tree Project will result in the planting of 1,000 trees on Indiana's public lands.
Through a partnership with the Division of Forestry, the Indiana Tree Project is helping Indiana's forests grow, one tree at a time.
Great Lakes Coastal Resiliency Study (GLCRS) engagement
The Indiana Lake Michigan Coastal Program (LMCP) invites coastal stakeholders and members of the public to provide input on the Great Lakes Coastal Resiliency Study (GLCRS).
In April, LMCP will host a virtual public meeting in partnership with the GLCRS team to provide an overview of the GLCRS and solicit feedback to shape a shared vision for the Great Lakes coast.
The meeting will be held on April 10 at 9 a.m. ET. The meeting link will be posted on the GLCRS website on April 1.
This meeting and those of all other Great Lakes states are scheduled for 2.5 hours and are virtual. All of these meetings are open to Great Lakes states residents; you don’t need to attend your state’s meeting to provide input. All meetings will be recorded and posted on the GLCRS website.
LMCP looks forward to your participation and input as we work together to improve the coastal resiliency of the Great Lakes.
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 How to interact with young wildlife this spring
As spring has sprung, so has new wildlife. It may be tempting to cuddle cute, young wildlife, but it’s important to always assess the situation from a safe distance.
Young wildlife’s best chance of survival is with their mother, and your support can often unintentionally harm wildlife if that support is not needed. If young wildlife have fallen out of a den or nest, you can return them to their home and then leave the area. It is common for a mother to leave her young for long periods of time to forage for her and her young, so don’t linger around wildlife or their homes too long. Doing this can dissuade a mother from returning or alert predators to the young.
If you’re uncertain whether wildlife need assistance, contact a wildlife rehabilitator before picking up wildlife. If wildlife truly need assistance, they must be turned over to a permitted wildlife rehabilitator within 24 hours. Find a list of permitted wildlife rehabilitators on our website.
 Youth turkey season coming soon
Youth turkey season is April 20-21. Adults, this is a time to share your love for the outdoors, as hunters 17 or younger on the date of the hunt can participate as long as they are accompanied by an adult who is at least 18 years of age.
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The Foundation celebrates and preserves Indiana’s natural legacy by raising funds to support the Indiana Department of Natural Resources and its programs.
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