2018 state parks special events schedule is online
When you start thinking about your 2018 recreation, make sure you plan for every month so you don’t miss out.
Use the DNR’s special events schedule, which shows what big events are planned for this year at state park properties throughout Indiana.
You’ll find everything from the Poker Paddle at Chain O'Lakes State Park on June 16, to the seaplane splash-in at Pokagon State Park on Sept. 23, to the Wonderland of Lights at Ouabache State Park on Dec. 1. Some changes are bound to occur during the year, so check in often.
An online calendar of events can be found at calendar.dnr.IN.gov.
2018 Indiana Travel Guide now available
The 2018 Indiana Travel Guide is now available. You will find information about all of our Indiana State Parks inside, along with fun things to do outdoors around the Hoosier state.
 DNR sets up shop at Indy Boat, Sport and Travel Show, Feb. 16-25
The DNR will have a strong presence at the Indianapolis Boat, Sport and Travel Show, Feb. 16-25, at the Indiana State Fairgrounds.
The show is presented by Renfro Productions and opens at 1 p.m. Friday, Feb. 16.
The DNR's main location is in Tackle Town, in the Blue Ribbon Pavilion. The booth is a convenient one-stop shopping opportunity for licenses, state park passes, lake-use permits, Outdoor Indiana magazine, new Recreation Guide, latest Fishing Guide and a State Parks GO! (Get Outside) promotion. Go FishIN staff & volunteers will also be on hand, and you can pick up the newest copies of the Indiana Fishing Guide and Recreation Guide.
A live birds of prey program will be presented Feb. 16 and 25, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. A presentation of live snakes will be offered Feb. 17 and 24, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. A presentation featuring DNR Law Enforcement K9s will be offered Feb. 24, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. All times are subject to change.
Also, watch for the ATV Safety Sam and Safety Sara robot at the Abate booth at the motorcycle expo on Feb. 16-17.
Historic Preservation Month Photo Contest
 Photo by Sophiana Botich
Love an old building? Submit a photo (or two or three) to the DNR’s Division of Historic Preservation & Archaeology’s annual Historic Preservation Month photo contest. For this photo contest we’re looking for pictures of buildings or other designed features (landscapes, bridges, cemeteries, etc).
The deadline to turn in your photos is April 6.
Entries must be 8x10 inch photos mounted on white or cream 11x14 inch matte board and must have the registration form attached.
NRC approves two new nature preserves
The Natural Resources Commission (NRC) recently approved two new nature preserves.
The action increases to 284 the number of state-designated sites protected by the Nature Preserves Act.
Calumet Prairie Nature Preserve in Lake County, measures about 119 acres. It lies within the Northwestern Morainal Natural Region.
The approximately 519-acre Outbrook Ravine Nature Preserve, in Clark and Scott counties, encompasses a large, rugged area with a range of high-quality forest community types (mesic through dry), including the most northwestern extension of naturally occurring Virginia pine.
Help vulnerable wildlife survive
You can help animal species such as bald eagles, peregrine falcons, barn owls, box turtles, black bears and more by donating to the Indiana Nongame Wildlife Fund as you do your taxes.
The Indiana Nongame Wildlife Fund supports the DNR Division of Fish & Wildlife’s Wildlife Diversity program. Program staff manages more than 750 nongame and endangered wildlife species. Nongame means the species is not hunted, trapped or fished.
You can donate all or a portion of your state tax refund to the Indiana Nongame Wildlife Fund. If you file with paper forms, use Schedule 5/Schedule IN-Donate. If you file through online tax programs, you will be prompted to donate at the end of filing.
Become an Indiana Conservation Officer
Are you the candidate we are looking for? Do you have what it takes to join our team? We are looking for applicants interested in an exciting, yet satisfying career. Take our online pre-screening test to see if you are a good fit. The pre-screening test is required to proceed in the hiring process.
Outdoors in Your Mailbox
Subscribe online to Outdoor Indiana magazine to get the best of the Hoosier outdoors delivered to you, every other month. Read excerpts of the current issue.
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