The Indiana DNR Lake Michigan Coastal Program (LMCP) unveiled a new poster, Ecosystems of the Indiana Coastal Region, January 13 at the Indiana Dunes State Park nature center. Free copies of the poster are now available.

"It’s a wonderful education and outreach tool, perfect for educators of all kinds," said Mike Molnar, head of the LMCP. "This captivating piece is illustrated in watercolors and captures the true natural beauty and diversity of the coastal region."

The watercolor illustrates the various types of ecosystems in the Lake Michigan area, including prairie, forest, marsh, bog/fen, savanna, swamp, dune/swale, river and dunes. Each ecosystem has its own illustration, along with remarkable plants in the area.

The LMCP commissioned Barb Labus to develop and illustrate the poster. A Hoosier artist, Labus holds a masters degree from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago.

The poster is available free of charge at a variety of locations. Sites include the Indiana Dunes State Park nature center, the LMCP Dunes Annex Office at Indiana Dunes State Park, the DNR Michigan City office, and the DNR Customer Service Center in Indianapolis. The DNR will offer leftover posters at the Indiana State Fair in August, although the supply is limited.

Both posters and shipping are free for any education professional requesting a poster from the DNR Customer Service Center. A small shipping fee will apply to all other requests. Contact the Customer Service Center at 317-232-4200.

DNR offices with copies of the poster:

DNR Michigan City Office
100 W. Water Street
Michigan City, IN 46360

DNR Coastal Program Office
Indiana Dunes State Park
Dunes Annex Office Chesterton, IN 46304

Indiana Dunes State Park
Nature Center
Chesterton, IN

DNR Customer Service Center
402 W. Washington Street, #W160
Indianapolis, IN 46204
Phone: 317-232-4200