DNR News

Indiana Department of Natural Resources

State Parks and Reservoirs

402 W. Washington Room W298

Indianapolis, IN 46204

317-232-4124

DNR readies for Earth Day activities

            Although Earth Day is technically April 22, the DNR will stage related activities across the state on various days at various locations.

            On April 19, Patoka Lake, Turkey Run State Park and Indiana Dunes State Park will kick things off. Activities in Indianapolis' Veterans Memorial Plaza on April 26 follow.

Those in the Turkey Run area can help feed its nature center's birds and squirrels using recycled containers at 9:30 a.m. From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., activities will include shooting water bottle rockets 30 feet into the air, getting inside giant bubbles, and learning how to start a fire using the sun. Visitors will also make several earth-friendly crafts to keep and learn how to "leave no trace" when backpacking or playing in the backyard. They'll also get a chance to feel a live native snake and learn how snakes help the earth, as well as discover composting by using worms.

From 1:30 to 3:30 p.m., visitors can hike Turkey Run’s rugged trails and win cool prizes during the no-impact scavenger hunt and litter pick-up.

The Turkey Run event is perfect for scouts, school clubs and the general public. There is no charge for the activities and crafts. Standard park entrance fees will be charged at the gate: $5 for Indiana cars and $7 for non-resident cars. For more information, call (765) 597-2654.

            Patoka's Spring Festival, Earth Day & Arbor Day celebration runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 

Three members of southern Indiana counties' Solid Waste Recycling staff will be on hand with information on how best to reduce, reuse and recycle. "Gardening for Wildlife" and a forest walk will celebrate the spring season. Smokey Bear will visit. A wildfire safety display featuring an antique fire truck will be available for viewing.

This special event at Patoka is free with a $5 per vehicle ($7 out-of-state) gate fee. For more information about the interpretive services at Patoka Reservoir, call the Visitor Center at (812) 685-2447.

Indiana Dunes will hold an Earth Day hike with an interpretive naturalist at 10 a.m. Participants should meet at the Nature Center for an hour stroll through the dune woodlands to enjoy wildflowers, birds and other sights. Hikers should come prepared to pick up trash they see along the way to stay in the spirit of the day.

            Indiana Dunes charges a weekend park entrance fee of $5 for in-state residents and $10 for out-of-state residents.  For more information about this event or any other at the state park, call (219) 926-1390.

            The fun continues in Indianapolis, April 26, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., when DNR will have a booth in the southeast corner of the main tent at Veterans Memorial Plaza, at North and Meridian streets.  Trees for planting will be available. Smokey Bear will visit with the kids and have some handouts. Recreation/Fishing Guides, Hunting Guides, and Outdoor Indiana magazines will be available. Indiana Conservation Officer Greg Dye will be on hand to meet and greet the public and answer questions. Warren Gardner from the Natural Resources Education Center at Fort Harrison State Park will have interesting exhibits and fun things to do. All of these activities are free.

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