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Stuff a stocking with a DNR bargain gift pack
Give the outdoor lovers on your list the gift of Indiana's state parks, reservoirs, State Park Inns and Outdoor Indiana magazine, in one bargain package, without ever leaving your home.
The $99 State Park Holiday Gift Pack includes:
* 2013 resident Annual Entrance Permit
* Indiana State Park Inns gift certificate worth $70
* One-year subscription to Outdoor Indiana magazine
* 2013 Outdoor Indiana full-color calendar
The buyer saves $23 over the regular price of the items purchased separately. Order at InnsGifts.com, now through Dec. 31.
Another option for holiday shoppers is the SPR GO! package. Starting at just $99, these packs include additional features such as swimming passes, lake permits and horse tags. SPR GO! packages are on sale at InnsGifts.com. The deal is available all year.
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Snowmobile season is Dec. 1 through March 31
Indiana offers nearly 200 miles of snowmobile trails for your enjoyment. The official state snowmobile trails include Buffalo Run Trail in St. Joseph County, Heritage Trail in Allen County, Miami Trail in Elkhart County, and Salamonie Trail in Huntington and Wabash Counties. To check for open trails, please visit www.indianasnowmobilers.com. For more snowmobile information, visit the DNR website. Happy sledding.
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Plan ahead for winter bald eagle watching
Mark your calendars now. Registration is required.
• Jan. 5 – Patoka Lake
• Jan. 12 – Mississinewa Lake at dawn
• Jan. 25-27 – Winter Eagle Bus Tour leaving Indiana Dunes and heading to Turkey Run
• Feb. 1-3 – Eagles in Flight weekend at Turkey Run State Park and Raccoon SRA
• Feb. 3 – Salamonie Lake
• Feb. 9 – Brown County State Park
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Phone-in option added to CheckIN Game for fall turkey, deer seasons
The CheckIN Game system offers hunters the option to report their harvested game by telephone.
Hunters who use this option will talk to a live person who will enter their information into the CheckIN Game system. The phone-in option is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week through the fall turkey and all deer seasons. The number is 1-800-419-1326. Read more
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Help a greener Indiana take root
It’s not often you can gift someone with a building block for their future – toys are played with and discarded, new clothes get worn out and even gift cards have expiration dates. That’s why our friends at The Indiana Tree Project encourage you to give the gift of a tree this holiday season.
Each tree purchased from Indiana Tree Project makes a difference for you today and your children tomorrow. It continues to the air we breathe, expands the beauty of state land your family can visit for camping or hiking and means the growth of a real legacy – yours. And Indiana’s.
Give today at www.IndianaTreeProject.org.
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Catch the holiday spirit – outdoors
Opportunities to enjoy state parks and reservoirs abound in December. Here are a few highlights:
• Brown County State Park 13th annual YMCA Reindeer Romp on Dec. 1. Register at www.signmeup.com/86447.
• Beach glass jewelry workshop at Indiana Dunes State Park on Dec. 8 at 2 p.m. Reserve your spot at (219) 926-1390.
• Breakfast with Santa at Lieber SRA on Dec. 8, featuring pictures with Santa (9 a.m.- noon) and pet pictures with Santa (noon-1 p.m.)
• Holidays are for the Birds at Mounds State Park, Dec. 8.
• Preschool holiday craft parties on Dec. 12 at Salamonie Interpretive Center. Call (260) 468-2127 to register.
• Christmas Eve morning walks at Pokagon State Park at 9 a.m. and Indiana Dunes State Park, at 10 a.m.
• Stillwater Marsh Levee hike at Monroe Lake, Dec. 11 at 2 p.m. Register by Dec. 7 by calling (812) 837-9967 or email jvance@dnr.IN.gov.
• Tippecanoe River’s Christmas in the Park for shopping and socializing on Dec. 15 from 4-7 p.m.
School vacation boredom beaters
• Pokagon State Park’s Toboggan Run is open. Toboggan gift certificates make ideal stocking stuffers.
• The Indiana’s new Children's Outdoor Bill of Rights provides a great 11-item outdoor “to do” checklist for you and your children or grandchildren as you get ready for 2013.
• Birding the Falls of the Ohio is Dec. 27 from 10 a.m.- noon.
• Overnight camp at Salamonie’s Interpretive Center (ages 7-11) Dec. 28-29. Register at (260) 468-2127.
• Battle of the Bulge exhibit and talks at Fort Harrison State Park through Jan. 24 in Buildings 701 & 702.
• Winter Woodland Bird Hike at Charlestown State Park on Dec. 28 at 9:30 a.m. Meet at the trailhead parking lot shelter house.
• Bird banding demonstration at Pokagon State Park’s nature center from 1-4 p.m. on Dec. 29.
• “The Huff” 50K ultramarathon at Chain O’Lakes State Park on Saturday, Dec. 29.
• Winter Wonders open house at Monroe Lake, Dec. 30 from 6-8 p.m. at Paynetown SRA.
• Ring in the New Year with Canyon Inn at McCormick’s Creek State Park with a full evening of music, dining and dancing.
• Check out more state park inn specials.
Indiana master naturalist programs
• Fort Harrison State Park, 2nd Thursday of each month from 6-9 p.m. Workshop cost $150 for 12 classes. For more information or to register, contact the visitor center at (317) 591-0122 or by email at fortinterp@dnr.in.gov.
• Salamonie Interpretive Center, March 14 – May 16, 2013. Program cost is $75 and is due between Feb. 28 and March 14. For more information or to register, contact (260) 468-2127, or email LWhiteleather@dnr.IN.gov.
Quick links
• Make 2013 Memorial Day weekend camping reservations.
• Give a “natural” gift: donate to state parks and reservoirs
• Find 2013 special events you’d like to attend.
• Take a trails survey.
• Planning scientific research in a state park in 2013? Get your permit started.
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