DNR launches paddling interactive map
The Indiana Department of Natural Resources’ division of outdoor recreation has launched a new interactive “Where to Paddle” map that is designed to highlight Indiana’s water trails.
The map can be found at on.IN.gov/wheretopaddle.
“Previous river guides that were available for Indiana were outdated,” said Dale Brier, the director of outdoor recreation. “This new map provides Hoosier paddlers with critical and updated information about our water trails in one convenient resource.”
Public access sites, canoe and kayak outfitters, low-head dam locations and river miles are displayed in the map, which also includes USGS water gauges that display real-time stream flow at stations across the state. The map compiles data layers that were collected over many years and managed by multiple divisions into one location.
“Indiana has needed a good statewide paddle guide for many years,” said Dan Valleskey, co-founder of the statewide paddling organization Indiana Paddlesports Alliance.
“We have some great rivers in this state, and paddle sports are growing rapidly. I look forward to having the use of a good, up-to-date portable tool that will help plan trips.”
For more information on Indiana’s water trails, see dnr.IN.gov/outdoor/4236.htm.
Brown County attractions named to state list
Visit Indiana has released its next #The20IN20 list, revealing the state’s top 20 outdoor adventures.
The organization’s list of 20 Places to Plan Your Next Outdoor Adventure in Indiana included mountain biking at Brown County State Park and eXplore Brown County.
You can view all 20 IN 20 lists at visitindiana.com/blog/index.php/2020/06/02/2020-outdoor-adventure-in-indiana/
Comment card invites public feedback on parks
Indiana State Parks have created a new comment card that lets users share thoughts about service, hospitality and facilities.
State Parks staff know memories are made at properties in a number of ways — on hikes, around campfires, at family dinners, and through the Department of Natural Resources staff, from those you see and meet when you visit to those who work behind the scenes.
Because of this, the Indiana State Parks team has a renewed focus on service and hospitality using an internally developed program called “Service State Park Style” that focuses on hospitality as you camp, stay at an inn or spend a day outdoors in a state park.
“Service State Park Style is, for us at the heart of providing memorable experiences for our guests,” said Karen Hinton, the deputy director of Indiana State Parks who has coordinated this initiative.
“We want to hear how we are doing with welcoming you, looking for ways to assist you, giving you great ideas for enjoying our parks and then saying thank you for visiting with an invitation to come back again.”
New printed comment cards are available in park offices, nature centers and other public buildings to share your thoughts about state park service, hospitality and facilities. The comment card is now also available for easy completion online at stateparks.IN.gov.
Anyone who completes and submits a printed or online comment card along with contact information will be entered in a drawing for a 2021 annual pass later this year.
Poet, artist hosting
workshops at the park
Michele Heather Pollock of Lost Lake Studio will hold guided writing exercises in the Brown County State Park this month and in August.
Take a half-mile hike on the Friends Trail with Pollock on Saturday, July 25 from 10 to 11:30 a.m., stopping along the way to read aloud and listen to some poetry. Meet in the Park Office parking lot — near the fire tower. The trail is paved, with benches along the way, and is rated easy by the park.
Hikers will walk together in the Brown County woods, looking closely at whatever there is to see. Pollock will read from her new book, “Fallen-log-ology,” as well as some of her favorite nature poems by her favorite poets.
Participants are encouraged to bring a favorite poem to read aloud among the trees, but are welcome to join to look and listen.
Participants can spend time outdoors in nature, observing participate in guided writing exercises with Pollock on Saturday, Aug. 22 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. The workshop will take place rain or shine, outdoors in the shelter next to the Nature Center.
Bring some paper or a notebook and pencil or pen. No previous writing experience is necessary.
Pollock is the author of two books of nature writing and original photography, “Field Guide to the Art of Looking” and “Fallen-log-ology.” She holds an masters in fine arts in creative writing from Hamline University.
This workshop is free and is made possible by an Individual Advancement Program grant through the Indiana Arts Commission.
For more information visit facebook.com/events/269379837470560/
