Spaulding Outdoors By Jack Spaulding Learn about raptors and other birds at Turkey Run State Park’s annual Eagles in Flight on the weekend of January 24-26. See live birds of prey programs, go on an eagle viewing tour, and search for owls during owl prowl night hikes throughout the weekend. You can also learn about songbird banding from an Indiana Audubon Society researcher. There will be a number of children’s activities. Advance registration is required and may be completed at eventbrite.com/e/2025-eagles-in-flight-weekend-tickets-1097351530969?aff=oddtdtcreator. Both a silent and a live auction will be held by the Friends of Turkey Run and Shades State Parks during the weekend. All of the proceeds go toward the parks’ upkeep. Overnight lodging is available at Turkey Run Inn. Contact the Reservation Center at 1-877-563-4371 or IndianaInns.com and reference Group Code EAGLE. Cost of the program for all events is $35 for ages 16 and older and $25 for ages 6-15. Admission to Saturday’s events is $25 for ages 16 and older and $15 for ages 6-15. Children ages 5 and younger are free for all events. Standard park entrance fees of $7 per in-state vehicle and $9 per out-of-state vehicle may apply. Winter Camping Join the increasing number of Hoosiers who winter camp to be immersed in the outdoors year-round. Winter camping is available at all state parks, but facilities may be limited. Learn more about electricity, water, heated restrooms, and other accommodations offered during winter at on.IN.gov/wintercamping. Camping during the winter takes more planning than during the warmer months. Follow these tips to ensure you are ready: • Check the weather forecast before you go. • Tell someone where you will be camping and when you’ll be back. • Pack more food, water, clothes, and firewood than you think you’ll need. • Make sure sleeping bags and equipment are rated for the conditions. • Layer your clothing, beginning with a wicking (or perspiration-removing) layer, followed by insulating garments, topped by a wind and/or waterproof shell. • Know the signs of frostbite and hypothermia. • Drink plenty of water. It may be easier to get dehydrated without realizing it in the cold. • Prepare warm and hearty meals. Not ready for winter camping? Cabins are a place to start for outdoor lovers inexperienced at braving the cold. And of course, there’s nothing like a warm fire and a cozy room at an Indiana State Park inn after a winter day outside. Book your lodge stay today at IndianaInns.com.
Funding To Reclaim Long-Abandoned Mining Land In federal fiscal year 2024, Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) received nearly $24.7 million in federal funding from the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement to reclaim more former coal mines to their pre-mining status. Hoosiers who own such property are encouraged to report it to the DNR — even if you don’t want the work done right away. The funding is part of $377 million Indiana is receiving over 15 years to reclaim former mine land. Reclamation is the process by which adverse safety, health, and environmental effects of unregulated legacy mines are minimized and mined lands are returned to a beneficial end use. In Indiana, more than 2,000 reclamation projects have been completed since 1982 on both public and private lands. “Over the last 50 plus years, Indiana has worked to address safety and environmental issues left by unregulated, abandoned mines, improving the productivity and recreational value of the land,” said Kit Turpin, director for the DNR Division of Reclamation’s Abandoned Mine Land (AML) program. “Earlier this year, the Indiana DNR was honored to receive the “Interior States Region Abandoned Mine Land Reclamation Award” for its work transforming a dangerous high wall at Lynnville Park into a safe location for outdoor recreation. With this influx of funding, we’re continuing to reclaim more land and more projects across Indiana’s coal country.” Because reclamation funding is distributed based on need, the AML program is cataloging future projects. Indiana’s eligibility for the federal grants depends upon the state’s inventory of abandoned mine land. To qualify for funding, the land must have been mined and abandoned prior to 1977. Owners of such land should email their information directly to the AML program at abandonedminesrestoration@dnr.IN.gov. They can also call 1-800-772-MINE (6463) or the Reclamation office number, 812-665-2207. ‘till next time, Jack Readers can contact the author by writing to this publication or e-mail Jack at jackspaulding1971@outlook.com Spaulding’s books, “The Best Of Spaulding Outdoors” and “The Coon Hunter And The Kid” are available from Amazon.com as a paperback or Kindle download. |
