National Public Lands Day, Saturday, Sept. 26, is the nation’s largest single day of volunteerism and an opportunity to make a positive impact on public lands. See dnr.IN.gov/places-to-go/events or on.IN.gov/dnrvolunteer for listings of DNR volunteer events and programs. Participants can also collect trash at a nearby DNR property for a rewarding way to help protect wildlife and promote healthy natural resources.

Saturday, Sept. 26, is also National Hunting and Fishing Day and the last Free Fishing Day of the year. Indiana residents can celebrate with DNR and fish public waters with or without a license. DNR has resources for new and advanced anglers in its Fishing Guide and an interactive map at on.IN.gov/where2fish to help locate sites. Indianapolis area anglers can find resources to create family-friendly fishing outings with the help of the new Fishing Trip Planner.

What Flower Is That?

Want to work on your flora identification skills? Practice with a naturalist! Field day emphasis is on proper use and application of an ID key, which opens the door to identifying thousands of species.

The naturalist will work with each attendee based on their prior experience. If you’ve never worked with flower ID before, this is a great way to learn. If you have prior experience, this is a fun way to practice your skills (and maybe add some new blooms to your life list!).

Flora Field Days are offered at Monroe Lake during the first week of each month from May through October. Sessions are free (but may require a park entrance fee, depending on the location). Registration is required, so the naturalist can email directions to the meeting location and other information.

Wednesday, Oct. 7 at 9 a.m., Cutright SRA, register by Oct. 5 at tinyurl.com/florafielddays

Public Comment Open for Jasper-Pulaski FWA Visitor Center Environmental Assessment 

The Indiana Department of Natural Resources is seeking public comments on a draft Environmental Assessment for construction of the new Jasper-Pulaski Fish & Wildlife Area Visitor Center. The draft EA describes the potential environmental impacts associated with constructing the new visitor center.   

Each year, over 20,000 Sandhill cranes stop at the property during fall migration, making it a popular destination for watching wildlife. 

The building currently being used at Jasper-Pulaski FWA to greet visitors and house property staff was built in the early 1930s, partially rebuilt in the 1950s after a fire, and partially remodeled in 2008. It is not in an ideal location and not large enough to serve today’s visitors and no longer meets the needs of the FWA. 

The proposed new visitor center would be located closer to the Sandhill crane viewing area and provide office space for property staff, interpretive displays, and a reception area.  

The EA and instructions for submitting comments can be found at dnr.IN.gov/rules-and-regulations/public-notices. Public comments are accepted through Oct. 1.

‘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.