On April 21, Indiana Gov. Mike Braun and the Indiana Department of Natural Resources announced the acquisition of 122.4 acres of land becoming the newest addition to Yellowwood State Forest. The acquisition will strengthen long-term conservation efforts and expand outdoor recreation opportunities in south-central Indiana.

The newly acquired property is in northwest Brown County and adjacent to the existing state forest boundary. The acreage connects a previous gap between sections of the state forest. It features young stands of tulip poplar, early successional species, and moderate to steep terrain. The addition will permanently protect the land, conserve ecosystems, and provide new space for hunting and sustainable forest management.

The property was acquired for $860,000 through the Indiana DNR’s Next Level Conservation Trust. To date, the Next Level Conservation Trust has contributed more than $21 million in funding to preserve nearly 3,600 acres of natural landscape across Indiana.

The DNR will begin updating boundary markings and including the land in the forest’s resource management planning. Yellowwood State Forest spans more than 24,000 acres and is known for its rugged landscapes, scenic lakes and abundant wildlife. Yellowwood State Forest was created in 1940, and for 86 years, DNR foresters have used science-based forest management to promote sustainable forest growth.

Yellowwood State Forest is part of extensive public lands in the area managed by the Indiana DNR and available for public access, which also include Brown County State Park, Mountain Tea State Forest, Morgan-Monroe State Forest and Monroe Lake.

“Protecting land for conservation is fundamental to our work at DNR,” said Alan Morrison, DNR director. “The simplest way for all Hoosiers to help support projects like this at Yellowwood State Forest and across Indiana is to choose the blue environmental license plate for your vehicle. All funds DNR receives from your plate renewal support land conservation.”

For more information about Yellowwood State Forest, visit on.IN.gov/YellowwoodSF, and for more information on Indiana’s Environmental License Plate, visit on.IN.gov/EnviroPlate.

Free Fishing Days

Mark your calendars. Indiana’s 2026 Free Fishing Days are almost here: May 10, June 6-7, and Sept. 26.

On these days, Indiana residents can fish any public waters in the state, no license or trout/salmon stamp are needed. It’s the perfect chance to try out fishing or get back out on the water if you’ve been away. Already have a license? Bring someone new and share the fun.

Once-In-A-Blue-Moon hikes this May

A “Blue Moon” is the second full moon which occurs in a calendar month. May 2026 will see the rare occurrence on May 31. Visit Indiana State Parks to see the vibrant moon or join us on a guided night hike to view the blue moon.

Full Moon Hikes are moderate, 1-hour hikes which may involve stairs or rough terrain. Leashed, well-behaved dogs and cats welcome. Please only red-light flashlights on the hike.

• Mounds State Park – May 31, 9-10 p.m.

• Charlestown State Park – May 31, 10-11:30 p.m.

• Indiana Dunes State Park – May 30, 8 p.m.

• Brown County State Park – May 30, 9-10 p.m.

• Spring Mill State Park – May 30, 9 p.m.

Contact the park of your interest for more details.

‘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.