Ron Seman is a highly recognized Indiana Master Naturalist, local historian, and professional photographer who has dedicated over 55 years to exploring and guiding hikes throughout the Indiana Dunes. Known locally as a definitive expert on the region’s ecology, he founded the prominent community platform Indiana Dunes Hiking on Facebook and IndianaDunesHiking.com. Through these channels, he shares stunning nature photography, answers visitors’ ecological questions, and coordinates free group hiking adventures.
Ron was a Biodiversity Advocacy and frequently advocated for the protection of the dunes, famously highlighting that while it ranks fourth in total biodiversity among U.S. National Parks, it possesses the country’s highest biodiversity density due to containing its ecosystems within roughly 15,300 acres. He often calls the area a “Museum of Nature and Industry.”
He provided Free Community Adventures: He organized and lead inclusive, free guided hikes throughout the year. He structured these walks so that anyone—including school groups, individuals in recovery, corporate teams, and active military— could join and hike at their own comfortable pace.
Ron Supported Veterans: He co-founded a dedicated initiative called “Hiking Vets”. The group hosts organized walks—such as gatherings starting at the Indiana Dunes State Park Pavilion —specifically aimed at helping veterans, first responders, and their families build mental and physical wellness through nature.
Ron believed in All-Weather Excursions: Seman strictly believed in the therapeutic value of the outdoors year-round, capturing the changing seasons of the dunes through rain, snow, and summer heat.
In lieu of our regular Weekly Podcast and Radio Show “PanoramaNOW Live” at the The Hub Nwi this thursday, we are Re-broadcasting our recent Show that was recorded on April 23rd, 2026.
In his honor, please listen to our last interview and let it inspire you in mind, body, spirit. In this Interview on wvlp.org, as Ron Discusses his “7 Favorite Hiking Trails.” After his experience of almost 50 years hiking almost daily, you can bet these hiking trails are the best.
He will be missed by thousands of people from all over the world. Local folks are looking into how they can honor his legacy, and we will be adding all of his videos on our youtube channel soon.
Listen this Friday at Noon, to hear from Ron Seman for the very last time on wvlp.org.
We do have one video up from three years ago, and that link is here:
Learn More About Hiking The Indiana Dunes with this Youtube Video with Ron Seman
Hikers Will LOVE this Video with Indiana Naturalist Ron Seman Talkin about His Hiking Adventures at the Indiana Dunes! Beachesandbeyond Learn about ShirleyHeinze Land Trust; Indiana Dunes National Park; Monarch Butterflies Migration; Salamanders; Wolf Lake Hammond In; Heron Rookery; Native Plant Sale at Friends of Indiana Dunes, Inc. Office (New Location) Porter County Parks and Recreation; Great Lakes Marsh Marsh in Miller Beach; Ambler Flatwoods Hiking Trail and Sandhill Cranes at Miller Beach, Gary, IN
CLICK HERE TO WATCH YOUTUBE
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Susie Young Baxter, CEO, has published PanoramaNOW Magazine for 31 years. Her hobbies are Camping, Boating, Hiking, Nature, Gardening and Outdoor Activities. She is an Artist, Graphic Designer, an Avid Seamstress, Dabbles in Homemade Crafts and Landscaping. Since her Father was a Health Teacher, she also likes homeopathic Health Solutions. Since blogging started over 10 years ago, PanoramaNow has been added to Newsbreak – a national news affiliate.
