Category Archives: Nature

soldiers memorial park and stone lake master plan laporte indiana

Improvements to Soldiers Memorial Park & Stone Lake Planned

     The City of La Porte Park and Recreation Department is preparing a master plan to make improvements to Soldiers Memorial Park. The first draft of the plan is available by clicking on the link below. The public may comment on the plan through August 15 by contacting Jon Ruble at Planned Environment Associates…

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singing sands trail

Michigan City To Expand Singing Sands Trail

     The city of Michigan City is pleased to announce the construction of a nearly 2.2 mile multi-use trail at the eastern end of the Calumet Trail.      The trail project offers connectivity for both pedestrians and bicyclists at the north end of Michigan City. This area features Lake Michigan, Washington Park & Zoo and…

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pinhook bog indiana dunes national lakeshore

Life & Times of Amphibians

Special guest and Indiana University professor Spencer Cortwright  brings to life amphibians of the dunes as he illustrates their life cycle, habitat, identification, mating, egg-laying, and their tribulations in his powerpoint presentation. Spencer Cortwright, Professor of Biology at Indiana University Northwest, presents a slide show:  LIFE AND TIMES OF MIDWESTERN AMPHIBIANS.   Professor Cortwright teaches ecology,…

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backyard photos 019

Spring Garden & Landscape Tips

 by Sue Baxter     We have compiled a list of outdoor tips to get started on in the Spring, when the weather is not too hot for work and the sun is nice and bright. Some of these can be done early (Jan – Feb), and some can be done later on before summer…

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recycling containers

Earth Day Takes a Break – New Service Offered

     The Porter County Recycling & Waste Reduction board agreed to cancel the Northwest Indiana Earth Day Celebration in April. The Porter County Expo Center, the venue the event has called home since 2012, will be wrapping up major renovations through May and will not be available.       “We did not find another venue that…

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white pelican with great egret birds wolf lake hammond indiana

White Pelican & Great Egret Spotted at Wolf Lake

by Carolyn A. Marsh        Rick Catania took the beautiful photograph of an American White Pelican with a Great Egret on October 11, 2018 seen here at Forsythe Park/Wolf Lake.  Another pelican joined it, but I saw only one on October 25.      There was a lot of drama at Forsythe Park in October. Many…

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winter in northwest indiana

Winter Gardening Tips from Purdue Extension

     Cover those Bulbs and Pull the Blanket Over Your Garden      Fewer daylight hours; gray, rainy days and colder temperatures are reminders that winter is just a few quick weeks away. Use any days of sunshine to plant bulbs and put the garden to bed using these tips from Purdue Extension Porter…

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New silo at sunset hill county park valparaiso indiana

New Silo At Sunset Hill Park to Open at Winter Lights Fest

    A new silo-themed program center at Sunset Hill Farm County Park has officially started construction. The 700 square-foot building, which pays homage to the history of Sunset Hill as a former farm, will provide space for additional programming as well as venue rentals. The decision to construct the silo was prompted by increases in…

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fall trees tourism

Fall Colors at LaPorte County Parks

    The beautiful autumn colors are illuminating the county.  Put on your walking shoes and discover the beauty of autumn in our four parks.  There are so many scenic trails you and your family can enjoy with the burst of colors shinning among the fall foliage.  Oh, and don’t forget your four legged pets two…

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observation deck at sunset hill county park valparaiso indiana

New Observation Deck at Sunset Hill Park

     A new wetland observation deck at Sunset Hill Farm County Park is ready for visitors. Located on the northeast side of the pond, the viewing platform provides access for birdwatching and observing wetland wildlife. It will also serve as a place to provide educational programming about wetland plants and animals, which has become…

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