Patoka Lake is a massive property with over 26,000 acres! In this episode, we'll explore all the great water activities you'll find there like boating and their commitment to excellent fishing. We'll also spend time out of the water in the campgrounds and on the amazing trails. I biked on the hilly, paved multi-use trail and hiked several beautiful spots in the woods. You'll be transported through time when you hike The Narrows, a historic trail people have been using for over 200 years! We'll also meet the park's turtles and red tailed hawk.

Patoka Lake's water recreation will absolutely draw you in, but stay for the adventures you'll find on the trails too!

Any mistakes are my own.

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Join me at beautiful Hardy Lake where you'll find all the water recreation, hiking, or hunting you crave along with the state's largest raptor program! The Dwight Chamberlain Raptor Center was once a place to rehabilitate animals and birds of all kinds. Now, their educational birds can be seen at parks and events across the state. Much of the funding for the center comes from the Friends of Hardy Lake and their fun events. Hear all about the park, volunteers, and the incredible birds who call it home!

Follow the Friends of Hardy Lake and be on the lookout for their next Breakfast with the Birds!

If you find an orphaned or injured animal, check out the DNR Fish and Wildlife resources for who to contact.

Check out this link if you want to see the Goose Pond Fish and Wildlife barn owl camera, provided by their Friends group.

Any mistakes are my own.

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It’s my birthday AND the podcast’s one year anniversary! So today’s episode is a little different. My friends Halle and Kelcy are hosts of the travel podcast Love It There, and today they are interviewing ME about myself, the podcast, and the parks. Hope you enjoy this conversational episode and get to know me a little better!

Plus, I'm excited that you'll now be able to find IN the Parks content on the website Get Indiana. From Small Town Breakdowns to Hidden Gems to podcast interviews with local business leaders and thinkers, I know you'll appreciate our state even more! You can check out my IN the Parks posts too!

Here are some of the Love It There episodes we reference in this episode:

• me talking about my trip to Berlin, Germany
• Backpacking Africa from Capetown to Cairo
• Ossian, Indiana

If you’ve traveled somewhere fun that you want to share about, reach out to Kelcy and Halle on Instagram.

Any mistakes are my own.

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It's Brookville Lake's 50th anniversary! So grab some cake and ice cream, put on your party hat, and learn how this reservoir has been thriving for half a century. We'll cover the past (fossils and mounds), the present (bluebirds, sandhill cranes, camping, hunting, boating, walleye, hiking, and mountain biking), and discuss the future plans to keep the park a wonderful place!

If you want to learn more about bluebirds or make your own bluebird box, the North American Bluebird Society has a TON of resources. You can also find a bluebird box blueprint through Cornell’s website which also has recommendations for the pole’s height, spacing, sizing, and more.

To learn more about the mountain bike trails, join group rides, or help with trail maintenance, check out the Brookville Lake Trail Group on Facebook.

If you want to hear what sandhill cranes sound like, listen here so you can spot them when they migrate.

To learn more about the Glidewell Mound, look at Ball State University's report. You will need to request access to view it, or reach out to me via social media and I'll make sure you get a copy.

Any mistakes are my own.

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Time to go back to Peru, Indiana, to visit another beautiful reservoir property at Mississinewa Lake! There is so much to do here from camping, fishing, hunting, biking, hiking, and so much more. Plus, the Native American history here is information every Hoosier should learn about.

If you’re interested in seasonal camping, be sure to enter the lottery when it opens. My boating fans will definitely want to learn more from Red Bridge Marina.

To find out about all the Friends of Mississinewa Lake events, including the fireworks show, visit their Facebook page.

If you want to learn about the Miami history in Indiana you can do that here and find out about the Miami Days at the Seven Pillars.

I found the definitions of preservation and conservation, along with some basic history about them, on the National Park Service website.

Any mistakes are my own.

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Potato Creek State Park has been many things to many people for hundreds of years, and there is so much to discover here! You’ll learn about how bugs helped this park come to life, hear stories of an integrated community pre-Civil War, and find out about the diverse activities and events the park offers. You'll also get the latest info on the inn being built in the park. All of these experiences define the creek and show the immense power of what a place means to us.

Be sure to check out NIMBA (Northern Indiana Mountain Biking Association) so you can learn about their membership, events, education opportunities, races, and trail maintenance days. Info specifically about Potato Creek is here and find them on social media @nimbamtb

Also look for ways to join or support the Friends of Potato Creek. You’ll want to follow them on Facebook to stay updated on events like the summer concerts, Halloween weekend, and Easter egg hunt!

Any mistakes are my own.

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Cecil M Harden Lake aka Raccoon State Recreation Area aka the Mansfield Dam. They're all the same place, and the place is amazing! In this episode, we're learning some reservoir history and visiting the Mansfield roller mill while getting a little philosophical about change and opportunities. You'll also learn about the trails, fishing, water, and the beautiful campground! If you need to rent a boat, visit Raccoon Lake Boat Rental.

You'll also want to be part of the Smokey Bear Pedal Parade on August 9 for Smokey's 81st birthday!

Be sure to come back to Cecil M Harden Lake and camp at Raccoon SRA for the Parke County Covered Bridge Festival. You can hit up Mansfield and see the mill before visiting Rockville. They're both fun and will set you up for the perfect Indiana fall!

Any mistakes are my own.

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Keep enjoying that lake life and join me at Salamonie Lake! The park is big enough you’ll find there’s room for every personality, and I've come up with quite a few people who will love this place: Academic, Zoologist, Horse Lover, Trailhead, Happy Camper, Water Baby, Gardener, Hunter & Fisher, Frolfer, and Volunteer! Yup, you’re all welcome here.

At Salamonie, be sure to go to the Pirate’s Cove Marina for boat rentals, the annual t-shirt, and any camping needs.

And you should definitely visit the Friends of Upper Wabash Interpretive Services volunteer group and learn about their events and activities. Keep an eye on the Salamonie website for winter eagle watch dates.

Oh and you'll love Ronnie Hileman’s state parks song!

Any mistakes are my own.

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