Southern Indiana Trails

Jill Vance, Interpretive Naturalist Spring Mill Nature Center temporarily closing for energy conservation Mitchell, IN: The Nature Center at Spring Mill State Park will be closed during the months of February and March. Jill Vance, Spring Mill's Interpretive Naturalist, emphasized that program offerings will not be affected. Programs scheduled for the Nature Center will be moved to the Spring Mill Inn. Spring Mill offers programming every weekend, and occasional weekdays, throughout the winter months. A complete program schedule is available at http://www.in.gov/dnr/parklake/12066.htm. The temporary closure is an effort to lower utility costs at the property. Current economic conditions have resulted in decreased revenue for state government. The Department of Natural Resources, like all state agencies, is instituting measures to cut costs. Until the Nature Center reopens, Spring Mill's Interpretive Naturalist and Volunteer Coordinator will move to temporary offices in the Spri...

Author: vcochrane For many people across the globe, the UK is pretty much synonymous with bad weather. And considering its proximity to sunshine havens such as Spain, Portugal and the Mediterranean coast, it probably is fair to say that few tourists ever venture to the UK for its weather alone. But on the other hand, the extent of the ‘bad weather’ is usually nothing more than a little wind and rain, and the extreme weather events that plague many of the more tropical parts of the world causing mass destruction don’t even come close to striking UK shores. However, that’s not to say that there aren’t weather-related hazards to be wary of at certain times of the year. Indeed, perhaps one of the greatest hazards that the thirty or so million road users in the UK face each year is icy roads. Most people will have encountered what’s known as ‘black ice’ at some point in their lives. It is so-called not because it is actually black, but because it usually takes the form of a thin coating of ...

Author: vcochrane Total views: 2 Word Count: 509 With winter fast approaching, the weather is becoming increasingly cold and unpredictable. What can start out as a mild winter’s morning can quickly turn into a full blown snowstorm or flash flood. It’s therefore vital that, as a driver, you know how to handle yourself on the road in such conditions. According to the motoring experts, it’s essential to ensure your vehicle is fully fit for the road. This means carrying out checks to establish whether or not your car can handle extreme weather conditions. For example, make sure your tyres are in good condition and properly inflated, as bald or patchy ones will not be able to grip the road properly. It’s also important to check all your lights are working, the battery is fully charged and the windscreen wipers are functional. Additionally, you should make certain your water, oil and washer fluid levels are topped up, as well as putting anti-freeze in the engine. If you do become stranded on...

Author: dmaillie Total views: 26 Word Count: 425 The fall migration of Monarch butterflies is one of those fascinating natural mysteries to which human beings still do not have any answers. For centuries, the black and orange Monarchs have been great winter attractions in the Californian and Mexican regions. However, no one had any clue to this huge influx of Monarch butterflies in these regions. In 1937, part of this mystery was unfolded through the attempts of a researcher named F. A. Urquhart; he began putting wing tags on the butterflies in order to track their origins and whereabouts. His endeavors bore results and it was brought to light that the Monarch butterflies were original natives of the northern regions. The winged beauties soared and glided in the sunlit skies across USA from March through October. Come winter, and they would migrate to the warmer regions southwards to avoid the cold winds, returning to their summer grounds in the wake of spring. The migration and the li...

You can find various types of hiking trails around the world. All you need to consider is your ability in hiking, whether you are an expert or a novice hiker before you plan your hiking trip. You also have to decide the time you would like to spend on this hiking. Do you want a relaxing hike in the arms of nature or would like to face a challenge? You need to decide the type of hiking trail you would like to visit. You would be loaded with choices once you have understood your adventure requirements. Your hiking goals can be easily fulfilled irrespective of the fact that you like in mountains or in the desert. There are various types of hiking trails in every region. You can consult the Division of Parks and Tourism of the area or state you are visiting or lives in, to discover what the area has to offer to you. You would receive a feedback from them within two weeks time and are usually free. For instant information, hop online and search for the hiking trails in the area of your choi...

Hiking is a great way for kids to get outside, exercise, and learn about nature first hand. However, when you are hiking with children you will have one "long" day if your kids are wearing uncomfortable boots that give them blisters. Little feet have special needs and when you set out to get kids hiking boots you should be looking for features that offer special protection for the smaller feet. That is not to say that kids boots should have features that other boots do not have, just that there is a list of some things that you should always make sure your kids hiking boots have before you shell out your hard earned money. Ankle Support When you are assessing the quality of the kids hiking boots you want to look for is ankle support. Adult hiking boots have the support that goes up and around the ankle and, when tied properly, offers enough support so that if you happen to twist your ankle in a strange way when hiking they will hopefully reduce the possibility of injury. Goo...

Going for a bird watching is a wonderful hobby with learning and increase of knowledge. All the birds are attractive part of nature. There are lot and lot of people who gets huge pleasure and satisfaction by seeing the beautiful birds. The person who loves watching birds always tries to find new places, where they can see unique and different kinds of bird. The birds lovers like spending time where there is immense birds are found and they prefer holiday spot where there is a scope to see different bids. There are many different kinds of bird species which are found all around the world and bird watchers all in search of new birds and want see more and more different type of it. Some birds are very rare which is not found every where and if really want see them, then might have to far maybe in different continentals and countries. Even some times the birds are migrated from different places and at that times when the birds come from different places, you should be aware of that place ...

Camping is fun, recreational, and a great way to spend time with your family. Since we are always indoors, camping is a great way to get back outdoors and stay healthy. Recent studies show that we are becoming ill more often because we are spending more and more time indoors. Companies are seeking ways to plant plants and other outdoor nature inside office buildings so their employees do not get sick. Some people camp almost entirely indoors, but how can you enjoy the nature surrounding you if you are inside? Get outdoors, bring your family camping and enjoy the nature. Enjoy the outdoors. Nature Walks - Going on a nature walk while you are camping is a perfect way to explore the world around you and enjoy the outdoors. Make sure you are camping on a site that has a well traveled trail so you can go on a nature walk safely without getting lost. Before you decide to go on a nature walk you will need to be prepared, even if it is just a ten minute walk. Everyone will need to be dressed w...

------------------------------------------------------------ The Indiana Natural Resources Commission is seeking public suggestions as part of an ongoing comprehensive review and enhancement of fish and wildlife rules for the Department of Natural Resources. Substantive rule change suggestions can be made through a Web-based interactive form by going to IN.gov/nrc/ and clicking on the "Submit a Suggestion" link. The introduction of the online suggestion form marks the beginning of the third stage of a four-stage process recommended last year by a steering committee composed of Natural Resources Commission chairman Bryan Poynter; DNR deputy director John Davis; Col. Mike Crider, head of the DNR Division of Law Enforcement; Sandra Jensen, NRC administrative law judge; Patrick Early, chair of the DNR Advisory Council; and John Goss, executive director of the Indiana Wildlife Federation. The suggestion form will be available until April 1. An advisory group will review the sugges...

By Mark Wilson (Contact) Tuesday, January 20, 2009 A local contractor is lending a hand to help clean up illegal dumping at an area nature preserve after reading about the problem in the Courier & Press. And another area business has agreed to provide discounted materials and donate the labor to block the opening where the dumping was taking place. Eagle Slough is a 127-acre area of wooded wetlands in Vanderburgh County that is being developed for public use as a nature preserve and birding location. It is located on Waterworks Road, across from Ellis Park. Several organizations and numerous volunteers have joined forces to acquire and develop it. The area previously was used for illegal dumping, target shooting and other activities. Volunteers removed eight tons of tires and trash from the slough last year. But supporters of the project have found it difficult to prevent the activities from continuing. The discovery this month of several large loads of roofing shingles and other g...

Just a few updates to the Southern Indiana Trails website: Free Milkweed seed- starting in April I will be giving away free milkweed seed to promote the butterfly conservation area at Angel Mounds and also to promote the website. State Hospital Walking trail - We will be visiting the new walking path on the state hospital grounds when the weather warms up. Look for the new info on the site in the next month or so. Eastwood Memorial Garden - The seeds are in place at Angel Mounds for the butterfly habitat. I have done everything I can do for now, the rest is up to mother nature. I had to wing a few things, including the soil preparation. I was not able to remove the grasses and weeds that were already there so I hope the seeds will germinate on what bare ground I could find. Only time will tell now. I will have the plant list online soon. Weather Radio - I've added a weather radio page to the site. If interested, the address is http://southernindianatrails.freehostia.com/weather.htm

Slough of problems Nature preserve plagued by trash and target shooting By Mark Wilson (Contact) Wednesday, January 14, 2009 Supporters of a nature preserve in development near the Ohio River in Vanderburgh County are disgusted the land has continued to be plagued by illegal dumping and target shooting. Eagle Slough is a 127-acre wooded wetlands in the Vanderburgh County river bottoms across Waterworks Road from Ellis Park that has been developed for public use as a nature preserve and birding location. Volunteers removed eight tons of tires and other trash from the wetlands last spring and fall. But Meyer recently said he was disgusted to discover several bags of trash and a large amount of roofing shingles had been dumped just inside the site's entrance. "It's especially painful to see more trash being dumped by ignorant people," he said. He estimated there were more than a half-dozen truckloads of shingles. While the trash bags easily can be removed, items such as ...

A good nights rest after a long hike? It won't happen if you're too darn cold to get to sleep! by Perry Keenan Sleeping outdoors can be miserable unless you follow these basic rules for staying warm in a sleeping bag. * REMEMBER: The sleeping bag doesn't heat you, you heat it. So use this rule, "Thickness is warmth", to keep this heat. If you're cold outdoors, add some more insulation (blankets, clothes, more newspaper). * DO NOT SLEEP IN BOTTOM OF BAG: Your breath contains water. If you close your bag with your head inside, then this water sticks to the bag. Wear a hat to keep your head warm. * CHANGE CLOTHES: NEVER sleep in wet clothes. Even perspiration will chill you at night. * EAT A CANDY BAR: This increases your metabolism (moves your blood faster) and it helps keep you warm. * GO TO THE BATHROOM BEFORE BED: This saves you a middle of the night trip in the cold. * DO NOT DRY "WET" CLOTHES IN YOUR SLEEPING BAG: Moisture will travel from wet c...

Rising Up I Have started the " Rising Up " website to combine some of problems that keep people locked down by the everyday stresses in life. From Anxiety, depression to financial stress. I've tried to create an atmosphere where people can help themselves and also help others to Rise up from things that are holding them down. All of my life, up until 2004, I dealt with the debilitating effects of social anxiety. I know the effects of the condition and I feel I can really relate to other people who are suffering themselves. I know what it like to think the whole world is watching you and judging you, every minute of everyday. To be so nervous that you can't remember your address or your phone number when someone would ask. In my case, I even have memories of forgetting my children's names. After dealing with it for so long, and finally coming to a decision that I'm not living my life and it's time for a change, I feel that I can give back something if it ca...

Subject to change January 2009 “Close to Home” exhibit Through Feb. 8th Open Wed.-Sun. 9:00-4:00 (Museum closed Mon. & Tues.) A collection of artwork inspired by our heartland experiences and family relationships. Equestrian them oil paintings by mother, Elizabeth Davis, and nature themed pieces by daughter Lisa Heichelbech, comprise this collaborative exhibit. Staff Contact: Kim McGrew at (270) 827-1893 or kim.mcgrew@ky.gov Free Adult Artists Retreat Friday, Jan. 16th 9:00-3:00p.m. Fee: $15.00 Beginning to advanced artists, are invited to attend the monthly artists retreat at the John James Audubon Museum. Come and explore the creativity, which surrounds the lower level gallery at the museum. Whether you choose to paint outdoors or in, the mystic of the John James Audubon gardens and museum will take you away. Explore the minds of others as we create our masterpieces of art. Artists from all over will gather for these special events. Special speakers and programs will va...

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Beginning ? Ok, maybe I'm just not an optimist when it comes to anything recreational when it comes to Evansville. I was traveling down Kentucky avenue today and noticed the big green fancy signs that adorn the curb about every 200 feet or so. First of all, if I'm correct, this has been on the back burner for 30 plus years. According to the city of Evansville, they are looking to add more lanes as time goes on and are devoted to the project. That makes me feel better, how about you ? Unless the new stadium interferes with this huge scale recreational production, I really do hope to see something come of this in the next 30 years. As of this writing, the bike lanes are basically placed on some of the wider and less used roads and the streets are painted with a bicycle and some arrows. I'm glad that they at least have that much established, prior to that you just saw people riding in circles because they had no direction. Thank goodness for those signs. I think all they need ...

Flocking together by the thousands By Mark Wilson (Contact) Saturday, January 3, 2009 Drivers gawked in disbelief Friday at a sky thick with blackbirds near Interstate 164 and the Lloyd Expressway east of Evansville. But local experts said that such giant flocks make perfect sense to the birds. The birds were so dense in the air over the fields Friday that at times they seemed almost a solid mass. "This time of year they are flocked up and moving around," said Neal Bogan, a naturalist at Wesselman Woods Nature Preserve. "That could be a spot where two or three flocks came together." Evan Speck, a member of the Evansville Audubon Society, said he often sees large flocks in the area each winter. "Late fall or early winter, they gather in flocks and spend the winter in flocks foraging for food. Quite a few species do that," he said. "There is security in numbers." There might be thousands of birds, but a hawk can get only one, he said. "When I ...