Time to get INShape for summer
With summer almost here, many of us are concerned whether we’re in proper shape to meet the challenges of the outdoor sports we’ve looked forward to all winter.
You can take an important step toward getting yourself in peak condition and save money on INShape DNR Day, May 5, as proclaimed by Gov. Daniels.
Go to www.INShape.IN.gov for more information. When you visit one of our parks that day you’ll be able to participate in a staff-led exercise walk in addition to enjoying your usual activities.
Remember to mark your calendar now for fall’s INShape DNR Day, Sept. 8.
Summer also means the beginning of fishing and boating season in Indiana, when I’ll be spending as much time as I can on the water, fishing pole in hand. I’ve been fishing for bass, bluegills, crappie and catfish on the famous strip pits of Clay County my entire life; I even live on a strip pit. And since junior high, I’ve been a hunter as well.
I take every opportunity to go fishing with my 10-year-old son Kade. He’s also an ardent outdoorsman, even at his young age.
Spending time outdoors is important to both my professional and personal life. I have a deep appreciation for the DNR, its employees, partners and our vital natural resources. If I didn’t enjoy being outside, that probably wouldn’t be the case.
If you’re passionate about the outdoors, then you’ve got the right magazine in your hands.
Start with the Ask A Conservation Officer column on page 3 and learn what to do about that annoying mockingbird that’s been causing trouble at your bird feeder.
This issue’s News and Views section, beginning on page 4, includes a story about whooping cranes, a note to shooters about the new range at Atterbury, some advice to boaters and a few more tidbits of outdoor news you didn’t know you needed to know.
On page 6, Sam Arthur’s Creature Feature highlights the Cooper’s hawk, a “true hawk.”
In our Plant Feature discover Indian paintbrush’s connection to Henry David Thoreau in Derek Nimetz’s report on page 7.
Michael Ellis’ Hoosier Profile on Carey Hamilton begins on page 8. Read it and learn how a “hike” can change your life .
Then let Otis Amanda Dick introduce you to our three newest state parks. Each is far from finished, she says, but will soon become old favorites. Find out why, starting on page 12.
State parks usually have plenty of trees but trees aren’t just for state parks. Turn to page 24 for Steve Polston’s report on Indiana’s forest-based manufacturing industry.
Beginning on page 32, master gardener Shannon Cagle guides us through a photo tour of the cycles of daylilies.
For more on pleasing landscapes, go to page 36, and read Chris Baas’s article on architect Jens Jensen. While his name may not be familiar, his impact on our state is still apparent today.
Our high-tech series continues on page 44. Ben Shadley explores the wide world of sunglasses. Who knew something as simple as a pair of sunglasses could be so, well, “technical?”
Speaking of technical, turn to page 46 for Brad Bumgardner’s Explore Your Environment article, where he explains how to get your kids into outdoor photography. The digital revolution, he says, isn’t just for adults.
Last but not least is this issue’s Trailing piece. You’re sure to enjoy Steve Timm’s personal account of his experience with DePauw University Nature Park in Putnam County. Turn to page 48 for information you can use to get out for a walk and some fresh air.
