Nature Notes: Grounded - Leopard Frogs at Kankakee Sands
Northern leopard frogs are fast, real fast! They aren’t called leopard frogs for nothin’. They are…
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Tag: Trails
Trails & Walks in Northwest Indiana for the Lazy Hiker
No matter the season, when you want to get outside and enjoy nature, a nice walk is always a great choice. Of course, we have beautiful hikes at Indiana Dunes up and down sand dunes with hundreds of stairs but every once in a while, you just need a leisure walk. Here you will find some nice, easy walks around the region…
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A Pre-Weekend Getaway in Michigan City - Trails, Food and Shopping!
Photo from Shirley Heinz Land Trust I took a drive out to Michigan City during the week with a friend as a pre-weekend getaway to celebrate the end of summer and our return back to college in a week. It couldn’t have been a more perfect day. A drive down I-65 with the convertible top down always lifts my spirits…
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Nature Notes: Royal Confusion - Butterflies at Kankakee Sands
Header photo:Viceroy Butterfly by Ryan Rasmussen/TNC In early September, our Kankakee Sand prairies are aflutter with orange on yellow, white and purple. Monarch and viceroy butterflies are nectaring on goldenrods, bonesets, and ironweed, and it is one of the prettiest sights to be seen…
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Walks to Remember throughout Northwest Indiana
No hiking boots necessary for these short but memorable walks along the South Shore. Find…
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An Artist’s Garden - Brincka Cross Gardens in Michigan City
I’ve been wanting to visit Brincka Cross Gardens for some time. With puffy white clouds, cool summer breezes and my walking shoes, I headed to Michigan City for an adventure…
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Nature Notes: Bobolinks - Birding at Kankakee Sands
Header photo by Gary Soper. If you think saying the word “bobolink” is fun, you’d be right! Even more fun is seeing the bird itself. …
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Visiting the Trails at Coffee Creek Watershed Preserve
Since moving to the Valparaiso area, I have been on the lookout for a new favorite place for my dog and I to walk. I may have just found the place! Driving down IN 49 a while back I had taken notice of Coffee Creek Watershed Preserve and became curious to explore it…
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Hiking the Succession Trail at Indiana Dunes National Park
I recently had the pleasure of spending the afternoon with my family at West Beach, part of the Indiana Dunes National Park. We were wanting something peaceful, yet active, to enjoy the nice weather. I had heard about the Succession Trail from a coworker and thought that I would check it out. The four of us: my mom, my dad, and my small dog, Harbor, made the trip with a small backpack filled with water and snacks…
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South Shore Trails: Oak Savannah Trail
By Tom Dabertin The Oak Savannah Trail is one of my personal favorites. The paved path starts at Oak Ridge Prairie County Park (301 South Colfax in Griffith). There is always plenty of parking available; it’s scenic, and has both under and overpasses to avoid major street crossings at I-65, Broadway and Cleveland. The path is multiple use, but bicyclists far outnumber joggers, etc. and people are always polite in yielding…
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