Earth Day Along the South Shore

Celebrated on April 22nd each year is Earth Day. Although we should be mindful of our environment every day of the year, April 22nd is more of a movement to help inspire, challenge ideas, ignite passion and motivate people to action.

Here are my top places in Northwest Indiana to be inspired by nature.

The Indiana Dunes

What better place to spend a day in nature than the mighty Dunes? Thousands and thousands of acres are home to diverse wildlife and more than 1,100 flowering plant species and ferns. Not only can you sit along the shore of Lake Michigan, but you can explore bogs, marshes, swamps, prairies, rivers, forests and oak savannas. Climb the sand dunes that rise nearly 200 feet in a series of ridges, blowouts and valleys. Bring your binoculars and look for more than 350 species of birds.
 

Kankakee Sands

The Nature Conservancy - Efroymson Restoration at Kankakee Sands

A great way to see our natural landscapes being restored is at Kankakee Sands. Best of all, visiting this paradise is free! There are more than 7,000 acres hosting an array of birds, wildflowers, plants and animals including bison. Hike and observe the natural habitat year-round. Spring offers a great opportunity to see wildflowers and new growth. While you're there, ask how you can get involved to help plant wildflowers or volunteer. Kankakee Sands is located in Morocco, Ind. Read the Nature Notes blog posts to learn more about Kankakee Sands.
 

Gabis Arboretum and Gardens

Don't forget to bring your four-legged friend with you to explore Gabis's preserve of formal gardens, woodlands, wetlands and prairies. Here you can find one of the most diverse oak collections in the nation. Check the website to see what's in bloom and when you arrive, ask questions or better yet, ask how to get involved to help with the park's restoration.
 

Kemil Beach

At Kemil Beach, part of the Indiana Dunes National Park, you can find the perfect skipping rock or bring your paddle board for a fun afternoon. This relaxing beach is near the 1933 Chicago World's Fair Century of Progress Homes, just a short walk east along Lake Front Drive.
 

Lake County Parks

The Lake County Park system has a wide variety of parks to get out, go play and explore! Visit Gibson Woods Nature Preserve for a casual stroll as you observe its unique and globally rare dune and swale ecosystem. Grand Kankakee Marsh is a great spot for fishing, canoeing or wildlife viewing including birds, deer and ducks. Stoney Run offers trails around tranquil woodlands, ponds and open meadows. Bring your kids to Lemon Lake to play a round of disc golf through the woods. Both Lemon Lake and Stoney Run have playgrounds as well. 

Visit online for driving directions and additional parks in the Lake County Park system.
 

Your Local Park

Cities and towns have a collection of parks for family-friendly recreation - perfect for families that are always on the go. Spend the afternoon relaxing in these green spaces and enjoying a picnic with your family or friends.
 

For more outdoor activities, visit our great outdoors section here or view other blogs on things to do outdoors below.