News Desk

Media Releases for Past Events in 2013

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For immediate release: March 8, 2013

Raptor Day at Charlestown State Park, April 13

Discover the wonders of birds of prey and bird watching at Charlestown State Park during Raptor Day, April 13.

From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Hardy Lake Raptor Rehab Center will present live bird programs and have several of its birds on-hand for visitors to see up-close at the Clark Shelter House (near Trail 2). Naturalists/birders will have telescopes set up for observing birds in their native habitat and offer "non-live" raptor programs.

Children’s activities will include coloring, dissecting owl pellets, creating bird-related crafts and more. Guests are invited to bring a picnic lunch and make a day of the event.

The event is free, although the standard gate fees of $5 per vehicle for Indiana residents and $7 per vehicle for non-residents will apply.

Charlestown State Park is located at 12500 State Road 52, Charlestown, 47111.

Media contact: Jeremy Beavin at (812) 280-9970 or jbeavin@dnr.IN.gov

For immediate release: January 18, 2013

Falls of the Ohio State Park to host Cabin Fever Festival, February 16

Beat the mid-winter blues at the Falls of the Ohio State Park Cabin Fever Festival.

The event runs from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and has special guests and activities for the whole family.  Some activities will be inside the interpretive center and others will be outside.

Special guests include members of the Bass Pro Shop will speak on winter weather attire, Knob and Valley Audubon Society, who will speak about backyard birding, and the Corydon Dulcimer Society, who will play throughout the day.

Activities include naturalist-led hikes, an outdoor scavenger hunt, instructions on backyard bird habitats and bird identification, making pet rocks and other craft activities that will help visitors get ready for spring.

All Cabin Fever Festival activities are free with paid admission to the Falls of the Ohio Interpretive Center. Admission to the interpretive center is $5 for ages 19 and older and $2 for ages 2-18.

For more information about Cabin Fever Festival, contact Kelley Morgan at (812) 280-9970 or kmorgan1@dnr.in.gov.

For immediate release: January 1, 2013

Contact:  Alan Goldstein, 812-280-9970, ext. 403

Become a Naturalist at Heart at the Falls of the Ohio

Do you think of yourself as a naturalist at heart? If so consider joining the Naturalist at Heart program at the Falls of the Ohio State Park. This exciting program was created to combine education and volunteering. Interested applicants are interviewed to establish mutual goals. Volunteer interests are matched with the needs of the park and its visitors.

Now in its tenth year, new participants may attend the program orientation either January 9 (1:00 – 2:00 pm) or 12 from (9:30 – 10:30) a.m. Those unable to attend on either date can schedule an individual orientation. Participants will be offered free classes relating to the natural and cultural history of the Falls of the Ohio. Lessons cover geology, biology, archaeology, history, interpretation, and more. Certification as a Naturalist at Heart is reached after 40 hours of lessons and 50 hours of volunteer time at the park. Advancement in the program leads to Level 2 certification.

Most classes last two to three hours. Level I classes are offered twice – Wednesdays at 1:00 p.m. and Saturdays at 9:30 a.m. Speakers include park staff and invited experts. Except as noted, everyone may attend any class with paid admission. The class schedule is as follows:

Level I (Introductory classes)

About the Falls, January 16 & 19

Introduction to Interpretation, January 23 & 26

Geology of the Falls, January 30 & February 2

Life in the Ohio River, February 6 & 9

Recognizing Fossils, February 20 & 23

Prehistory at the Falls, March 6 & 9

Birds at the Falls, March 20 & 23

History at the Falls, April 3 & 6

About Charlestown State Park, March 27 & 30

Spring Wildflowers, Apr. 10 & 14

Tree Identification, May 29 & June 1

Level 2 classes offer more in-depth topics. Details about this program may be found on volunteer page of the Falls of the Ohio website at www.fallsoftheohio.org.

If you would like to participate in this educational opportunity or have additional questions, contact the Falls of the Ohio State Park at 812-280-9970.

Updated April 24, 2013