Each month we will be highlighting various opportunities, events, and notable volunteers. Check out our website, and call or email us for any questions you may have. We look forward to seeing you at Indiana Dunes National Park!
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Indiana Dunes National Park is remaining open in accordance with state and federal guidelines, including Indiana's mask mandate. Due to continuing COVID-19 concerns, Indiana Dunes encourages social distancing, frequent hand-washing, and masks. For details on park operating hours and COVID response please visit the park's website.
Most volunteer programs have resumed, some on a modified basis. The Park Connection office is open every Wednesday 9am-3pm.
To stay updated on event cancellations and park closings, please visit our Facebook page. Resources for coping with COVID-19 can be found here.
Thank you and stay healthy!!
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Bob Wichlinski
When Bob first joined the volunteer program he served as a front desk assistant at the Douglas Center, but since then his role at the park has evolved into much more. One of his most significant contributions has been his work with the Feeder Watch program. Along with his students at Valporaiso University (two of whom are pictured above), Bob tested various cameras and ultimately secured a grant to purchase them for the citizen science project. He later used his own funds to purchase an updated camera and regularly monitors the feeders, as well as shares the videos via the cloud so other volunteers can participate in the research virtually. He has also offered his expertise to a variety of other tasks, including mentoring NPS staff on trail cameras, installing an American Indian garden with a rainwater irrigation system and native plants, and filming beaver activity for resource management. His upbeat personality and friendliness make him a joy to work with, says Ranger Julie Larsen. Thank you for all of your enthusiasm and hard work, Bob!
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This December, we here at Indiana Dunes National Park would like to wish all of our volunteers and your families a happy and healthy holiday season! 2020 has challenged us all in unprecedented ways, but we are so lucky to have a natural resource like the Dunes in our backyard and even luckier to have people who care so deeply for it. Thank you for all of the amazing work you have done this year and we look forward to getting back to it in 2021!
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Congratulations to Zella Olson (left), who was recognized by the Izaak Walton League's Indiana Division in September. A member of Porter County's chapter, Stella was presented the Indiana Division's Chapter Achiever Award to acknowledge her commitment to conservation. Zella serves on the boards for the Friends of the Dunes and the Dunes Learning Center and is currently acting as Treasurer for the Friends. We are proud to call Zella a VIP and thank the Izaak Walton League for recognizing her tireless contribution!
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For wildlife photographers, being at the right place at the right time is the name of the game. Volunteer Paul Kemiel achieved just that when he came across a beautiful bald eagle while out in the Great Marsh with his camera in November. The cooperative bird posed on a snag while Paul snapped a series of pictures, including this majestic shot. How lucky are we that our national bird calls the Dunes home?
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Drop-In Volunteering
Saturday, December 19th, 9am-12pm
Meet at Park Connection Office
Drop-in volunteering provides hassle-free opportunities at Indiana Dunes! With no previous sign-up or experience required, drop-ins are perfect for those with just a few hours of free time. Events are held on the third Saturday of the month at the Park Connection Office (618 N. Mineral Springs Rd.). Projects vary by date and season, but can include working with invasive species, and land and building restoration.
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Trash Trekkers
Every day 9am-4pm
Dorothy Buell Memorial Visitor Center
Trash Trekkers is an easy way to get involved at the park at your convenience! Simply check in at the Visitor Center on Route 49 to receive trash bags, then choose from one of our many beaches or hiking trails to collect trash. Visitors are awarded with a free, reusable water bottle for filling up their bags. Together, we can keep our beaches beautiful!
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Calling All Carpenters!
We are seeking skilled carpenters and painters to be part of a small rehabilitation project of the historic Charles P. Nelson house on Mineral Springs Rd.
This location was formerly known as the Sugar Bush Farm. Our goal is to use this location as a pancake and pie house for our Maple Sugar Time and Apples Festival!
If you are interested in joining the team please contact Volunteer Program Manager Jim Whitenack for details at 219-395-8832.
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Virtual Park Tours
Join park rangers as they guide you through some of the Dunes' most popular destinations. Whether you're from near or far, anyone can enjoy the park from their couch with these entertaining and educational original videos! Find them here.
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Geocaching
Geocaching is an outdoor adventure that combines technology with nature exploration. Players use a GPS and phone app to locate hidden containers around the world. You can find these treasure troves around Indiana Dunes National Park without breaking social distancing guidelines! Find instructions on how to play here.
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Are you bored at home, missing the excitement of serving the park? Never fear, you can volunteer without ever leaving your computer! Below is a list of free trainings that may help you prepare to get going when we reopen -- or just stimulate your mind! Time spent on training DOES count for volunteer hours, so make sure to include it on your monthly hours report.
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Trail Riding 101
Equine professionals created this course to prepare riders to make informed decisions when riding horses on trails. This 3-5 hour course will prepare you to take on Indiana Dunes' riding trails like a pro!
Find course here.
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Foundations of Interpretation
This introductory course provides the philosophical groundwork for why we do interpretation, what interpretation is, and how interpretation works form personal connections between the meanings of the resources and the interests of the audience.
Earn certificate issued by the Eppley Institute for Parks and Public Lands, Indiana University
Find course here.
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Leave No Trace Online Awareness Course
This brief course will provide you with a better understanding of recreation-related impacts, the Seven Principles and how Leave No Trace skills and ethics can help protect the outdoor places we love.
Earn Leave No Trace certificate
Find course here.
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Trail Safe!
This program is a unique safety training program designed specifically for National Park Service (NPS) Trail Volunteers, but is useful to everyone! It's based upon NPS Operational Leadership Training, where the Human Factor of safety is explored. Trail Safe! captures the core learning objectives of the 16-hour Operational Leadership course while allowing volunteers to learn from their homes online.
Earn Trail Safe! certificate, SPE/GAR card, and pin
Find course here.
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Introduction to the National Park Service
Learn about the ideas that formed and later transformed the National Park Service (NPS), the people who generated those ideas, and the laws that continue to shape the NPS today.
Earn certificate issued by the Eppley Institute for Parks and Public Lands, Indiana University
Find course here.
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Fire Extinguisher Training
National Park Service employees are required to complete annual fire extinguisher training. It's important to knowing how and when to operate an extinguisher, whether you are volunteering at the park or not!
Find course here.
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Get Text Updates!
The volunteer office has rolled out new texting program. These updates will include reminders for volunteer events and socials, as well as spontaneous opportunities. This is a great way to stay connected, but only if you opt in! Sign up below and we will add you to our list.
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Please don't forget to turn in your times monthly to parkconnection@gmail.com.
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