In nearly every episode, you've heard from the state park's interpretive naturalist. But what exactly is that job? In a word, they're storytellers. Listen to find out why I think this may be THE most important job in the state parks! You'll get to hear about the woman who started it all, why white tennis shoes are important, who was the state's top interpretive naturalist in 2024 (hint: we met her already this season!), and what it takes to be an interpretive naturalist. You'll hear a few familiar voices from past episodes and meet a couple new women who oversee the work at the state level. I loved talking with all of them!

Plus, don't forget to take advantage of these holiday deals! Buy a vintage, 1930s-inspired poster of a favorite Indiana state park, national park, lake, or small town from Recollection Project and get one free with the code INTHEPARKS. (FYI: Orders will arrive after Christmas.)

And you'll definitely get a good night’s sleep with a pillow from Comfort Option. Use the code INtheParks to save 15%.

Any mistakes are my own.

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Travel to Versailles State Park in southeast Indiana where you'll learn about the incredibly supportive family culture the staff has that extends to everyone who visits the park. And this place is an outdoorsy person's dream! You've got mountain biking, hiking, and horse trails plus a lake for boating, kayaking, and fishing! There's also camping, history, and a supportive community that welcomes guests into the family. The pool is perfect in the summer and you can't beat the leaf gazing in the fall!

Mountain bikers, be sure to learn more about SIMBA and how to get involved with their work. And definitely look into Hassmer Fest! Hikers and trail fans should learn more about Mammoth March. See you at the 20 mile hike on June 28, 2025! If you're in the area, you definitely want to join the Friends of Versailles State Park.

Don't forget to take advantage of these holiday deals! Buy a vintage, 1930s-inspired poster of a favorite Indiana state park, national park, lake, or small town from Recollection Project and get one free with the code INTHEPARKS.

And you'll definitely get a good night’s sleep with a pillow from Comfort Option. Use the code INtheParks to save 15% on a pillow or mattress.

Any mistakes are my own.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Let's visit an Indiana State Parks fan favorite: Clifty Falls State Park! Clifty Falls is another beauty and is well-loved for its history, hiking, and waterfalls. Oh, and the bats! In this episode, you'll see what it means to be a good neighbor thanks to the actions of the city of Madison and the Friends of Clifty Falls volunteer group. From battling invasive plants to finding new ways to offer accessibility, Clifty Falls is supported by a variety of people who love it. And yes, we'll learn about an Indiana bat species too since they live in Brough's Tunnel in the park.

If you’d like to learn more about the Friends of Clifty Falls, including becoming a member or volunteering, visit their website or Facebook page. On the DNR website, you can also Report A Mammal to track park populations or use the Sick or Dead Wildlife Reporting site. (Please note, that is not for roadkill or animals hit by cars.)

This episode also covers Clifty Inn, chimney swifts (a kind of bird), and the CCC impact. Plus, save the dates for women's hiking events and the Vintage Camper Rally which happens yearly at the end of June!

If you’re hungry for some ice cream after your time at Clifty Falls, be sure to visit Chillbilly Treats. And thanks to our sponsor Comfort Option – customizable, rebuildable mattresses from our very own Hoosier state! Use code INtheParks to save 15%.

Any mistakes are my own.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Come back to Prophetstown State Park with me and enjoy time at The Farm, a non-profit in the park that tells the story of Indiana farm life in the 1920s. The Farm at Prophetstown is an ideal spot for a Third Place. Never heard of the term "Third Place" before? That’s okay; neither had I! So listen and learn along with me.

You’ll also hear about their farm-to-table dinners, all the animals, the farmhouse, tenant house, blacksmith shop, and windmill. Whether you’re interested in raising chickens, want to remember what your great-grandfather’s house was like, or want some outdoor fun, The Farm at Prophetstown is the place to be!

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Fall in love with the prairie, farms, and Indiana history at Prophetstown State Park. While most Indiana state parks have ravines, woods, and maybe even a waterfall, Prophetstown is all about the expansive prairie full of wildflowers, tall grasses, birds, rivers, and farms. This land has been loved and developed for thousands of years and been shaped by ice, water, fire, and human hands.

Be sure you also check out The Farm at Prophetstown. If you want to learn more about mussels and see the aquariums they cleaned, visit Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation. To learn more about Tenskwatawa and Tecumseh, I recommend listening to a couple episodes of Talking Hoosier History by the Indiana Historical Bureau. There are two episodes: The Making of a Prophet and The Rise and Fall of a Nation.

If you’re hungry for some ice cream after your time at Prophetstown, be sure to visit The Igloo Frozen Custard. And thanks to our sponsor Comfort Option – customizable, rebuildable mattresses from our very own Hoosier state! Use code INtheParks to save 15%.

Any episode mistakes or misinformation is my own.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this “side trail” episode, we metaphorically take a hike down another path and go birding! My first time birdwatching was a blast, even though my ignorance was on full display. Thankfully, I had experts to guide me! I’m joined by special guests Rob Ripma of Sabrewing Nature Tours (check out his international tours), Whitney Yoerger from Indiana Audubon (becoming a member is affordable and supports Indiana conservation work), and my high school German teacher Judy Birkel who has been birding for years.

I cover so many awesome resources in this episode! Be sure you check out the Indiana Birding Trail, save the date for the Indiana Dunes Birding Festival, and get your city involved in Bird Town Indiana. The apps mentioned here include Merlin Bird ID and eBird. You can also learn about Project Owl-Net on the Indiana Audubon website.

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Indiana’s first state park set the bar for all the rest. In this episode, I get into all the awesome park features like the Canyon Inn, trails, the legend of Wolf Cave, Stone Arch Bridge, and the waterfall. I also share about finding the place where my grandparents took a picture on a date in 1952! (Check out the Instagram page to see me in the same spot.)

But you’ll also hear about the impact of the devastating tornado that hit the park on March 31, 2023. The park is open and so are most of the trails, but the campground was destroyed and the rebuilding will take time. You can read up-to-date status reports here and view drone footage from after the tornado. McCormick’s Creek is a lesson in resilience, strength, and hope. To connect more with the park, you can also join the Friends group. After hiking, be sure to visit Jiffy Treet!

And thanks to the show’s first sponsor, Comfort Option – customizable, rebuildable mattresses from our very own Hoosier state! Use code INtheParks to save 15%.

Any episode mistakes or misinformation is my own.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.