Sports and Outdoors

Tuesday, July 31, 2012

N-B Video: Colts head coach Chuck Pagano discusses upcoming season

The News-Banner's Paul Beitler travels to the Anderson University to watch the Colts practice and hear from the coach. (Video by Paul Beitler)

Monday, July 30, 2012

Perseid Meteor Stargaze at Indiana Dunes State Park, Aug. 11

Guests are invited to watch the Perseid meteors blaze across the night sky over Lake Michigan at Indiana Dunes State Park’s sixth annual Perseid Meteor Stargaze, Aug. 11.

Hosted by Indiana Dunes State Park Interpretive Services, the event runs from 8:30-11 p.m. CDT at the park’s beach pavilion. In addition to meteor watching, the Stargaze offers other astronomy-related activities and educational programs.

Night sky maps and Native American sky lore begin at 8:30 p.m. at the beach pavilion. After 9 p.m., the stars will begin to appear. Constellation talks will highlight the many star formations that can be viewed this time of year. A waning moon will offer unparalleled viewing of the night sky over Lake Michigan, and naturalists will have a telescope for deep sky viewing.

All activities are free after the standard gate fee of $5 per in-state vehicle and $10 per out-of-state vehicle.

The Perseid Meteor Stargaze is made possible with support from the Friends of Indiana Dunes.

For more information, call (219) 926-1390.

Indiana Dunes State Park is at 1600 North 25 E. Chesterton, 46304.

Friday, July 27, 2012

Supervised tours set for Monument City site

From the Indiana Department of Natural Resources:

The Department of Natural Resources has scheduled two special programs featuring supervised tours to the site at Salamonie Reservoir where Monument City once stood.

The site of the former town has drawn recent attention after being exposed this summer due to low water levels in the reservoir caused by drought. DNR officials temporarily closed public access to the location last Sunday to ensure the integrity of the site and to protect artifacts.

It now will reopen to limited visitation from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Sunday (July 29) and 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Aug. 5.

Visitors wanting to learn more about the site can begin at the Salamonie Interpretive Center at 5:30 p.m. both dates for an orientation program by Upper Wabash Interpretive Services (UWIS) staff, then follow staff to the Monument City site.

At the site, visitors may walk the main road and look at foundations or other durable items.

Interpretive naturalists will be on hand to explain state and federal laws that prohibit collecting any materials from the site.

“The true story here is in the lives and stories of former residents of the Salamonie area,” UWIS director Marvin McNew said. “We are hoping to connect once again with former residents of Monument City and other reservoir locations.

“There are so many stories unrecorded of the former towns and fond memories of days past that we would like to record at a future date. We hope those folks will call us or visit on these days, so we can make arrangements to learn from them and share these lasting images with future generations.”

A video report about Monument City can be seen on the DNR’s YouTube channel at http://youtu.be/-0vzqVELrAE.

The Salamonie Interpretive Center is in Lost Bridge West Recreation Area in western Huntington County. The address is 3691 S. New Holland Road, Andrews, IN, 46702, and the phone number is (260) 468-2127.

Standard entry fees ($5 per in-state vehicle, $7 per out-of-state vehicle) will be in effect, but attendees to the program will be excused from paying if they check at the gate house and Interpretive Center.

For information on other UWIS programs, visit dnr.IN.gov/uwis or facebook.com/upperwabash.

Thursday, July 26, 2012

Fort Wayne TinCaps looking for photos

From the Fort Wayne TinCaps:

The Fort Wayne TinCaps will again be issuing their popular 16-month wall calendar during the final games of the 2012 season. However, this year, the photos included for each month could be yours.

Fans are encouraged to submit their favorite photos from TinCaps games and Parkview Field to be considered for inclusion in this fan favorite giveaway. The team will consider all subject matter to be included in the calendar, as long as it pertains in some way to Parkview Field and/or the TinCaps players, logo, or name.

Fans wishing to submit photos must meet the following criteria:
• Minimum resolution of 300 dpi
• Prefer photos that are minimum of 9 by 6 inches in original format (landscape)
• Photos can be color or black and white
• Please include photographer name for credit in calendar
• Please include date photo was taken (if known)

Fans can email their submissions to info@tincaps.com. Photos must be submitted no later than Monday, July 30, at 5 p.m. to be considered for inclusion in the 2013 TinCaps Wall Calendar.

If fans are unsure of whether or not their photo meets the criteria, feel free to submit your photo and TinCaps staff will review the submission.

Fans whose photos are selected for inclusion in the 2013 TinCaps calendar will receive an autographed copy of the calendar signed by the entire 2012 TinCaps team as well as 20 calendars for their use.

Submission does not guarantee inclusion in the 2013 photo calendar. Photos will be selected from all submitted, including existing photos taken for Fort Wayne TinCaps staff. Submitted photos become the property of the Fort Wayne TinCaps and can be used in whatever manner the team deems appropriate.

Wednesday, July 25, 2012

New book on Indiana wildlife habitats now available

From the Indiana Department of Natural Resources:

The DNR Division of Fish & Wildlife (DFW) collaborated with Indiana State University and Indiana University Press to publish “Habitats and Ecological Communities of Indiana: Presettlement to Present.”

The 500-page book details Indiana’s wildlife habitats in 1800, 1900 and 2000.

“This book is 10 years in the making, and is important to many people due to the vast amounts of information all gathered in one place,” said contributor Katie Smith, wildlife diversity program manager for DFW.

The book details natural habitats, man-made habitats, land use, soils, plants and wildlife. It covers everything from endangered species to invasive species and is a great reference for anyone interested in conserving Indiana’s environment. The book includes many photographs from Indiana DNR staff, including Outdoor Indiana magazine.

Specialized maps of various habitat types and land cover throughout the last 200 years are included, as well as a complete list of flora and fauna.

The book is available through Indiana University Press and can be downloaded as an e-book or bought as a hardcover. The e-book costs $24.99 and can be read on a computer or digital reading device. The hardcover edition costs $35.

The book can be purchased at www.iupress.indiana.edu.

Tuesday, July 24, 2012

Weekend events at Ouabache State Park

From the Ouabache State Park office

Friday, July 27, 2012

• Evening Roving Interpreter — Be on the lookout for your Interpretive Naturalist, Jennifer, at the Main Gate, Campground Control Station, or Campground. Find out what she’s carrying and get event fliers.
Saturday, July 28, 2012
• 1:45 p.m. Pool Break - Creature Feature — What creature is that? Find out what Naturalist Jennifer brought with her today on the Pool Lawn. If you are swimming, make sure to get your hand stamped before you leave the bath house to re-enter the pool!
• 7 p.m. Hoosier Quest Patch Program — Discover! Connect! Explore! Learn more about these great project- based programs that you can complete at any of the State Parks & Reservoirs. Meet at the Campview Shelter located in the middle of Campground A.
• 7:30 p.m. Night Flyers — Discover how these nocturnal animals are adapted to being active in the night. Meet at the Campview Shelter located in the middle of Campground A.
Sunday, July 29, 2012
• 10 a.m. Worship Service — Chris Daughtery from Life Community will be sharing a message at the Campview Shelter located in the middle of Campground A.
• 11:30 a.m. Talkin’ Turtle — What makes a box turtle so unique? Learn about one and make your own version to take home. Meet on the back patio of the Campview Shelter located in the middle of Campground A.
• 1:45 p.m. Pool Break Incredible Journey — Become a water molecule moving through the water cycle. Where will the water you drink today be tomorrow? Meet on the Pool Lawn. Swimmers, make sure to get your hand stamped before you leave the bath house to re-enter the pool!

Monday, July 16, 2012

Salamonie Lake hosts reptiles and amphibians workshop July 26

From the Indiana Department of Natural Resources:

A July 26 workshop at Salamonie Lake offers a chance to learn about reptiles and amphibians from a herpetology expert.

The Introduction to Herpetology workshop, sponsored by Upper Wabash Interpretive Services, runs 6-8 p.m. at the Salamonie Interpretive Center. The center is in the Lost Bridge West State Recreation Area off of Ind. 105, near Andrews.

Bruce Kingsbury, a professor of biology and director of the Herp Center at Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne, will conduct the workshop, which will include the chance to see some reptiles and amphibians up close.

The workshop is open to adults and children ages 10 years and older. Children younger than 12 should be accompanied by an adult.

The workshop costs $5 per family. Light refreshments will be served.

Registration is requested and is made by calling the Upper Wabash Interpretive Services at (260) 468-2127.

The standard entrance fee of $5 per in-state vehicle and $7 per out-of-state vehicle will be waived for students who registered in advance.