New trail and learning center open at National Lakeshore

GARY | John Lawicki, of Portage, is helping his late father's love of the Indiana Dunes grow and spread to future generations.

A dream come true

Deciding where to live is challenging for an adult-let alone a little girl. But when two kids vacationed with their families along the Lake Michigan shore for years, they both loved it.

Christmas bird count volunteers try to identify species, numbers of birds

Maureen Foos, of Chesterton, looks a bird guide during the National Audubon Society's 113th annual Christmas Bird Count on Thursday at the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore near Gary.

Christmas bird count volunteers try to identify species, numbers of birds

Kay Sarti, center, of Dyer, and Pam VanRennes, right, of St. John, look for birds Thursday as part of the National Audubon Society's 113th annual Christmas Bird Count at the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore near Gary.

Christmas bird count volunteers try to identify species, numbers of birds

Maureen Foos, of Chesterton, looks for birds during the Audubon Society's 113th annual Christmas Bird Count on Thursday at the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore near Gary.

Christmas bird count volunteers try to identify species, numbers of birds

Local participants look for birds Thursday as part of the National Audubon Society's 113th annual Christmas Bird Count at the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore near Gary.

Christmas bird count volunteers try to identify species, numbers of birds

Mourning doves are seen Thursday during the National Audubon Society's 113th annual Christmas Bird Count at the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore near Gary.

Christmas bird count volunteers try to identify species, numbers of birds

Local participants look for birds Thursday as part of the National Audubon Society's 113th annual Christmas Bird Count at the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore near Gary.

Controlled burn is scheduled for today at Tolleston Dunes

The Fire Management Office at Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore will be conducting a prescribed burn today at the 183-acre Tolleston Dunes along U.S. 12 between Old Hobart Road and Spencer Street.

Lake Hills to Host Bird Festival on October 13

MICHIGAN CITY | Lake Hills STEM Magnet School, 201 Ferguson Road, invites families, neighbors, and members of the community to attend its Bird Festival on Saturday, October 13, from 9-11 a.m.

Families encouraged to ‘Get Outdoors’ at Learning Center

John Hayes, executive director of Chesterton’s Dunes Learning Center, enjoys watching youngsters discover the opportunities that await them when they leave the confines of their homes for fun in the great outdoors.

Clean Cities event touts soybeans' eco-friendly benefits for homes

PORTAGE | Home builders and other advocates espoused the advantages of soy-based products and eco-friendly technology Thursday to community leaders during a program at the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore's Portage Lakefront and Riverwalk.