A Teachers’ Planning Guide toEnvironmental Education Programs

in the Indiana Dunes

EducationalAdventures

in the Dunes

2008-2009

Indiana Dunes has a long, fascinating historyof attracting scientists and students alike tostudy and explore globally rare ecosystems.The process of unlocking the mysteries of theIndiana dunes began in the late 1800s withDr. Henry Cowles and continues today. In thespirit of further utilizing the Indiana dunes asan educational tool, organizations throughoutthe area offer a wide variety of environmentaleducation programs. This Teachers’ PlanningGuide, “Educational Adventures in the Dunes,”provides a comprehensive list of the manyprograms available. It is designed to assisteducators and youth group leaders inunderstanding and using the resourcesavailable to them.

Each participating organization has its ownsection that explains its unique facilities andprograms. Each program listed has:� A brief description� Information about program availability� Appropriate age range� Minimum and maximum group sizes� Program cost (if applicable)� The location and length of the program

Various teacher workshops are listed inthe first pages to showcase professionaldevelopment opportunities available fromthe partner organizations. The uses of theIndiana dunes as a valuable teaching tool areabundant. This guide will enable educators tochoose the programs that are most appropriatefor them and their particular group of learnersand plan exciting excursions into a whole newworld of educational opportunities.

Indiana DunesEnvironmental Education

Join UsMay 15-16for the 2009 BioBlitzat Indiana Dunes24 HOURS OF SCIENCE, LEARNING, ANDFESTIVITIES IN YOUR NATIONAL AND STATE PARKSSee pages 4 & 5 for more info.

Participating Organizations Topics & SelectPrograms

Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore1100 North Mineral Springs RoadPorter, Indiana 46304219-395-1857800-959-9174 toll freeExplore all areas of the national lakeshorewith free ranger-led programs.www.nps.gov/indu/forteachers/

Indiana Dunes State Park1600 North 25 EastChesterton, IN 46304219-926-1390 phone219-926-9113 faxLow-cost, ranger-led programs forpreschool through college level students.www.interpretiveservices.IN.gov

Lake County Solid WasteManagement District7820 Broadway, Merrillville, IN 46410219-938-8221 phone219-769-3890 faxDay programs for students of all agesat no cost.www.lcswmd.com

Dunes Learning Center700 Howe RoadChesterton, Indiana 46304219-395-9555 phone219-395-8160 faxOffering residential environmentaleducation for a minimal cost.www.duneslearningcenter.org

Recycling & Waste ReductionDistrict of Porter County155 Indiana Avenue, Suite 314Valparaiso, Indiana 46383219-465-3694 phone 219-465-3696 faxTaking free, interactive, environmentaleducation programs to schools throughoutPorter County.www.ItMeansTheWorld.org

Note: The following index gives a sampling of programsavailable in key topics. Many other programs are includedin each partner section.

Educator Workshops . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-4

History and CultureThe Chellbergs had a Farm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7Autumn Harvest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7Indians and Fur Traders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9Maple Sugar Time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Dunes Discovery: Nature, Impact, AwarenessDiscover . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7Mount Baldy Moves/West Beach Walk . . . . . 8A Grain of Truth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9Sense-ational Journey . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11On Our Sandy Shores . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Life in the Dunes: Animals, Insects,Amphibians, Plants

Talk with the Animals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7Habitat Hike . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10Who Goes Where? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11Birds of the Indiana Dunes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12Tree Homes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13Interesting Insects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13Homes in a Pond . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14Wonderful Worms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Seasonal DiscoveryWinter Survival in the Dunes . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6Fall Fanfare . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9Winter Exploration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9Reflections on Snow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10Winter Alive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Preserving an EnvironmentBioBlitz 101 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5DuneSCOPES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6Caretakers of the Dunes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8Lake Michigan Alive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9Resource Management ofthe Indiana Dunes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12Environmental Detectives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14Reduce, Reuse, Recycle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15Water Watchers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16Pollution Town . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Educational ResourcesVideo Loan Collection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5Traveling Trunks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5Ranger Visits to Schools . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Workshops for Educatorsand Group Leaders

Friday, January 9 – Project W.E.T.This teacher workshop promotes awareness,appreciation, knowledge, and stewardship of waterresources. Workshop participants will receive theProject W.E.T. Curriculum Guide containing more than90 K-12 broad based, hands-on, easy-to-use (and fun)water resource activities.Cost: $15Time: 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.Location: Dunes Learning CenterTo Register, Call: 219-395-9555

Friday, March 13 – Project WildProject Wild helps educators develop awareness,knowledge, skills, and commitment so students canmake informed decisions and act responsiblyconcerning wildlife and the environment. Guidescontaining 122 activities for use with K-12 classes andgroups are provided, free of charge, by the IndianaNon-game and Endangered Wildlife Fund.Cost: FreeTime: 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.Location: Dunes Learning CenterTo Register, Call: 219-395-9555

Friday, April 10 – ProjectLearning TreeThis award-winning, interdisciplinary environmentaleducation program is designed for educators workingwith students pre-K through 12. It uses the forest as a“window” into natural environments, helping studentsgain an awareness and knowledge of the world aroundthem as well as their place in it. Curriculum guides withmore than 100 hands-on activities are provided uponcompletion of the workshop.Cost: $15Time: 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.Location: Indiana Dunes State Park

Nature CenterTo Register, Call: 317-549-0354

Friday, November 14 – Flying WildThis three-hour workshop shows educators who workwith middle school students how they can bringstudents, teachers, and communities together toadvance bird conservation. Participants will receiveFlying Wild: An Educators Guide to Celebrating Birds, abook designed to help educators and communitymembers teach about birds, their migration, andactions people can take to help birds and their habitats.The guide features 45 activities that focus on learningabout birds through contests, quizzes, and hands-onprojects. Twenty of those activities are designed to beled by the students themselves.Cost: $10Time: 12:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m.Location: Indiana Dunes State Park Nature CenterTo Register, Call: 317-549-0348

GEMS: Great Explorations inMath and ScienceGreat Explorations in Math and Science (GEMS)is a resource for teaching inquiry-based scienceand mathematics education. Teacher workshopscan be scheduled at the Douglas Center. Teachersreceive teaching guides and other resources.Lunch is also provided.

Cost: FreeDate/time: To be determined.Location: Paul H. Douglas Center forEnvironmental Education

Contact Us for More Information: 219-938-8221

High quality workshops for both formal and non-formal educators are offered by a variety of sponsorsthroughout the year. Illinois teachers can receive continuing education units (CEUs). Indiana teacherscan receive Continuing Recertification Units (CRUs) or professional growth development points. In mostcases, graduate credit is also available for an additional fee through Ball State University, Indiana StateUniversity, Indiana University, and Purdue University.

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Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore,Dunes Learning Center, and otherChicago Wilderness members areexperts in connecting children andadults to nature. With Leave NoChild Inside, our goal is to promotechildren’s health through outdoorplay and exploration and fostercaring for nature in today’schildren and future generations.

Additional training opportunities may be found atwww.teachertraininghub.org, the web site for the Northwest IndianaTeacher Training Hub. The purpose of the Northwest Indiana TeacherTraining Hub is to connect teachers with quality professional developmentopportunities here in Northwest Indiana.Universities, non-formal educators, state, local, and federal agencies andother providers have listed information about their upcoming workshopsand teacher professional development opportunities. Search our workshopsto see what’s available and how it might enhance your classroom.

November BioBlitz 101Help make history at Indiana Dunes by participatingin the third annual National Park Service/NationalGeographic BioBlitz. The event will be heldMay 15-16, 2009 but educators will learn monitoringtechniques and research methods in this preparatoryworkshop in November. Join other educators in thisovernight workshop and get involved in planningand developing BioBlitz activities for your students.One workshop will focus on elementary and the otheron secondary education.Days/times: TBDCost: $100; includes materials, food, and lodgingCredit Available: one graduate credit hourCall 219-395-9555 for more information

April 17-19 American Indians in this Region:Part IIAs part of an annual series of workshops on AmericanIndians, educators will explore local resources andtribal contacts to learn both historical and modernperspectives on American Indian culture. Thisthree-day, two-night workshop will focus on newways to tell much-needed cultural stories about thefirst people on this continent. Activities and resourceswill be shared on how to teach this important topicwith a local focus.Days/times: Begins Friday at 4 p.m;ends Sunday at 4 p.m.

Cost: $150; includes materials, food, and lodgingRegister by: April 3Credit Available: two graduate credit hours

June 15-19 Field Techniques forScience ExplorationEducators have been using the dunes for over ahundred years to teach a variety of science concepts—from succession to species adaptation. This week-longfield techniques course is designed to allow educatorsto specialize by participating in one day that suits theirneeds or return each day of the week to learn about allthe major ecosystems found in this national park. Eachday, park staff will focus on a different habitat and howeducators can best use it to teach vital scienceconcepts. Citizen science activities will be one of thehighlights of each day’s session. A complete listing forthe week will be available later in the year. Register forone day or the entire week. Held at the Douglas Center.Time: Each session runs from 9 a.m.-5 p.m.Cost: $60/day; includes lunch and lots of materialsRegister by: June 2Credit Available: up to three graduate credit hours

Fees listed are for the registration, materials, meals, andlodging associated with the workshop and can be paid to:

Dunes Learning CenterPhone: 219-395-9555 � Fax: 219-395-8160

Email: info@duneslearningcenter.org

Northwest Indiana Teacher Training Hub

Dunes Educator InstitutesThroughout the academic year, Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore and Dunes Learning Center provide high-quality,professional development opportunities for K-12 classroom teachers and non-formal educators. Workshops feature

experts in various fields of study, hands-on activities, and adventures within the national lakeshore.Visit www.teachertraininghub.org for more information.

Classes listed below will be held at Dunes Learning Center unless otherwise noted.

www.teachertraininghub.org

Illinois teachers can receive continuing education units (CEUs) and Indiana teachers can receive continuingrecertification units (CRUs) for participating in these workshops. Indiana and Illinois teachers may apply forgraduate credit through Indiana University Northwest and Chicago State University for an extra fee. For universitycredit, register with IUN through its web site: www.iun.edu or call Dr. Ken Schoon at 219-980-7766 and registerwith CSU by phoning Mike Siola at 773-995-2964.

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Age group:Max. group size:Location & length:

Bio Blitz 101

www.nationalgeographic.com/bioblitz

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Students and teachers are invited to play a vital role inthis year’s BioBlitz at Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore.The 2009 National Park Service/National GeographicBioBlitz will take place May 15 and 16, bringingtogether teams of scientists, volunteers and communitymembers to find and identify as many local plant andanimal species as possible in the lndiana Dunes.

Events will be designed before and during the BioBlitzto engage students and educators at all levels. Twoteacher workshops will be held in November at DunesLearning Center to train educators in monitoring andresearch methods used during the BioBlitz. Teachersand high school students participating in the workshopwill also be engaged in developing and leading eventsduring the actual BioBlitz event. Check the web site fordates to be announced.

High schools and other organized groups of teens oruniversity students are encouraged to participate inBioBlitz 101 programs throughout the year with

National Park Service staff. Program participantswill learn some of the techniques used inecology and species inventories and be able touse those skills during the BioBlitz itself.For more information about the BioBlitz and to registerfor the event, visit the National Geographic web site atwww.nationalgeographic.com/bioblitz.

Bio Blitz 101Goal: Prepare students to become citizen scientists andparticipate in the first BioBlitz ever held at Indiana DunesNational Lakeshore.Age group: 6th-12th gradeMax. group size: 60Location & length: Douglas Center or Calumet DuneInterpretive Center, 2 hrs.

Students will discover the importance of biologicalmonitoring and performing inventories of species asthey engage in scientific techniques used byresearchers. By participating in this program duringthe school year, groups will be prepared to participatein the first Dunes BioBlitz to be held May 15 and 16when citizens and scientists will be cataloging EVERYspecies found within our national park in a 24-hourperiod. Help the park make history this year! Contactthe park’s scheduling office at 219-395-1857.

Education Resource Center219-395-8914

www.nps.gov/indu/forteachers/The Education Resource Center featuressupplemental curriculum materials that can bechecked out by educators for a three-week timeperiod. Please phone ahead for an appointment.

Video Loan CollectionEducational videos from the Richardson WildlifeSanctuary Video Loan Collection are available onfree loan to educators. These videos and CDs focuson science and natural resources and provideexcellent introductory and follow-up materialsfor field trips to the dunes, as well as supplements toin-school curriculum. Call for a complete catalogue.

Traveling TrunksTraveling trunks on the following topics are availablefor loan for a period of three weeks:� Trees and Forests� Birds� Mammals� Zebra Mussels� Great Lakes� Acid Rain� Vegetation Monitoring� Climate Change� Great Lakes Shipping� Northwest Indiana’s Indian HistoryTrunks must be picked up in person and cannot beshipped. Please call for a description of trunkcontents or to reserve a trunk.

New Program

2009 BioBlitzat Indiana DunesMay 15-1624 HOURS OF SCIENCE, LEARNING ANDFESTIVITIES IN YOUR NATIONAL AND STATE PARKS

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Dunes Learning Center offers classrooms of woodlands, prairies, wetlands, dunes, and beaches.Established in 1998, the Dunes Learning Center serves as an education center and environmentallearning laboratory on the site of Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore’s Camp Good Fellow. Facilitiesinclude 10 modern cabins that accommodate 80 participants, each with heating, air conditioning, and aprivate bath. The Cowles Lodge provides groups with a spacious and modern dining and meeting center.These facilities, a scenic environment, and the professional, caring staff make the Dunes Learning Centera truly unique educational resource that heightens the environmental awareness of the children, adults,and educators that it serves.

The Dunes Learning Center can accommodate groups ranging in size from 15 to 70 students. Allprograms take place at the Dunes Learning Center. Residential programs require that the school provideone adult chaperon to every seven children. Only chaperons in excess of this ratio are expected to paythe program cost.

Dunes Learning Center

info@duneslearningcenter.orgwww.duneslearningcenter.org

Frog in the BogGoal: To foster an increased awareness, understanding,and appreciation for the unique environment of the dunes.This three-day/two-night hands-on program combinesdiscovery, adventure, and fun with math, science, andsocial studies. A variety of curriculum standards ismet as students explore the natural history of thedunes, the interconnection of human and naturalenvironments, and the rich biological diversity foundin the southern Lake Michigan region.Cost: $95 per studentProgram availability: March-NovemberAge group: 4th-6th grade

Science Olympiad Team TrainingGoal: To help Science Olympiad teams excel in nature andenvironment-related events.With one- or two-day intensive training sessions,teachers and team coaches work with Dunes LearningCenter staff to create a program that focuses onteam needs. A variety of Science Olympiad events isavailable for team training, including an overall focuson teambuilding.Cost: $35 for one day/$57 for two days (per student)Program availability: November-MarchAge group: Middle/Senior High School

Winter Survival in the DunesGoal: Understanding the fascinating winter adaptations ofplants and animals in the Indiana dunes.Over two days and one night, students explore howhuman, plant, and animal inhabitants adapt to winterchanges. Weather permitting, students have theopportunity to cross-country ski.Cost: $57 per studentProgram availability: November-FebruaryAge group: 4th-9th grade

DuneSCOPES –Winner of theNational Association of Interpretation’sOutstanding Interpretive Program Award!Goal: Real-world applications of science, math, andanalytical skills with emphasis on teambuilding andstudent leadership. Four major study areas are available:� Habitat Restoration using prairie, wetland, and formerhomesite areas within the national lakeshore.

� Ecological Monitoring through programs such asRiverwatch, Adopt-A-Beach, Ozone Biomonitoring andEcowatch using protocols that incorporate taxonomy,observation, applied chemistry, and other skills.

� Environmental Justice Project whereby students workwith community stakeholders to develop and implementa survey to determine environmental issues intheir neighborhoods.

� Language and Visual Arts allows students to be inspiredby the cultural and natural resources of the nationallakeshore for technical and creative writing, photography,journaling, painting, and drawing classes.

Cost: VariableProgram availability: Year-roundProgram Length: Variable one to five day/one to four nights

Age group: 9th-12th grade

219-395-9555

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Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore was established in 1966 “to preserve for the educational,inspirational, and recreational use of the public certain portions of the Indiana dunes.” Today, thepark is comprised of over 15,000 acres of dunes, oak savannas, swamps, bogs, marshes, prairies,rivers, and wetlands. As one of 391 units of the national park system, Indiana Dunes NationalLakeshore offers curriculum-based programs for all ages. All programs assist teachers in meeting statecurriculum standards, and a list of those standards are provided in each program’s teacher packet.

Thousands of students participate in education programs at the national lakeshore every year. Thepark offers programs at various locations throughout Lake, Porter, and LaPorte counties, such as thePaul H. Douglas Center for Environmental Education, the Dorothy Buell Memorial Visitor Center, thehistoric areas of Bailly Homestead and Chellberg Farm, and the natural areas and trails throughout thepark. It is a wonderful place to bring students for ranger-led programs or for self-guided programs.Teacher activity guides are available upon request for West Beach and Miller Woods or can bedownloaded from the national lakeshore’s web site www.nps.gov/indu/forteachers.

Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore

Indiana Dunes National Lakeshorewww.nps.gov/indu/forteachers/The national lakeshore’s web site has a wealth of informationfor teachers and students. Students can play interactive games suchas the Web Ranger Challenge.

DiscoverGoal: Explore nature’s diversity using the senses.Discover the wonders of nature along a wooded trail byusing your senses.Program availability: Year-round exceptduring Autumn Harvest and Maple Sugar Time

Age group: Preschool-3rd gradeMax. group size: 90Location & Length: Douglas Center orCalumet Dune Interpretive Center, 1 hr.

The Chellbergs had a FarmGoal: Experience and learn about Indiana’s earlyfarming traditions.Step back in time and discover farm life in the early1900s. Observe farm animals. Play farm games and visitan old time farm house.Program availability: Year-roundAge group: Preschool-3rd gradeMax. group size: 90Location & length: Chellberg Farm, 1 hr.

Talk With the AnimalsGoal: Become familiar with the wonders of animals of thedunes through the year.Puppet characters tell a story of life in the dunes. Ifweather permits, students are invited to hike the trailafter the show.Program availability: Year-roundAge group: Preschool-1st gradeMax. group size: 70Location & length: Douglas Center orCalumet Dune Interpretive Center, 1 hr.

Autumn HarvestGoal: Experience old-time life on a farm in the fall.Sample harvest time at a turn-of-the-century farm.Gather sorghum, press cider, help with chores or playfarm games. Enjoy the sights and smells of an old-timefarmhouse and barn.Program availability: September 25-October 10Age group: All gradesMax. group size: 60Location & length: Chellberg Farm, 1.75 hrs.

219-395-1857 1-800-959-9174

Begin your visit to theIndiana Dunes

at theDorothy Buell Memorial

Visitor Center!

Visit the new Dorothy Buell Memorial Visitor Center located on Hwy. 49 north of theinterstate with your students when you visit Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore. Students canwatch two short videos on the park, engage in a hands-on activity room, and learn aboutupcoming events at the new visitor center, which is jointly operated with the Porter CountyConvention, Recreation and Visitors Commission, and the National Park Service.

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Mount Baldy Moves orWest Beach WalkGoal: Explore the dunes and experience the forces ofnature that created them.Observe water, wind, and waves in action and learnhow they work together to form mountains of sand.Program availability: Spring/summer/fallAge group: Preschool-3rd gradeMax. group size: 90Location& length: Mount Baldy orWest Beach, 1 hr.

Caretakers of the DunesGoal: Students participate in service learning activities thatassist in preserving and protecting resources of the park inan educational context.Become a park steward and learn about the amazingbiodiversity found in the dunes by participating in oneof four program themes below:� Aliens in the Forest - Students remove invasive plant

species such as garlic mustard and help savehabitat for native flora.

� Prairie Pathways - Students participate in a varietyof activities, such as transplanting native species orcollecting seeds, to restore Mnoké Prairie.

� Wetland Wanderings - Students learn about thevalue of wetlands and focus on wetland restorationactivities such as transplanting native species.

� Adopt-a-Beach - Students learn lakeshore ecologywhile contributing to its monitoring and clean-up.

Program availability: Spring/summer/fallAge group: 4th-12th gradeMax. group size: 60Location & length: Throughout park, 1.5 to 3 hrs.

No charge for any national lakeshore program.

Year-Round Scheduling at theNational LakeshoreBeginning in late August, educators can reserveranger-led programs for the entire 2008-2009 schoolyear. Educators can continue to contact the nationallakeshore scheduling office throughout the year toreserve their field trips. Call 219-395-1857 ortoll-free at 1-800-959-9174.

Seasonal program dates are as follows:� Fall Education Programs:

September 25-December 19� Autumn Harvest Programs:

September 25-October 10� Winter Education Programs within the park:

January 6-February 13� Maple Sugar Time Programs:

February 26-March 13� Spring Education Programs within the park:

April 1-May 30� BioBlitz: May 15-16� Summer Education Programs within the park:

June 15-August 14

219-395-1857 1-800-959-9174

NOTES

All national lakeshore programs assist educators inmeeting state curriculum standards.

Prepare students for field trips by having

them take the Web Ranger Challenge at

www.nps.gov/kidszone

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Maple Sugar TimeGoal: Learn and experience the making of this purelyAmerican product.Learn about “horse-power,” examine maple trees, andsee the American Indian, pioneer, and sugar shackmethods of making maple sugar and syrup. Tour theChellbergs’ 19th-century farmhouse and visit theanimals in the barn.Program availability: February 26-March 13Age group: K-5th gradeMax. group size: 60Location & length: Chellberg Farm, 1.75 hrs.

Fall FanfareGoal: Experience and learn about the changing ofthe seasons.Cool weather and shorter days bring beautiful changes.Discover the flurry of activity as plants and animalsprepare for winter.Program availability: October and NovemberAge group: 1st-6th gradeMax. group size: 90Location & length: Kemil Beach or Douglas Center, 2 hrs.

Winter ExplorationGoal: Experience and learn about the beauty and ecologyof winter.Explore the beauty of the winter woods during a naturehike after viewing an indoor slide show focusing onanimal adaptations. Learn how plants and animalsadapt to winter. Snowshoes are provided. If there isinsufficient snow, a hike will be led.Program availability: January 6-February 13Age group: 3rd-6th gradesMax. group size: 36Location & length: Calumet Dune Interpretive Center,1.5 hrs.

Indians and Fur TradersGoal: Experience local history focusing on American Indianlifestyles and the fur trade.Journey back in time to learn about the lifestyles of theAmerican Indians, fur traders, and settlers during thisperiod of change in Northwest Indiana.Program availability: Year-roundAge group: 3rd-8th gradeMax. group size: 90Location & length: Bailly Homestead, 2 hrs.

A Grain of TruthGoal: Explore the dunes and gain a personal experience ofhow they came to be.Observe how winds and powerful waves work to createand erode moving sand dunes. Hike the foredunes andbeach to learn about the processes of dune building,glaciation, and erosion.Program availability: Spring/summer/fallAge group: 4th-8th gradeMax. group size: 90Location & length: West Beach or Mount Baldy, 1.5 hrs.

Lake Michigan AliveGoal: Appreciate the diversity of life within this region’smost important natural resource and learn about some ofthe issues affecting Lake Michigan.Dress a student as a fish. Play a food chain game. Viewpreserved sea lamprey and trout. Students areencouraged to help care for the Great Lakes. Thisprogram is primarily indoors but does include a30-minute trip to the lake.Program availability: Year-roundAge group: 4th-12th gradeMax. group size: 60Location & length: Douglas Center, 1.5 hrs.including beach hike

No charge for any national lakeshore program.

219-395-1857 1-800-959-9174

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Water WorldGoal: Experience and explore the diversity of life withina wetland.Armed with nets and pans, investigate the rich diversityof pond life and learn the importance of conserving ourwater resources. For a more in-depth experience,students take the 3-hour hike option to explore LakeMichigan’s water resources.Program availability: April-OctoberAge group: 4th-12th gradeMax. group size: 48Location & length: Douglas Center, 2 or 3 hrs.

Habitat HikeGoal: Learn about the importance of biodiversity through ahike into the national lakeshore’s many habitats.Discover why the Indiana dunes have almost 1,400species of plants, making it the fourth most diverse ofall national park areas! Explore forest, dunes, a swamp,and sand prairie, while studying environmental factorsthat affect plant survival.Program availability: Year-round except duringAutumn Harvest and Maple Sugar Time

Age group: 4th-12th gradeMax. group size: 90Location & length: Kemil Beach Parking Lot, 2 hrs.

Reflections on SnowGoal: Appreciate and learn about the beauty and ecologyof winter.Discover the thrill of cross-country skiing. Indooractivities explore tracking, predation, and winterhabitats. Ski equipment provided. If snow isinsufficient, a hike will be led.Program availability: January 6-February 13Age group: 5th-12th gradeMax. group size: 60Location & length: Meet at Douglas Center, 2.5 hrs.

Pinhook BogGoal: Learn about and appreciate this rare, fragile gift ofthe glaciers.Hike into the strange and unique world of the bog.Walk on a floating mat of sphagnum moss and discoverinsect-eating plants.Program availability: Mid-April through mid-NovemberAge group: 6th-12th gradeMax. group size: 30 (depending on staff availability)Location & length: Meet at the Calumet DuneInterpretive Center, 2 hrs.

Secrets of SuccessionGoal: Experience and appreciate the variety of plantcommunities found in the dunes.Follow the legacy of early dunes scientist HenryChandler Cowles and hike from the beach overforedunes and through forests. By exploring theenvironment, discover the forces that shape the dunesand produce this unique succession of plants.Program availability: Spring/Summer/FallAge group: 6th-12th gradeMax. group size: 90Location & length: West Beach, 2 hrs.

National Lakeshore Rangers Will VisitYour Schools and Groups!Contact the park’s scheduling office to reserve aschool visit by a ranger during the following times:� September 3-12� November, December, January, and FebruaryTo reserve a ranger site visit, please arrangefor one large group or several small groupsthroughout the day to ensure at least 75 studentscan be reached. The site visits are also limited bydistance and weather. Rangers will conductprograms on a variety of subjects and will workwith your school to create a site visit that meetsyour needs.

219-395-1857 1-800-959-9174

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In addition to regular public programs such as those found on the monthly interpretive program schedule,the interpretive service offers private programming for schools, scouts, and other groups by reservation. Thefollowing information should help you plan an eventful and educational trip that is sure to leave an impressionon your group.Indiana Dunes State Park, established in 1925 as Indiana’s fourth State Park, is located in Porter County.It consists of 2,182 acres of primitive, historical, and amazingly unique Hoosier landscape. Some of themost diverse flora and fauna of the Midwest reside in its sand dunes, beaches, marshes, swamps,savannas, and woodlands.Three miles of beach afford spectacular views of Lake Michigan and offer swimming opportunities forthose visiting during the summer season. More than 16 miles of hiking trails are available year-roundand lead visitors through a variety of habitats. Trails range in difficulty from easy to rugged. Picnic areasare located throughout the park with tables, charcoal grills, toilet facilities, playground equipment,shelters, and play fields. Picnic shelters can be reserved for a fee by calling 1-866-6-CAMP-IN or online atwww.camp.in.gov. Otherwise, they are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Tent camping isavailable for organized youth groups under adult supervision.The Interpretive Naturalist Service of the park has been introducing visitors to the dunes since 1931.Naturalists currently operate out of the Nature Center, where a spacious auditorium, exhibits, liveanimals, and wildlife observation area delight visitors year-round. The following programs can bereserved for your group. Additional programs on other topics can often be designed to meet yourspecific needs and the needs of your students. All times are for one class; groups with more than 20 areusually split up into more than one group. More information can be found by calling the Nature Centerat 219-926-1390 or by visiting www.interpretiveservices.in.gov.

Indiana Dunes State Park

Indiana Dunes State Park (at the north end of Indiana State Road 49)

Sense-ational JourneyGoal: To increase student awareness of the dunesenvironment by encouraging utilization of multiple senses.Students will learn to hone their senses and how to usethem to their advantage. They will also discover howanimals use senses to help them survive. Weatherpermitting, we will end with a short hike to the marsh.Program availability: Year-roundAge group: Preschool-2ndMin./Max. group size: 10/variableLocation & length: Indiana Dunes State ParkNature Center, 45-60 minutes per group

Who Goes Where?Goal: To help students learn about park wildlife, habitats,and food chains.Like pieces of a puzzle, many plants and animals cometogether to make one perfect picture. Students see thisdemonstrated by exploring the parts of various parkhabitats and food chains. Weather permitting, anexploratory hike through different habitats is included.Program availability: Year-roundAge group: 1st-6th gradeMin./Max. group size: 10/variableLocation & length: Indiana Dunes State ParkNature Center, 45-60 minutes per group

219-926-1390

NOTE: Reservations can be made between six monthsand two weeks of your planned visit. In lieu of paying astandard gate fee to enter the park, scheduled groupssimply pay a $1 per person program fee (paid staff andstudents eligible for free lunch are free). Self-guidedbrochures are available for teachers/group leaders whowould like to expand their field trips or lead hikes ontheir own.

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Birds of the Indiana DunesGoal: To introduce students to the wonderful world of birds.Students will be introduced to bird watching alongwith discovering what makes a bird a bird. Studentswill learn to identify birds through interactive activities.Emphasis on the importance of the dunes area tobreeding and migratory birds is given. Weatherpermitting, we will end with a short hike.Program availability: Year-roundAge group: 1st grade and upMin./Max. group size: 10/variableLocation & length: Indiana Dunes State Park NatureCenter, 45-60 minutes per group

Cold-Blooded AnimalsGoal: To help students recognize the difference betweencold-blooded and warm-blooded animals.Students will learn the difference between amphibiansand reptiles. Students will get a chance to look atdifferent types of cold-blooded animals and discoverwhat adaptations the animal has to survive. Weatherpermitting, we will end with a short hike.Program availability: Year-roundAge group: 1st-6th gradeMin./Max. group size: 10/variableLocation & length: Indiana Dunes State Park NatureCenter, 45-60 minutes per group

Discover WetlandsGoal: Students will discover the importance of both livingand non-living components of a wetland.Students will explore the depths of the wetland andidentify macro-invertebrates to determine the quality ofthe water. Students will learn the importance ofwetlands and discover what makes them such a greatplace for both plants and animals.Program availability: Spring/Summer/FallAge group: 3rd grade and upMin./Max. group size: 10/variableLocation & length: Indiana Dunes State Park NatureCenter, 45-60 minutes per group

Winter AliveGoal: Students will experience and learn about the beautyand ecology of the dunes winter landscape.Explore the beauty of the winter woods during a naturehike after viewing an indoor slide show focusing onanimal adaptations. Learn how plants and animalsadapt to winter. Weather permitting, we will end witha short hike.Program availability: Fall/WinterAge group: 1st grade and upMin./Max. group size: 10/variableLocation & length: Indiana Dunes State Park NatureCenter, 45-60 minutes per group

AWalk Through Ecologic TimeGoal: To help students explore the concept of ecologicalsuccession and learn to identify different stages of successionbased on the presence of different plants and animals.This hike is based on Professor Henry Cowles’ workwith succession in the late 1800’s at the dunes.Students will hike along, watching the landscapechange before their eyes, from open beach to thickforests, and everything in between!Program availability: Year-roundAge group: 5th grade and upMin./Max. group size: 10/variableLocation & length: Indiana Dunes State ParkPavilion/Trail #3, 60-90 minutes per group

Defending Our DunesGoal: To help students understand the struggles of caringfor our natural resources by participating in environmentalprojects and habitat restoration.This program will focus on projects currently beingworked on at the Indiana Dunes State Park. Studentsget hands-on field experience and gain perspective as anatural resource manager. Students will discover thechallenges of maintaining a healthy ecosystem.Program availability: Spring/FallAge group: 5th grade and upMin./Max. group size: 10/50Location & length: Indiana Dunes State Park NatureCenter, 60-90 minutes per group

Resource Management of theIndiana DunesGoal: To introduce students to the significance of naturalresources management.Natural areas such as those in the park take a lot tomaintain their ecological integrity. Students discoverthe challenges of maintaining healthy ecosystems andthe tools we use to do it during this illustrated programand activity. A tour of current projects near the NatureCenter follows the program.Program availability: Year-roundAge group: 5th grade and upMin./Max. group size: 10/20Location & length: Indiana Dunes State Park NatureCenter, 45-60 minutes per group

History of Indiana DunesState ParkGoal: Students will learn about how Indiana Dunes StatePark came to be, along with learning about the story ofthe JD Marshall shipwreck. In addition, old frontier towns,French trading posts, and civil war guard towers will bediscussed. Many sites will be passed on a hike to Mt. Tomand back.Program availability: Year-roundAge group: 4th grade and upMin./Max. group size: 10/variableLocation & length: Indiana Dunes State Park NatureCenter, 60-90 minutes per group

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The Lake County Solid Waste Management District is a government entity created by statute in 1991 todevelop a 20-year plan for the management of solid waste within the county. From its inception, theDistrict identified education as a key vehicle to achieve its mission.

The District has teamed up with Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore to offer fun-filled days at thePaul H. Douglas Center for Environmental Education located on North Lake Street in the Miller section ofGary. Groups spend the day in award-winning programs with guided exploration of the dunes. As withall District activities, programs at the Douglas Center emphasize learning by doing, interacting, andproblem solving. Several of these programs have been honored with the Governor’s Award and The SolidWaste Association of North America’s Award for Public Education.

The District has two other educational field trip sites: the Environmental Education Center in Hammondand the Enviroroom in Merrillville. In addition, the District has two Enviromobiles that bringenvironmental education directly to schools.

Lake County Solid Waste Management District

Lake County Solid Waste Management Districtwww.lcswmd.com

Tree Homes...Owls • Opossums • RaccoonsGoal: Program encourages an appreciation for trees andthe animals that live in them.Choose one of these tree animals to study and learnmore about different parenting and nesting instinctsand other various behaviors.Age group: Preschool-3rd grade

Interesting Insects...Ladybugs • Honeybees • ButterfliesGoal: To understand the body structure, behavior, andcommunication with one of these insects and theinterdependence of nature.Choose one of these insects for your students tobecome more familiar with. Learn about bodystructure, life cycles, and the defensive behavior of yourchosen insect. Children use models and dramatic playto act out real-life interactions between these animalsand their environment.Age group: Preschool-5th grade

ALL PROGRAMS ON THESE TWO PAGESCost: FreeProgram availability: Year-roundMin/Max. group size: 10/90Location & length: Douglas Center, 1-4 hrs.

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WormWorldGoal: In this science-based program, students becomefamiliar with life cycles, relationships, ecosystem structures,and function as they explore a worm’s world.Children have a fascination with dirt. Worm Worldexplores the properties of soil, a natural resource wetake for granted. This program brings this hiddenworld up close, deepening students’ understanding ofand connection to all living things.Age group: Preschool-8th grade

Ecology in the DunesGoal: This program nurtures curiosity about patterns andinteractions in nature.Students learn key ecological and biological concepts asthey investigate the trails of Miller Woods. A bushbecomes a “community” of interacting plants andanimals. If requested, a special investigation can focuson ants or spiders. This field trip sparks the excitementof discovery and nurtures a sense of stewardship towardliving things. Come wander the rolling oak savannasand spectacular wetlands of Indiana Dunes NationalLakeshore and discover “Ecology in the Dunes.”Age group: Preschool-High School

Great Lake in a BottleGoal: This is a science-based program to introduce studentsto the properties of matter. The activities promptdiscussions about environmental issues and educatestudents about household hazardous wastes.In a series of fun and fluid activities, students explorethe properties of different liquids. They sort, classify,and observe how food coloring moves through differentliquids. They leave with a Great Lake in a bottle.Age group: 1st-4th grade

Homes in a PondGoal: This interactive life science program conveys keyenvironmental concepts, habitats, life cycles, and diversityof life.Come to the Douglas Center for some close encounterswith creatures that live in ponds. Using nets, exploreour outdoor pond where smaller forms of life, such asdragonfly nymphs, snails, and water boatmen maketheir home.Age group: 1st-6th grade

On Our Sandy ShoresGoal: Students explore and deepen their understanding ofmany aspects of the “sandy shore,” from grains of sand tocommonly found animals to more complex biological andecological interactions.Students examine and sort beach litter, identifyingobjects that will eventually become sand. Students uselanguage skills to describe sandy locations and look atsamples of sand from all over the world. Older studentsdelve deeper to learn how great our lake is and how ittransports nutrients, people, and pollution.Age group: 2nd grade-High School

Environmental DetectivesGoal: To understand the many sources of water pollutionand the interconnectedness of the natural world.A complex environmental problem is built around afictional watershed. Students perform chemical andbiological tests to catch the culprit(s) and trackchanges to the environment.Age group: 4th grade-High School

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No charge for any District programs.

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The District is dedicated to providing high quality, interactive education programs that meet Indianastate science standards to Porter County schools, grades K-12.Our programs cover the three Rs of Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle, but also include a wide range of othertopics including the roles that water, trees, individuals, and even worms play in keeping our planethealthy along with ways that everyone can make a difference.Our goals are to provide thought-provoking, interactive lessons that not only provide an opportunity forlearning but prompt continued inquiry. Our programs encourage students to learn through exploration,logical thinking, and discovery and also incorporate a variety of learning styles.

Recycling & Waste ReductionDistrict of Porter County

ALL PROGRAMS ON THESE TWO PAGESCost: FreeProgram availability: Year-round(except Love Those “Ladybugs”)

Min/Max. group size: 10/60Location & length: Satellite – we come to you!1-1.5 hrs.

NOTE: Presentations are given to one class at a time. Adesignated room for the presenter cuts down on movetime between classes. If an extra room is available forpresentations, we’ll take it.

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle,and Rethink!Age group: 2nd-3rd gradeWhere Does It Go? Students learn the importance ofwaste reduction. Through a series of fun and interactiveactivities, kids begin to learn the basics of what canbe recycled, and the importance in taking steps tofirst Rethink, by reducing and reusing our waste withsimple steps one can practice on a daily basis.

Age group: 4th- 5th gradeThe Four Rs Students go back in time to explore howAmerican Indians and pioneers practiced the 4 Rs andthe ways we can learn from them today. Studentslearn of the challenges that face us today and howsome materials are easier to recycle than others. Allthis, while learning about the impact of waste in ourlandfills and on our environment.

Age group: 6th-9th gradeLifecycles of Everyday Stuff Parallel to living things,material products also have a “birth, life, and death”—a life cycle. For a material product, these steps includedesign, raw materials, manufacturing and distributing,useful life, and disposal or reuse. Students explorethis new tool of ‘Life cycle assessments’ – also calledcradle-to-grave analysis to look at the environmentalimpact of the total life of a product.

Wonderful WormsGoal: To appreciate and learn about earthworms and theirrole on earth.Through the use of a vermicompost bin, students digdeep into the “root” of our food chain (soil) and meetthe creatures responsible for making it.Age group: All ages

Edible LandfillGoal: To learn about the challenging process of properlydisposing of solid waste and discover ways to diminish thewaste stream.Students see how the design of a landfill affects theenvironment by building a model of a landfill fromedible items.Age group: 2nd-12th grade

Recycling & Waste Reduction District of Porter Countyphone: 219-465-3694email: pcswd@porterco.orgwww.ItMeansTheWorld.org

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Water WatchersGoal: To appreciate and learn about our precious waterresources and how to protect them.Students engage in activities including a journey withFred the Fish and becoming a water droplet to helpexplain the human impact on water and learn whatthey can do to rectify the problem.Age group: 2nd-12th grade

Lesson of the LoraxGoal: To learn about the beauty of a well-balanced ecosystem.Students learn the important role that trees play inkeeping a natural, healthy environment. Students thenbecome Deputy Loraxes and learn how they can “speakfor the trees!”Age group: K-3rd grade

Pollution TownGoal: To appreciate and learn what humans can do toimprove their local environment and watershed.This hands-on, interactive model introduces non-pointsource pollution and demonstrates the large impactstudents can have on their own environment –especially on a local level.Age group: 4th-6th grade

GarbologyGoal: To appreciate how analyzing garbage can revealinformation about a society and the impact that societymakes on the environment.Students become garbologists as they find clues andmake observations and inferences about garbage! Theylearn of the challenges archaeologists face and theimportance of recycling.Age group: 4th-12th grade

Love Those “Ladybugs”Goal: Explore the concept of biological controls as analternative to chemical use.Students learn about the ladybird beetle and their roleon earth. Each student will experience a ladybird beetleup-close for study.Program availability: Seasonal:April-November, weather permitting

Age group: Preschool-3rd grade

Lakes and Dunes in My BackyardGoal: To introduce students to the resources andanimals that live in the Great Lakes region andhow to protect them.Students learn about the unique animals and resourcesthat are in the Great Lakes region. Each student willsee the resources first hand and explore ways toconserve them.Age group: 3rd-5th grade

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The district also provides:- a free annual teacher workshop- summer day camp programs- adult group/public programs- and so much more!!!

Check the district’s website or call for more information.www.ItMeansTheWorld.org

219-465-3694

Learn more aboutme, Glen the Garbologist, atwww.ItMeansTheWorld.org

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle...It Means The World!

Just Ask!!!We can adapt ANY program to suit the needs of yourclassroom and age level!!!

Check this out!Starting with our Reduce, Reuse, Recycle Program, weare adapting our programs to better suit your needs.We are targeting specific age groups and adapting eachprogram to provide a variety of age appropriateactivities and lessons for each different age level.

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Teachers’ Planning GuideIncorporate our Environmental Education Programs into your classroom agenda!

Duneland Harvest Festival is September 20 & 21!

Call now to schedule programs throughout the school year.

Reserve a spot in the upcoming November BioBlitz workshops.

Indiana Dunes State Park Kids Fall Funfest on October 11 & 12

Join us for Duneland Winter Birding Days on December 6 & 7at Indiana Dunes State Park

Remember the Project W.E.T. Educator Workshop on Friday, January 9!(See page 3 for details.)

BioBlitz 101 workshop for educators (See page 5 for details.)

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Teachers’ Planning GuideIncorporate our Environmental Education Programs into your classroom agenda!

Don’t forget Maple Sugar Time (MST), February 26-March 13! (See page 9 for details.)

Northwest Indiana Earth Day – April 18, 2009, Sunset Hill Farm County Park, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

Green Gary – April 25, Douglas Center

American Indian Workshop April 17-19

BioBlitz – May 15-16 (See page 5 for details.)

Field Techniques for Science Exploration – June 15-19 (See page 4 for details.)

Dunes Learning Center700 Howe RoadChesterton, Indiana 46304

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PAIDVALPARAISO, INPERMIT #134

Partners

Printed onrecycled paper.

FRIENDS is a non-profit organization that sponsors a variety of park events and activities to enhancethe understanding, appreciation, and enjoyment of the Indiana dunes.

The Great Lakes Research and Education Center, funded through the National Park Service,facilitates research in 10 national parks within the Western Great Lakes Region and brings newknowledge about our natural and cultural resources to the eyes of the public.

The Dunes Learning Center serves as an education center and environmental learning laboratory onthe site of the National Park Service’s Camp Good Fellow.

Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore was established in 1966 to “to preserve for the educational,inspirational, and recreational use of the public certain portions of the Indiana dunes.”

Lake County Solid Waste Management District is a government entity created to develop aplan for the management of solid waste in Lake County, Indiana with an extensive environmentaleducation program.

Recycling and Waste Reduction District of Porter County is a state-mandated agency devoted toreducing waste and improving the quality of life for Porter County residents. With this goal in mind,the District offers a variety of environmental education programs.

Save the Dunes Conservation Fund’smission is to protect and restore the Indiana dunes andsurrounding natural resources through environmental research, legal safeguards, and strategicconservation initiatives.