x

The Indiana Department of Natural Resources invites the public to celebrate National Public Lands Day weekend on Sept. 28 and 29 with events happening around the state.

National Public Lands Day on Saturday is the nation’s largest single day of volunteerism on public lands.

For a list of programs, visit dnr.IN.gov/places-to-go/events or on.IN.gov/dnrvolunteer. Participants also may collect trash at a nearby DNR property for a rewarding way to protect wildlife and promote healthy natural resources.

Saturday also is National Hunting and Fishing Day and the last Free Fishing Day of the year in Indiana. Hoosier residents may fish public waters without a license on Free Fishing Days.

DNR has resources for new and advanced anglers in its fishing guide (on.IN.gov/fishingguide) and an interactive map at on.IN.gov/where2fish to help locate sites. For hunters, squirrel, dove and youth deer seasons are open and are great options for connecting with the outdoors. DNR’s hunting and trapping guide, available at on.IN.gov/huntingguide, has a list of open seasons and resources for your experience level.

On Sunday, there will be free admission to all DNR properties that normally charge a gate fee. This is a great time to explore an area you haven’t visited before while boating, hiking, biking or viewing wildlife. Visit on.IN.gov/recfinder to plan your trip. The entire weekend serves as a reminder that public lands are places for outdoor recreation, conservation, and making memories with families and friends.