Ospreys at Potato Creek State Park
Storms in March took down Potato Creek State Park’s osprey platform, which was located on the west end of Worster Lake. It was originally installed in 2003 and has been a home to ospreys for many years.
Thanks to park volunteers Jeff Basham, Bob Huguenard, Pete Ciula, and the Plymouth Northern Indiana Public Service Company (NIPSCO) linemen team, a new osprey platform was reinstalled in April. The ospreys wasted no time in rebuilding their nest.
We are happy to report the osprey pair were able to hatch a female fledgling who was spotted taking her first flight in August by Basham. We'd like to express our sincere gratitude to park volunteers and the NIPSCO linemen team, who were vital to reinstalling the platform.
Plan your visit to Potato Creek State Park to see the new osprey fledgling at on.IN.gov/potatocreeksp.
Photos from Jeff Basham
Welcome Director Baughman!
We are excited to welcome Brandt Baughman as director of Indiana State Parks. He is a homegrown leader, bringing years of experience working at Indiana State Parks to his new role.
Growing up in Mitchell, Baughman started his career as a lifeguard at Spring Mill State Park. After graduating from Ball State University, Baughman rejoined the division as the assistant property manager at Ouabache State Park, later transferring to the assistant property manager position at Spring Mill, where he worked for nearly 11 years. He then served as property manager at Indiana Dunes State Park for 13 years before his promotion to north region manager. In 2021, he was promoted to the role of deputy director of operations for the division.
As state parks director, Baughman leads the state parks team in furthering the division’s mission to conserve, manage, and interpret park resources while creating memorable experiences for everyone. See more information about state parks at stateparks.IN.gov.
Archaeology Events!
Dig into the past while enjoying beautiful Indiana nature during Indiana’s Archaeology Month in September. Hoosiers can learn more about the state’s past through fun events hosted at several Indiana state parks! Here are a few events:
• History Comes Alive Weekend at Indiana Dunes State Park
• Life As It Used To Be at Chain O’Lakes State Park
• Public Archaeology Day at Monroe Lake
• Archaeology Day at Mounds State Park
• Archaeology Day at McCormick’s Creek State Park
National Public Lands Day, Sept. 27
Join thousands of volunteers across the country in the nation’s single largest volunteer day! Several parks will have clean up days and volunteer events. Hoosiers can celebrate by supporting their favorite state park property through volunteer work or simply visiting.
On Sunday, Sept. 28, Indiana state parks, state forests, and state recreation areas will offer free admission.
Last-minute Camping Plans? We’ve got you covered!
The “Camping This Weekend” feature on our reservation site shows all available and reservable campsites and is a perfect tool for finding campsites during busy upcoming autumn weekends. Remember, you can make reservations for a site up until 11 p.m. ET on the day of your arrival.
Sign-up for an Indiana Master Naturalist Class!
The Indiana Master Naturalist (IMN) program gives you hands-on opportunities to learn about our Hoosier natural resources. Learn to share that knowledge through volunteer service, programs, and events!
Register for a fall class today at IndianaMasterNaturalist.org.
Last Free Fishing Day of the year is Sept. 27
Indiana residents do not need a fishing license or a trout/salmon stamp to fish the state's public waters on Free Fishing Days. All other rules, such as seasons, bag, and size limits, apply.
Free Fishing Days are an excellent opportunity to learn how to fish, take your family fishing, or introduce a friend to fishing.
Fall INN love at an Indiana State Park Inn
Enjoy a special fall deal at the park inns from Sept. 2-Nov. 25. Stay any two consecutive nights, Sunday through Thursday, and save 25% on the room rate. Valid on new reservations only. Restrictions and blackout dates apply.
Upcoming Events
• Sept. 6 - Group Kayak Tour at Deam Lake State Recreation Area
• Sept. 13 - Mansfield Mill Tour, Raccoon SRA (Cecil M Harden Lake)
• Sept. 20 - Tri Kappa Candlelight Tour, Spring Mill State Park
• Sept. 27 - Run the Falls 5K, Clifty Falls State Park
• Oct. 5 - Young Abe’s Country Craft Fair, Lincoln State Park