December 18, 2025 • 16 mins
Indiana State Parks is kicking off winter with hikes, bird watching, light tours, and more.
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Missy Rentz (00:01):
As we continue to celebrate winter in the parks
today, we're exploring Indiana.
Angie Manuel, who is theinterpretive manager for the
Indiana Department of NaturalResources in the division of
State Parks, is joining metoday.
Angie, welcome to The ParksPodcast.
I love talking to you andlearning about what's going on
in Indiana.
(00:22):
The weather, especiallyrecently, would indicate that
it's winter, but we are just afew days away from the calendar
indicating that it's winter andwhile, everybody's starting to
celebrate the holiday season orin the midst of celebrating the
holiday season.
Parks are a great place to go tofor the holidays and
festivities, but also allthroughout winter.
(00:43):
What's going on in Indiana thiswinter?
Angie Manual (00:48):
At state parks and other DNR properties winter
swings heavy with snow or coldtemperatures, and then we get
sunshine and beautiful outdoordays.
And so Hoosiers just watch theweather and when it's good they
get outside and they have lotsto look at when they get there.
Missy Rentz (01:07):
Your website and the Parks podcast have a huge
list of activities that.
Are happening and really youkeep it updated year round with
really unique activities.
So there's a couple of eventsthat I think are so interesting.
All of'em are interesting, buttwo of them I'm gonna point out
'cause I think they're reallyunique.
At Summit Lake State Park, theyhave Snowman Trail and Winter
(01:27):
Craft Bonanza, which seems likea spectacular activity for kids.
Angie Manual (01:33):
It is, it's a family friendly activity.
Head out into the park on atrail where they have some.
Fun winter and holiday cutouts,and you can take a selfie with
those fun cutouts.
There are also some clues sinceit's a scavenger hunt type
activity.
You get to the right.
Selfie station and if you'vechosen the right one and snapped
(01:55):
a photo with it, you can headback up to the office and claim
your prize.
And while you're up at theoffice, they have a room
dedicated for winter and holidaycrafts so you can enjoy some
outside time and some indoor
Missy Rentz (02:08):
Oh, that sounds like so much fun.
The perfect activity forfamilies, for sure.
And then taking it back to likenature in Clifty Falls.
They're doing a Christmas birdcount on December 27th.
What is a bird count?
What does that entail?
Angie Manual (02:23):
Yeah, so there's different ways of doing bird
counts, but Clifty Falls StatePark and some of our other state
parks as well partner with theAudubon Society often in their
region, or it may be a statewideinitiative, but they will head
outdoors.
And it's a blitz.
You head outside for a fewhours, sometimes all day.
If you're courageous enough withyour binoculars, you keep your
(02:47):
ears open and you count anddocument as many birds as you
can.
And they're looking fordiversity in species and the
amount of beautiful birds thatyou see.
So that's a.
December bird count.
They do another one in aroundValentine's Day too.
And that's a backyard birdcount.
So get outdoors and help countIndiana's birds.
Missy Rentz (03:10):
That seems important.
Why?
Why is it important that we hostBird Counts?
Angie Manual (03:14):
Yeah, if we don't know what birds are in our
backyards or out in our naturalareas, it may be that those
populations are declining andwe, if we're not paying
attention we can't createconservation efforts for them.
We always need to make sure thatwe have cardinals and crows and
(03:34):
jays and woodpeckers and again,some of those specialty winter
birds like snow owls and otherwinter migrants.
So it's important to get out andcount them to make sure that we
are keeping tabs of theirpopulations and if we need to
intervene and do someconservation efforts, we can do
that because of those.
Bird counts.
(03:55):
They keep us knowledgeable andagain, making conservation
efforts on their, on the birdsbe account.
Missy Rentz (04:02):
Can you be a newbie to the birding to be able to do
something like this?
Or do you have to be an avid.
Bird watcher.
Angie Manual (04:08):
That's a great question.
And that's why going to some ofthese events is a good idea.
If you are a novice if you'venever.
Identified birds in your life,but enjoy being outdoors and
love birds.
Go on a program like thisbecause you can go with an
expert and you can tag along andyou can learn something along
(04:30):
the way.
Conversely, if you're an expertbirder, you can get out there
and take somebody new and getthem into the activity with you.
So wherever you are on thespectrum of birding, get out
there and you can enjoy it.
Missy Rentz (04:46):
I'm so intrigued by birding.
It's something I haven't doneyet.
What other birding activities,are happening in Indiana?
Angie Manual (04:54):
Yeah, so a unique one that whitewater Memorial
State Park does is they offerSandhill Saturdays.
And that's because Sandhillcranes, which are typically a
migratory bird and often leaveIndiana for the winter, they
actually love it around thewhitewater.
(05:15):
Memorial State Parks Reservoir.
And so they hang out in thecoves where the water is often
shallow.
It hasn't frozen over.
They can still find lots offood.
And so the interpretivenaturalists there will lead.
Sandhill Saturday hikes andthey'll do lots of viewing with
scopes and binoculars.
(05:36):
And the fun thing about Sandhillcranes is you can listen to
them.
You don't always have to be ableto see them, but just listening
to a sandhill crane is magical,especially in the wintertime.
Missy Rentz (05:46):
Throughout the park system, there's lots of like
wonderland of lights, Nights ofLights.
It's a really good place to goto get into that festive
spirits.
Angie Manual (05:57):
It absolutely is.
We, and this is something thathas taken off over the years.
It used to be that ourrecreation season was.
Memorial Day to Labor Day, andthen it became a little bit more
springtime and a little morefall time into October.
And then, November, people stillhave to come out around
Thanksgiving and, black Fridayor what we call opt outside.
(06:19):
And my goodness, now it's justrolled right into December and
people are, just as muchenjoying the holidays, the
Christmas season.
Any of those celebrations, theydo it with lights.
Sometimes we have a campgroundfull of campers, believe it or
not, in December, who will setup lights and they'll be driving
tours and visitors may pay a fewdollars to come see it, and it
(06:42):
becomes a great fundraiser.
So it's something you can enjoyin the warmth of your car.
It and still get in the holidayspirit.
Missy Rentz (06:50):
And I really like that because you guys are doing,
you have, the traditionalholiday lights, you have the
some craft events that aretaking place, but you also
really do lean into the natureand you give people the
opportunity to go out andcelebrate nature in this unique
way.
Parks have really unique thingsto see and hear during the
(07:10):
winter.
Angie Manual (07:11):
That's essentially part of our mission with state
parks is to always make it aboutthe resource, whether that is
natural resources, plants andanimals, and landscapes and
habitats.
But also our culture andhistory.
So it may be a Christmas theme.
But we're gonna bring into itwildlife or talking about
(07:33):
evergreen trees or frozenlandscapes that are beautiful
and fun to play in.
So that's our state park missionis to always keep in mind the
resource, how wonderful andbeautiful is.
Otherwise, it's just, your basicbackyard.
Missy Rentz (07:48):
I like hiking, but being in the park in the winter,
even if it's just for a fewminutes or hitting the
playground or whatever, there'sthis, there's another kind of
beauty to it.
When it's quiet, it's, you stillsee animals.
You still hear animals, maybeeven more of them because it's
so quiet.
It's a really magical place tobe and to see what's happening
(08:11):
with nature in the wintertime.
Angie Manual (08:14):
It sure is.
Yeah, animals are somewhatforced to come out during the
daytime because that's when it'ssunny and most warm, so they're
out foraging for food or findingaccess to water.
So yeah, in the wintertime it's.
More likely that you'll seewildlife specifically birds
because all the leaves are offthe trees.
(08:35):
Bird watching is a little biteasier.
And sometimes in the winter wesee bird guests to Indiana who
love Indiana winter.
So you're gonna get to spot aunique bird that time of year
and in the snow.
All the animals leave signs thatthey've been there.
So a fox may have walked throughthe trail just before you, or
(08:57):
rabbits may have been hoppingaround, or a bird might be
skipping down into the snow towash their wings a little bit.
So you'll see all those signs ofwildlife in the snow if you keep
your eyes open.
Missy Rentz (09:09):
You gotta really be present.
It's so beautiful.
I just absolutely love it.
I think that a lot of peoplethink about winter and think
about their own hibernation andthe idea of coming.
Going outside to the park, justdoesn't even come to their mind.
Whether it's because it's coldor there's nothing to see or
whatever.
What do you recommend people whoare just getting curious about
(09:32):
this whole going to the park andthen the winter, how do you
recommend they approach a visit?
Angie Manual (09:38):
Yeah, certainly they can decide for themselves
what.
Feels comfortable to them ifthey'd like to go on their own.
Certainly there's things theycan do to prepare themselves,
whether it's watching theweather, the temperature, the
snowfall the iness, and they canprepare with good footwear and,
jackets and hats and things likethat so they can decide if they
(10:00):
wanna go on their own in thatcapacity and stay safe and have
a good time.
Or if they're not a hundredpercent sure, absolutely.
Look up the DNRs calendar forthose state park programs.
And maybe that's a way that youcan join others on a winter walk
or a nature hike.
We still do those in the winter.
(10:21):
Sometimes they're indoors, but alot of times they're outdoors
because as you said, winter canbe really beautiful.
There's a stillness and a beautyout there, and even if it is
cold or crazy, you cancommiserate with your fellow
hikers and attendees and justhave a really great time.
Again, decide if they wanna goon their own.
Or just pull up the calendar andsee what's available at the park
(10:44):
nearest them.
Missy Rentz (10:45):
And you had, you and I, before we started
recording, we're talking and youmentioned something I think is
so important is that it do, youdon't have to go out for an
eight hour day, it, you can havequick visits to the parks.
Angie Manual (10:57):
Absolutely.
And a lot of times yeah,sometimes people forget that.
Being outdoors in the winter andyeah the brisk wind on your face
or you do feel the warmth of thesunshine in the winter, and
those rays from the sun reallyhelp with your mental wellbeing.
(11:17):
In the winter when people do getclosed up inside or they are a
little bit less social.
If they have seasonaldeficiencies just getting
outdoors for 30 minutes canreally boost their spirits.
So outdoors in the winter isjust as important as outdoors in
the summer.
Missy Rentz (11:35):
And I think that's one of the benefits of having a
state park pass in any statethat you live in, is that it's
just really easy to visit.
And, most states now have parksvery close to almost everybody
within the state.
And Indiana is the same way.
Angie Manual (11:49):
Yeah, it's it's great that annual past you
mentioned is a great gift foryourself, but also a great gift
for a friend or family member.
And that pass gets your vehiclein, whether there's just one
person in that vehicle or fivepeople in that vehicle, it gets
you into all 36 of our stateparks for an entire calendar
(12:12):
year.
So that is a lot of adventurepacked into one annual pass.
Missy Rentz (12:17):
Yeah, it's, it is a really great gift.
It was definitely one of the topon my gift guide this year
because I think it, giftingexperience is is so meaningful
to people to, to have throughoutthe year.
One of the big events takingplace in Indiana and throughout
the year is first day hikes, andI think like we are gonna do an
episode on first day hikes, butit's not gonna air until for
(12:40):
another week or two.
I think for a lot of people,starting to think about what
they're doing on New Year's Dayand starting that plan is
important.
Indiana is a big supporter ofthe first day hikes program.
What's happening on January 1stin your parks?
Angie Manual (12:58):
Yep.
So Indiana State Parks hasparticipated in the nationwide
initiative called First DayHikes for as long as it's been
in existence, and it has becomesuch a tradition for people when
we.
All 36 of our properties dosomething.
It may be a naturalist LED hike.
(13:19):
It may be a climb up a firetower, it may be a horseback
riding group.
We even have a couple off-roadvehicle properties who do
activities.
So every single.
E every single one of ourproperties offers something and
it's typically followed up withsome hot chocolate or coffee and
some cookies just to get youwarmed up afterwards.
(13:42):
But boy, like I said, it hasbecome a tradition and people
come every single year oftenwith their family,'cause again,
get outdoors.
Maybe you've.
Indulged in so much food fromThanksgiving to Christmas and
then into New Year's thatgetting outside for a walk is a
really great thing.
Missy Rentz (14:02):
It really is, and I think you can approach first day
hikes in multiple ways.
If you're an avid outdoor personand used to it, there's, it's
just fun to be outside and thereare things that you can do in
the park that you are able toget, off the beaten path or very
adventurous.
But if you are new to parks, theguided programs are a really
(14:22):
great way to, have your handheld, introducing you to the
parks.
I've been in parks where, it's aguided hike and you learn so
much more about how to enjoy ahike and whatnot.
So it's a great entry point foroutdoor people or would be
outdoor people.
Angie Manual (14:38):
It sure is.
And that's something that our,interpretive naturalists are
trained to understand, which iswhen folks come to a program,
they're not just there for theinformation.
They could look up thatinformation, online if they
wanted to, but sometimes they'relooking for a group experience.
Sometimes they're looking forthat, oh, I'm a first timer and
(14:59):
I'd really some extra help.
So our professional interpretivenaturalists are trained to.
Make it a really positiveexperience if you're a first
timer, so that experience leadsyou to the next experience,
which then leads you to the nextexperience.
We always want you to have agood time on that hike, a
comfortable time.
'cause if you're notcomfortable, you can't learn and
(15:20):
you can't have a positiveexperience.
Missy Rentz (15:22):
Yeah.
Angie, I am so grateful to youfor introducing us to Indiana
State Parks.
I can't wait to get out andexplore them.
Thank you so much for joining ustoday.
Angie Manual (15:33):
You're very welcome.
I appreciate the opportunity toshare with folks what they can
do around the holidays and whatthey can do after the holidays.
Don't forget winter doesn't enduntil March 21st keep coming
back in January and February andMarch, and the next thing you
know, it's spring.
Missy Rentz (15:49):
Exactly.
Thank you and have a very happyholiday to you and your family
and a happy holiday tolisteners.
Until next time, we'll see youin the parks.
Thanks for listening.
If you enjoyed today's episode,please be sure to like and share
on your favorite podcastplatform.
Music for the parks podcast isperformed and produced by Porter
(16:11):
Hardy.
For more information, pleasefollow us at The Parks Podcast,
or visit our website atTheParksPodcast.com.
As we continue to celebrate winter in the parks
today, we're exploring Indiana.
Angie Manuel, who is theinterpretive manager for the
Indiana Department of NaturalResources in the division of
State Parks, is joining metoday.
Angie, welcome to The ParksPodcast.
I love talking to you andlearning about what's going on
in Indiana.
(00:22):
The weather, especiallyrecently, would indicate that
it's winter, but we are just afew days away from the calendar
indicating that it's winter andwhile, everybody's starting to
celebrate the holiday season orin the midst of celebrating the
holiday season.
Parks are a great place to go tofor the holidays and
festivities, but also allthroughout winter.
(00:43):
What's going on in Indiana thiswinter?
Angie Manual (00:48):
At state parks and other DNR properties winter
swings heavy with snow or coldtemperatures, and then we get
sunshine and beautiful outdoordays.
And so Hoosiers just watch theweather and when it's good they
get outside and they have lotsto look at when they get there.
Missy Rentz (01:07):
Your website and the Parks podcast have a huge
list of activities that.
Are happening and really youkeep it updated year round with
really unique activities.
So there's a couple of eventsthat I think are so interesting.
All of'em are interesting, buttwo of them I'm gonna point out
'cause I think they're reallyunique.
At Summit Lake State Park, theyhave Snowman Trail and Winter
(01:27):
Craft Bonanza, which seems likea spectacular activity for kids.
Angie Manual (01:33):
It is, it's a family friendly activity.
Head out into the park on atrail where they have some.
Fun winter and holiday cutouts,and you can take a selfie with
those fun cutouts.
There are also some clues sinceit's a scavenger hunt type
activity.
You get to the right.
Selfie station and if you'vechosen the right one and snapped
(01:55):
a photo with it, you can headback up to the office and claim
your prize.
And while you're up at theoffice, they have a room
dedicated for winter and holidaycrafts so you can enjoy some
outside time and some indoor
Missy Rentz (02:08):
Oh, that sounds like so much fun.
The perfect activity forfamilies, for sure.
And then taking it back to likenature in Clifty Falls.
They're doing a Christmas birdcount on December 27th.
What is a bird count?
What does that entail?
Angie Manual (02:23):
Yeah, so there's different ways of doing bird
counts, but Clifty Falls StatePark and some of our other state
parks as well partner with theAudubon Society often in their
region, or it may be a statewideinitiative, but they will head
outdoors.
And it's a blitz.
You head outside for a fewhours, sometimes all day.
If you're courageous enough withyour binoculars, you keep your
(02:47):
ears open and you count anddocument as many birds as you
can.
And they're looking fordiversity in species and the
amount of beautiful birds thatyou see.
So that's a.
December bird count.
They do another one in aroundValentine's Day too.
And that's a backyard birdcount.
So get outdoors and help countIndiana's birds.
Missy Rentz (03:10):
That seems important.
Why?
Why is it important that we hostBird Counts?
Angie Manual (03:14):
Yeah, if we don't know what birds are in our
backyards or out in our naturalareas, it may be that those
populations are declining andwe, if we're not paying
attention we can't createconservation efforts for them.
We always need to make sure thatwe have cardinals and crows and
(03:34):
jays and woodpeckers and again,some of those specialty winter
birds like snow owls and otherwinter migrants.
So it's important to get out andcount them to make sure that we
are keeping tabs of theirpopulations and if we need to
intervene and do someconservation efforts, we can do
that because of those.
Bird counts.
(03:55):
They keep us knowledgeable andagain, making conservation
efforts on their, on the birdsbe account.
Missy Rentz (04:02):
Can you be a newbie to the birding to be able to do
something like this?
Or do you have to be an avid.
Bird watcher.
Angie Manual (04:08):
That's a great question.
And that's why going to some ofthese events is a good idea.
If you are a novice if you'venever.
Identified birds in your life,but enjoy being outdoors and
love birds.
Go on a program like thisbecause you can go with an
expert and you can tag along andyou can learn something along
(04:30):
the way.
Conversely, if you're an expertbirder, you can get out there
and take somebody new and getthem into the activity with you.
So wherever you are on thespectrum of birding, get out
there and you can enjoy it.
Missy Rentz (04:46):
I'm so intrigued by birding.
It's something I haven't doneyet.
What other birding activities,are happening in Indiana?
Angie Manual (04:54):
Yeah, so a unique one that whitewater Memorial
State Park does is they offerSandhill Saturdays.
And that's because Sandhillcranes, which are typically a
migratory bird and often leaveIndiana for the winter, they
actually love it around thewhitewater.
(05:15):
Memorial State Parks Reservoir.
And so they hang out in thecoves where the water is often
shallow.
It hasn't frozen over.
They can still find lots offood.
And so the interpretivenaturalists there will lead.
Sandhill Saturday hikes andthey'll do lots of viewing with
scopes and binoculars.
(05:36):
And the fun thing about Sandhillcranes is you can listen to
them.
You don't always have to be ableto see them, but just listening
to a sandhill crane is magical,especially in the wintertime.
Missy Rentz (05:46):
Throughout the park system, there's lots of like
wonderland of lights, Nights ofLights.
It's a really good place to goto get into that festive
spirits.
Angie Manual (05:57):
It absolutely is.
We, and this is something thathas taken off over the years.
It used to be that ourrecreation season was.
Memorial Day to Labor Day, andthen it became a little bit more
springtime and a little morefall time into October.
And then, November, people stillhave to come out around
Thanksgiving and, black Fridayor what we call opt outside.
(06:19):
And my goodness, now it's justrolled right into December and
people are, just as muchenjoying the holidays, the
Christmas season.
Any of those celebrations, theydo it with lights.
Sometimes we have a campgroundfull of campers, believe it or
not, in December, who will setup lights and they'll be driving
tours and visitors may pay a fewdollars to come see it, and it
(06:42):
becomes a great fundraiser.
So it's something you can enjoyin the warmth of your car.
It and still get in the holidayspirit.
Missy Rentz (06:50):
And I really like that because you guys are doing,
you have, the traditionalholiday lights, you have the
some craft events that aretaking place, but you also
really do lean into the natureand you give people the
opportunity to go out andcelebrate nature in this unique
way.
Parks have really unique thingsto see and hear during the
(07:10):
winter.
Angie Manual (07:11):
That's essentially part of our mission with state
parks is to always make it aboutthe resource, whether that is
natural resources, plants andanimals, and landscapes and
habitats.
But also our culture andhistory.
So it may be a Christmas theme.
But we're gonna bring into itwildlife or talking about
(07:33):
evergreen trees or frozenlandscapes that are beautiful
and fun to play in.
So that's our state park missionis to always keep in mind the
resource, how wonderful andbeautiful is.
Otherwise, it's just, your basicbackyard.
Missy Rentz (07:48):
I like hiking, but being in the park in the winter,
even if it's just for a fewminutes or hitting the
playground or whatever, there'sthis, there's another kind of
beauty to it.
When it's quiet, it's, you stillsee animals.
You still hear animals, maybeeven more of them because it's
so quiet.
It's a really magical place tobe and to see what's happening
(08:11):
with nature in the wintertime.
Angie Manual (08:14):
It sure is.
Yeah, animals are somewhatforced to come out during the
daytime because that's when it'ssunny and most warm, so they're
out foraging for food or findingaccess to water.
So yeah, in the wintertime it's.
More likely that you'll seewildlife specifically birds
because all the leaves are offthe trees.
(08:35):
Bird watching is a little biteasier.
And sometimes in the winter wesee bird guests to Indiana who
love Indiana winter.
So you're gonna get to spot aunique bird that time of year
and in the snow.
All the animals leave signs thatthey've been there.
So a fox may have walked throughthe trail just before you, or
(08:57):
rabbits may have been hoppingaround, or a bird might be
skipping down into the snow towash their wings a little bit.
So you'll see all those signs ofwildlife in the snow if you keep
your eyes open.
Missy Rentz (09:09):
You gotta really be present.
It's so beautiful.
I just absolutely love it.
I think that a lot of peoplethink about winter and think
about their own hibernation andthe idea of coming.
Going outside to the park, justdoesn't even come to their mind.
Whether it's because it's coldor there's nothing to see or
whatever.
What do you recommend people whoare just getting curious about
(09:32):
this whole going to the park andthen the winter, how do you
recommend they approach a visit?
Angie Manual (09:38):
Yeah, certainly they can decide for themselves
what.
Feels comfortable to them ifthey'd like to go on their own.
Certainly there's things theycan do to prepare themselves,
whether it's watching theweather, the temperature, the
snowfall the iness, and they canprepare with good footwear and,
jackets and hats and things likethat so they can decide if they
(10:00):
wanna go on their own in thatcapacity and stay safe and have
a good time.
Or if they're not a hundredpercent sure, absolutely.
Look up the DNRs calendar forthose state park programs.
And maybe that's a way that youcan join others on a winter walk
or a nature hike.
We still do those in the winter.
(10:21):
Sometimes they're indoors, but alot of times they're outdoors
because as you said, winter canbe really beautiful.
There's a stillness and a beautyout there, and even if it is
cold or crazy, you cancommiserate with your fellow
hikers and attendees and justhave a really great time.
Again, decide if they wanna goon their own.
Or just pull up the calendar andsee what's available at the park
(10:44):
nearest them.
Missy Rentz (10:45):
And you had, you and I, before we started
recording, we're talking and youmentioned something I think is
so important is that it do, youdon't have to go out for an
eight hour day, it, you can havequick visits to the parks.
Angie Manual (10:57):
Absolutely.
And a lot of times yeah,sometimes people forget that.
Being outdoors in the winter andyeah the brisk wind on your face
or you do feel the warmth of thesunshine in the winter, and
those rays from the sun reallyhelp with your mental wellbeing.
(11:17):
In the winter when people do getclosed up inside or they are a
little bit less social.
If they have seasonaldeficiencies just getting
outdoors for 30 minutes canreally boost their spirits.
So outdoors in the winter isjust as important as outdoors in
the summer.
Missy Rentz (11:35):
And I think that's one of the benefits of having a
state park pass in any statethat you live in, is that it's
just really easy to visit.
And, most states now have parksvery close to almost everybody
within the state.
And Indiana is the same way.
Angie Manual (11:49):
Yeah, it's it's great that annual past you
mentioned is a great gift foryourself, but also a great gift
for a friend or family member.
And that pass gets your vehiclein, whether there's just one
person in that vehicle or fivepeople in that vehicle, it gets
you into all 36 of our stateparks for an entire calendar
(12:12):
year.
So that is a lot of adventurepacked into one annual pass.
Missy Rentz (12:17):
Yeah, it's, it is a really great gift.
It was definitely one of the topon my gift guide this year
because I think it, giftingexperience is is so meaningful
to people to, to have throughoutthe year.
One of the big events takingplace in Indiana and throughout
the year is first day hikes, andI think like we are gonna do an
episode on first day hikes, butit's not gonna air until for
(12:40):
another week or two.
I think for a lot of people,starting to think about what
they're doing on New Year's Dayand starting that plan is
important.
Indiana is a big supporter ofthe first day hikes program.
What's happening on January 1stin your parks?
Angie Manual (12:58):
Yep.
So Indiana State Parks hasparticipated in the nationwide
initiative called First DayHikes for as long as it's been
in existence, and it has becomesuch a tradition for people when
we.
All 36 of our properties dosomething.
It may be a naturalist LED hike.
(13:19):
It may be a climb up a firetower, it may be a horseback
riding group.
We even have a couple off-roadvehicle properties who do
activities.
So every single.
E every single one of ourproperties offers something and
it's typically followed up withsome hot chocolate or coffee and
some cookies just to get youwarmed up afterwards.
(13:42):
But boy, like I said, it hasbecome a tradition and people
come every single year oftenwith their family,'cause again,
get outdoors.
Maybe you've.
Indulged in so much food fromThanksgiving to Christmas and
then into New Year's thatgetting outside for a walk is a
really great thing.
Missy Rentz (14:02):
It really is, and I think you can approach first day
hikes in multiple ways.
If you're an avid outdoor personand used to it, there's, it's
just fun to be outside and thereare things that you can do in
the park that you are able toget, off the beaten path or very
adventurous.
But if you are new to parks, theguided programs are a really
(14:22):
great way to, have your handheld, introducing you to the
parks.
I've been in parks where, it's aguided hike and you learn so
much more about how to enjoy ahike and whatnot.
So it's a great entry point foroutdoor people or would be
outdoor people.
Angie Manual (14:38):
It sure is.
And that's something that our,interpretive naturalists are
trained to understand, which iswhen folks come to a program,
they're not just there for theinformation.
They could look up thatinformation, online if they
wanted to, but sometimes they'relooking for a group experience.
Sometimes they're looking forthat, oh, I'm a first timer and
(14:59):
I'd really some extra help.
So our professional interpretivenaturalists are trained to.
Make it a really positiveexperience if you're a first
timer, so that experience leadsyou to the next experience,
which then leads you to the nextexperience.
We always want you to have agood time on that hike, a
comfortable time.
'cause if you're notcomfortable, you can't learn and
(15:20):
you can't have a positiveexperience.
Missy Rentz (15:22):
Yeah.
Angie, I am so grateful to youfor introducing us to Indiana
State Parks.
I can't wait to get out andexplore them.
Thank you so much for joining ustoday.
Angie Manual (15:33):
You're very welcome.
I appreciate the opportunity toshare with folks what they can
do around the holidays and whatthey can do after the holidays.
Don't forget winter doesn't enduntil March 21st keep coming
back in January and February andMarch, and the next thing you
know, it's spring.
Missy Rentz (15:49):
Exactly.
Thank you and have a very happyholiday to you and your family
and a happy holiday tolisteners.
Until next time, we'll see youin the parks.
Thanks for listening.
If you enjoyed today's episode,please be sure to like and share
on your favorite podcastplatform.
Music for the parks podcast isperformed and produced by Porter
(16:11):
Hardy.
For more information, pleasefollow us at The Parks Podcast,
or visit our website atTheParksPodcast.com.
Popular Podcasts
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.