New Moon Hike Offered at Indiana’s Monroe Lake

Experience the chill of a winter night and the darkness of a new moon on a special hike through field and forest at Monroe Lake at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 13.

The free hike is limited to 15 people. Register by Dec. 12 to the Paynetown Activity Center at (812) 837-9967 or jvance@dnr.IN.gov.

During a new moon, none of our moon’s disk is visible. The result is a darker-than-normal night. Monroe Lake naturalist Jill Vance will show participants how to use senses other than sight to experience the darkness. If the sky is clear, she’ll also highlight stars and constellations.

“If you’ve been limiting your experience with nature to warmth and light, this is a great opportunity to step outside your comfort zone and see what you’ve been missing,” Vance said.

Registered hikers should meet in the overflow parking lot at Paynetown State Recreation Area, 4850 S. State Road 446, Bloomington.

Vance advises people to dress warmly. Participants are welcome to carry a flashlight, but shouldn’t plan on using it.

Indiana Department of Natural Resources

The Indiana Department of Natural Resources is the agency of the U.S. state of Indiana charged with maintaining natural areas such as state parks, state forests, recreation areas, etc. There are many divisions within the DNR and each has a specific role. The DNR is not only responsible for maintaining resource areas but also manages Indiana's fish and wildlife, reclaims coal mine ground, manages forested areas, aids in the management of wildlife on private lands, enforces Indiana's conservation laws, and many other duties not named here. According to the department's website, their mission is "to protect, enhance, preserve, and wisely use natural, cultural, and recreational resources for the benefit of Indiana's citizens through professional leadership, management, and education."