Winter Wander Hike at Indiana’s Fairfax SRA

Indiana Department of Natural Resources 12.27.12

Hikers who enjoy going off-trail should join Monroe Lake’s naturalist for the Winter Wander Hike on Sunday, Jan. 13.

Jill Vance will lead up to 10 people on an exploration of the undeveloped section of Fairfax State Recreation Area, 9301 S. Fairfax Road, Bloomington. The hike starts at 1 p.m.

Registration is required by Jan. 11 to the Paynetown Activity Center at (812) 837-9967 or jvance@dnr.IN.gov.

“This is an informal hike, with no set destination, so we can head toward anything that catches our eye,” Vance said. “We’ve stumbled across some really interesting things on past hikes like this.”

Hikers should plan to be out for two to three hours, dress for the weather, wear good hiking shoes and bring a water bottle. Due to the distance and rugged nature of the hike, it is not recommended for children under age 10.

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."