News Release

Christmas Bird Count at National Lakeshore

Date: December 19, 2017

Join tens of thousands of volunteers throughout the Americas for an adventure on Friday, December 29. This 24-hour bird count encompasses the INDW 10-mile radius circle in Northwest Indiana. Families, students, amateurs, birders, and scientists alike, arm themselves with binoculars, bird guides, and checklists and go out on an annual mission anytime during this 24-hour period to count the world’s bird populations. There will also be a ranger-led hike offered from 8:00 am to 10:00 am at the Portage Lakefront and Riverwalk site in Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore.

The Audubon Society (http://www.audubon.org/conservation/science/christmas-bird-count) and other organizations use the data collected in this longest running wildlife census to assess the health of bird populations and to guide conservation action. The event is free, but requires advance registration by December 27th. Register and learn more about where and when to conduct your counting or to join the hike by contacting ranger Christine Gerlach at 219-395-1885 or e-mail us.