Indiana Dunes Science Conference to be be held at IVY Tech Community College

Date: March 10, 2016

INDIANA DUNES NATIONAL LAKESHORE: On Wednesday, April 6, the public is invited to attend the 2016 Indiana Dunes Science Conference which will be held in the auditorium of the IVY Tech Community College - Valparaiso Campus. The event will run from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., is open to the public, and is free of charge. Over 20 scientists will highlight previous and ongoing research conducted within Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore and explore how this research can help inform park management decisions. The conference is part of a year-long celebration of the 100th Anniversary of the National Park Service and the 50th Anniversary of Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore. These celebrations are reflected in the conference theme, "Celebrating 100 years of Research in the Indiana Dunes". The conference agenda is available a at www.nps.gov/rlc/greatlakes/2016-science-conference.htm.

OnThursday, April 7, conference participants may choose to attend a field trip to learn from experts about the ecology of particular habitats and restoration projects in Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore. Destinations will include Cowles Bog, the Great Marsh, and the oak savanna in Miller Woods. Field trips will begin at8:00 a.m.and end by1:00 p.m.

Conference registration forApril 6thwill be open until the day of the event, but early-birds registering by March 10 will receive a free lunch. Pre-registration for theApril 7thfield trip is required byMarch 25and registration is limited. To register for either day's events, e-maile-mail usor call 219-395-1987. 

The conference is being conducted in partnership with the IVY Tech Community College –Valparaiso Campus, the U.S. Geological Survey Great Lakes Science Center Lake Michigan Ecological Research Station, Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, and the Great Lakes Research and Education Center.