13 Jun Program Fun Begins!!
Now begins the real fun of the seasonal work I will be doing this summer. For the past 2-3 weeks, I have been completing training and learning about the park’s history and ecology. I have had the opportunity to audit programs and learn about the park from other rangers, which has helped me better understand the park. So do not be afraid to stop a ranger as you walk by because you never know what you might learn.
Here is a photo I took along Mount Baldy, one of the beaches of Indiana Dunes. During training, another ranger and I would conduct water quality tests along all eight beaches, ensuring the water was healthy and safe to swim in. Some days we had to be more careful than others because waves would come up all the way past our belt line.
I also had the chance to help lead other programs like the introductory fishing program. It was such a wonderful opportunity because I got to experience the pure joy of one of the children catching his 1st fish ever. Of course, he caught about eight other fish in 1 hour, but that is a story for another day. Aside from leading other programs, I will be creating an advanced fishing program. It will involve kayak angling and will aim to teach more techniques for fishing, lures, and setups, and advanced fishing knowledge. There will be more fishing, sunset paddling, beach fun and safety, birding hikes, and trail hiking programs, so keep an eye out and try to sign up if you happen to be local!
Vicki
Posted at 05:24h, 27 JuneGreat pics, Jake! Your efforts will help develop this newer national park. Enjoy!
Karen
Posted at 10:11h, 27 JuneGreat photos and narrative of your observations and experiences so far, Jake.
!
Lynn Morrow Peterson
Posted at 13:13h, 27 JuneThanks to the intro to what you’re doing for the summer. Enjoyed the pictures too. Enjoy this great adventure!