Pokagon hosts lunar eclipse viewing, Feb. 20

The total lunar eclipse on Feb. 20 can be viewed during a special event at Pokagon State Park that night, during a program staged by the park's interpretive services and the Astronomical Society of Hillsdale County.

The informal evening commences at 8:30 p.m. at the park's CCC Shelter. The moon starts to pass through the Earth's shadow at 8:58 p.m. Participants will be able to look through a couple of the society's telescopes and binoculars but should consider bringing binoculars. 

A general, naked-eye astronomy and sky interpretation of the stars and nearby Saturn, which will be visible once the moon is darkened, will also be offered. 

Eclipse totality occurs at 10:13 p.m. The eclipse continues until 12:20 a.m., but the program may not, depending on the weather. A fire in the shelter and hot water for drinks will help keep guests warm.

Naturally, the program is clear-sky dependent. In case of clouds or to inquire about program status, call the park's Nature Center before 4 p.m., (260) 833-2012, or the Potawatomi Inn front desk after 4 p.m., (260) 833-1077. Call the same numbers for further information. Participants should dress warmly, since clear nights are usually cold and the program does not allow for much moving around. 

The event is free. Being a weeknight, the entrance gate will not be staffed, so there is no park entrance fee.  If you can't make it to the park, make sure to watch from your yard.

Indiana State Parks and Reservoirs lifeguarding tests will be held at no cost to the participants for those wanting to work at State Park and Reservoirs properties, starting March 30. 

To participate, applicants must already be certified in both "Lifeguarding" and "CPR for the Professional Rescuer" prior to taking the test. This test serves as a hiring tool to allow applicants to display their knowledge and abilities, and to help the DNR assure that its lifeguards are of the highest quality.

This test is not a recertification. Lifeguards must recertify on their own through their local Red Cross or YMCA, when such a program is offered throughout the year, prior to the swim season. In order to take the State Parks and Reservoirs test, each person must turn in a copy of his or her Lifeguarding, CPR and any other certifications.

These tests will be held on the following Sundays. Registration at all sites starts at 8:30 a.m. The actual test starts at 9 a.m. The bloodborne pathogens workshop begins at 9 a.m; the written test begins at approximately 9:45 a.m.

The week after the tests, applicant scores will be sent to the property the applicant requests. At that time, the applicant may be hired.

March 30, Harrison County YMCA, Corydon: Take I-64 to Exit 105. Go South on Hwy. 135, turn left onto Hwy 337 South.  This will take you towards downtown Corydon. Follow Hwy. 337 South approximately 1 mile until you see "Shanghai Chinese Restaurant and
State Farm/Schuler Bauer on the left. The road (Foundation Way) to the YMCA is between these businesses.

April 6,  Bloomington High School North: Located off of S.R. 37. Sign in at cafeteria.
 
April 20, Ball State University, Muncie, Lewellen Aquatic Center:  Go down the main
road on campus, called McKinley. Enter by the pool and follow signs to room HP 100.

At all sites, at approximately 10:30-11 a.m., the applicants will continue with the water test. The water test consists of five stations. A score of 7-10 must be earned at each station in order to pass.  If an applicant scores below 7 on one station, they may be hired, but will need to practice and be retested on that skill only. The water test is usually completed no later than 2 p.m.

The stations are as follows: active drowning victim, passive drowning victim, spinal turn in deep water, backboarding, and rescue breathing/ CPR. The only station where the score is determined by the group is backboarding. All others are individual scores.

The written test is 50 questions, 25 of which are CPR/FA related; 25 are on lifeguard training knowledge. The applicant must score at least a 70 percent combined average
on the written test.

Hickory Hollow Nature Center in O'Bannon Woods State Park west of Corydon, Indiana, offers a series of programs designed for outdoor enthusiasts. The programs include extended on and off trail hikes of several miles, an outdoor skills workshop, backpacking, canoe and cave trips, trail and river clean-up opportunities.  Our "Sportsman Challenge Series" workshops offer in-depth and hands-on instruction on specific outdoor related topics.

Wyandotte Adventure Outings (WAOs) are offered to encourage the visitor to become involved in some of the many outdoor pursuits available at this state park and surrounding state forest.

Following is a listing of WAO's and workshops offered this season:
Sportsman Challenge- "Wild Game Cooking", Saturday, February 9th ($10)
Late Winter Hike- Saturday, February 23rd
Sportsman Challenge- "Wild Game Calling", Saturday, March 15th ($10)
Sportsman Challenge- "Turkey Hunting 101", Saturday, April 12th ($10)
Blue River Canoe Trip- Monday Memorial Day, May 26th (must pre-register)
Canoeing and Kayaking Lessons 101- Saturday, May 31st (must pre-register)
Sportsman Challenge- "Fishing Hot Spots and How-to's", Saturday, June 7th ($10)
Cavers Extreme Day- three caves, one wild day, Saturday, June 14th ($40 pre-register)
Adventure Weekend- caving, canoeing, and hiking, Sat/Sun, July 12th-13th
Blue River Clean-up Day/Canoe Trip- Saturday, July 19th (must pre-register)
Wild Cave Trip- Saturday, August 9th (must pre-register)
Outdoor Skills Workshop- "From Hiking to Game Skinning", Saturday, September 20th
Backpacking Overnighter- Sat/Sun, October 4th-5th (must pre-register)
Cavers Extreme Day- three caves in one day, Saturday, October 11th ($40 pre-register)

Program dates are subject to change and some require pre-registration. O'Bannon Woods observes Eastern Daylight Savings Time.  A full descriptive schedule of the Wyandotte Adventure Outings is available by contacting the interpretive center at 812-738-8234 or by visiting http://www.interpretiveservices.in.gov/ on the web. O'Bannon Woods State Park is located 10 miles west of Corydon, Indiana on Hwy. 462, off State Highway 62.