The Great Outdoors

A swamp chestnut oak tree in Jennings County has been recognized as the largest of the species in the country by the National Champion Tree program, with a height of 95 feet, a circumference of 318 inches, and a canopy spread of 118 feet.

The record . . . 

The Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) invites you to celebrate the state’s public lands and waters Sept. 27 and 28 with events happening across the state.

National Public Lands Day, Saturday, Sept. 27, is the nation’s largest single . . . 

Eight Indiana Conservation Officers have joined the ranks of the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Law Enforcement’s team of certified dive rescue specialists who serve the entire state. They participated in a graduation ceremony held at the . . . 

The City of Fort Wayne’s Residential Accessibility Modifications Program is now open. This program offers qualified households a grant to make accessibility improvements to their homes.

Qualified applicants must:

• Own their home,
• Have a household that includes a person with a permanent disability,
• Live inside City limits, and
• Have a household income at or below 80 percent of the Area Median Income (approximately $72,000 for a family of four).

Examples of modifications include:

• Installing temporary/ modular ramps,
• Installing handrails along steps or pathways,
• Installing a chair lift,
• Installing a walk-in or roll-in shower,
• Installing or repairing flooring to remove uneven surfaces, and more.

Interested . . . 

The Hille Farm in Allen County recently received a Hoosier Homestead Sesquicentennial Award for being in operation since 1875, according to State Rep. Martin Carbaugh (R-Fort Wayne) and State Sen. Justin Busch (R-Fort Wayne).

“Agriculture plays a . . . 

September is Archaeology Month in Indiana, and this year marks the 30th anniversary of this special celebration that brings universities, museums, government entities, organizations, and Hoosiers together to learn more about Indiana’s archeological . . . 

From August 16–24, storm drains across Fort Wayne began bursting with color as local and regional muralists transformed them into works of art carrying a powerful environmental message: Only Rain in the Drain.

Now in its fifth year, Clean Drains Fort . . . 

Open Streets Fort Wayne announced the list of over 100 activities that will be offered on Sunday, August 17, 12:00 – 4:00 p.m. The free, community, people-powered event will provide participants with a safe space to bike, walk and play along more . . . 

The Fort Wayne Parks and Recreation Department officially opened the redesigned Packard Park with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Fort Wayne Mayor Sharon Tucker, Parks and Recreation Director Steve McDaniel, Fifth District Councilman Geoff Paddock, Parks’ . . . 

Protecting our rivers starts with each of us. There’s still time for summer family fun to show your “River“ this summer by joining with residents across our community to become a Clean Drains Fort Wayne Drain Stormer.

Clean Drains Fort Wayne is . . . 

The Indiana State Fair kicks off on Aug. 1 and highlights the theme “Soundtrack of Summer,” presented by Get Prepared Indiana. Fairgoers can also hear from Purdue University experts about everything from insects to drones to physical and financial . . . 

A generous donation by Byron & Linn Braun In Memory of Sophia and Charles Braun and Foxy
Foxy wasn’t just a dog—he was a pioneer.

Rescued and deeply loved by Sophia and Charles Braun, Foxy defied the odds and made medical history. He was rescued . . . 

It is never a bad idea to be prepared, especially for severe weather. Ahead of forecasted storms, you may hear warnings about having an emergency kit and plan ready. Doing these simple steps before severe weather hits can keep your family one step . . . 

The Little River Wetlands Project announced its annual fundraiser, Frogapalooza: Wine, Wetlands & Art, set for Thursday, July 24, 2025 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Union 12 in Columbia City (7563 Lincoln Way Rd, Columbia City, IN 46725). This year . . . 

It is a fact that weatherization is beneficial in the summer months too. A common practice highlighted in winter, weatherization can promote energy efficiency and offer potential savings on a monthly energy bill – in any season.

To help with this, . . . 

With summer here, Indiana Conservation Officers remind Hoosiers to make water safety a priority throughout the summer. “We urge everyone to recognize the danger water poses,” said Capt. Jet Quillen.

Here are some basic water safety tips:

• Discuss the dangers of water with your family and loved ones before going out.
• Tell someone where you are going and when you will return.
• Go with a buddy.
• Stay away from flooded or fast-moving waterways.
• Wear a life jacket.
• Keep a watchful eye on children.
• Avoid alcohol.

When you . . . 

LC Nature Park has announced the launch of a major new project: the Discovery Trail. This self-guided trail is designed to be accessible to individuals of all abilities, offering a welcoming way for everyone to experience the beauty and biodiversity . . . 

Four Indiana Conservation Officer K-9 teams were recognized for completing the Indiana Department of Natural Resources Division of Law Enforcement’s nine-week K-9 Resource Protection Program during a graduation ceremony held today on the south lawn . . . 

On Friday, May 16, the City of Fort Wayne will celebrate active commuting on Bike to Work Day. Leave your car behind and walk, run, bike, or roll into this free event at The Porch Off Calhoun, next to Pint & Slice, any time between 6:30 and 9:30 . . . 

The 2025 season for Trek the Trails and Tread the Trails began on Tuesday, April 29 at Promenade Park. Trek the Trails and Tread the Trails will take place during the same weeks this year.

 . . .