Indiana's only National Forest covers over 204,000 acres in south central Indiana where we restore ecosystems and provide recreational opportunities.
Southern Indiana
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The beach area, and parking, at Hardin Ridge Recreation Area will be open at 6 pm for visitors wishing to watch the September 5 fireworks over Monroe Lake. It will not be available for swimming, but the restrooms and water spigots will be available. $8 day use fee/car
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Mark your calendars or Sept 12! Lots of fun activities at the Forest Service Bedford Office. Climb in a fire truck, see Smokey Bear, 20% sale in nature shop, enter to win a federal lands pass and more! Drop in between 10 and 1.
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The Hoosier National Forest’s Engine 621 is one of about 30 engines currently staffed by Australian and New Zealand wildfire personnel supporting suppression efforts in the west. Our local Hoosier fire staff were proudly on site to train personnel on how to operate their engines.
ALT Australian strike team with Hoosier staff by the Hoosier's engine
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Shout out to Eagle Scout Jack Gelhausen from Troop 186 in Perry County and his 11 helpers!
This group worked 9 hours to construct, move and install a new, larger kiosk for the Hoosier's Lick Creek Trailhead.
ALT kiosk at Lick Creek Trailhead
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Have you heard we're having an Open House? It's tomorrow (8/29) at our Tell City Office. Give aways! Meet Smokey and Bigfoot! 20% of merch in the nature shop - new tshirts! More info here - fs.usda.gov/r09/hoosier/even…
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Prevent wildfires by fully extinguishing campfires before you leave.
Remember:
🫧Drown the fire with water
🪓Stir the ashes
🫴Feel for heat
Repeat as needed.
If it is too hot to touch, it is too hot to leave.
(Forest Service video.)
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Paper: good for books, packing material, and... electronic sensors?
Forest Service scientists are developing electronic sensors from paper and other wood byproducts that rival plastic-based models in their performance.
ALT making paper
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Get out and celebrate American Adventures Month in your big backyard!
(Forest Service photos)
ALT campers and a dog
ALT mountain bikers
ALT fishing on a lake
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From birds to bourbon barrels, oaks are important species.
Mapping, like this project on the @nfsnc,
helps land managers prioritize where oak regeneration is most likely to succeed. To learn more, visit: research.fs.usda.gov/treesea…
(Forest Service photo by Christian Schroll.)
ALT mature white oak crown in fall
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Download FREE Forest Service digital maps to find trails, campgrounds, and recreation areas near you. Link in the comments.
Start your journey here: fs.usda.gov/visit/maps
ALT free digital maps
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Join us in wishing a happy 82nd birthday to @SmokeyBear! Thank you for always reminding us that “only you can prevent wildfires.”
ALT Happy 82nd birthday Smokey
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When was the last time you did a tick check?
Forest Service researchers are studying how prescribed fire may help reduce tick populations — and potentially lower exposure to tick-borne diseases like Lyme disease.
ALT black legged tick photo by Scott Bauer USDA
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Ready to explore like a pro?
The National Forests & Grasslands app gives you offline maps, trail info, safety alerts, and everything you need to roam confidently through your national forests and grasslands.
Download it now and start your journey.
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Mark your calendars. This is going to be a fun presentation by the Indiana Karst Conservancy. July 30 at 6 pm, Bedford Library. Register at bedfordpl.librarycalendar.co…
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☀️ Heading outside? Don’t get roasted.
• Slap on that SPF 30+
• Stay hydrated (like actually drink water)
• Rock your sun‑safe gear
• Check the UV index
• Take shade breaks like it’s your full‑time job
Protect your skin, protect your vibes. 🌿✨
ALT sun safety tips
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An estimated 160 million people visit national forests and grasslands each year — that’s more than twice as many visitors as Disneyland and Disney World combined.
Plan your adventure today!
Visit: fs.usda.gov/r09/hoosier/recr…
ALT a family cooks food on a campfire
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Rolling into the week like the trail owes us money.
Hoosier National Forest has dirt, sunshine and endless miles of “you got this.”
Grab your wheels, hit the woods and show summer how it’s done.
For more: fs.usda.gov/r09/hoosier/recr…
(Forest Service photo)
ALT mountain bikers enjoy the trail
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Have you ever wondered why many of the native flowering plants in Indiana are considered prairie plants? Barrens have more sparse trees and plenty of sunlight to support these sun-loving species.
We are restoring barrens with thinning and prescribed fire.
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10/10 vibes.
Cast a line in more than 220,000 miles of fishable streams and rivers on national forest land across the country.
Or fish your local Hoosier National Forest. There are many lakes to choose from. Visit: fs.usda.gov/.../recreation/o…
ALT anglers fish from a boat on Celina Lake
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Painting and 'Possums this Saturday at Rickenbaugh House. fs.usda.gov/r09/hoosier/even…
photo by Indiana Department of Natural Resources
ALT two Virginia opossums
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