Upcoming Events and News
GREAT BACKYARD BIRD COUNT: 28th Annual Great Backyard Bird Count
Friday, February 14th through Monday February 17th
Friday, February 14th through Monday February 17th
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The Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC) is a fun and easy event that engages birdwatchers of all ages in counting birds and acting as citizen scientists. Participants are asked to count birds for at least 15 minutes on one or more days of the four-day event and report their sightings online at eBird.org. Anyone can participate and you can submit sightings from your own backyard, your local birding patch, or anywhere that you see birds.
Each checklist submitted during the GBBC helps researchers at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and the National Audubon Society learn about bird population changes and how to protect vulnerable species. Make your observations count! Here is a snapshot of the results from 2024: Species identified: 7,920 Participating countries/subregions: 210 Estimated Participants: 642,003 eBird Checklists: 384,416 Merlin Bird IDs: 313,874 Macaulay Library Photos/Videos/Sounds Added: 164,740 |
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BIRD WALK: Winter Birding in Porter County
Saturday, February 15th - 9:00 am CST
The group will meet at the Indiana Dunes National Park Visitor Center (1215 N State Rd 49, Porter, IN 46304) and will caravan to nearby National Park sites in search of wintering birds. Total time about 2 - 3 hours. This event is free to Dunes-Calumet Audubon Society members and open to the public for a $5 fee. Registration is required as capacity is limited.
Saturday, February 15th - 9:00 am CST
The group will meet at the Indiana Dunes National Park Visitor Center (1215 N State Rd 49, Porter, IN 46304) and will caravan to nearby National Park sites in search of wintering birds. Total time about 2 - 3 hours. This event is free to Dunes-Calumet Audubon Society members and open to the public for a $5 fee. Registration is required as capacity is limited.
WORKSHOP: Become an Outreach Ambassador
Monday, February 17th - 7:00 pm CST
Join us virtually via Zoom to learn about how you can help us reach out to the community at local area events.
Monday, February 17th - 7:00 pm CST
Join us virtually via Zoom to learn about how you can help us reach out to the community at local area events.
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During this workshop:
To register for this free workshop, please send an email to [email protected] with “Outreach Ambassador Workshop” in the Subject Line. We will then send you the Zoom link to attend the workshop. |
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PROGRAM: Learn about the Jasper-Pulaski FWA
Thursday, February 20 - 7:00 pm CST Join property manager, Nick Echterling, as he discusses Jasper-Pulaski FWA and its history. Nick will also address Sandhill crane population status, migration, and how they use the property. In addition, Nick, will also talk about other migrants and resident birds of Jasper-Pulaski FWA. This FREE program will be streamed via Zoom and Facebook Live. |
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BOARD GAMES & BIRDS: Wingspan Game Day
Sunday, February 23 - 1:30 pm CST Join us at the Westchester Public Library for our first Wingspan game day! This event offers a chance to learn and play Wingspan, a beautiful and strategic game where players compete to attract birds to their wildlife preserves. Learn the rules, test your strategy, and enjoy a friendly game with fellow nature and game lovers. No experience necessary—our volunteers will be happy to teach you! Come roll the dice, draw your cards, and let your love for birds take flight! The event is FREE, but registration is required.
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What is Wingspan?
Wingspan is a highly acclaimed, nature-themed board game where players take on the role of bird enthusiasts working to attract the best birds to their wildlife preserves. Each bird you play can trigger powerful chain reactions that help you gain food, lay eggs, or draw more birds. With stunning artwork and scientifically accurate bird facts, Wingspan is both an engaging strategy game and a celebration of the natural world. Wingspan allows 1 - 5 players at a time. Bring your game, if you have one, or you can use one provided. Snacks and prizes will be included through the generosity of Thrivent.com (A Thrivent Action Team Opportunity). |
LOOKING AHEAD
Saturday, March 1 at 8:30 am CST - Winter Maritime Wanderers at Portage Lakefront Park
Join Board President, Kim Ehn, lakeside in front of the pavillion to search for bay and sea ducks which are attracted to the open, deep waters. Click Here to register.
Thursday, March 20 at 7:00 pm CST - Exploring eBird: A Hands-On Workshop for Birders - Join Board member and Field Trip Coordinator, Julie Bonnema, to learn more about eBird in this special in-person at Gibson Wood Nature Preserve in Hammond. More details coming soon.
Thursday, April 17 at 7:00 pm CST - Chicago Black-crowned Night Heron Project - More details coming soon, but you can learn about the project HERE. This FREE program will be streamed via Zoom and Facebook Live.
May 15th through May 18th, 2025 - Native Plant Sale - A fundraiser to support our education and conservation projects!
Located at the Migration Marketplace Tent, Indiana Dunes Visitor Center, 1215 N State Road 49, Chesterton
More info, including this years available plants, will be coming soon.
Saturday, March 1 at 8:30 am CST - Winter Maritime Wanderers at Portage Lakefront Park
Join Board President, Kim Ehn, lakeside in front of the pavillion to search for bay and sea ducks which are attracted to the open, deep waters. Click Here to register.
Thursday, March 20 at 7:00 pm CST - Exploring eBird: A Hands-On Workshop for Birders - Join Board member and Field Trip Coordinator, Julie Bonnema, to learn more about eBird in this special in-person at Gibson Wood Nature Preserve in Hammond. More details coming soon.
Thursday, April 17 at 7:00 pm CST - Chicago Black-crowned Night Heron Project - More details coming soon, but you can learn about the project HERE. This FREE program will be streamed via Zoom and Facebook Live.
May 15th through May 18th, 2025 - Native Plant Sale - A fundraiser to support our education and conservation projects!
Located at the Migration Marketplace Tent, Indiana Dunes Visitor Center, 1215 N State Road 49, Chesterton
More info, including this years available plants, will be coming soon.
Upcoming Bird Walks
See our Events and Trips page to learn more
about any of our upcoming field trips, and to register!
about any of our upcoming field trips, and to register!
Helping our Natural Resources
Join or Donate
Click HERE to learn about the benefits of becoming both a National Audubon and Chapter member.
Dunes-Calumet Audubon Society Chapter (only) memberships allows more funding to support local projects. |
Events and Activities
The Dunes-Calumet Chapter meets monthly for informative presentations. Bird Walks are led to sites that highlight the great diversity of bird-life found on the southern shore of Lake Michigan. Visit ACTIVITIES for more information and registration.
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Great Birding Opportunities
The diversity of birding sites in Porter and Lake Counties host more bird species than anywhere else in Indiana. Many birding sites are National Audubon recognized Important Bird Areas. Read more by visiting BIRDING SITES
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Shop for Dunes-Calumet Audubon Merchandise
FEATURED BIRDING SITEGibson Woods Nature Preserve
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FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK
Follow us for the latest news from DCAS, as well as field trip and meeting updates from around the region.
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OUR MAILING ADDRESS
Dunes-Calumet Audubon Society P.O. Box 36 Wheeler, IN 46393 |