Upcoming Events and News

FREE Lakewatch - Portage Lakefront & Riverwalk
Saturday, January 3 - 8:30 am CST

Join us tomorrow, Saturday, January 3, for a FREE  lakewatch at Portage Lakefront and Riverwalk in Porter County (100 Riverwalk Drive, Portage).  Lakewatch birding is a stationary activity where you scan the lake, skies, and shoreline looking for birds.

​This is a great time the year to search for mergansers, goldeneyes, scoters, and more, and we are excited to have Bob Bryerton leading the watch. If the weather gets too cold for some, the National Park has granted us access to the main room to warm up.
No registration is required, and we look forward to seeing you on Saturday.
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Photo by Josie Weiss on Unsplash
REMAINING CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNTS

National Audubon Society's 126th Christmas Bird Count season will be held from December 14, 2025 to January 5, 2026, and we are fortunate to have multiple count circles in the Dunes-Calumet area! Volunteers count every bird they see in the 15-mile radius count circle, and the data helps track bird populations across the continent.

While some counts may already be filled, others may have openings. If you are interested in participating, contact the count compiler below for more information. 

If you live in any of the circles below, backyard/feeder counters are always welcome.

Saturday, January 3 - Southern Lake County
This count covers the southern portions of Lake County and includes county parks like Grand Kankakee Marsh, Stoney Run, Lemon Lake, and Buckley Homestead. Contact Matt Kalwasinski at [email protected]​

Sunday, January 4 – Jasper-Pulaski FWA 
This will be the second year for this count, which is centered around Jasper-Pulaski FWA and includes areas in Jasper, Pulaski, and Starke Counties. Contact Ken Wysocki at [email protected]
FREE Program - Wingspan Game Day
January 11th, 2026 - 12:00pm to 5:00pm CST

Grindhouse Cafe
3805 Ridge Road
​Highland, IN

Whether you’re a birding enthusiast, a board game lover, or just curious about the award-winning game Wingspan, this event is for you. 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!

Wingspan allows 1-5 players at a time. Bring your game, if you have one, or you can use one provided. Come roll the dice thought the bird feeder, draw your cards, and let your love for birds take flight!

The event is free, but registration is required.
Click HERE to register via Eventbrite.

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.


Our Location Join us at Grindhouse Cafe in Northwest Indiana for a fun and welcoming event as Dunes Calumet Audubon teaches you how to play Wingspan! Grindhouse Cafe is a locally owned Northwest Indiana favorite that prides itself on quality, community, and creativity. Known for its thoughtfully sourced coffee, handcrafted drinks, and tasty food options, Grindhouse offers a warm and inviting atmosphere where people can relax, connect, and enjoy something special. Their commitment to supporting local artists, hosting community events, and creating a welcoming space makes them a perfect partner and setting for gatherings like this one.

​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  UPCOMING PROGRAMS for more information and registration.
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 LOCATIONS.
Support us by Shopping for Dunes-Calumet Audubon Merchandise.
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FEATURED BIRDING SITE

Gibson Woods Nature Preserve

Gibson Woods Nature Preserve
Tucked away in the heart of the industrial region of northwest Indiana is an island of nature with some very unusual features. This 131-acre parcel of virtually "undisturbed" land is known as Gibson Woods Nature Preserve.
Gibson Woods is one of the last sizeable remnant of high quality dune and swale topography remaining in Lake County. Because of the widespread urbanization and industrialization in Northwest Indiana, this type of topography and its associated natural communities have been almost entirely eliminated.  Today over 130 species of birds have been recorded at Gibson Woods.  Typical time to bird site: 30-90 minutes.
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OUR MAILING ADDRESS
​Dunes-Calumet Audubon Society
​P.O. Box 36
Wheeler, IN 46393