Indiana

Please see the events and club meetings listed on below and on page 2. 
Although this Friendship Gardens is a private suburban garden, unavailable to the public, there are many other garden and nature related places to visit in Indiana.  Please visit Budding Gardener Events for Indiana events relating primarily to children.

Indiana Events:

 >>Indiana Events Page 2

July 26 - September 6:  Chesterton.  Nature related interpretive programs are planned for the public at the Indiana Dunes State Park, 1600 N 25 E, 219-926-1390.  All programs are free, unless otherwise noted, after paying the park entrance fee.  Children under 12, please bring a parent with you, www.in.gov/dnr/parklake/files/sp-Dunes_August.pdf

July 26 - October 29:  Hobart.  Monday through Thursday, adult group tours of Wood's Historic Grist Mill, pre-pay, pre-register, 219-769-PARK, Deep River County Park, 9410 Old Lincoln Hwy, www.lakecountyparks.org

July 26 - September 7: Indianapolis. Butterflies, White River Gardens' most popular show, will fill the Hilbert Conservatory with delicate, free-flying butterflies. After the butterfly pupae arrive during the first week of March, the population increases steadily from several hundred at the beginning of the show to as many as 1,000 as more and more hatch out through the summer. More info at www.indyzoo.com

July 26 - September 6:  Porter.  Come on in to the Visitor Center and watch our 11-minute park orientation video to learn about the places to see and activities to do at the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore.  The video is shown upon your request.  8:30 am-5:45 pm, free, 219-395-1882, Dorothy Buell Memorial Visitor Center, Indiana Hwy 49 & Munson Rd, www.nps.gov/indu/planyourvisit/events.htm

July 26 - September 6:  Porter.  Each day you can get inside the Chellberg Farmhouse with a ranger and learn what life was like on a farm about 100 years ago.  Park in the Bailly/Chellberg lot and walk the short path to the Chellberg Farm House.  The parking lot is located between Hwy 12 and US 20 on Mineral Springs Rd, 12:30-2 pm, free, 219-395-1882, www.nps.gov/indu/planyourvisit/events.htm

July 26 - September 30: Statewide. Register to become a Citizen Scientist from Project BudBurst. Join us in collecting important climate change data on the timing of leafing and flowering in your area. This national field campaign targets native tree and flower species across the country. With your help we will be compiling valuable environmental and climate change information around the United States. Visit www.windows.ucar.edu/citizen_science/budburst/ for more information.

July 26 - December 31: Statewide. Join the community-based network of volunteers of all ages and backgrounds working together to measure and map precipitation (rain, hail and snow). Get all the details at www.cocorahs.org

July 26 - August 1:  Valparaiso.  Visit the Porter County Fair and see the 4-H exhibits and many others.  215 E Division Rd, 219-462-0321, www.portercofair.org

July 27 - October 30: Valparaiso. Every Tuesday from 8 am-5 pm and every Saturday from 8 am-2 pm, the Valparaiso Farmer's Market will be held at Central Park Plaza, 90 Lafayette St.  219-464-8332, www.valparaisoevents.com

July 28, August 11, 25:  Beverly Shores.  Join a ranger for a leisurely stroll along the beach and enjoy views of some of the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore's tallest dunes.  6-7 pm, Central Beach, 1 mile north of US 12 on Central Avenue, free, 219-395-1882, www.nps.gov/indu/planyourvisit/events.htm 

July 28 - October 30:  Muncie.  Shop the Farmers Market at Minnetrista on Wednesdays from 3:30-5:30 pm, Saturdays from 8 am-noon, located outside in the Orchard Shop parking lot, 311 West St Joseph St, www.minnetrista.net

July 29:  Fort Wayne. On the last Thursday of the month, from noon-1 pm, bring a sandwich and enjoy a "garden moment" during a 30-minute program. Today's topic is "How to Make a Rain Barrel." Recommended age: 8-adult, Conservatory admission applies: $5/adults, $3/children ages 3-17, free/members, Botanical Conservatory, 1100 S Calhoun St, 260-427-6440, www.botanicalconservatory.org

July 29 - October 14:  Hobart.  Numerous vendors will be selling vegetables, fruits, plants, flowers, and more at the Summer Market on the Lake, held every Thursday rain or shine from 2-7 pm.  Located in the parking lot at 3rd and Main St near the Clock Tower and Lake George, 219-942-6112, free admission, www.city.hobart.in.us

July 29:  Lowell.  Come to the reptile show at the Lowell Public Library for an extremely interactive or "hands-on" experience about reptiles and amphibians from around the world.  Open to both children and adults, 1:30 pm, 1505 E Commercial Ave, 219-696-7704, www.lowellpl.lib.in.us

July 29 - October 14:  Schererville.  The 4th annual International Farmers' Market will be located in the South parking lot at Redar Park, 1722 S Park Ave, every Thursday, 7/29 - 9/2 from 3-8 pm and 9/9 - 10/14 from 3-7 pm.  219-322-2211 X326, Nancy Laskarin, nlaskarin@schererville.org, www.schererville.org

July 29:  Valparaiso.  The award-winning Project WILD will be offered to all teachers in the area.  Free to educators and their guests, bring a sack lunch and comfortable walking shoes, 9 am-4 pm, Taltree Arboretum & Gardens Meyer Pavilion, 450 W 100 N, pre-register at 219-462-0025, www.projectwild.org, www.taltree.org

July 30 - September 10:  Fort Wayne.  G.A.T.E. (Growing Agriculture Through Education) is a program of the Allen County Extension Services that provides high school youth the opportunity to plant, harvest and sell fresh garden vegetables.  These young people will be selling their vegetables at the Community Center on Fridays from 10 am-noon.  260-427-6460, www.fortwayneparks.org

July 30, 31:  Merrillville.  The Merrillville Community Planetarium presents "The Summer Sky."  The planetarium opens for seating 30 minutes before the show begins; no one is admitted after the program starts.  Seats should be reserved by calling 219-650-5486 or at www.mcpstars.org/public/. 7:30 pm, $3/adults, $2/children, Clifford Pierce Middle School, 199 E 70th Ave; please park and enter on the west side of the building.

July 31:  Anderson.  The Mounds State Park has a variety of nature related interpretive programs planned; programs are free of charge (except as noted) and open to the public after paying the park admission fee.  4306 Mounds Rd, 765-649-8128, find out more about these programs at www.in.gov/dnr/parklake/files/sp-Mounds_July.pdf

July 31:  Beverly Shores.  Join a ranger around the campfire and learn about the diversity of resources and activities that can be found at the national lakeshore.  8-9 pm, free, Dunewood Campground Amphitheater, Broadway & US 12, 219-395-8914, www.nps.gov/indu/planyourvisit/events.htm

July 31 - October 30: Chesterton. The Chesterton European Market will be held each Saturday from 8 am-2 pm, in historic downtown, on the corner of Broadway and 3rd Street next to Thomas Centennial Park (2 miles south of Lake Michigan at the Indiana Dunes I94 to exit 26A or toll road to exit 31). For more information visit www.chestertonseuropeanmarket.com

July 31 - October 9:  Crown Point.  Our Annual Farmers' Market will be held Saturdays, 8 am-1 pm, (weather pending) on the South block of Main Street, www.crownpoint.in.gov

July 31 - September 4:  Gary Miller.  Each Saturday and Sunday you can stop by the Paul H. Douglas Center to see exhibits, live animals, and take part in different activities each week.  1-4 pm, free, 219-395-1882, take I94 to IN 51 north, west on 20 about 2 miles to Lake St, north on Lake St 1 mile, www.nps.gov/indu/planyourvisit/events.htm

July 31 - October 19:  Griffith.  Visit our Farmers' Market each Saturday at the intersection of Broad St and the railroad tracks.  219-924-7500 or richard.cowan@griffith.in.gov

July 31 - October 9:  Highland.  The Highland Street Market reoccurs weekly on Saturdays from 9 am-1 pm (no market 9/11) at 3001 Ridge Rd.  219-838-0114, free admission, www.southshorecva.com

July 31 - October 2:  LaPorte.  Each Saturday you can visit the LaPorte Farmers' Market located downtown next to the historic County Courthouse at the State St Circle (off Michigan Ave).  8 am-noon, 219-448-1674, www.cityoflaporte.com

July 31 - October 30: Michigan City. The Michigan City Mainstreet Association sponsors the Farmer's Market every Saturday on the corner of 8th and Washington Streets (one block east of Lighthouse Place Outlet Mall). 8 am-noon, for details and directions, call 219-874-4269, www.mcmainstreet.com

July 31 - October 31: Whiting. Each Saturday the Whiting Farmers Market, with produce by Scheeringa's Farm organics, will be held from 8 am-2 pm. Call Norb Dudzik at 219-384-7147 for more info, www.whitingindiana.com

August 1 - September 19:  Gary.  The Miller Beach Farmers Market is held from 11:30 am-3:30 pm every 1st and 3rd Sunday at 215 N Grand Blvd.  Contact Sandra Rodriguez, 219-938-7720, for more information; free admission, www.southshorecva.com

August 1:  Hartford City. Register now for the "Herbal Harvest" workshop to be held at Carolee's Herb Farm, 3305 S 100 W, 765-348-3162, www.caroleesherbfarm.com

August 1 - October 31:  Portage.  The Portage Community Market will be held at Founders' Square Park from 11 am-3 pm every Sunday, 219-762-1675, www.ci.portage.in.us

August 1 - October 24:  St John.  The St John Farmer's Market will be open each Sunday between 8 am and 1 pm in the parking lot of the Community Outpatient Center, 9660 Wicker Ave, www.stjohnin.com/Market.asp

August 4, 18:  Portage.  Join a ranger at the Indiana National Lakeshore's newest site to enjoy the beauty of Lake Michigan and learn about some of the threats to it like the Round Goby and the Asian Carp.  6-7 pm, held at the Portage lakefront and Riverwalk Pavilion, 219-395-1882, www.nps.gov/indu/planyourvisit/events.htm

August 6:  Beverly Shores.  If you have never been camping or just need a couple of pointers about how to camp, meet a ranger at the amphitheater to get your questions answered and learn about the Dunewood Campground.  3-4 pm, Broadway and US 12, 219-395-8914, free, www.nps.gov/indu/planyourvisit/events.htm

August 6 -15:  Crown Point.  Have your plant questions answered by the Master Gardeners at the Lake County Fair held at the Lake County Fairgrounds, 889 S Court St, www.lake-county-fair.com

August 6 - 22:  Indianapolis.  It's the Year of Pigs at the Indiana State Fair.  Many more agricultural and 4-H exhibits available.  www.in.gov/statefair/fair/index.html

August 7:  Fort Wayne.  The 13th annual Butterfly Count takes place at Salomon Farm Park, 817 W Dupont Rd, 260-427-6005 by 8/5, www.fortwayneparks.org

August 7:  Hartford City. Register now for the "Hypertufa Trough or Fairy House" workshop to be held at Carolee's Herb Farm, 3305 S 100 W, 765-348-3162, www.caroleesherbfarm.com

August 8:  Hartford City. Register now for the "Lotions & Potions" workshop to be held at Carolee's Herb Farm, 3305 S 100 W, 765-348-3162, www.caroleesherbfarm.com

August 11:  Valparaiso. Master Gardener Mary Brown will present "Parsley, Sage, Rosemary, Thyme and More--Don't Just Grow Them, Use Them." This seminar is open to the public and held in the Hospitality Room at the Fifth Third Bank Building, 56 S Washington, 7:30 pm CDT, hosted by the Porter County Master Gardeners, www.pcgarden.info

August 13 & 14:  Hammond.  The Indiana Department of Natural Resources requires all hunters born after 1986 to take this Hunter's Education Safety Course.  Those who take all 10 hours of the class and pass a written exam will receive a certified hunter's education card that is good for life.  Children 12 and younger are required to have an adult present throughout the class.  6-9 pm on 8/13, 9 am-5 pm on 8/14, pre-register at 219-947-PARK, held at Gibson Woods, 6201 Parrish Ave, www.lakecountyparks.org

August 13, 14:  Lowell.  The Calumet Astronomical Society invites you to explore the wonders of the universe with their popular free public programs. The programs are outdoors, so dress for the weather; programs are naturally dependent on cloud cover and weather conditions. Call the hotline at 773-639-5491 for updated information and weather cancellations on short notice.  The "Summer Public Outing" will be held from 9-midnight at the Conway Observatory at Buckley Homestead, 3606 Belshaw Rd, 219-696-8969, www.casonline.org, www.lakecountyparks.org

August 13:  Valparaiso.  Perseid Meteor Showers Viewing, 7:30-10:30 pm, free/members, $5/non-members, Taltree Arboretum & Gardens, 450 W 100 N, 219-462-0025, www.taltree.org

August 14:  Porter.  Join a ranger and lend a hand to help improve "Your Neighborhood National Park" during this unique opportunity at Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore.  9 am-noon, meet at the Dorothy Buell Memorial Visitor Center, on Route S R 49 near the intersection of US Route 20, 219-395-1882, more details available at www.nps.gov/indu/planyourvisit/events.htm

August 15, 28:  Porter.  Take a self-guided hike into Pinhook Bog, Indiana's only "true" quaking bog.  Rangers stationed along the trail will keep you safe from the carnivorous plants.  You must arrive before 2 pm to be able to go on the self-guided hike.  Free, noon-3 pm, 219-395-1882, www.nps.gov/indu/planyourvisit/events.htm

August 17:  Merrillville.  "Growing Beautiful Iris" is the featured presentation by Master Gardeners Anna and Wayne Barnes. The Gardening Series is held from March through November on the 3rd Tuesday of each month. 7-8 pm, Meeting Room A+B, 219-769-3541, Central Library, 1919 W 81st Ave, www.lcplin.org/calendar.htm 

August 18:  Valparaiso.  This Advanced Master Gardener Training Session will include the topics Water Gardening, presented by Dave Scofield, and Water Gardening/Pond Weed Management, by Carole Lembi, Dept of Botany & Plant Pathology.  Held at the Pavilion, noon-4 pm, $12 prepaid, $15/on site, dress for weather as sessions are outdoors, pre-register at Taltree Arboretum, 219-462-0025, 450 W 100 N, www.hort.purdue.edu/mg/info/AdvTraining2010.pdf

This page is updated weekly. >>Indiana Events Continued

Revised:  July 26, 2010