(PAYNETOWN) – The water level at Monroe Lake is at 10.9 feet above normal pool, as of the morning of July 16, 2019. The Army Corps of Engineers is currently releasing water at the maximum rate (2,200 CFS) and the lake is falling about 0.3 feet each day. Some areas and facilities at the lake are still impacted by high water; including the beaches, which will remain closed until at least mid-August. We recommend checking our website at in.gov/dnr/parklake/2954.htm or following us at facebook.com/monroelake for the most up-to-date info.
Visiting Monroe Lake? Make sure you check our ONLINE CALENDAR to see ALL of the activities that we’ll be offering during your visit! You’ll find LOTS of stuff on the calendar that are NOT highlighted in this newsletter… crafts, hikes, games, and other programs. The online calendar is currently up-to-date through September 30, 2019.
Watercolor Journaling Workshop Series (Paynetown SRA), Sundays thru July 28
Participants will gain both plant identification and artist skills in this workshop series led by local artist Destiny West. At each session, participants will discuss, sketch, and paint (watercolor) a native plant; you’ll take home nature journal pages that you create, as well as a reference sheet about the plant you focused on. All supplies will be provided.
Workshops in this series are FREE and scheduled for every Sunday at 10:30 a.m. (2 hours) through July 28. All sessions meet at the back end of the overflow parking area at Paynetown SRA. Each session is limited to 20 people (ages 9 and up); you must register for each session date separately.
Advance registration for each session date is available until 4 p.m. on the day prior (while space remains). Walk-up registrations will be accepted on-site if there are any open spaces remaining (or no-shows).
July 21: http://bit.ly/watercolor2019-9 *8 spots available
July 28: http://bit.ly/watercolor2019-10 *17 spots available
One Acre Nature Club (Paynetown SRA)
What is the One Acre Nature Club at Monroe Lake? One Acre is for people who want to slow down, take a closer look, and really get to know nature. Over the course of the year, we’ll develop a true sense of place by repeatedly exploring the same one acre section of land – with a different focus for each visit. Each club meeting takes place entirely outdoors and lasts about an hour. Remaining Club meetings in 2019 are at 10 a.m. on the following Sundays: July 21, Aug. 18, Sept. 15, Oct. 13, Nov. 17, Dec. 15.
How do you join the One Acre Nature Club? Just send an email to jvance@dnr.in.gov and let us know you’re interested! We’ll add you to the club mailing list (so you’ll get meeting reminders and be notified if a meeting is cancelled/changed), and send you an invite to join the club’s discussion group on Facebook. You can join at any time during the year (just make sure you request to be added to the mailing list at least several days before the first Club meeting you wish to attend, or you won’t receive the meeting info). While there is no formal age limit, we recommend this club for adults, teenagers, and older elementary students (must attend meetings with an adult).
Plein Air Oil Painting Demo & Open Painting Session, July 27 from noon to 3 p.m. (Paynetown SRA)
DROP BY (next to the Activity Center) to watch local artist Charlene Marsh create an oil painting of the lake from start to finish. Charlene practices “plein air” painting, which means that she paints outside – right in the midst of the scenery that inspires her. Want to try your hand at plein air painting? Charlene will also provide supplies and instruction to help you create your own piece of art. Rain or shine! This program is made possible thanks to a grant from the Indiana Arts Council.
Flora Field Days
Want to work on your flora identification skills? Practice with a naturalist! Field day emphasis is on proper use and application of an ID key, which opens the door to identifying thousands of species. The naturalist will work with each attendee based on their prior experience. If you’ve never worked with flower ID before, this is a great way to learn. If you have prior experience, this is a fun way to practice your skills (and maybe add some new blooms to your life list). 2 hours
- Wednesday, Aug. 7 at 9:30 a.m. (Moores Creek SRA): Sign up at http://bit.ly/florafieldaug2019 by Aug. 4. *No registration limit.
- Tuesday, Sept. 3 at 9:30 a.m. (Allens Creek SRA): Sign up at http://bit.ly/florafieldsep2019 by Sept. 1. *No registration limit.
- Tuesday, Oct. 1 at 9:30 a.m. (Fairfax SRA): Sign up at http://bit.ly/florafieldoct2019 by Sept. 29. *No registration limit.
S’mores Celebration, Aug. 10 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. (Paynetown SRA)
Celebrate National S’mores Day with our s’mores buffet! We’ll have a wide array of ingredients to let you experiment with unusual and unique combinations. DROP BY the Activity Center Amphitheater after dinner – we’ve got your dessert covered. Donations welcome to help cover supply costs.
Explore Monroe Paddling Trips
Explore the quieter side of Monroe Lake during these guided paddling trips that journey through backwaters, wetlands, bays, and/or slow-moving streams. Trips highlight beautiful views, hidden wildlife, aquatic plants, and unique land features. Find your new favorite place to kayak. Trips are 2 to 2.5 hours in length. $10 per person trip fee (plus $20 for a kayak rental, if you don’t have your own); each trip limited to 10 people.
- Tuesday, Aug. 13 at 9 a.m. (Crooked Creek SRA): Sign up at http://bit.ly/exploremonroe8-13-2019. Register by Aug. 9. *6 spots available
- Sunday, Aug. 18 at 7 p.m. (Crooked Creek SRA): Sign up at http://bit.ly/exploremonroe8-18-2019. Register by Aug. 13. *5 spots available
- Sunday, Sept. 8 at 6 p.m. (Allens Creek SRA): Sign up at http://bit.ly/exploremonroe9-08-2019. Register by Sept. 3. *8 spots available
- Tuesday, Sept. 10 at 9 a.m. (Allens Creek SRA): Sign up at http://bit.ly/exploremonroe9-10-2019. Register by Sept. 6. *9 spots available
- Tuesday, Oct. 8 at 9 a.m. (Paynetown SRA): Sign up at http://bit.ly/exploremonth-10-08-2019. Register by Oct. 4. *7 spots available
Hiking Stick Workshop, Aug. 25 at 1:30 p.m. (Paynetown SRA)
Customize your own hiking stick during this 2-hour workshop. We’ll provide all of the materials you need (including the stick) to create and decorate this classic hiking accessory. Craft fee is $5 per person (cash or check only); supplies are limited to 12 people. You can reserve a spot at the Activity Center from 1 to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 24; any unreserved spots will be first-come first-served at the start of the workshop.
