INDIANA— If you’re looking for an excuse to launch your kayak, the Department of Natural Resources has you covered—volunteer with the Paddlecraft Wildlife Index. The index compiles wildlife observations from people who use canoes, kayaks, or other nonmotorized paddlecraft on Indiana’s waterways.
From June 1 to July 31, volunteer paddlers can help by completing a paddling trip postcard documenting the wildlife they observed while floating.
With your help, DNR can estimate changes in wildlife populations over time and gain insight into new locations where key wildlife populations may live.
The DNR has selected some key species that are either challenging to study or lack Indiana-specific information. The chosen species are also those paddlers that may be able to identify quickly. These include:
- Bald Eagle
- Blanding’s Turtle
- Beaver
- Great Blue Heron
- Great Egret
- Kingfisher
- Mink
- Muskrat
- Osprey
- Painted Turtle
- Red Eared Slider
- River Otter
Sign up online to receive a postcard and track your observations.
