Calling all craft lovers! Megan Broughton of Purdue Extension will be hosting Arts and Crafts Project Nights over the next several months.

This will be a series of three classes that will take place at the Extension Office in the lower level of the Washington County Government Building.

We will meet from 6-8 p.m. on the following days:

 Tuesday, December 17th (Wreath Making)

 Tuesday, January 28th (Cross Stitch)

 Monday, February 24th (Canvas Painting)

Open to youth in grades 3-12 (Free after 4-H enrollment) and adults ($10/Night). All supplies will be included.

Please RSVP by December 10th by calling 812-883-4601 or emailing 
mcbrough@purdue.edu.

You’re invited to the 4-H Jr. Leader Christmas Carnival on Thursday, December 12th from 6-8 p.m. in the Lower Level of the Washington County Government Building.

This event is open to the public.

Come any time between 6 and 8 and stay as long as you like.

Activities include:

 Christmas crafts and games for children of all ages
 Gift wrapping provided by Jr. Leaders for a donation
 Bake sale benefiting the Jr. Leader Program
 Free hot cocoa and candy canes
 Guest appearance by Santa!

Information on enrolling in 4-H will be available, including computers to enroll that night. If you have questions, please call 812-883-4601 or email mcbrough@purdue.edu.

You can help DNR improve fish habitat at Patoka Lake during a volunteer habitat structure build day on Dec. 7 from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m.  

Structures are needed because as reservoirs such as Patoka Lake age, the number, and type of hiding places for prey fish decrease.

The Reservoir Habitat Enhancement Program addresses this issue and works to build a fish habitat where the natural structure is lacking. Building structures out of pallets is one option to improve habitat complexity.

Pallets and hardware will be provided. Volunteers should bring cordless drills, work gloves, and protective eyewear if they have them, but tools are not required to attend.

Staff and volunteers will work outside so please dress accordingly; long pants and close-toed shoes are recommended. Bring snacks and plenty of drinking water. Volunteers are not required to stay for the entire time.

Register for this event by signing up as a volunteer with the Division of Fish & Wildlife. See on.IN.gov/dfwvolunteer and follow instructions under “Sign up to Volunteer.”

Once you have a volunteer account, register for the event by clicking “current volunteer opportunities in CERVIS” under volunteer opportunities and selecting Patoka Lake Habitat Build.

The Patoka Fish Habitat Enhancement Plan is available on Indiana’s Reservoir Habitat Enhancement Program webpage, see wildlife.IN.gov/7665.htm for details.

Volunteers portray living history in the 1863 Pioneer Village, greet visitors at the Nature Center, lead programs and hikes, design temporary displays and bulletin boards, assist with resource management, track flora and fauna populations, clean campgrounds and trails, and help fill a variety of other roles.

You can contribute a few hours here and there or make an ongoing commitment by setting up a regular volunteer schedule.

Officials appreciate any amount of time you can offer.

Want to Camp for free? Join the Volunteers in Parks (VIP) Program.

VIPs commit an entire month to the volunteer program, each person donating 22.5 hours a week, in exchange for a free electric campsite.

If you are interested in becoming a part of Spring Mills’ regular volunteer program or the VIP Program contact the Nature Center at 812-849-3534 and help make Spring Mill the best park in Indiana.