MSAE Celebrates Douglas Center Silver Anniversary, Saturday June 25
Saturday, June 25 at 1:30 p.m.
Join the Midwest Society for Acoustic Ecology and World Listening Project for a
presentation and soundwalk at the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore.
Location:
Paul H. Douglas Center for Environmental Education
100 N Lake Street, Gary, Indiana 46403
Tel: 219-395-1772
MSAE Contact, Eric Leonardson: info@mwsae.org
Enjoy the soundscapes and natural beauty of Miller Woods. Learn about Acoustic Ecology. Discover nature in the city. Draw a sound map. Listen for the voices of the wild. This free, family-friendly event celebrates both the 25th anniversary of the Douglas Center and “Leave No Child Inside” month. This day-long event kicks off 10 a.m. at the South Shore Centre for the Arts across Lake street from the Miller train station. The Silver Celebration brings together many local community groups and partnerships, all with fun activities planned.
Learn about the many educational and recreational activities available in our region along the southern shores of Lake Michigan, from kayaking, swimming, and hiking to learning from scientists, park managers, and artists. The keynote speaker for the day’s event will be photographer and author, Dudley Edmondson, who will present some of his stunning nature photography and share tips for connecting with the outdoors on an interactive hike in Miller Woods. Other speakers, presentations, and activities will take place throughout the day. Check the park’s website for updates on the schedule of events.
Schedule of Events
Time | Description | Location |
10 a.m. | Event welcome and Kick-off | South Shore Arts Center |
10:30 a.m. -12 p.m. | Ongoing arts activities and strolls down Lake St. with Miller leaders | Meet at tent at SSA |
10 a.m.-4 p.m. | Douglas Center activities begin—ongoing booths and hikes every | Douglas Center parking lot and building; meet for hikes on back deck |
11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | Meet the Superintendent informal discussion | Douglas Center Classroom 2 |
12:30 p.m. | Dudley Edmondson presentation and photo hike in Miller Woods | Douglas Center auditorium |
1:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m. | Douglas Center history | Douglas Center Classroom 2 |
1:30 p.m. | Soundwalk presentation and hike with Midwest Society for Accoustical | Douglas Center auditorium |
2 p.m., 3 p.m., 4 p.m. & 5 p.m. | Whale Tales—swimming safety program | Lake Street Beach |
2:30 p.m. | Stewardship hike in Miller Woods | Miller Woods—Meet on back deck of Douglas Center |
3:30 p.m. | Dudley Edmondson presentation #2 and photo hike in Miller Woods | Douglas Center auditorium |
4 p.m. | Beach clean-up with Lake Shore Dunes residents | Lake Street Beach |
5:30 p.m. | Drum Divas performance | Lake Street Beach |
Ongoing activities at each site:
South
Shore Arts Center, south Lake Street: 10 a.m.—12:30 p.m.
Activity | Leader | Location |
| Welcome tent with BP giveaways, passports, schedule | NPS, Julie Larsen and Chicago Wilderness, Emilian Geczi and intern | Tent in front of building |
| Arts and crafts | Saundra Goldsby, NPS Volunteer | Tent in yard |
| Face Painting | South Shore Dance Alliance | Tent in yard |
| Lake Street Strolls, leaving every 15-30 minutes | MCC, Miller Historical Society, MBA | Meet at Welcome tent |
Douglas Center Site:Â 10 a.m.- 4 p.m.
Activity | Leader | Location |
| Welcome tent with BP giveaways, passports, schedule | NPS and Chicago Wilderness | DC parking lot entrance |
| Fishing for kids | Gary Parks, Ezra Alexander and NPS, | DC parking lot |
| Junior Firefighter, Wildland Fire information and Smokey Bear | INDU fire team, Brandon Ramirez | DC parking lot |
| Bird Olympics | Chicago Department of the Environment, Jerry Attere | DC trailhead parking lot and trail |
| Making bird feeders | Save the Dunes, Amber Horowitz | DC side deck |
| Heritage of people and place | United Urban Network, Cassandra Cannon | DC parking lot |
| Making bird houses | Home Depot, Joe Villareal | DC side deck |
| Stewardship and Invasive species; planting native seeds | NPS, Jeffrey Hendricks | DC rear deck |
| Douglas Center History, from 1 p.m.-4 p.m. | NPS, Kim Swift | DC dune room |
| Lake County Tour Mobile | South Shore CVA, Bob Victor | DC parking lot |
| Camping Demonstration | NPS, Bill Smith | DC parking lot |
| Accoustic Ecology and Soundwalks | Midwest Society of Accoustic Ecology, Eric Leonardson | DC main hallway |
| Pond study | Field Museum, KirkAnne Taylor | Marsh dock on trail |
| Miller Woods hikes, every 30 minutes | Special guests and NPS staff | Meet in DC animal room |
| Bike Demonstration | NPS ??? | Gail Cross and ParKids |
Lake
Street Beach: 1 p.m.-8 p.m.
Activity | Leader | Location |
Welcome tent with BP giveaways, passports, schedule | NPS, Kip Walton & Ezra Alexander, Gary Parks | Lake Street Beach northwest corner |
Performance Stage | Kip Walton | Lake Street Beach northwest corner |
Whale Tales, swimming safety demonstrations at 2, 3, 4 & 5 p.m. | Gary Parks and Recreation, Ezra Alexander | Lake Street Beach lifeguard stand |
| Kayaking demonstration | Northwest Indiana Paddling Assn., Dan Plath | Lake Street Beach |
| Kite flying | NPS, Kyle Good | Lake Street Beach |
South Shore Train Schedule
To and From the West
Arriving from Chicago | 9:48 a.m. | Leaving Miller to Chicago | 1:31 p.m. |
Arriving from Chicago | 11:54 a.m. | Leaving Miller to Chicago | 4:16 p.m. |
Arriving from Chicago | 1:21 p.m. | Leaving Miller to Chicago | 6:05 p.m. |
Arriving from Chicago | 2:44 p.m. | Leaving Miller to Chicago | 7:46 p.m. |
The Douglas Center is located just a short five block walk along Lake Street from the Miller train stop. The South Shore’s schedule can be accessed at www.nictd.com.
The Douglas Center opened its doors in September, 1986 and was one of the first centers in a national park dedicated to environmental education. Throughout the last 25 years, the use and support of the Douglas Center has grown by school groups. The NPS has expanded the mission of the center as a west end nature center for the national lakeshore to attract families, neighbors, and adults from the surrounding communities.
Theme Statement:
The dream of Senator Paul Douglas and this center, named in his honor, is as relevant today as it was 25 years ago. Urban communities need national parks that are accessible, inspirational, and engaging. The National Park Service is using the 25th anniversary of the Paul H. Douglas Center to highlight its changing role in the community. The Douglas Center’s transformation from an education center serving primarily schools to a family-oriented nature center within the community of Gary will bring new audiences to the national lakeshore to enjoy hands-on recreational activities with the NPS and its partners.