'Natural Treasures' challenges Hoosiers to visit nature areas like Big Walnut

Walking the Tall Timbers Trail at Big Walnut. Hopping over to the Rabbit Hash Trail. Gazing at the endless waterfowl at Goose Pond. Or just checking out the amazing wildlife at Eagle Marsh.

With summer in full swing, Indiana's natural areas are calling your name, inviting Hoosiers to get outside and explore, so start planning now to visit sites that reflect the natural beauty of Indiana. And while you're at it, take a photo -- and you may win a Honda Civic Hybrid.

The contest officially starts Aug. 1. The challenge runs through Sept. 30.

Persons can visit nature.org/naturaltreasures to learn more, and sign up for updates on the sweepstakes.

The Nature Conservancy and Honda have developed the Natural Treasures challenge as a way to help showcase some of Indiana's protected "hidden gems" -- like Big Walnut Nature Preserve in Putnam County -- and encourage learning about different natural features of the state.

"No matter where you live in our state, we have selected various accessible areas for Hoosier families to experience the natural wonders of Indiana," Mary McConnell, Indiana executive director of The Nature Conservancy, said.

"Natural Treasures highlights the diversity of our state's extraordinary natural areas," she added, "and shows families that experiencing nature is closer and easier than you think. If Hoosiers discover and come to know these areas, they'll be inspired to help us protect them."

For a chance to win, participants can visit one or more of some of Indiana's best natural areas and record their visit by taking a photo of themselves, then upload the photo to nature.org/naturaltreasures to enter the sweepstakes.

One grand prize winner will receive a Honda Civic Hybrid. Visit nature.org/naturaltreasures for complete rules and a map of Indiana sites.

For example, Hoosiers in the western part of the state can enter the sweepstakes by visiting The Nature Conservancy's Big Walnut Nature Preserve in Putnam County. Walk the Tall Timbers Trail, take a photo, submit to the website -- you're entered.

While the sweepstakes is open only to residents 18 and older, Natural Treasures is still a great opportunity for families to enjoy nature.