Experience the chill of a winter night and the darkness of a new moon on a special hike through field and forest at Monroe Lake at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 13.

The free hike is limited to 15 people. Register by Dec. 12 to the Paynetown Activity Center at (812) 837-9967 or jvance@dnr.IN.gov.

During a new moon, none of our moon’s disk is visible. The result is a darker-than-normal night. Monroe Lake naturalist Jill Vance will show participants how to use senses other than sight to experience the darkness. If the sky is clear, she’ll also highlight stars and constellations.

“If you’ve been limiting your experience with nature to warmth and light, this is a great opportunity to step outside your comfort zone and see what you’ve been missing,” Vance said.

Registered hikers should meet in the overflow parking lot at Paynetown State Recreation Area, 4850 S. State Road 446, Bloomington.

Vance advises people to dress warmly. Participants are welcome to carry a flashlight, but shouldn’t plan on using it.

Logo courtesy Indiana Department of Natural Resources