Birds, fireflies, 'plogging': Get outside this weekend with these events and more in Indiana

Indy 500 qualifying rounds are scheduled for this weekend, which means there might be more space on the trails and water for Hoosiers seeking some outdoor adventure away from the track.

There are plenty of opportunities for fresh air, from "plogging" and removing invasive plants to bird watching and learning how to fish.

The National Weather Service in Indianapolis is predicting showers and thunderstorms Saturday with highs in the upper 70s, but Sunday’s weather should be much nicer with clear skies and highs near 81.

Learn about salamanders and birding Friday, May 17

Scavenger Hunt Day, 9 a.m. at Harmonie State Park in New Harmony: Come by the nature center between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. to pick up a scavenger hunt list.  Give it a go and come back to the nature center for a small prize. The program is free but the gate fee applies, $7 for Indiana vehicles, $9 for out of state, or use your annual pass.

Birding 101, 10 a.m. at Chain O'Lakes State Park in Albion: Learn the basics of birding, what equipment you need and more at Chain O’Lakes. Come to the historic Stanley Schoolhouse to learn some great tips and tricks.

Springhouse Sallies, 2 p.m. at McCormick's Creek State Park in Spencer: Meet Naturalist Jessica at Deer Run Shelter to take a short hike on Trail 9 to see what salamanders are living in the Springhouse.

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Help remove invasive plants Saturday, May 18

Volksmarch, 9 a.m. at Summit Lake State Park in New Castle: Enjoy a group walk at Summit Lake State Park with the Indiana Volkssport Association and the International Volksport Verband (IVV) event. Event begins at 9 a.m. at the Sunset Shelter and ends at 4 p.m. Participants can choose to walk 5K (3.1 miles) or 10K (6.2 miles). Registration costs $4 for adults and can be done day of the event. For more info, call Terry Elser at 260-438-8975.

Bison Feeding, 10 a.m. at Ouabache State Park in Bluffton: Meet at the front of the bison enclosure to learn about the U.S. national mammal and watch staff feed them. Program will last approximately an hour.

Cemetery Hike, 10 a.m. at Hardy Lake in Scottsburg: Join the park’s naturalist at the main trailhead for a history hike focusing on the McClain Cemetery. This is an easy hike covering 3/4th of a mile.

Fireflies on the Wabash, 10 a.m. at Harmonie State Park in New Harmony: Learn the story of Thomas Say, New Harmony, a secret marriage and our new state insect, Say's Firefly.

Talk Like the Animals, 10 a.m. at Mounds SRA (Brookville Lake) in Brookville: Join the park’s staff at the Camp Store to learn about animal communication.

Whack Woody Weeds - Weed Wrangle, 10 a.m. at Ouabache State Park in Bluffton: Weed Wrangles are a fun way to learn to identify and remove invasive plants to beautify the park. Target Species: Bush Honeysuckle, Blunt Leaf Privet and Autumn Olive. Parking and registration will be at the Red Barn at the entrance to the park. The park has tools or bring your own hand pruning tools (no chain saws please.)

Whose Nest Is This?, 10 a.m. at Clifty Falls State Park in Madison: Discover how to identify bird nests and eggs. Then participants will use natural materials to try and build their own nests during this hour-long program at the Nature Center.

Backyard Bass, 2 p.m. at Krannert Park in Indy: Join Clint Kowalik of "Go Fishin with Clint" and learn how to tie a fishing knot, rig up a rod and cast for backyard bass. You will also identify fish that swim in our local waters and learn how to safely handle them. The class will be outdoors so please dress for the weather. Kids must be 6 years or older and parent supervision is required.

Go plogging or take a guided hike Sunday, May 19

Sunday Morning Bird Walk, 8 a.m. at Fort Harrison State Park in Indy: Sunday Morning Bird Walks are back for spring migration. Bring binoculars, water, and appropriate footwear for a two-hour walk. Meet at the northeast corner of Delaware Lake parking lot. Walk starts promptly at 8 a.m.

Lake Hike, 10 a.m. at Ouabache State Park in Bluffton: Meet the park’s naturalist at the Lakeview Shelter for a hike around Kunkel Lake. Trail 4 is 3 miles long and will likely take about an hour and a half.

The Great Migration Game, 10 a.m. at Clifty Falls State Park in Madison: Meet at the park’s Nature Center to play a game and discover if you can survive the migration route of our feathered friends during this 30-minute program.

Mashcraft on Delaware May Plogging, 11 a.m. at Mashcraft in Indy: Join Keep Indianapolis Beautiful for family friendly Plogging at MashCraft on Delaware. What's Plogging? Plogging is a Swedish fitness trend that combines picking up trash while jogging at your own pace (or walking, skating, etc.). MashCraft on Delaware is hosting our May Plogging by providing one complimentary beer for each participant that is 21+ years of age as a thank you.

Camp Creek Guided Hike, 1 p.m. at Fort Harrison State Park in Indy: Meet the park’s naturalist in the Delaware Lake parking lot for a guided 2-mile hike along the Camp Creek Trail. Learn about the variety of flora and fauna that may be found within this area, including Delaware Lake and the Duck Pond.

Cotton Tails and Bunny Trails, 2 p.m. at Clifty Falls State Park in Madison: Discover fun facts about the eastern cottontail rabbit, and then make a craft to take home with you during this 45-minute program at the Nature Center.

Box Turtle Recess, 2 p.m. at Eagle Creek Park in Indy: Learn about box turtles, what they eat and how to protect them in the wild at the park’s box turtle recess. Depending on the number of visitors in attendance, participants may have the opportunity to touch the box turtles at the end of the program.

Karl Schneider is an IndyStar environment reporter. You can reach him at karl.schneider@indystar.com. Follow him on Twitter @karlstartswithk

IndyStar's environmental reporting project is made possible through the generous support of the nonprofit Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Explore Indiana outdoors this weekend with these events