FWS and the Army are renegotiating the agreement that lets the Fish & Wildlife Service manage Big Oaks — a 50,000‑acre refuge on a former proving ground — raising questions about access and funding.

A federal grant will help Indianapolis remove the Emrichsville Dam to improve safety and fish passage, while plans call for preserving the stone "beer castle" tower near 16th Street.

Councilors and residents say a state-backed water program tied to the LEAP district could put Eagle Creek Park at risk, citing treated wastewater plans and transparency gaps. They want stronger guarantees before Indianapolis stays involved.

A $6.8 million renovation at Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Park is nearly finished; city officials will hold a rededication on April 4 with a new plaza, lighting and expanded memorial.

BEA data show Indiana's outdoor recreation sector added about $17.1 billion in 2024 and supported 110,044 jobs. Indianapolis and state parks are lining up projects to capture more visitor spending.

A new fleet of electric "track chairs" is rolling into Indiana State Parks, funded by Lilly Endowment money and available free for visitors who need off‑road access. Park staff say the chairs will open trails and beaches that were previously hard to reach.

Indianapolis Zoo CEO Dr. Rob Shumaker has resigned after a short leave of absence. The board thanked him but did not name an immediate successor.

Lilly Endowment’s $500,000 award will help ILPA expand staffing, launch a Conservation Excellence Program and fund studies to support land trusts protecting wetlands and farmland.

Plainfield’s council adopted a master plan on March 10, 2026 to develop Echo Hollow into a roughly 2,000‑acre regional park with trails, a nature center and overnight amenities. The vote clears a policy hurdle but implementation will be phased and funded over years.

Indiana's inaugural bobcat trapping season closed early after trappers met the 250-animal quota. Officials say the harvest data will guide next year's management decisions.

The Indianapolis Zoo celebrated the birth of a baby white-handed gibbon on January 10, 2026, born to parents Koko and Elliot. The family will stay off exhibit until warmer weather.

Fishers, Indiana, celebrated new green space enhancements, including White River Park and 106 Plaza, promoting community wellness and outdoor activities.

Indianapolis Zoo is removing its last roller coaster and another ride to create space for new exhibits that align with its educational and conservation mission.