The third annual Indiana Dunes Birding Festival, May 4-7, may be some time away, but event organizers are already thinking of the bird migration ahead with a special wine and canvas Birds and Brews event Dec. 16 at 6 p.m.

The wine and canvas event will take place at the Craft House in Chesterton. Registered participants will have all supplies covered as they paint on an 11x14 canvas during this 2-3 hour workshop by local duneland artist Kristina Knowski. Registration cost is $25.

The event and upcoming festival is a partnership with the region's major environmental groups, highlighting the dunes area's biodiversity and bird-watching opportunities. The festival will benefit area economic and conservation efforts, and offer environmental education for visitors to and residents of the Indiana Dunes.

For more information, or to register, visit the festival's Facebook event page at facebook.com/indunes. Interested participants can also call the state park nature center at (219) 926-1390 for information.

Indiana Dunes State Park (stateparks.IN.gov/2980.htm) is at 1600 North 25 E. Chesterton, 46304.

To view all DNR news releases, please see dnr.IN.gov.

Media contacts: Brad Bumgardner, Indiana Dunes State Park, (219) 926-1390