2022 IDBF Trip Planning

2022 Indiana Dunes Birding Festival Trip Planning

Spring of 2022 promises the arrival of amazing migrating birds and phenomenal birding during the 8th Annual Indiana Dunes Birding Festival. The festival is headquartered at the Indiana Dunes Visitor Center in Porter, Indiana and will take place May 12-15, 2022.
After a tough 2020 where many in-person events were halted, and a funky 2021 hybrid schedule, the IDBF Steering Committee has is planning for a fun event, with the most current safety protocols in mind.

In partnership with the Indiana Dunes National Park, we are excited to bring back many of our ever-popular field trips and speakers while also adding new places and faces to the schedule too! Our trip leaders and speakers will be joining us from here in the dunes area as well as from around the country and beyond.  

2022 Covid-19 Policy
We recognize that the status and protocols in place for Covid-19 are fluid. At this time IDBF participants can expect the following protocol to be in place for the 2022 Indiana Dunes Birding Festival:

  • All Indiana Audubon staff will be fully vaccinated.
  • The National Park Service mask mandate is in effect for the Indiana Dune Visitor Center. Additionally, all NPS Rangers will be fully vaccinated.
  • All IDBF guides leading tours with shared transportation (i.e. vans, buses, train) are required to be vaccinated or provide a negative Covid-19 test 72 hours prior to the event.
  • All IDBF participants registering for a tour with shared transportation (vans, buses or train) must be vaccinated or provide a negative Covid-19 test 72 hours prior to the event.
  • All IDBF participants registering for the Saturday night keynote with David Lindo must be vaccinated or provide a negative Covid-19 test 72 hours prior to the event.

Participants can expect social distancing measures will continue to be in effect, similar to the 2021 festival, including Birds and Brews being hosted outside again, hand sanitizing stations, and lowered capacity for certain trips.

Field Trips
IDBF Field Trips will return with limited bus and van tours.  All IDBF participants registering for a tour with shared transportation (vans, buses or train) must be vaccinated or provide a negative Covid-19 test 72 hours prior to the event.  The IAS post-festival trip will take place via caravan to Northern Michigan and will not a vaccination mandate.

Birds & Brews
The 2022 Birds & Brews and annual bird calling competition is slated for the outdoor marketplace tent on Friday, May 13, similar to last year.  The evening will remain outdoors with a cash bar and served pizza. 

Keynote Program
Our Saturday night keynote program with David Lindo will occur in person at the Sand Creek Country Club.  All IDBF participants registering for the Saturday night keynote with David Lindo must be vaccinated or provide a negative Covid-19 test 72 hours prior to the event.

Dune Birds in Art
Dune Birds in Art will be returning in 2022. Look for art submissions to begin in February.  

Festival Host Hotels and Camping
Both festival host hotels have made pledges committing to enhanced cleaning procedures to maximize the safety of all festival participants.  Both Indiana Dunes National Park and Indiana Dunes State Park offer camping options.  Note: Indiana Dunes State Park is near FULL for the festival.  (1/4 update)

Festival Swag
Most of the items available at this year's event will also be available to purchase online. Consider visiting the online store to pre-order your favorite festival shirt or print to avoid spending time in line at the festival and to get your favorite items before they’re gone!

Other Guidelines
The Indiana Audubon is working hand in hand with both the Indiana Department of Natural Resources and National Park Service to plan a safe 2022 birding experience, no matter your comfort level. Additionally, as site hosts, the Indiana Dunes Tourism is assisting us in conforming this great festival with current Department of Health and state gathering restrictions.  The Indiana Dunes National Park has implemented federal mask requirements on NPS property, which can be read Here. 

At Indiana Dunes National Park, face masks are now required in all park buildings and facilities, including the Dorothy Buell Memorial Visitor Center, the Paul H. Douglas Center for Environmental Education and the pavilion at the Portage Lakefront and Riverwalk. Masks are also required on NPS-managed lands when physical distancing cannot be maintained, including on narrow or busy trails, overlooks, and in historic homes.

As with all things with this pandemic, the knowledge we have is updated from time to time so our schedule and options remain fluid as we adjust to the constant changes with the pandemic. We encourage all participants to explore testing options immediately before and after the event.  We remain hopeful for a great experience in 2022. We look forward to seeing you!

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