By Emily S. Achenbaum | Chicago Tribune reporter
9:47 AM CDT, August 21, 2008

Ever head to Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore and feel a calming mood wash over you?

Perhaps that peaceful feeling came from the soft sand and the lapping waves of Lake Michigan.

Perhaps not. The National Park Service on Thursday announced the park is home to another naturally soothing resource: marijuana plants.

Rangers and local law enforcement said the recently discovered plants appear to be wild instead of cultivated, and are growing throughout the park and on adjacent property. In a news release, the park service said it was working with local law enforcement to find and destroy as many of the plants as possible Thursday.

Officials said they aren't sure yet just how many plants are in the 15,000-acre park in northwest Indiana. And—in a straight-faced move—they're asking for the public's help in finding it.

If you find wild marijuana growing in the park, officials ask that you call 800-PARK-TIP.



Long as I remember The rain been coming down.
Clouds of Mystery pouring Confusion on the ground.
Good men through the ages, Trying to find the sun;
And I wonder, Still I wonder, Who'll stop the rain.