With a high plant diversity and stable plant populations, a prairie can provide habitat for a plethora of insects and birds. That’s one thing that makes our Nonie Werbe Krauss Nature Preserve so special. Almost 90 species of birds have been found on CILTI’s only prairie habitat nature preserve. Continue reading →
Phillip enjoys nature’s wonders from an up-close-and-personal perspective as he works to restore the natural places you love. He came to his stewardship role at CILTI after undertaking invasive species control and trail maintenance for Little Traverse Conservancy in Harbor Springs, MI.
Ellen Jacquart was CILTI’s founder and first president. Now a board member, she contributed these thoughts on what it was like to pioneer starting a land trust in 1990.
After grad school, I moved to Indiana in 1987 to work as an intern at the Indiana DNR Division of Nature Preserves. That job transformed my life.
Ellen Jacquart was one of our organization’s founders. She spent her career managing natural areas in Indiana, working for the Department of Natural Resources, U.S. Forest Service, and The Nature Conservancy of Indiana before retiring in 2016.
Savannas, which are natural communities comprised of widely spaced oak trees in a matrix of prairie forbs, once were common in Indiana, especially in the northwest part of the state. Excellent examples of these fire-dependent communities have been protected at Stoutsburg Savanna and Tefft Savanna Nature Preserves in Jasper County and Conrad Station Nature Preserve in Newton County. Continue reading →
Indiana is a place of varied terrain and stunning geologic wonders. Many of our most popular nature preserves are beloved for their geologic features, including Pine Hills (incised meanders), Portland Arch (natural bridge), and Jug Rock (mushroom cap). Continue reading →
Indiana’s state-dedicated nature preserves are not only places of natural beauty. They also showcase what our state looked like in a bygone era. Continue reading →
Two former wetlands (also known as swamps, bogs, or sloughs) had a significant part in Indianapolis history—serving as key stops on the Underground Railroad.
Shawndra is in charge of sharing our story and connecting you to our work. Through our print and online materials, she hopes to inspire your participation in protecting special places for future generations.
The well-known scientist E.O. Wilson wrote in 2006, “More respect is due the little things that run the world.” I want to further explore why it matters that many species of plants and animals around the world are disappearing due to human actions. Continue reading →
Lee Casebere
Guest Blogger
Lee Casebere, a longtime CILTI supporter, is a naturalist, ecologist, and nature photographer. He is the retired assistant director of Indiana DNR’s Division of Nature Preserves.
We asked Megan Rhodehamel, a supporter who lives in Hendricks County, to recommend some attractions near Burnett Woods. She offered this guest post.
A visit to Burnett Woods on a crisp morning is a perfect way to start the day. Approaching the nature preserve from Dan Jones Road, pull into Ziggi’s Coffee for a warm drink, then park toward the back of the Light and Life Methodist Church parking lot. Continue reading →
Megan Rhodehamel
Guest Blogger
A lifelong Hoosier with a strong interest in the outdoors, animals and plants, Megan feels lucky to be able to support CILTI in important conservation work.
