Join an expert birder to go birdwatching at Betley Woods in Johnson County!

Central Indiana Land Trust’s nature preserves offer a safe harbor for countless bird species. We’re teaming up with expert birder Rob Ripma, co-owner of Sabrewing Nature Tours, for this series. This is a rare chance to enjoy guided birding tours of our region’s most biodiverse places. Join us in searching for migratory birds and year-round avian residents. We will likely train our binoculars on waterbirds, orioles, bluebirds, flycatchers, raptors, migratory warblers—and many more.

We’ll visit a variety of nature preserves, exploring woodlands, meadows, streams, and river frontage managed by Central Indiana Land Trust.

All are welcome, including people with no birding experience. The best way to get started is to go with a seasoned guide like Rob.

All ages (note the trails are considered moderate)

RSVP required

What to Expect and Bring:

• Scope or binoculars. We will have a small quantity to share with the group.
• Trails are considered moderate and might not be suitable for all hikers.
• Dress in long pants thick enough to stand up to thorns, brush, poison ivy, ticks, and mosquitos (unfortunately leggings aren’t very protective).
• Wear clothes you don’t mind getting dirty and closed-toed shoes that can stand up to mud.
• Bring a water bottle, preferably refillable.
• No restrooms available on site.
• In case of inclement weather, check email for updates.

More Information:

Rob Ripma and Sabrewing Nature Tours: sabrewingtours.com/guides/

“I’ve been birding in Indiana since I was a teenager and can say without a doubt that there’s no more thrilling time to birdwatch in our state than during spring migration. During the month of May, the pace of migration picks up, and there are new and amazing things to see every day. CILTI properties and other local natural areas are stopover sites that are critical to birds’ ability to feed and prepare for their next flight north.” –Rob Ripma, in “The Greatest Spectacle in Birding,” written for our spring 2021 newsmagazine

Directions:

We will meet at the hayfield across from 2960 County Rd 750 S, Trafalgar. (After making the turn onto 750 South, pull into the hayfield directly across from this address, next to a brown barn labeled “Split Acre Farms.”)

Map:

Here is a map detailing how to get to our gathering place.

Trail development was made possible thanks to the generosity of the Johnson County Community Foundation and the state’s Next Level Trails program, in partnership with the Indiana Wildlife Federation.