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Grace removing invasive honeysuckle at White River Bluffs

“Is It Invasive?”

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“Should I get rid of it?”

“What’s the best way to eradicate it?”

“What should I put there instead?”

Our stewardship team gets a lot of great questions about invasive species! Continue reading →

Grace van Kan

White River Steward

gvankan@conservingindiana.org
312.286.2484
Grace grew up roaming the woods, creeks and wetlands around the Chesapeake Bay watershed. From an early trout-raising project to a “gap year” spent restoring coral reefs in Thailand, her interest in aquatic conservation has only grown. Now she cares for several riverine nature preserves as CILTI’s White River Steward.
Meltzer Woods photo by Jordan England

Nature as Self-Care

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It will come as no surprise to CILTI members and supporters: Nature—and forests in particular—can heal us. Physicians and mental health professionals the world over recognize this. Many have begun to prescribe nature walks to their patients. Continue reading →

Shawndra Miller

Communications Director

smiller@conservingindiana.org
317.370.2464
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.
Phil Schaefer at Meltzer Woods

“Why I Support CILTI”: The Rescuer

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Our Make-a-Will-Month series continues with a profile of Phil Schaefer, who named our organization in his will.

Phil Schaefer not only has supported CILTI in the past as our Special Projects Coordinator, he also is a longtime volunteer—and a member of the Burr Oak Society. “I strongly believe in preserving the environment and especially natural places,” he says. “I love the concept of preserving these spaces and this land forever, for future generations to enjoy.” Continue reading →

Shawndra Miller

Communications Director

smiller@conservingindiana.org
317.370.2464
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.
Phalen Leadership Academy Youth on the White River

Embracing Nature: A Recap of 2023

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In the year 2023, our commitment to connecting people with nature led us to offer several outdoor activities. From volunteer days to guided hikes and special events, it was a year filled with exploration, education, and environmental stewardship. Continue reading →

Traci Willis

Outreach Manager

twillis@conservingindiana.org
317.771.1251
Traci has always loved nature, channeling her passion into creating habitat for bees and butterflies (and taking stunning photographs of them). She coordinates our outreach efforts.
Witch hazel

Connecting with the Beauty of Winter

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The arrival of winter turns nature monochromatic, leaving what might seem like a bleak landscape. The leaves have turned and mostly fallen, and most native plants go dormant.

Continue reading →

Shawndra Miller

Communications Director

smiller@conservingindiana.org
317.370.2464
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.
Meltzer Woods aerial, by Kyle Doles

National Self-Care Awareness Month: Find Your Zen in Nature

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September is National Self-Care Awareness Month, a time to focus on personal health. One of the best ways to boost well-being is to spend time in nature.

We believe that everyone deserves access to nature. Part of our land protection mission is to enable Hoosiers to enjoy the benefits of the outdoors. Many studies show that time in nature promotes mental health and reduces stress. It can even enhance problem-solving skills. Continue reading →

Shawndra Miller

Communications Director

smiller@conservingindiana.org
317.370.2464
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.
Nature preserve boundary sign at Betley Woods

The Nature of a Preserve

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What makes a nature preserve? And if a nature preserve is not state-dedicated, is it really a nature preserve? It sure is!

Continue reading →

Grace van Kan

White River Steward

gvankan@conservingindiana.org
312.286.2484
Grace grew up roaming the woods, creeks and wetlands around the Chesapeake Bay watershed. From an early trout-raising project to a “gap year” spent restoring coral reefs in Thailand, her interest in aquatic conservation has only grown. Now she cares for several riverine nature preserves as CILTI’s White River Steward.

More Trails to Trek in 2022

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It warmed our hearts to see people out enjoying our nature preserves in our inaugural Trek our Trails Challenge last year. This year, there are a few more trails to trek, and the challenge continues! We’ve expanded from five preserves to six, and extended a trail at one of our most beautiful preserves. Continue reading →

Shawndra Miller

Communications Director

smiller@conservingindiana.org
317.370.2464
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.
Meltzer Woods NNL designation

Explore National Natural Landmarks during Mental Health Awareness Month

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There’s no shortage of crises snagging our attention these days. It seems that wherever we turn, there’s some dire prediction or distressing news story. But in unsettled times, there’s a place to find solace: nature.

Continue reading →

Shawndra Miller

Communications Director

smiller@conservingindiana.org
317.370.2464
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.
Trillium now flourishes at Meltzer Woods

Meltzer Woods: A Wintercreeper Success Story

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In less than ten years, Meltzer Woods‘ wintercreeper problem has come under control.

What is wintercreeper? If you spend any time in a residential area, you will see this evergreen vine in gardens and/or climbing trees. For years, nurseries sold it as a groundcover, like English ivy. Continue reading →

Jamison Hutchins

Stewardship Director

jhutchins@conservingindiana.org
406.546.7244
Jamison leads our stewardship team in caring for the land that is so important to you. He brings not only a love of nature, but an ability to create meaningful partnerships that advance crucial work.