Wildflower Walk at Oliver’s Woods with our White River Docents

Walk Oliver’s Woods with our docents to see the preserve’s wildflowers in bloom.

Oliver’s Woods is home to many spring wildflowers, including an impressive display of native wild hyacinths. Enjoy a peaceful stroll through this riverine preserve to see what’s blooming in May.

Details:

  • Free of Charge – RSVP Required
  • All Ages Welcome

What to Expect and Bring:

  • An easy, 0.6-mile loop hike on flat terrain
  • Long pants that can stand up to thorns, brush, poison ivy, ticks, and mosquitoes (leggings aren’t very protective)
  • Clothes you don’t mind getting dirty
  • Closed-toed shoes that can handle mud
  • No public restrooms available on site
  • Check your email for updates in case of inclement weather.

Oliver’s Woods is located at 8825 River Road Indianapolis, Indiana. Please park in the parking lot adjacent to I-465 and meet staff on foot in front of the house.

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Morning Walk with the Birds at Oliver’s Woods – 5.6

Join an expert birder to go birdwatching in Oliver’s Woods Nature Preserve!

Central Indiana Land Trust’s nature preserves offer a safe harbor for countless bird species. We’re teaming up with expert birder Wes Homoya, Field Ornithologist and Guide for Natural Selections Tours for this series. 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 Wes.

All ages

RSVP required

What to Expect and Bring:

  • Easy, 0.6-mile hike over a flat, loop trail.
  • Scope or binoculars. We will have a small quantity to share with the group.
  • Dress in long pants thick enough to stand up to thorns, brush, poison ivy, ticks, and mosquitos (unfortunately leggings aren’t very protective).
  • Wear closed-toed shoes that can stand up to mud and clothes your don’t mind getting dirty.
  • No restrooms available on site.
  • In case of inclement weather, check email for updates.

More Information:

Wes Homoya naturalselectionstours.com

Directions:

Oliver’s Woods is located at 8825 River Road Indianapolis, Indiana. Please park in the parking lot adjacent to I-465 and follow the trail to the discussion circle. Please plan to arrive on time.

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Secrets for Great Wildflower Photos Using Your Smartphone by Emily Persic

Join us for the Golden Hour Summer Series at Oliver’s Woods. In May, we’ll learn about wildflower photography.

Learn to capture wildflower images like a pro—using only your smartphone. The warm light of the Golden Hour is ideal for nature photography. Emily Persic of Raincliffs Photography will share secrets for getting that perfect closeup shot.

RSVP required for all attendees

What to Expect and Bring:

  • Make sure your cell phone is with you and charged.
  • Easy, 0.6-mile hike over a flat, loop trail.
  • Dress in long pants thick enough to stand up to thorns, brush, poison ivy, ticks, and mosquitos (unfortunately leggings aren’t very protective). Choose clothes you don’t mind getting dirty.
  • Wear closed-toed shoes that can stand up to mud.
  • In case of rain, we’ll have the class inside the Daugherty House.
  • Public restrooms not available.
  • In case of inclement weather, check email for updates.

Directions: Oliver’s Woods is located at 8825 River Road Indianapolis, Indiana. Please park in the parking lot adjacent to I-465 and follow the trail to the discussion circle. Please plan to arrive on time.

More information on Emily Persic and her work can be found at raincliffsphotography.com

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17th annual Spring Wildflower Walk at Burnett Woods

Join our Stewardship team for a walk through the woods and an impressive wildflower display in the heart of Avon, Indiana.

Burnett Woods is one of the best nature preserves to enjoy spring wildflowers. Your guide will be stewardship specialist Phillip Weldy, whose keen eye for wildflowers has dressed up our social media feed for several years. We’ve recently added duckboard to the trails in hopes of enabling wet-weather nature walks.

All Ages

Free of Charge – RSVP Required

What to Expect and Bring:

  • Easy, 1.5-mile wildflower walk over a flat, loop trail.
  • 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.
  • Wear closed-toed shoes that can stand up to mud.
  • Athletic shoes may be too slippery on the duckboards, if wet.
  • Public restrooms are not available.
  • In case of inclement weather, check email for updates.

Directions:

Address is 8264 E County Road 100 S Avon, IN 46123. Parking is available at Light and Life Methodist Church, 8264 E. County Road 100 South, which is next door to the preserve. Park behind the church in the back row and walk in a southeastern direction across the grass toward the road. The trailhead is near the road, behind the preserve sign.

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Garlic Mustard Erase-A-Thon at Betley Woods in Johnson County 4.23

Help us welcome back native plants and wildlife by removing invasive garlic mustard from Betley Woods at Glacier’s End.

Support the health and resilience of this beautiful preserve by helping with invasive plant removal. Betley Woods at Glacier’s End is located in one of the most biodiverse forested areas of the state.

All Ages

Please RSVP so we know to expect you.

What to Expect and Bring:

  • Volunteers will remove plants by hand.
  • The terrain at this preserve is considered moderate.
  • 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.
  • Wear closed-toed shoes that can stand up to mud.
  • Bring gardening or work gloves. If you don’t have gloves, we will provide some.
  • Dress for the weather as we will work rain or shine.
  • Public restrooms not available.
  • In case of inclement weather, check email for updates.

Location: Betley Woods at Glacier’s End

Address: 2864 County Road 750 S Trafalger, Indiana

More Garlic Mustard Erase-A-Thon events at Betley Woods:

More on Garlic Mustard (Alliaria petiolata)

It is an invasive plant species that spreads into high-quality woodlands, upland and floodplain forests, not just into disturbed areas. Garlic mustard alters habitat suitability for native plants, insects, and thereby birds and mammals.

What else can I do?

After visiting an area that has invasive weeds present, clean up before you leave the site. Make sure your clothes, boots, vehicles, and pets are seed free. Use plants native to Central Indiana in your yard and garden.

HI1568313142

Garlic Mustard Erase-A-Thon at Betley Woods in Johnson County 4.16

Help us welcome back native plants and wildlife by removing invasive garlic mustard from Betley Woods at Glacier’s End.

Support the health and resilience of this beautiful preserve by helping with invasive plant removal. Betley Woods at Glacier’s End is located in one of the most biodiverse forested areas of the state.

All Ages

Please RSVP so we know to expect you.

What to Expect and Bring:

  • Volunteers will remove plants by hand.
  • The terrain at this preserve is considered moderate.
  • 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.
  • Wear closed-toed shoes that can stand up to mud.
  • Bring gardening or work gloves. If you don’t have gloves, we will provide some.
  • Dress for the weather as we will work rain or shine.
  • Public restrooms not available.
  • In case of inclement weather, check email for updates.

Location: Betley Woods at Glacier’s End

Address: 2864 County Road 750 S Trafalger, Indiana

More Garlic Mustard Erase-A-Thon events at Betley Woods:

More on Garlic Mustard (Alliaria petiolata)

It is an invasive plant species that spreads into high-quality woodlands, upland and floodplain forests, not just into disturbed areas. Garlic mustard alters habitat suitability for native plants, insects, and thereby birds and mammals.

What else can I do?

After visiting an area that has invasive weeds present, clean up before you leave the site. Make sure your clothes, boots, vehicles, and pets are seed free. Use plants native to Central Indiana in your yard and garden.

HI1568313142

Garlic Mustard Erase-A-Thon at Meltzer Woods in Shelby County 4.22

Help us welcome back native plants and wildlife by removing invasive garlic mustard from Meltzer Woods.

Support the health and resilience of the old growth forest by helping with invasive plant removal. Meltzer Woods is a National Natural Landmark and one of our most beloved preserves.

All Ages

Please RSVP so we know to expect you.

What to Expect and Bring:

  • Volunteers will remove plants by hand.
  • The terrain at this preserve is considered moderate.
  • 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.
  • Wear closed-toed shoes that can stand up to mud.
  • Bring gardening or work gloves. If you don’t have gloves, we will provide some.
  • Dress for the weather as we will work rain or shine.
  • Public restrooms are not available.
  • In case of inclement weather, check email for updates.

Directions:

Meltzer Woods is located near Shelbyville and is a short 35-minute drive from Indianapolis. From Indianapolis, take I74 E to IN 244 E, then turn left onto S 600 East. Staff will meet you in the parking lot. Map:@Meltzer Woods

Join us for other Garlic Mustard Erase-A-Thon Events at Meltzer:

More on Garlic Mustard (Alliaria petiolata)

It is an invasive plant species that spreads into high-quality woodlands, upland and floodplain forests, not just into disturbed areas. Garlic mustard alters habitat suitability for native plants, insects, and thereby birds and mammals.

What else can I do?

After visiting an area that has invasive weeds present, clean up before you leave the site. Make sure your clothes, boots, vehicles, and pets are seed free. Use plants native to Central Indiana in your yard and garden.

HI1568313142

Garlic Mustard Erase-A-Thon at Meltzer Woods in Shelby County 4.15

Help us welcome back native plants and wildlife by removing invasive garlic mustard from Meltzer Woods.

Support the health and resilience of the old growth forest by helping with invasive plant removal. Meltzer Woods is a National Natural Landmark and one of our most beloved preserves.

All Ages

Please RSVP so we know to expect you.

What to Expect and Bring:

  • Volunteers will remove plants by hand.
  • The terrain at this preserve is considered moderate.
  • 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.
  • Wear closed-toed shoes that can stand up to mud.
  • Bring gardening or work gloves. If you don’t have gloves, we will provide some.
  • Dress for the weather as we will work rain or shine.
  • Public restrooms are not available.
  • In case of inclement weather, check email for updates.

Directions:

Meltzer Woods is located near Shelbyville and is a short 35-minute drive from Indianapolis. From Indianapolis, take I74 E to IN 244 E, then turn left onto S 600 East. Staff will meet you in the parking lot. Map:@Meltzer Woods

Join us for other Garlic Mustard Erase-A-Thon Events at Meltzer:

More on Garlic Mustard (Alliaria petiolata)

It is an invasive plant species that spreads into high-quality woodlands, upland and floodplain forests, not just into disturbed areas. Garlic mustard alters habitat suitability for native plants, insects, and thereby birds and mammals.

What else can I do?

After visiting an area that has invasive weeds present, clean up before you leave the site. Make sure your clothes, boots, vehicles, and pets are seed free. Use plants native to Central Indiana in your yard and garden.

HI1568313142

The 2025 City Nature Challenge

The 2025 City Nature Challenge is a community science event happening in over 600 cities across the world. Indianapolis (and environs) will be among the cities competing in this international event. Indiana Sciences is coordinating the local effort.

The four-day event asks community scientists to find and document as much urban nature as possible in their area. Explore your backyard, or expand into local playgrounds, parks, and nature preserves to look for plants, insects, and animals. Document your findings with a photo, and report them via the iNaturalist website or app. The goal is to develop a new baseline of a city’s biodiversity.

Find out more here.

RSVP

To register for the event, you must have an iNaturalist account. After logging in, click Join from the City Nature Challenge 2025: Indianapolis page.

Participating Counties

The following counties are included in the Indianapolis City Nature Challenge:

  • Boone County
  • Brown County
  • Hamilton County
  • Hancock County
  • Hendricks County
  • Johnson County
  • Madison County
  • Marion County
  • Morgan County
  • Putnam County
  • Shelby County

CILTI’s Involvement

We encourage everyone to visit our open nature preserves during this global event (April 25 to 28) and share your observations on iNaturalist.

Public preserves that fall within the geographic parameters include: Meltzer Woods, Nonie Werbe Krauss Nature Preserve, Oliver’s Woods, Fred and Dorothy Meyer Nature Preserve, the Laura Hare Preserve at Blossom Hollow, and more! Use our Preserves page to plan your visits.

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Winter Tree ID Hike at Oliver’s Woods

Trees that shed their leaves have a beauty all their own. Volunteer White River Docents, along with our White River Steward, Grace van Kan, will lead the walk through this riverine nature preserve to welcome the turning of the season. Situated along the White River, Oliver’s Woods Nature Preserve offers a nature immersion in the midst of a bustling commercial district.

All Ages

Free of Charge – RSVP Required

What to Expect and Bring

  • Easy, 0.6-mile hike over a flat, loop trail.
  • Feel free to bring your own binoculars or scope for potential bird viewing.
  • Dress for the weather, as we will be outside the entire event.
  • No restroom is available at this site.

Directions

Oliver’s Woods is located at 8825 River Road Indianapolis, Indiana. Please park in the parking lot adjacent to I-465 and meet staff on foot in front of the house. @Oliver’s Woods.

HI1568313142