Central Indiana Land Trust

Cleanup at Burnett Woods in Avon
2024-04-03 10:00 - 13:00 UTC | Burnett Woods, 8264 E. County Road 100 South, Avon, IN, 46123, United States
Join us to get ready for spring by clearing invasive plants and trash at Burnett Woods.

Volunteers are needed to help clean up Burnett Woods in anticipation of spring! Help with trash pick up and some invasive plant removal. This is one of our best preserves for early spring wildflowers. We’ve recently added duckboard to the trails in hopes of enabling wet-weather nature walks.
Please RSVP so we know to expect you.
All ages are welcome.
What to Expect and Bring:

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.
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.

Directions:
The 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.

Tree Planting at White River Bluffs
2024-04-04 10:00 - 13:00 | White River Bluffs, 1050 West 52nd Street, Indianapolis, IN, 46228, United States
Help plant native trees and get to see a preserve that’s not open to the public.
All Ages
Please RSVP so we know to expect you.
What to Expect and Bring:

The event will start promptly at 10 am and go until the work is done (may not last the full three hours).
Dress in long pants thick enough to stand up to thorns, brush, poison ivy, ticks, and mosquitos (unfortunately leggings aren’t very protective).
Bring gardening or work gloves. If you don’t have gloves, we will provide some.
Wear closed-toe shoes and clothes you don’t mind getting dirty.
Dress for the weather as we will work rain or shine.
Bring your own water bottle.
In case of inclement weather, check email for updates from staff.

Directions:
White River Bluffs Nature Preserve is located adjacent to Highland Golf and Country Club. Parking is by the tennis courts to the north of the club house. Our staff will meet you there. See attached map.

Preserve cleanup with our White River Steward and White River Docents
2024-04-10 10:00 - 13:00 | Oliver’s Woods, 8825 River Road, Indianapolis, United States
Join us to get ready for spring by clearing invasive plants and trash at Oliver’s Woods.
Volunteers are needed to clean up Oliver’s Woods this spring. Help with trash pickup and some invasive plant removal. Oliver’s Woods is one of our most accessible preserves, with river views and native wildflowers and wildlife.
All Ages
Please RSVP so we know to expect you.
What to Expect and Bring:

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.
Bring gardening or work gloves. If you don’t have gloves, we will provide some.
Wear clothes you don’t mind getting dirty.
Dress for the weather as we will work rain or shine.
Public restrooms are not available.
In case of inclement weather, check your 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 meet staff on foot in front of the house.

Garlic Mustard Pull at Meltzer Woods in Shelby County 4.11
2024-04-11 10:00 - 13:00 | Meltzer Woods, 1522 S 600 E, Shelbyville, IN, 46176, United States
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:

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.
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
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.

Garlic Mustard Pull at Betley Woods at Glacier's End 4.16
2024-04-16 10:00 - 13:00 | Betley Woods at Glacier’s End, W 750 South, Trafalgar, IN, 46181, United States
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.

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.
BetleyWoodsMap
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.

CANCELLED - Garlic Mustard Pull at Betley Woods at Glacier's End 4.17
2024-04-17 10:00 - 13:00 | Betley Woods at Glacier’s End, W 750 South, Trafalgar, IN, 46181, United States
Update: This event has been cancelled.
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.

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.
BetleyWoodsMap
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.

16th annual Spring Wildflower Walk at Burnett Woods
2024-04-20 10:00 - 13:00 | Burnett Woods, 8264 E. County Road 100 South, Avon, IN, 46123, United States
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.

Garlic Mustard Pull at Meltzer Woods in Shelby County 4.23
2024-04-23 10:00 - 13:00 | Meltzer Woods, 1522 S 600 E, Shelbyville, IN, 46176, United States

CANCELED - Garlic Mustard Pull at Meltzer Woods in Shelby County 4.24
2024-04-24 10:00 - 13:00 | Meltzer Woods, 1522 S 600 E, Shelbyville, IN, 46176, United States
Update: This event has been canceled.
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:

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.
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
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.

Feathers & Fermentation: Get Sprung! Birds and Blooms of Spring
2024-04-28 14:00 - 18:00 | Fred and Dorothy Meyer Nature Preserve, 2380 Observatory Rd, Martinsville, United States
Our good friend Wes Homoya, birder extraordinaire, will lead a special birding birding event at the Fred and Dorothy Meyer Nature Preserve.
Join Wes – a native Hoosier, avid birder, experienced guide, and passionate conservationist – as we explore nature and enjoy quality adult beverages.
We meet and begin our adventure at 2pm at everyone’s favorite local family cidery – Ash & Elm Cider Co. – for introductions, a guided tasting, some time to have a glass of your preferred style, and an opportunity to purchase cider for the road trip (bring your growlers, if you like).
Once we’re loaded up with drinks, we’ll load the buses and venture our way southwest to Morgan County to a special Central Indiana Land Trust property known as the Fred & Dorothy Meyer Nature Preserve. Located just south of Mooresville, this site is unique due to it being one of the northernmost unglaciated landscapes within the state, providing a taste of the southern Indiana hill country without having to drive too far from Indy. We’ll enjoy the majesty of tall trees, the beauty of spring wildflowers, and the thrill of migrating birds. Note that the terrain includes some steep slopes during the ~1.5 mile hike.
Afterwards, we’ll head back north to Plainfield’s Nigh Brewing for drinks and further conversation before journeying back east to Ash & Elm, arriving ~630pm to hang out, eat, drink more cider, and chat about birds until you’re ready to head home.
Please dress appropriately for the weather and bring binoculars if you have them (we will have a limited amount available for those who need them). Whether you’ve never been birding before or consider yourself an expert, you are most welcome!
Bottled water and cups will be provided on the bus. This event is open to participants aged 21 and older, with a cost of $45 per person, and all profits will be divided to support the Indiana Audubon and Central Indiana Land Trust.

Wednesday Morning with the Birds at Oliver's Woods - 5.1
2024-05-01 07:30 - 09:30 | Oliver’s Woods, 8825 River Road, Indianapolis, United States
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 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
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 for the weather and be sure to wear 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.
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:
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.

Wildflower Walk at Oliver’s Woods with White River Docents
2024-05-08 10:00 - 13:00 | Oliver’s Woods, 8825 River Road, Indianapolis, United States
Walk Oliver’s Woods with our White River Steward and 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 stroll through this riverine preserve to see what’s blooming in May.
All Ages

Free of Charge – RSVP Required
What to Expect and Bring:

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). Wear clothing you don’t mind getting dirty.
Wear closed-toed shoes that can stand up to mud.
No restrooms available on site.
In case of inclement weather, check your 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 meet staff on foot in front of the house.

Wednesday Morning with the Birds at White River Bluffs 5.15
2024-05-15 07:00 - 09:00 | White River Bluffs, 1050 West 52nd Street, Indianapolis, IN, 46228, United States
Join an expert birder to go birdwatching in a nature preserve!
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
RSVP required
What to Expect and Bring:

Easy hike over a flat terrain trail.
Scope or binoculars. We will have a small quantity to share with the group.
Dress for the weather and be sure to wear 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.
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:
White River Bluffs Nature Preserve is located adjacent to Highland Golf and Country Club. Parking is by the tennis courts to the north of the club house. Our staff will meet you there. See attached map.

Indiana’s Amazing Amphibians & Reptiles, Featuring Jim Horton
2024-05-16 18:00 - 20:00 | Oliver’s Woods, 8825 River Road, Indianapolis, United States
Join us for the Golden Hour Summer Series at Oliver’s Woods. In May, we’re featuring amphibians and reptiles.

**This event is wait-listed.**

Join Jim Horton, president of the Hoosier Herpetological Society, to learn about Indiana’s many amphibians and reptiles. We will gather at the Daugherty House for a presentation and a live animal display. After the presentation, we’ll walk the woods to listen and search for reptiles and amphibians that live in the nature preserve.

All Ages

RSVP is required. The event is limited to 25 people, including children over 2 years old.

Tickets are limited to 4 per reservation.

What to Expect and Bring:

If you have a headlamp, please bring it. We will have a few available to share with the group.

Dress for the weather and be sure to wear 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.

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:
Jim Horton is president of the Hoosier Herpetological Society, a nonprofit dedicated to the conservation of all reptiles and amphibians.

Many thanks to our Golden Hour sponsor, Robert Dietrick Company, for making this series possible!

Wednesday Morning with the Birds at Betley Woods - 5.22
2024-05-22 07:30 - 09:30 | Betley Woods at Glacier’s End, W 750 South, Trafalgar, IN, 46181, United States
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.
