Central Indiana Land Trust

Help Pull Garlic Mustard and other invasive plants at Meltzer Woods
2023-04-19 10:00 - 13:00, 2023-04-26 10:00 - 13:00, 2023-05-03 10:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York) | Meltzer Woods, 1522 S 600 E, Shelbyville, IN, 46176, United States
We need your help pulling garlic mustard and other invasive plants at Meltzer Woods Nature Preserve so we can welcome back the native plants.
About this event
All Ages
Please RSVP (so we know to expect you)
What to Expect and Bring
• Volunteers will remove the plants and roots by hand. 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 clothes you don’t mind getting dirty.
• Wear closed-toed shoes that can stand up to mud.
• Dress for the weather as we will work rain or shine.
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
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.

Volunteer Appreciation Open House at Oliver's Woods
2023-04-20 17:30 - 19:30 (America/New_York) | Oliver’s Woods, 8825 River Road, Indianapolis, United States
Join us for a volunteer APPRECIATION event to recognize your contributions to our organization.

Let us celebrate YOU during National Volunteer Month. This month-long event is celebrated in both Canada and the USA. Although our appreciation lasts all year long, April is a great time for special recognition! #NationalVolunteerMonth

If you’ve volunteered for us, you’re invited and bring your family and friends.
All Ages
Please RSVP so we know to expect you.

What to Expect and Bring:

No need to bring a thing! We are going to take care of you for a change!
We’ll have snacks and drinks.
Attendees will receive CILTI swag and be entered into a drawing for a CILTI hoodie and more.

Directions:
Oliver’s Woods is located at 8825 River Road Indianapolis, Indiana. Please park in the parking lot adjacent to I-465 and we’ll meet in the Daugherty House.

Tuesday Morning Birding Walks with an Expert - May 2
2023-05-02 07:30 - 09:30 (America/New_York) | 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 to search 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
Free of Charge – RSVP required
What to Expect and Bring:

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.

RSVP
Please click here to preregister via Eventbrite so we know to expect you.
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:
Learn more about Rob Ripma and Sabrewing Nature Tours.
“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

White River Alliance RAFT Open House at Oliver's Woods
2023-05-07 13:00 - 15:00 UTC | Oliver’s Woods, 8825 River Road, Indianapolis, United States
Come learn about White River Alliance’s River Assessment Field Team (RAFT) at Oliver’s Woods.

Join the White River Alliance’s River Assessment Field Team (RAFT) at a drop-in open house where you can learn about water science. At the RAFT demo station by the canoe launch, you test your citizen science skills! Try water quality testing demos, put on waders, and learn more about the river whose watershed encompasses nearly 2 million acres in Central Indiana. This is a family-friendly event.
You are also welcome to explore Oliver’s Woods trails at your leisure. Find the chronolog station along Carmel Creek, where you can contribute a photo to a timelapse compilation. Look for bald eagles over the White River and wildflowers in bloom in the forest. Spring is the best time to visit this preserve!
All Ages
No RSVP required. Optional: preregister to receive an email reminder.
What to Expect and Bring:

Bring your curiosity and questions about the White River, water quality, and the science of water analysis.
Bring/wear socks for trying on waders.
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. A table will be set up by the river at the canoe launch.
More Information: Learn more about the White River Alliance and what the RAFT program is all about here: White River Alliance RAFT

Tuesday Morning Birding Walks with an Expert - May 9
2023-05-09 08:00 - 10:00 UTC | Oliver’s Woods, 8825 River Road, Indianapolis, United States
Join CILTI’s President & Chief Executive Officer, Cliff Chapman, to go birdwatching in Oliver’s Woods Nature Preserve!

Central Indiana Land Trust’s nature preserves offer safe harbor for countless bird species. This week join CILTI’s President and CEO for a guided birding tour of Oliver’s Woods, where we’ll search 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.
All ages
Free of Charge – RSVP required
What to Expect and Bring:

Please note this week the Birding Walk will start at 8:00 am.
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.

RSVP
Please click here to preregister via Eventbrite so we know to expect you.
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.

Tree Planting at Meltzer Woods Nature Preserve Addition in Shelby County
2023-05-13 10:00 - 13:00, 2023-05-17 10:00 - 13:00 UTC | Meltzer Woods, 1522 S 600 E, Shelbyville, IN, 46176, United States
Join us to plant trees in the Meltzer Woods Nature Preserve Lawrence and Martha Meltzer Spalding Addition
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).
• 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.
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

Tuesday Morning Birding Walks with an Expert - May 16
2023-05-16 07:30 - 09:30 (America/New_York) | White River Bluffs, 1050 West 52nd Street, Indianapolis, IN, 46228, United States
Join an expert birder to go birdwatching in White River Bluffs 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 to search 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
Free of Charge – RSVP required
What to Expect and Bring:

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.

RSVP
Please click here to preregister via Eventbrite so we know to expect you.
Directions:
White River Bluffs Nature Preserve is located adjacent to Highland Golf and Country Club, 1050 West 52nd Street Indianapolis, Indiana. Parking is by the tennis courts to the north of the club house. Our staff will meet you there. See attached map.

More Information:
Learn more about Rob Ripma and Sabrewing Nature Tours.
“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

Smartphone Secrets for Great Wildflower Photos with Emily Persic
2023-05-18 19:30 - 21:30 UTC | Oliver’s Woods, 8825 River Road, Indianapolis, United States
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.
All Ages
Please RSVP so we know to expect you.
What to Expect and Bring:

Make sure your cell phone is charged.
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 on Emily Persic and her work can be found at raincliffsphotography.com.

Tuesday Morning Birding Walks with an Expert - May 23
2023-05-23 07:30 - 09:30 (America/New_York) | Oliver’s Woods, 8825 River Road, Indianapolis, United States

A Night with the Spiders, featuring Drs. Marc Milne and Sérgio Henriques
2023-06-15 19:30 - 21:30 UTC | Oliver’s Woods, 8825 River Road, Indianapolis, United States
Tickets will be available after May 1st.
Join us for the Golden Hour Summer Series at Oliver’s Woods. In June, we’re featuring all things arachnid.
Dr. Marc Milne, University of Indianapolis, and Dr. Sérgio Henriques, Indianapolis Zoo, will share their arachnid expertise. We’ll explore Oliver’s Woods in search of some eight-legged friends. Learn about spider behavior, taxonomy, webs, and more from these Indianapolis-based spider experts.
All Ages
Please RSVP (available after May 1) so we know to expect you.
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: University of Indianapolis biology professor Dr. Marc Milne heads up the UIndy Spider Lab, which seeks to increase knowledge of spiders throughout Eastern North America through traditional taxonomic and phylogenetic means. The ultimate goal of this research is to improve the conservation of spiders and their habitats throughout these geographic areas. Find him on Twitter at @forthespiders.
Dr. Sérgio Henriques is Invertebrate Conservation Coordinator for the Global Center for Species Survival, a partnership between the Indianapolis Zoo and the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Species Survival Commission. As the chair of the organization’s Spider and Scorpion Specialist Group, Dr. Henriques uses his more than 20 years of experience mobilizing resources to promote invertebrate conservation.

Where are the Fireflies? with Dr. Sérgio Henriques
2023-07-20 19:30 - 21:30 UTC | Oliver’s Woods, 8825 River Road, Indianapolis, United States
Tickets will be available after June 1st.
Join us for the Golden Hour Summer Series at Oliver’s Woods. In July, we’ll learn about fireflies.
Did you know that Indiana’s state insect is Say’s Firefly? Dr. Sérgio Henriques, a conservationist with the Indianapolis Zoo, will share fireflies’ importance in the ecosystem. Learn how to help these iconic insects while exploring Oliver’s Woods to look for the fireflies that make this preserve their home.
All Ages
Please RSVP (available after June 1) so we know to expect you.
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: Dr. Sérgio Henriques is Invertebrate Conservation Coordinator for the Global Center for Species Survival, a partnership between the Indianapolis Zoo and the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Species Survival Commission. As the chair of the organization’s Spider and Scorpion Specialist Group, Dr. Henriques uses his more than 20 years of experience mobilizing resources to promote invertebrate conservation.

Welcome to the Dark Side: Mothing in Indiana with Jeanette Jaskula
2023-08-17 19:30 - 21:30 UTC | Oliver’s Woods, 8825 River Road, Indianapolis, United States
Tickets will be available on July 1st.
Join us for the Golden Hour Summer Series at Oliver’s Woods. In August, we’re featuring moths.
Jeanette Jaskula, President of Friends of the Sands, will share the joy of moths, from their stunning colors, patterns, and behaviors to their important role in our ecosystems as pollinators and members of the food web. Learn how to attract moths to your backyard with native plants. You can even contribute your moth sightings to the Great American Indiana Nature Lepidoptera Project (GAINLP).
We will gather inside the Daugherty House for a presentation, then walk the preserve in search of local moth populations.
All Ages
Please RSVP (available on July 1) so we know to expect you.
The event is limited to 25 people.
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: Jeannette Jaskula is president of Friends of the Sands, an all-volunteer group that promotes the natural areas and heritage of the Kankakee Sands region in Newton County, Indiana.
