Wednesday Morning with the Birds at Oliver's Woods - 5.1
2024-05-01 07:30 - 09:30 UTC | 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.

Wednesday Morning with the Birds at Oliver's Woods - 5.29
2024-05-29 07:30 - 09:30 | Oliver’s Woods, 8825 River Road, Indianapolis, United States

An Evening with the Spiders, featuring Dr. Marc Milne
2024-06-20 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 June, we’re featuring all things arachnid.

**Tickets will be available on May 1st**
Dr. Marc Milne, University of Indianapolis, will share his arachnid expertise. We’ll explore Oliver’s Woods in search of some eight-legged friends. Learn about spider behavior, taxonomy, webs, and more from an Indianapolis-based spider expert.

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:
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.

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

Welcome to the Dark Side: Mothing in Indiana with Jeanette Jaskula
2024-07-18 19:30 - 21:00 | Oliver’s Woods, 8825 River Road, Indianapolis, United States
Join us for the Golden Hour Summer Series at Oliver’s Woods. In July, we’re featuring moths.

**Tickets will be available on June 1st**

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 at 7:30 pm, then walk the preserve in search of local moth populations.

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:

This presentation will start at 7:30 pm.
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 meet the staff at the house. 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.

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

Creek Cleanup at Oliver's Woods
2024-08-07 10:00 - 12:00 | Oliver’s Woods, 8825 River Road, Indianapolis, United States
Help us clear debris and invasive plants in and around Carmel Creek at Oliver’s Woods.

About this event

All Ages
Please RSVP so we know you’re coming.

What to Expect and Bring

Be prepared to get dirty and in some cases wet.
We will pull invasive plants out 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).
Wear closed-toed shoes that can stand up to mud and clothes you don’t mind getting dirty.
Dress for the weather as we will work rain or shine.

Registration:
Please preregister through 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 meet staff on foot in front of the house.

Easy Float from Oliver’s Woods on the White River
2024-08-09 08:00 - 13:00 | Oliver’s Woods, 8825 River Road, Indianapolis, United States
Join us as we board a Friends of White River raft for a short float on the White River.
Join Central Indiana Land Trust and Friends of White River (FOWR) for a scenic journey on the White River. We’ll paddle from the Oliver’s Woods canoe launch to Sandbar Island and back, taking in the natural beauty along the way. FOWR guides will discuss the river’s history, aquatic wildlife, riparian flora, environmental science, shoreline, and water quality. Upon reaching Sandbar Island, we’ll have time to relax and investigate the island.
Whether you’re an experienced paddler or a beginner, this trip promises to be a memorable experience for all. Don’t miss this firsthand look at Central Indiana’s most valuable natural resource.
PLEASE READ BELOW BEFORE RESERVING A SPOT.
What to Expect and Bring:

RSVP is required.
This event is appropriate for adults and children over the age of 14 with parent or legal guardian.
Training starts promptly at 8:30 to get familiar with the boats and the river.
All safety equipment and floats will be supplied by FOWR.
Wear waterproof sun protection.
Bring a water bottle.
Wear closed-toed shoes that can stand up to mud.
Don’t plan to bring electronic equipment or phones unless they’re protected from the water. CILTI or FOWR will not be responsible for damaged equipment.
Refund requests will be accepted only up to 72 hours before the event starts. Eventbrite fees are non-refundable. We encourage you to review your plans before reserving your spot.
Please note that payment for this event is not a donation and is not tax deductible.
In case of inclement weather, check email for updates. Rain date will be August 23.

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.
More information/RSVP:
Find more details and FAQs on EventBrite.

Secrets of the Bats, with Dr. Tim Carter, Ball State University
2024-08-15 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 August, we’re featuring bats.

** Tickets will be available on JULY 1st**

Learn all about bats from wildlife biologist Dr. Tim Carter and his “ambassador bats,” Chocolate and Petunia. We will gather for a presentation inside Daughtery House, then experience the preserve in a whole new way—with bat detection equipment that picks up the ultrasonic calls of bats. Don’t miss this rare chance to meet bats up close and personal, as well as listen for bats in the 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 meet staff at Daughtery House. Please plan to arrive on time.
More Information: Dr. Tim Carter is the Director of Field Stations and Environmental Education Center and Professor of Biology at Ball State University. He serves as curator for the Ball State University Mammalogy Collection. He has extensively studied the federally endangered Indiana bat (Myotis sodalis) with a focus on identifying and delineating critical summer habitats as well as examining winter hibernation habitats.

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

Owls at Oliver’s Woods with Take Flight! Wildlife Education
2024-09-19 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 September, we’re featuring owls.

**Tickets will be available on AUGUST 1st**

Join Mark Booth from Take Flight! Wildlife Education to meet several species of live owls up close and learn about these remarkable birds.

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:
The program is brought to us by Take Flight! Wildlife Education, an organization offering traveling educational programs for schools, nature centers and other organizations interested in wildlife and ecology. Take Flight!

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

October Big Day Hike at Betley Woods and More
2024-10-12 09:00 - 11:00 | Betley Woods at Glacier’s End, W 750 South, Trafalgar, IN, 46181, United States
Join an expert birder to go birdwatching in Betley Woods at Glacier’s End!
Betley Woods is a hotspot for migratory birds on the Mississippi Flyway. You can witness this timeless journey with an experienced birder this fall! On one Big Day in October, experience the wonder of the fall migration with an expert guide, Mike Clay.
Multiple sites are taking part in this Big Day, so spread the word across the state!
All ages
Free of Charge – RSVP required (please RSVP for your preferred site)
What to Expect and Bring:

Camera, scope, and/or binoculars, if you have them.
Trails are considered moderate and might not be suitable for all hikers.
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 clothes you don’t mind getting dirty and closed-toed shoes that can stand up to mud.
No restrooms available on site.

RSVP
Please click here to preregister via Eventbrite so we know to expect you.
Location:
Betley Woods is located on County Road 750 South in Trafalgar, IN. Use this map to navigate to the site.
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.
More Information:
October Big Day is a global event that unites people worldwide in a shared passion for birds, sparking a movement to observe, celebrate, and protect our feathered friends. Founded by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, this 24-hour event challenges bird enthusiasts to spot as many species as possible, generating vital data on bird migration and inspiring a deeper appreciation for both resident and migratory species.
Indiana Audubon and Indiana Land Protection Alliance (ILPA) are partnering for the third consecutive year to bring you the October Big Day Hikes at 18 unique locations across Indiana, showcasing the state’s incredible range of habitats and biodiverse hotspots. Space is limited to ensure a personalized experience for each participant, so sign up soon!

Coexisting with Wildlife, featuring Becca Orr
2024-10-17 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 October, we’re featuring wildlife rescue.

*Tickets will be available on September 1st*

Becca Orr is director and founder of Hoosier Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation, a DNR Licensed 501c3 wildlife rescue. We will gather at the Daugherty House for a presentation about ways we all can support wild populations with native plants, eco-friendly deterrents, and natural landscaping. Becca may bring ambassador animals as well.

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:

We will meet inside the Daughtery House for this presentation.

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:
Becca Orr is a Hamilton County native who trained at a wildlife center in Bloomington before founding Hoosier Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation. Find her organization on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/hoosierwildliferescue.
Many thanks to our Golden Hour sponsor, Robert Dietrick Company, for making this series possible!

Flock and Learn: Woodpecker Walk for Beginner Birders
2024-11-23 08:00 - 10:00 | Burnett Woods, 8264 E. County Road 100 South, Avon, IN, 46123, United States
Join Indiana Audubon for a beginner’s bird walk at Burnett Woods Nature Preserve. We will look for woodpeckers and other forest dwellers on this educational excursion. Come learn about the seven woodpecker species found in Indiana and practice your bird identification skills. All levels of experience are welcome!
Meet Wes Homoya for this walk at the Light and Life Methodist Church parking lot (8264 E. County Road 100 South), which is next door to the preserve.
RSVP
Reserve your spot by visiting Audubon’s event page.
Participant Limit
The birding group is limited to 20 participants, ensuring a more engaging experience as you learn about the diverse bird species inhabiting the park. RSVP here,
Accessibility
This field trip includes a moderate 1.5-mile-long walk through the preserve. If you have questions or specific needs, please contact us at info@indianaaudubon.org.
Questions
For any inquiries about this trip, email us at info@indianaaudubon.org.

Woodpeckers with Wes: Young Birders Walk
2024-11-23 10:30 - 12:30 | Burnett Woods, 8264 E. County Road 100 South, Avon, IN, 46123, United States
Wander with Wes Homoya and Indiana Audubon on a woodpecker walk! The Indiana Young Birders Network is an engaging and inclusive community fostering a love for nature and birding. Our goal is to provide a safe, fun, and welcoming environment for youth birders to learn and grow through hands-on experiences, educational demonstrations, and more.
Parents are more than welcome to come along for the birding adventure! This is a family-friendly guided bird walk for all ages and experience levels. Please bring binoculars if you have them. Dress appropriately for the weather and wear comfortable hiking boots.
RSVP
Reserve your spot by visiting Audubon’s event page.
Parking
Parking is available at Light and Life Methodist Church, 8264 E. County Road 100 South, next door to the preserve.
Registration
This event is free but registration is required.
Accessibility
This excursion includes a moderate walk within Burnett Woods Nature Preserve. We will stroll through the woods and make frequent stops to look at birds.
Questions
For any questions about this event or the Indiana Young Birders Network, contact info@indianaaudubon.org.
