Central Indiana Land Trust

Help Pull Garlic Mustard and other invasive plants at Meltzer Woods
2023-05-03 10:00 - 13:00, 2023-04-26 10:00 - 13:00, 2023-04-19 10:00 - 13:00, 2023-04-12 10:00 - 13:00, 2023-04-01 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.

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

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.

15th Annual Spring Wildflower Walk at Burnett Woods
2023-04-15 10:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York) | 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 closed-toed shoes that can stand up to mud.
• Wear clothes you don’t mind getting dirty.
RSVP
Please click here to preregister via Eventbrite so we know to expect you.
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. @Burnett Woods

CANCELLED - Help Us Pull Asian Bush Honeysuckle at Burnett Woods
2023-04-05 10:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York) | Burnett Woods, 8264 E. County Road 100 South, Avon, IN, 46123, United States
This event has been cancelled due to inclement weather in the forecast.
Support the health of Burnett Woods by helping our stewardship team remove invasive bush honeysuckle.
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:
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. @Burnett Wood
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.

Cleanup Day at White River Bluffs in Marion County
2023-03-29 10:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York) | White River Bluffs, 1050 West 52nd Street, Indianapolis, IN, 46228, United States
Join us to pick up the stray tennis and golf balls at White River Bluffs.

About this event
Guess what happens when a nature preserve is next door to a golf and tennis club? You have a lot of stray balls that end up scattered along the perimeter of the property. Please join us to gather up these orbs as part of our stewardship plan for White River Bluffs.
All Ages
Please RSVP (so we know to expect you)
What to Expect and Bring:

Volunteers will pick up trash and balls by hand.
There may be some heavy lifting required.
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.

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.

Cleanup Day at Oliver's Woods
2023-03-22 10:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York) | 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.

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.
• Trash will be removed by hand. We’ll supply bags and tools.
• 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
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.

Tree ID Walk at Oliver's Woods
2022-12-10 10:00 - 11:30 UTC | Oliver’s Woods, 8825 River Road, Indianapolis, United States
Learn how to distinguish tree species in a winter landscape.
Trees that shed their leaves have a beauty all their own. Join our White River Steward, Grace van Kan, in a 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.

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. @Oliver’s Woods.

Black Friday Hike at Calvert & Porter Woods, a National Natural Landmark
2022-11-25 10:00 - 12:00 UTC | Meeting Location for Calvert and Porter Woods Hike, 9740 200 South, Crawfordsville, IN, 47933, United States
“Opt outside” on the day after Thanksgiving: Join our Executive Director for a guided walk through this old growth forest.

About this event

CILTI Executive Director Cliff Chapman is back for our popular #optoutside Black Friday hike. This time he will lead a guided nature walk through Calvert and Porter Woods Nature Preserve, near Crawfordsville. It is one of the most stunning old growth forests in the state. Some of the ancient trees measure 60 inches in diameter. Enjoy a rare chance to see a property that is only accessible with permission from the DNR Division of Nature Preserves.
All Ages
RSVP required
What to Expect and Bring:

Park and meet in the field adjacent to 9740 200 South, Crawfordsville.

There are no formal trails on site and this hike may be challenging for some.

Hike will begin and end with a ¼ mile walk across a farm field south of Calvert and Porter Nature Preserve.

Dress in long pants thick enough to stand up to thorns, brush, insects, and cold weather (unfortunately leggings are not very protective).

Wear closed-toed shoes that can stand up to mud.

Please plan to arrive on time.

Registration:
Please preregister through Eventbrite so we know to expect you.
Parking:
Park on the roadside just west of 9740 200 South, Crawfordsville. See attached map. Please do not park in the driveway.

About National Natural Landmarks:
This National Park Service program started 60 years ago as a way to promote conservation of America’s most spectacular natural areas. Since 1962, more than 600 sites nationwide have been given the NNL honorific. Indiana is home to 30 of these nationally significant sites. Celebrate the National Natural Landmarks program’s 60th anniversary with CILTI!

Full Moon Hike at Nonie Werbe Krauss Nature Preserve
2022-11-08 17:30 - 19:30 (America/New_York) | Nonie Werbe Krauss Nature Preserve, 10910 Eller Rd, Fishers, IN, 46038, United States
Join us for a moonlit nature walk.

About this event

The full moon will guide us as we explore this riverine nature preserve. Nonie Werbe Krauss Nature Preserve lies alongside the White River and features prairie habitat, oak savanna and bottomland forest.
The Frost Moon is one name given to the full moon that occurs in November because the timing coincided with the first hard frost of the season. Native Americans, looking to keep track of time, named the full moons every month based on what was happening in nature.
All Ages
Free – RSVP required
What to Expect and Bring:

Be prepared to walk in areas with limited lighting.

Dress for the weather and be sure to wear pants thick enough to stand up to thorns and brush (unfortunately leggings aren’t very protective).

It may be cold after sunset, so dress to keep warm.

Wear closed-toed shoes that can stand up to mud.

Registration:
Please preregister through Eventbrite so we know to expect you.
Directions:
From Interstate 69 and 116th Street in Fishers: Head west on 116th Street about 3 miles to Eller Road. The property is on the southwest corner of 116th Street and Eller Road. Public parking is available behind Riverside Middle School (10910 Eller Road). Staff will meet you on the bridge by playground.

An Evening with Owls at Oliver’s Woods with Take Flight! Wildlife Education
2022-10-26 18:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | Oliver’s Woods, 8825 River Road, Indianapolis, United States
Join Take Flight! Wildlife Education to meet several species of live owls up close and learn about these remarkable birds.

About this event

All Ages

Free – RSVP Required
What to Expect and Bring:

Dress in long pants thick enough to stand up to thorns and brush (unfortunately leggings aren’t very protective).
Wear closed-toed shoes that can stand up to mud.
This event will take place outside, warm clothing is suggested.

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.
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.
