Central Indiana Land Trust

Feathers & Fermentation: Get Sprung! Birds and Blooms of Spring
2024-04-28 14:00 - 18:00 UTC | 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.

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.

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
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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

Cleanup at Burnett Woods in Avon
2024-04-03 10:00 - 13:00 | 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.

Winter Tree ID Hike at Oliver's Woods
2023-12-09 11:00 | 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, and volunteers 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.

Volunteers Needed for Seed Collection at Betley Woods
2023-12-07 11:00 - 13:00 | IN
We are looking for enthusiastic volunteers to help us collect seeds for conservation efforts.
Go behind the scenes with our stewardship crew in a limited-access nature preserve, Betley Woods at Glacier’s End.
Please RSVP (so we know to expect you)
What to Expect

Parking spots for smaller vehicles are limited and you may need a vehicle with higher clearance/ability to navigate rough terrain.
Plan to carpool, if possible.

What to Bring:

Comfortable clothes and sturdy shoes
Gloves and gardening tools (if available)
A refillable water bottle
A positive attitude and a willingness to get your hands dirty!

Directions:
Betley Woods at Glacier’s End is located on County Road 750 South in Trafalgar, IN. Use this map to navigate to the location.

Black Friday Hike with Cliff at Fern Station Nature Preserve
2023-11-24 10:30 - 12:00 | Fern Station, 123 Main Street, Greencastle, IN, 46193, United States
“Opt outside” on the day after Thanksgiving: Join our President for a guided walk through our newest nature preserve.
About this event
CILTI President Cliff Chapman is back for our popular #optoutside Black Friday hike. This time he will lead a guided nature walk through Fern Station, near Greencastle. Protecting this 570-acre Putnam County property was the highlight of CILTI’s year. Enjoy a chance to see a stunning property that is not yet open to the public.
All Ages
Please RSVP so we know to expect you.
What to Expect and Bring:

Fern Station trails are not clearly marked. This hike is considered moderate difficulty as there will be loose rock and slopes. The trails will be a little more challenging and you may have to use your hands occasionally for balance. You may want to have trekking poles.
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.
Bring a water bottle, preferably refillable.
No restroom facilities available on site.

Directions and Parking:
This information will be shared via email the week of the hike.
More Information:
Fern Station is a stunning unbroken forest, the largest piece of land ever protected by CILTI. It offers unparalleled forest interior habitat for wildlife, including cerulean, worm-eating, and hooded warblers; broad-winged hawks; and Eastern box turtles. With creeks loaded with amphibian life, the lushly wooded ravines support a rich understory of native shrubs. Countless species of ferns thrive here, including maiden hair, broad beech, fragile, glade, sensitive, Christmas, silvery spleenwort, and crested ferns.

Celebrate Meltzer Woods’ 50th Anniversary as a National Natural Landmark
2023-10-28 10:00 - 12:30 | Meltzer Woods, 1522 S 600 E, Shelbyville, IN, 46176, United States
Join us for a nature walk at Meltzer Woods in celebration of the 50th anniversary of its National Natural Landmarks (NNL) designation.
About this event
Please join us in celebrating Meltzer Woods’ 50th year as a National Natural Landmark. Enjoy exploring the old growth forest in a nature walk guided by Phillip Weldy, our stewardship specialist. The NNL program is a way for the National Parks Service to recognize America’s natural heritage. Meltzer Woods is one of over 600 designated NNL sites, and one of our best-loved properties.

All Ages

Please RSVP so we know to expect you.
What to Expect and Bring:
• 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.
• Bring a water bottle, preferably refillable.
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.
About National Natural Landmarks:
This National Park Service program started over 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. Meltzer Woods was designated in 1973. The plaque was made the following year, so it gives a 1974 date.

Help Us Pull Invasive Honeysuckle at Burnett Woods
2023-10-18 10:00 - 13:00 | Burnett Woods, 8264 E. County Road 100 South, Avon, IN, 46123, United States
Join our Stewardship team to pull the invasive plants to help the native plants thrive at Burnett Woods.

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.
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.

October Big Day Hike at Oliver's Woods and More
2023-10-14 09:00 - 11:00 | Oliver’s Woods, 8825 River Road, Indianapolis, United States
Join an expert birder to go birdwatching in Oliver’s Woods Nature Preserve!
Oliver’s 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.
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.
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:
October 8 is known to birders worldwide as the “October Big Day,” a global celebration of birds. For the second year year, Indiana Audubon Society experts will lead free bird walks at nature preserves across the state. The Indiana Land Protection Alliance is again coordinating the event with land trusts statewide.
Only 15 people can take part at each site, so register soon for our guided walk, or find one near you!​
