A letter from our executive director
As we make our way through this uncertain time, we at CILTI are keeping all of our members, supporters, volunteers and friends in our thoughts. We send all good wishes your way for safety and health, and that of your loved ones.
Like you, we turn to nature for solace. We delight in the signs of spring unfolding in our own back yards as well as in our nature preserves. Since Governor Holcomb’s executive order permits travel for the purposes of outdoor activities (as long as social distancing requirements are met), we remind you that many of our nature preserves are open for your family to explore.
Although we can’t lead our usual spring volunteer days and hikes right now, we’d love for you to share in our mission “remotely.” If you have the capacity, please feel free to visit our open preserves, practicing social distancing with any other parties you encounter. While there, here are some ways you can help nature:
- Be our eyes and ears on the ground. If you encounter anything amiss, such as debris blocking a trail, please contact our stewardship manager Jamison Hutchins at 406-546-7244 or jhutchins@conservingindiana.org.
Take plastic bags and gloves with you, and pack out any litter you find. - Pull invasive garlic mustard (photo below), bag it up and put it in your trash at home. This will greatly help us curtail the impact of this invasive plant.
- Nature will thank you, and we will too! If you do pick up litter or pull garlic mustard, please send us a photo. Throughout the month of April, send your litter/invasive photos to smiller@conservingindiana.org. We will enter you into a drawing, with the winning family receiving CILTI T-shirts and other gear.
In addition, please jump in on social media by posting any photos from our preserves, and tagging us (@CentralIndianaLandTrust). Use hashtags #naturemoment and #cilti. We look forward to your shots!
We’ll soon start a series of e-blasts detailing Indiana’s nine most iconic preserves, so keep an eye out for that.
We look forward to connecting with you in person at one of our preserves in the future. In the meantime, we hope you find sustenance in nature wherever you are.
Be well,
Cliff Chapman
Cliff Chapman
President and CEO