Gratitude to all our volunteers! This season alone your hands have touched White River Bluffs, Oliver's Woods, Meltzer Woods, Betley Woods, and Burnett Woods. Shown here: --@camptownindy youth from Indy Met High School, pulling garlic mustard at Oliver's Woods --volunteer crew at Meltzer Woods this week, with their pile of garlic mustard --volunteer crew at Betley Woods getting a sneak peek of our new trail system there #volunteerweek #volunteerweek2024 #nationalvolunteerweek #nationalvolunteerweek2024 #notesfromthefield #fieldday #volunteerworkday #betleywoods #youthservice #volunteering #theyouthwilllead #youngvolunteers #thankyou #gratitude #betleywoodsatglaciersend #meltzerwoods #oliverswoods #naturepreserves #springtime #springinindiana #volunteeroutdoors #futurenaturalists #getoutthere #getoutside #meltzerwoodsnaturepreserve #naturepreserve #nature #naturalareas #centralindianalandtrust #cilti April 26, 2024 Did you know that April is Citizen Science Month? Here's an easy way to take part in a citizen science project. Stop at the Chronolog station at Oliver's Woods and snap a photo of Carmel Creek. You can upload it to be part of our ever-expanding time lapse archive of changes in this waterway. This reel shows the photos people have contributed so far. Over time, this project will help our stewardship team understand how best to protect and buffer the creek. Check it out the next time you visit Oliver's Woods! #notesfromthefield #newsfromthefield #chronolog #timelapse #citizenscience #naturalists #citizensciencemonth #ecology #citizensciencemonth2024 #mywhiteriver #whiteriverIN #ourwaterways #waterwaysofindiana #ourwaterway #myindiana #OliversWoods #urbannature #natureindiana #OliversWoodsNaturePreserve #riverinenaturepreserve #timelapsephoto #carmelcreek #creek #creekview #indiananature #creeksofindiana #scienceproject #centralindianalandtrust #landtrust #cilti April 25, 2024 Well hello! This raccoon peeked out at one of our staffers during a hike through Big Walnut Nature Preserve. Later this year, our stewardship crew will plant trees at Big Walnut. The reforestation will be on roughly 32 acres owned by DNR Division of Nature Preserves. Thanks to the support of our members, our team can help restore partner lands. Every sapling moves us closer to the million trees we're committed to planting in the coming years. You're welcome, little raccoon! @indianadnr #wildlifewednesday #wildlifewed #wildlifeweds #wildlife #raccoon #raccoonsofinstagram #amilliontrees #treeplanting #plantamilliontrees #raccoonsofindiana #putnamcounty #bigwalnut #bigwalnutnaturepreserve #reforestation #naturepreserve #forest #protectedforest #forests #woods #foresthabitat #trees #protectedwoods #protectingland #landprotection #protectedhabitat #conservation #centralindiana #landtrust #centralindianalandtrust #cilti April 24, 2024 Check out this happy little mining bee, photographed one spring in Meltzer Woods. These solitary, gentle, ground-nesting bees are responsible for pollinating many woodland wildflowers. They also can be found on the blossoms of early-flowering native shrubs, like viburnums and dogwoods. Mining bees are among many native insects that need native plants to thrive. According to pollinator expert Heather Holm, plants associated with mining bees in spring include: bloodroot, American plum, largeflower bellwort, serviceberry, American bladdernut, and many more. (And if you have the book Wake Up Woods, you can see the mining bee on a bloodroot bloom in the very first spread.) #crittertuesday #critters #crittertues #worldbookday #wakeupwoods #worldbookday2024 #naturebook #naturebooks #miningbee #miningbees #nativebee #childrensbook #wildbee #meltzerwoods #meltzerwoodsnaturepreserve #childrensbooks #nativeplant #nativeplants #nativeflower #nativeflowers #springwildflower #springwildflowers #chirldrenslit #childrensliterature #bee #bees #habitatprotection #plantnative #centralindianalandtrust #cilti April 23, 2024 Gorgeous shot of Carmel Creek by @jacksonskydesign. Get out there and enjoy spring if you can! #repost #happyearthday #earthday Morning walk at Oliver’s Woods, a beautiful centralindianalandtrust nature preserve. ( #📷 @jacksonskydesign ) April 22, 2024 Birds do it. Bees do it. Boxes too! Eastern box turtles, that is. Our stewardship crew spotted this amorous pair in Betley Woods at Glacier's End during Tuesday's volunteer work day. May there be many generations of box turtles safely reproducing in this beautiful nature preserve. Happy spring to all. #notesfromthefield #newsfromthefield #fieldnotes #easternboxturtle #boxturtles #easternboxturtles #turtlemating #mating #birdsdoit #beesdoit #betleywoodsatglaciersend #betleywoods #glaciersend #johnsoncounty #forest #protectedforest #protectedhabitat #happyspring #reproducing #boxturtlelove #turtlelove #nature #spring #springtime #weloveturtles #loveturtles #landprotection #habitatprotection #centralindianalandtrust #cilti April 19, 2024 This was our summer field crew five years ago. We're grateful to all who've helped keep our nature preserves healthy and resilient over the years. And we currently have two stewardship internships available. See the link in our bio for details. #TBT #ThrowbackThursday #throwbackthurs #notesfromthefield #workwithus #newsfromthefield #fieldwork #fieldcrew #summerhelp #summerintern #summerinterns #interns #intern #workoutside #outdoorwork #outdoorsy #conservation #habitatprotection #landprotection #conservationists #throwbackshot #ourpeople #thankyou #inthanks #manythanks #grateful #gratitude #centralindianalandtrust #cilti April 18, 2024 Here's a throwback Wildlife Wednesday in honor of International Bat Appreciation Day. Last September, Dr. Tim Carter of Ball State University brought a bat program for our Golden Hour series at Oliver's Woods. He's shown using a bat detector to "translate" the calls of one of his ambassador bats. Chocolate and Petunia, two big brown bats, got to "meet" participants. Then everyone joined Dr. Carter on the canoe launch to listen for bats flying over the White River. A fascinating evening. And he's coming back in August! Find more details about the Golden Hour and other upcoming events at the link in our bio. @indiana_wildlife_fed @ourwaterways #wildlifewednesday #wildlifewednesdays #throwbackwednesday #throwbackshot #wildlife #bats #bat #bigbrownbat #batsofinstagram #batsofindiana #batnight #internationalbatappreciationday #internationalbatappreciationday2024 #batappreciation #batappreciationday #batappreciationday2024 #batlove #welovebats #ambassadorbats #goldenhour #oliverswoods #oliverswoodsnaturepreserve #whiteriverIN #riverinepreserve #meetabat #indianawildlife #sonar #batswelove #centralindianalandtrust #cilti April 17, 2024 Good news! Today's volunteer crew at Betley Woods did a great job pulling garlic mustard. Such a thorough job, in fact, that we are CANCELLING Wednesday's work day. Just a heads-up in case anyone planned to attend: We will not be hosting a work day at Betley Woods at Glacier's End tomorrow. However, you can still RSVP to help out at Meltzer Woods next week. Check the link in our bio for details! #notesfromthefield #fieldday #volunteerworkday #betleywoods #volunteerwithus #fielddays #volunteerworkdays #volunteering #garlicmustard #getinvolved #betleywoodsatglaciersend #invasivespecies #invasiveplant #helpout #volunteer #naturepreserves #springtime #springinindiana #plantingtrees #getoutthere #getoutside #pullinvasives #meltzerwoods #meltzerwoodsnaturepreserve #naturepreserve #nature #naturalareas #centralindianalandtrust #cilti April 16, 2024 Belated shout-out to volunteers who helped with our tree planting at White River Bluffs the first week of April. It was a chilly day but our amazing volunteers stayed warm by working! We have many more volunteer opportunities coming up. Check the link in our bio if you'd like to volunteer outdoors with our stewardship crew. #notesfromthefield #fieldday #volunteerworkday #rainorshine #volunteerwithus #fielddays #volunteerworkdays #volunteering #volunteerappreciation #getinvolved #whiteriverbluffs #treeplanting #planttrees #treeplantings #volunteer #naturepreserves #springtime #springinindiana #plantingtrees #getoutthere #getoutside #trees #plantamilliontrees #treesforthewin #naturepreserve #cleanup #nature #naturalareas #centralindianalandtrust #cilti April 15, 2024 Here's a preview of what we hope to share with you at next Saturday's Burnett Woods wildflower walk. (If these ephemerals don't get overheated in the coming days.) --sharp-lobed hepatica, two views --yellow trout lily, two views --Dutchman's breeches --white fawn lily, three views All photos were taken recently in beautiful Burnett Woods. If you'd like to join us for our April 20 wildflower walk, grab your spot soon! Click the link in our bio to find the event and sign up. #internationalplantappreciationday #internationalplantappreciationday2024 #plantappreciationday #plantappreciationday2024 #wildflower #nativeflowers #nativeplants #nativeflower #nativeplant #spring #springflowers #wildflowerwalk #springhike #springinIndiana #BurnettWoods #wildflowers #springforest #naturepreserve #April #AprilinIndiana #getoutside #getoutdoors #seeyouonthetrail #naturepreserves #springtime #movemoremonth #earthmonth #earthmonth2024 #centralindianalandtrust #cilti April 12, 2024 In honor of National Pet Day, here's a throwback shot from last summer. Faith the standard poodle, like most dogs, loves exploring the great outdoors. And we love to see pets out enjoying nature, whether that's in your neighborhood greenspace or one of our preserves. (PSA: Keep them leashed in the nature preserves to protect the habitats, and of course clean up after them!) #ThrowbackThursday #throwbackThurs #TBT #nationalpetday #nationalpetday2024 #activedogmonth #activedogmonth2024 #caninefitnessmonth #caninefitnessmonth2024 #hugyourdogday #hugyourdogday2024 #nodogleftinside #getthemoutdoors #dogsandnature #dogsinnature #exploremore #seeyouonthetrail #dogslovenature #naturedog #getoutdoors #getthemoutside #nopupleftinside #dog #dogs #dogsofinstagram #havedogwillhike #hikingwithdogs #hikewithdogs #centralindianalandtrust #cilti April 11, 2024 Here's a video postcard from White River Bluffs featuring a cautious doe. In the foreground, note evidence of beavers making their mark on the preserve. Beavers have been found both at this preserve and Callon Hollow (though they are likely at several more of our properties). According to our stewardship crew, beavers are considered a keystone species. If they're present, we'd expect other species to thrive in that habitat. Beavers transform the land by felling trees and building dams. Their work creates wetland habitats attractive to waterbirds and wetland-dependent species. @Indiana_wildlife_fed @ourwaterways #wildlifewednesday #wildlifeweds #wildlifewednesdays #postcard #videopostcard #deer #deerofinstagram #riverinenaturepreserve #wildlife #trailcam #wildlifecam #trailcamera #wildlifecamera #indianawildlife #beaverday #internationalbeaverday #beaverday2024 #internationalbeaverday2024 #IndianaWildlifeFederation #IndianaNature #IWF #naturepreserve #WhiteRiverBluffs #WhiteRiverBluffsNaturePreserve #habitatprotection #doe #deerofindiana #centralindianalandtrust #cilti April 10, 2024 Curious what you'll find at Oliver's Woods? Our White River Docents have been documenting some of the sights of this riverine nature preserve. Docents are onsite on certain days to help orient visitors and share their passion for nature. They'll be there 10am to 1pm on Saturday, April 20, if you'd like to time your visit. Here are some of their recent photos: --bloodroot --Dutchman's breeches --spring beauty --Virginia bluebells Many thanks to our volunteer crew at Oliver's Woods for these great shots! #wakeupwoods #wakeuptospring #volunteers #getoutside #seeyouonthetrail #whiteriverdocents #docents #nativewildflower #nativeflower #wildflower #springephemerals #nature #spring #springinIndiana #oliverswoods #oliverswoodsnaturepreserve #naturepreserve #urbanpreserve #nativeplant #nativeplants #springtime #springinindiana #springwoodland #woodlandflowers #wildflowersofindiana #wildflowersofinstagram #naturephotography #observingnature #centralindianalandtrust #cilti April 9, 2024 We are beyond excited to bring you this sneak peek at our 2024 Golden Hour events! This free, kid-friendly "third Thursday" series was immensely popular last year. We've expanded the schedule for 2024, while bringing back some of last year's amazing presenters. Tickets will be available for the first Golden Hour on April 10. Be sure to get on our enews mailing list to get a reminder that morning. Or better yet, set your alarm. Tickets get snapped up in a blink! We are so grateful to our Golden Hour sponsor, @robertdietrickcompany, for making this series possible. #goldenhour #preview #sneakpeek #goldenhour2024 #robertdietrickcompany #summerevents #sneakpreview #oliverswoods #outdooreducation #natureeducation #naturalistevents #futurenaturalists #getthemoutside #nochildleftinside #kidsandnature #naturalists #youngnaturalists #oliverswoodsnaturepreserve #urbanpreserve #nature #natureouting #earthmonth #earthmonth2024 #naturepreserve #citizensciencemonth #whiteriverpreserve #whiteriverIN #mywhiteriver #centralindianalandtrust #cilti April 5, 2024 Did you hear that Phillip will once again lead the annual wildflower walk at Burnett Woods this month? Hit the link in our bio for more information about this and other spring events. (These folks were on the walk with him last year.) #TBT #ThrowbackThursday #ThrowbackThurs #wildflowerwalk #walkinnature #takeawalkinnature #findyourblissinnature #springwalk #nationalwalkingday #nationalwalkingday2024 #walkingday #walkingday2024 #springhike #springinIndiana #BurnettWoods #wildflowers #springforest #naturepreserve #April #AprilinIndiana #getoutside #getoutdoors #seeyouonthetrail #naturepreserves #springtime #movemoremonth #earthmonth #earthmonth2024 #centralindianalandtrust #cilti April 4, 2024 Many thanks to our intrepid volunteer crew who helped clean up Burnett Woods this morning, despite the less-than-stellar weather! It was the first volunteer work day of the season and a great success. If you'd like to help out at a nature preserve, check the link in our bio for opportunities. #notesfromthefield #fieldday #volunteerworkday #rainorshine #volunteerwithus #fielddays #volunteerworkdays #volunteering #volunteerappreciation #getinvolved #burnettwoods #springvolunteering #volunteeroutside #volunteeroutdoors #volunteer #naturepreserves #springtime #springinindiana #burnettwoodsnaturepreserve #getoutthere #getoutside #garlicmustard #naturepreserve #cleanup #nature #naturalareas #centralindianalandtrust #cilti April 3, 2024 A #repost from our partners at the Indianapolis Garden Club. Did you know that this month is not only Earth Month--it's officially dedicated to native plants? #earthmonth #nativeplantmonth April is officially Native Plant Month in Indiana and across many states nationwide!🌱🌳 Thank you to @thegardenclubofamerica for pursuing the Native Plant Month Initiative (NPMI). The NPMI is a nationwide, multidisciplinary, cross-committee collaboration to promote native plants by formally establishing a Native Plant Month in all fifty states and D.C. by April 2024. You can help! As you plan your spring landscaping and gardens, please include native plants in all your beds🪴#nativeplantmonth2024 ( #📷 @indianapolisgardenclub ) April 3, 2024 If you have little ones, here's a great way to introduce them to the wonders of nature. Wake Up Woods is a beautiful children’s picture book about Indiana’s native spring plants. It features Gillian Harris's beautiful (and accurate) illustrations--along with the science and poetry of coauthors Michael Homoya and Shane Gibson. The target audience is children ages 5-10. Like this little guy who followed along when we had Mike offer a reading and wildflower walk at Oliver's Woods, back in 2021. We were proud to support our partners at @indiananativeplantsociety in the creation of this stunning book. Find out where to purchase at the link in their bio. #wakeupwoods #wakeuptospring #internationalchildrensbookday #internationalchildrensbookday2024 #childrensbookday #childrensbookday2024 #childrensliterature #futurenaturalists #futurenaturalist #botany #botanyforchildren #childrensbook #childrensnaturebook #kidsandnature #getthemoutside #nochildleftinside #getthemoutdoors #childrensbooks #kidsbook #throwbackshot #kidslovenature #childrenslit #kidlit #nature #spring #springinIndiana #wildflowerbook #wildflowers #centralindianalandtrust #cilti April 2, 2024 Our first volunteer work day is Wednesday at Burnett Woods, and it will happen rain or shine! And just a heads-up that anyone who comes to two or more work days will be eligible to receive a special volunteer T-shirt. #fieldday #volunteerworkday #rainorshine #volunteerwithus #fielddays #volunteerworkdays #Tshirt #volunteering #volunteerTshirt #volunteerappreciation #getinvolved #invasives #springvolunteering #volunteeroutside #volunteeroutdoors #volunteer #naturepreserves #springtime #springinindiana #invasivegarlicmustard #getoutthere #getoutside #garlicmustard #naturepreserve #invasiveplants #invasiveplant #invasiveweed #naturalareas #centralindianalandtrust #cilti April 2, 2024 April 1, 2024 Here's a cute little fungus known as a scarlet elf cup (Sarcoscypha coccinea). It's a saprobic fungus, meaning it derives its nutrition from the dead remains of other organisms. As shown here, it prefers to grow on decaying sticks and branches on the forest floor. Its cup-shaped fruiting bodies appear during winter and early spring, so keep an eye out when you're out exploring! Thanks to Ben Valentine for taking this photo at Meltzer Woods a few springs ago. #fungifriday #lookdown #indiananature #scarletelfcup #natureisbeautiful #midwestnature #naturepreserve #protectedland #shelbycountyindiana #MeltzerWoodsNaturePreserve #MeltzerWoods #mushroom #fungi #fungus #naturalarea #natureindiana #landprotection #mushroomsofinstagram #fungiofindiana #mushroomsofindiana #oldgrowthforest #naturalindiana #conservation #takeawalkintheparkday #centralindiana #landtrust #myindiana #protectedwoods #centralindianalandtrust #cilti March 29, 2024 Let's hear it for Weed Appreciation Day. Not sure how others celebrate (!) but here's a throwback shot of Phillip with a mound of garlic mustard cleared from Meltzer Woods. If you want to get up close and personal with that kind of weed, click the link in our bio--we have volunteer work days tailor-made for you! #TBT #ThrowbackThursday #ThrowbackThurs #notesfromthefield #weedappreciationday #weedappreciationday2024 #nationalweedappreciationday #nationalweedappreciationday2024 #getinvolved #invasives #springvolunteering #volunteeroutside #volunteeroutdoors #volunteer #volunteering #invasiveweeds #naturepreserves #springtime #springinindiana #invasivegarlicmustard #getoutthere #getoutside #garlicmustard #naturepreserve #invasiveplants #invasiveplant #invasiveweed #naturalareas #centralindianalandtrust #cilti March 28, 2024 A #repost from our partner organization about River School. Check out their offerings at the link in their bio! May River School dates are now live on our website! Check out our River School webpage to book your float with Friends of the White River today! Happy paddling! ("Paddle With Us!" link in bio) ( #📷 @friends_of_the_white_river ) March 27, 2024 Last week we featured a frog, so how about frog eggs for this week's Wildlife Wednesday? These Western chorus frog eggs were found at one of the wetland properties we protect. According to Indian Herp Atlas, the adults of this species are small and either brown or gray, with three dark stripes running down the back. They lay up to 240 eggs in masses usually attached to aquatic vegetation. Many thanks to @indianajimh for this photo! #wildlifewednesday #wildlifewednesdays #wildlifewed #wildlife #frogeggs #eggmass #westernchorusfrog #frog #urbanwetland #frogs #frogsofindiana #frogsofinstagram #wetlandpreserves #naturepreserve #wetland #wetlandpreserve #wetlands #wetlandhabitat #indianaherpatlas #amphibian #amphibians #habitatprotection #protectedwetland #protectedwetlands #wetlandprotection #protectingwetlands #protectourwetlands #centralindianalandtrust #cilti March 27, 2024 This green-striped grasshopper blends right in with its surroundings. Chortophaga viridifasciata, according to iNaturalist, inhabit relatively moist areas of short grass, like roadsides and hay meadows. This one was photographed in March at Oliver's Woods. #crittertuesday #crittertues #critter #crittertuesdays #oliverswoods #oliverswoodsnaturepreserve #nature #grasshopper #grasshoppers #grasshoppersofinstagram #grasshoppersofindiana #greenstripedgrasshopper #insect #insects #creaturefeature #naturepreserve #riverpreserve #habitat #protectedhabitat #springcritter #springinIndiana #lookdown #blendingin #critterday #riverinepreserve #urbanwildlife #urbanpreserve #natureisbeautiful #centralindianalandtrust #cilti March 26, 2024 "History's political and economic power structures have always abhorred 'idle people' as potential troublemakers. Yet nature never abhors seemingly idle trees, grass, snails, coral reefs, and clouds in the sky." --Buckminster Fuller Food for thought on this first Monday of springtime. Snails were photographed in Oliver's Woods. #inpraiseofidleness #foodforthought #snails #snailsofinstagram #quotable #quotes #naturequotes #buckminsterfuller #fuller #idle #nature #natureknowsbest #snail #snailsofindiana #natureswisdom #wisdom #naturesbeauty #natureisbeautiful #beautifulsnails #snailingalong #takeyourtime #slowsnails #oliverswoods #oliverswoodsnaturepreserve #naturepreserve #observingnature #humblesnail #centralindianalandtrust #cilti March 25, 2024 Congrats to our outreach manager, Traci (@omgitsabutterfly_), who had two of her beautiful nature photographs accepted into an @artscouncilindy exhibition. If you go to the Indianapolis Airport between now and July, look for her photos. Both link back to Oliver's Woods! 1) White River view from the preserve's canoe launch 2) celandine poppies Traci rescued from the preserve's trail-in-progress, six years ago, and planted in her own native garden The water-themed "Indiana Naturally” exhibition is on display at ticketing counters and behind security. #indyartscouncil #congrats #naturephotography #kudos #naturephotos #naturephotographer #worldwaterday #worldwaterday2024 #watertheme #waterislife #mywhiteriver #whiteriverIN #whiteriverview #riverview #celandinepoppy #wildflower #wildflowers #nativeflower #nativeflowers #nativeflowersofinstagram #oliverswoods #oliverswoodsnaturepreserve #naturepreserve #riverviews #nativeflowersofindiana #indyairport #photography #artintheairport #natureisart #nativeflowersofindiana March 22, 2024 Sky through trees is our favorite color, and what better way to mark International Day of Forests? This photo was taken in March 2010 by Jacque Brown at Jacob Schramm Nature Preserve. #TBT #ThrowbackThursday #ThrowbackThurs #bluesky #blueskies #forest #jacobschrammnaturepreserve #schrammwoods #woods #springishere #earlyspring #equinox #marchskies #eveningsky #naturepreserve #nature #springtime #woodswalk #naturewalk #natureouting #vernalequinox #skythroughtrees #treetops #trees #protectedforest #protectedwoods #habitatprotection #natureisbeautiful #centralindianalandtrust #cilti March 21, 2024 Happy World Frog Day (and happy spring)! This little gray treefrog would make anyone happy. The photo is from Betley Woods at Glacier's End last fall. According to Indiana Herp Atlas, gray treefrogs can be green or "lichenate gray" (resembling lichen!). "The same individual can be light gray one day and green the next." #whoknew #worldfrogday #worldfrogday2024 #frogday #frogday2024 #springequinox #wildlifewednesday #wildlifewed #internationaldayofhappiness2024 #wildlife #graytreefrog #treefrog #frog #graytreefrogs #treefrogs #frogs #treefrogsofindiana #frogsofindiana #treefrogsofinstagram #frogsofinstagram #froggie #happiness #internationaldayofhappiness #indianaherpatlas #amphibian #amphibians #betleywoodsatglaciersend #betleywoods #centralindianalandtrust #cilti March 20, 2024 Last week our stewardship crew assisted the @IndianaDNR Division of Nature Preserves at a prescribed burn near Lafayette. As a natural process, fire has always been a key shaper of natural areas, but in modern times it is largely suppressed. So conservation professionals increasingly use controlled burns to help restore oak woodlands and prairies. Fire is an excellent tool for controlling woody volunteers and invasive plants. Reducing woody plant growth through fire promotes the biodiversity that is key for pollinators and wildlife. Fire also reduces thatch buildup, creating habitat for ground-nesting birds. Many prairie plants like fire, so the fire stimulates growth of new plants. Swipe through to see: --creating a backfire to consume the fuel before the headfire --DNR employee preparing --Jamison (our stewardship director) and Wyatt Williams (DNR Ecologist in the Natural Heritage Program) monitoring the fire #prescribedfire #prairie #prescribedburn #burn #fire #prairieburn #dnr #indianadnr #dnrdivisionofnaturepreserves #naturepreserve #naturepreserves #partnering #partners #stewardship #stewardshipcrew #notesfromthefield #newsfromthefield #fieldnotes #fieldwork #inthefield #prairieplants #nativeplants #stewcrew #stewardshipteam #biodiversity #landtrust #naturalarea #nature #centralindianalandtrust #cilti March 19, 2024 Get ready! A total solar eclipse is just a few weeks away. This once-in-a-lifetime phenomenon will be visible across most of our service area on Monday, April 8. Totality begins just after 3pm EDT. Central Indiana Land Trust is NOT hosting any events that day. Highways are likely to be gridlocked from a few hours before totality to six or more hours afterwards. And since most of our public preserves are forests, they would not offer an ideal view of the eclipse! The @IndianaDNR has more information about the eclipse, including special events and viewing tips. https://www.in.gov/dnr/places-to-go/events/2024-solar-eclipse/ #Eclipse #solareclipse #Eclipse2024 #solareclipse2024 #totaleclipse #totality #IndianaDNR #onceinalifetime #totalsolareclipse #totaleclipseofthesun #DNR #April8 #getready March 18, 2024 Heading into what some consider a holiday weekend of sorts, we thought it fitting to post something clover-adjacent today. Common yellow wood sorrel is not related to the fabled shamrock associated with St. Patrick. It's a native wildflower from a family with the Latin name of Oxalis. With sour-tasting leaves and wee yellow flowers, it's lovely little pot o' gold in its own right. This one was blooming at Oliver's Woods, but you might also find it in your own garden this summer. #happystpatricksday #happystpatricksday2024 #stpatricksday #happysaintpatricksday #happysaintpatricksday2024 #saintpatricksday #stpaddysday #notashamrock #notfourleafed #notaclover #oxalis #saintpaddysday #happysaintpaddysday #saintpaddysday2024 #summerwildflower #nativewildflower #wildflowerofindiana #nativeplant #nativeflower #nativeflowers #nativeflowersofindiana #yellowwoodsorrel #sorrel #oliverswoodsnaturepreserve #oliverswoods #potogold #littlewildflower #centralindianalandtrust #cilti March 15, 2024 Beautiful preview of what's to come in our preserves! #Repost @protectindianaland Spring wildflowers are on their way in nature preserves across Indiana. Find a land trust trail to enjoy their fleeting flowers: https://www.protectindianaland.org/visit-a-preserve/ #indiananature #protectindianaland #springwildflowers ( #📷 @protectindianaland ) March 14, 2024 Spring is on its way, with all its wildflowers, birdsong, and...invasive species? That's one of the signs of spring we don't love. But invasive plants are no match for our stewardship team and volunteers! Want to help us keep our nature preserves healthy and resilient? Starting in early April, our stewardship crew is hosting regular work days—and you can be part of the action. If you've ever wondered what goes on "behind the scenes" at a nature preserve, our volunteer days are for you. Helping our team is a great way to get outside and do some good, while learning about the natural world. Learn more and sign up at the link in our bio! #getinvolved #springintospring #springvolunteering #volunteeroutside #volunteeroutdoors #volunteer #volunteering #volunteerinnature #naturepreserves #helpusout #joinus #springtime #springinindiana #springoutings #springiscoming #almostspring #getoutthere #getoutside #weloveourvolunteers #thankyou #gratitude #inthanks #thanks #naturepreserve #signsofspring #springintovolunteering #landtrust #naturalareas #centralindianalandtrust #cilti March 14, 2024 Here's a look back at a summer day in the Laura Hare Preserve at Blossom Hollow, where this red-spotted admiral butterfly was resting in the dry creekbed. These butterflies spend their days in deciduous woodlands, along the edges of the forest in shady areas, including roadsides. Their host species include many native trees and shrubs, such as wild cherry, aspen, poplar, cottonwood, oaks, hawthorn, birch, willows, basswood, and more. Source: iNaturalist #TBT #ThrowbackThursday #ThrowbackThurs #nationallearnaboutbutterfliesday ##nationallearnaboutbutterfliesday2024 #learnaboutbutterfliesday #learnaboutbutterfliesday2024 #redspottedadmiral #butterfly #butterflies #butterfliesofinstagram #butterfliesofindiana #redspottedadmirals #lauraharepreserveatblossomhollow #blossomhollow #naturepreserve #protectedwoods #protectedhabitat #protectedland #protectedforest #forest #forestland #conservation #butterflyhabitat #habitat #habitats #habitatprotection #landprotection #centralindianalandtrust #cilti March 14, 2024 Here's a spider-themed Wildlife Wednesday in honor of National Save a Spider Day, which is tomorrow. This tan jumping spider (Platycryptus undatus) was found last fall in Betley Woods at Glacier's End. According to @nationalwildlife, these tiny, furry arachnids have "enormous front-facing eyes that make them seem almost mammal-like in appearance." They're about a centimeter long. Rather than build webs, they prefer to jump on their prey and consume it right then! They are also food for a variety of birds, mammals, wasps, etc. Betley Woods is known to be an exceptionally biodiverse place. Its many spider species are just one indication of that. So if you see a spider today, wherever you are, we hope you'll thank it for its key role in the ecosystem! #WildlifeWednesday #wildlifeweds #wildlife #wildlifewed #spider #nationalsaveaspiderday #spiders #nationalsaveaspiderday2024 #spidersofindiana #spidersofinstagram #saveaspiderday #saveaspiderday2024 #spideysense #jumpingspider #tanjumpingspider #betleywoods #betleywoodsatglaciersend #keystonespecies #biodiversity #spiderlife #johnsoncountyindiana #spidersrule #welovespiders #spidey #jumpingspiders #biodiverse #lookdown #dontsquish #centralindianalandtrust #cilti March 13, 2024 Here are a few of the American chestnuts from that 2011 Boy Scout planting at Fred and Dorothy Meyer Nature Preserve. We recently highlighted how several Boy Scouts planted American chestnut saplings in this Morgan County preserve. A dozen of the trees are alive today, with a few producing fruit. The American Chestnut Foundation notes that Castanea dentata once dominated portions of the eastern United States. American chestnuts were among the largest, tallest, and fastest-growing trees in the eastern forests. According to the Foundation, "Chestnuts are dense with calories, rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, and the leaves contain higher levels of essential plant nutrients than other local tree species. This made the chestnut beneficial not only for the humans of an ecosystem, but for every level of the food chain. Chestnut leaves were favorites of detritivore insects who, by breaking them down, enriched the forest floor with nutrients. Insects feeding on chestnut leaves were then eaten by fish or birds, and other larger animals would feed directly on the chestnut mast like squirrels, deer, bear, and turkeys." Learn more about this tree's fascinating history and efforts to bring it back at tacf1983 . #americanchestnuttree #treeIDTuesday #treeID #treeIDTues #americanchestnut #boyscouts #scouting #eaglescoutproject #ecology #americanchestnutfoundation #protectedwoods #fredanddorothymeyernaturepreserve #meyerpreserve #naturepreserve #meyernaturepreserve #protectingland #landprotection #optoutside #restoringtheland #landrestoration #forestecology #chestnut #chestnuttree #treesofinstagram #treesofindiana #tree #trees #reforestation #centralindianalandtrust #cilti March 12, 2024 Fans of Oliver's Woods will recognize some of these scenes! Our team is always grateful to work with young naturalists. If you know one, pass this opportunity along, but don't wait--today's the cutoff! #Repost #WhiteRiverIN Consider this your sign to join the KIB team as an Urban Naturalist or Youth Tree Team Leader! You’ll gain: 🌿 Hands-on experience in the environmental landscape 📖 Customized enrichments for personal and professional development 💚 New friendships and connections throughout Indy Hurry! Applications close on March 11. ( #📷 @kibiorg ) March 11, 2024 Meet the wrinkled peach (Rhodotus palmatus). This tiny mushroom was found in August at Oliver's Woods. Note the little pillbug at lower left for perspective. What makes this mushroom particularly interesting is that it appears on the International Union for the Conservation of Nature's list of "near threatened" species. According to iNaturalist, it is typically found growing on the stumps and logs of rotting hardwoods, as shown here. "The mushroom prefers low-lying logs in areas that are periodically flooded and that receive little sunlight, such as areas shaded by forest canopy." #fungifriday #iucn #conservation #mushroom #fungi #fungus #fungusamongus #mushrooms #lookdown #wrinkledpeach #tinymushroom #welovemushrooms #fungilove #fungioftheworld #fungifridays #mushroomsofindiana #fungiofindiana #fungiofinstagram #mushroomsofinstagram #oliverswoods #oliverswoodsnaturepreserve #urbanpreserve #protectedforest #resilientforest #healthyforest #forestedland #protected #protectedwoods #centralindianalandtrust #cilti March 9, 2024 That time E. Lucy Braun came to Meltzer Woods and shared her journey to becoming a pioneering forest ecologist in the early 1900s... November 2020, with @timepiecetheatrecompany and @constancemacy #TBT #ThrowbackThursday #ThrowbackThurs #timepiecetheatre #timepiecetheatrecompany #womenshistorymonth #elucybraun #womenshistorymonth2024 #forestecologist #womenshistory #womeinstem #womeninscience #internationalwomensday #womensday #internationalwomensday2024 #womensday2024 #womenecologists #womanecologist #meltzerwoods #meltzerwoodsnaturepreserve #oldgrowthforest #forestecology #forest #protectedforest #spiritandplacefestival #foremother #scientificwomen #womeninsciences #centralindianalandtrust #cilti March 7, 2024 A great opportunity from our partners at @Friends_of_the_White_River #Repost #whiteriverIN We’re seeking more volunteer raft guides for our River School program this summer! Since River School began in 2006, thousands of Hoosiers have had their first experience paddling on the White River. River School’s goal is to provide safe, fun, and engaging on-the-water educational experiences that enhance personal connections to the White River and the natural world. Our River School program turns an urban corridor of White River into an environmental classroom for students, civic leaders and selected partner programs. Enroute, our guides discuss history, shoreline and aquatic wildlife, riparian flora, environmental science and water quality, all while engaging people in a first-hand look at Central Indiana’s most valuable natural resource. We’re providing free raft guide trainings on April 13th and May 18th for anyone interested in volunteering as a raft guide this summer. You can find more details and sign up for a training day by visiting the “Events” link in our bio! ( #📷 @friends_of_the_white_river ) March 6, 2024 Enjoy some trail cam footage of a belted kingfisher at Oliver's Woods. It's a mashup of several clips from last fall. This sprightly bird has a burrow along the bank of Carmel Creek. We have a decent view of his comings and goings! Turn the volume up to hear his distinctive chattering call. According to the Audubon Society, belted kingfishers use their front claws and strong bills to dig their nesting holes. A hole typically goes three to six feet into a sandy bank, but some nesting holes can extend up to 15 feet. @Indiana_wildlife_fed @ourwaterways @AudubonSociety #wildlifewednesday #wildlifeweds #beltedkingfishers #riverinenaturepreserve #wildlife #trailcam #wildlifecam #trailcamera #wildlifecamera #indianawildlife #birdwatching #birding #ourwaterways #birdsofinstagram #PartnersfortheWhiteRiver #FriendsoftheWhiteRiver #IndianaWildlifeFederation #IndianaNature #IWF #WhiteRiverIN #MyWhiteRiver #ReconnectingToOurWaterways #WhiteRiverAlliance #PulliamTrust #kingfisher #kingfishersofinstagram #NinaMasonPulliamCharitableTrust #CentralIndianaLandTrust #CILTI March 6, 2024 Shagbark hickories coming at you this Tree ID Tuesday! These stunners were photographed in Betley Woods at Glacier's End last week. Shagbarks are members of the walnut family, producing a nut with a husk that splits open when ripe. This is an important food source for foxes, mice, chipmunks, squirrels, rabbits, and many birds. The shaggy bark provides habitat for bats. Northern long-eared bats, a state-endangered species, have been found in this preserve. #treeIDtuesday #treeID #treeIDTues #Trees #tree #treeidentification #shagbarkhickory #shagbarks #shagbarkhickories #shagbark #hickory #hickories #hickorytree #bathabitat #northernlongearedbat #endangeredspecieshabitat #endangeredspecies #betleywoodsatglaciersend #glaciersend #betleywoods #johnsoncountyIN #wintertreeID #treebark #treebarkID #shaggybark #shaggy #protectedforest #protectedhabitat #centralindianalandtrust #cilti March 5, 2024 Need a pick-me-up this Monday? Here's a lovely little early-spring bloom. Known as a harbinger of spring, this native wildflower was found at Fred and Dorothy Meyer Nature Preserve last week. Many thanks to our stewardship crew for keeping their eyes out for these delicate little beauties. #notesfromthefield #wildflower #wildflowers #nativeplant #nativeplants #nativeflower #nativeflowers #nativebloom #nativeblooms #bloom #bloomer #harbingerofspring #nativewildflower #nativewildflowers #nativespecies #earlyspring #springbloomer #springwildflower #springwildflowers #springbloomers #fredanddorothymeyernaturepreserve #meyernaturepreserve #springishere #springinindiana #springtimeforest #springsight #lookdown #centralindianalandtrust #cilti March 4, 2024
Filter CategoriesAllNewsroomSort By DateTitleDate April 24, 2024 White blossoms mask the new ‘silent spring’ threat by Cliff Chapman President, Central Indiana Land Trust Those white-flowering trees you see along the highways and in neighborhoods throughout Central... April 4, 2024 Supporting a Prairie Preserve with Fire With a high plant diversity and stable plant populations, a prairie can provide habitat for a plethora of insects...