We wrap up Moth Week with this delicate-looking common oak moth. Its colors may be muted, but look at the beauty of its design! We think it's anything but common. It was found this spring at Fern Station As suggested by its name, the larvae (caterpillars) are hosted by a variety of oak trees. In fact, this adult appears to be perched on an oak leaf. The points of the leaf almost look like an extension of the wings. We hope you've enjoyed our Moth Week posts. National Moth Week isn't over yet, so there's still plenty of time to go mothing! #nationalmothweek #gomothing #nationalmothweek2024 July 26, 2024 Moth Week continues with this harnessed tiger moth found at Oliver's Woods. It was one of many special guests at last year's moth night. As part of the subfamily Arctiinae, this moth is one of 11,000 species of tiger moths globally. Tiger moths take their name from their distinctive black and orange wing patterns. These vibrant colors warn potential predators away. "I taste horrible!" Fun fact: Tiger moths, like cicadas, have tymbals on the rear part of their thorax, enabling them to make high-frequency clicks. The sound is both a defense mechanism and a mating call. Source: Wikipedia #tbt #throwbackthursday #mothweek #nationalmothweek July 25, 2024 These tufty little critters are not bits of yarn that got caught on a plant. They're milkweed tussock moth caterpillars, feasting on common milkweed. This native moth uses milkweed as a host plant just like the monarchs do. While some worry that their munching takes food away from monarch butterfly caterpillars, species diversity is key for a healthy ecosystem. Plant loads of milkweed to draw all their co-evolved insects. Everyone wins! Here's a fun fact from Clemson Cooperative Extension: milkweed tussock moths "have an organ that emits an ultrasonic sound, serving specifically to warn bats of their noxious flavor." Their coloration serves the same purpose with other predators. #wildlifewednesday #wildlifewed #wildlifeweds #funfact #mothweek #mothweek2024 #nationalmothweek #nationalmothweek2024 #mothing #tussockmoth #milkweedtussockmoth #caterpillar #caterpillars #mothsofindiana #mothsofinstagram #funfacts #scienceinnature #tussockmoths #milkweedtussockmoths #nature #naturemoment #ecosystem #commonmilkweed #plantnative #nativeplants #milkweed #milkweedplant #nativeplant #centralindianalandtrust #cilti July 24, 2024 Behold the sphinx moth, a member of the hawk moth family. You can almost see the "feathers" on this beautiful creature. The feathers are actually scales. According to the US Forest Service, "Like mammalian fur, or feathers on a bird, these long tapering scales trap air and keep moths warm. Hawk moths shiver to warm up, and maintain high body temperatures to fly on cool nights." @omgitsabutterfly_ took this great photo at Fern Station in May. #crittertuesday #critter #crittertues #critters #mothweek #mothweek2024 #nationalmothweek #nationalmothweek2024 #mothing #sphinxmoth #hawkmoth #moth #moths #mothsofindiana #mothsofinstagram #gomothing #prettymoth #funfact #scienceinnature #hawkmoths #sphinxmoths #fernstation #naturepreserve #nature #naturemoment #naturephotography #centralindianalandtrust #cilti July 23, 2024 How about an absolute stunner of a moth to kick off our daily Moth Week feature? Swipe through for three views of a luna moth found at Oliver's Woods in May. You'll know a luna by its pale green wings, pinkish-red legs and eyespots. It's not only one of the most striking moths around--it's among the largest moths in North America! Host plants include persimmon, sweet gum, hickories, and walnuts. #lunamothsofindiana #critter #critters #creaturefeature #moth #lunamoth #mothsofindiana #mothsofinstagram #lunamoths #moths #lunamothsofinstagram #hangingout #oliverswoods #oliverswoodsnaturepreserve #seeyouonthetrail #urbannature #keepyoureyesout #prettymoth #lepidoptera #lepidopteran #nature #natureisbeautiful #NationalMothWeek #NationalMothWeek2024 #mothweek #mothweek2024 #naturepreserve #centralindianalandtrust #cilti July 22, 2024 Happy Moth Week! These great photos were taken by an attendee of last week's Moth Night (one of our Golden Hour events at Oliver's Woods). Jeanette Jaskula shared the preserve's moth "night life." If you're sad you missed it, watch our social feeds this week for many moth posts! #repost #nationalmothweek I enjoyed another fabulous Golden Hour guided hike at Oliver’s Woods last night. Many thanks to the Central Indiana Land Trust for this wonderful series. A special thanks to our fearless, beetle catching, super knowledgeable, leader Jeanette Jaskula! Can you spot the big moth in the last photo? #oliverswoodsnaturepreserve ( #📷 @hollyghollyg ) July 22, 2024 Unusual color for a mushroom! This little beauty was found on the forest floor of Betley Woods at Glacier's End. We think it is a crusty russula (Russula crustosa), in the family Russulaceae. Mycologists, please let us know if this is incorrect! According to iNaturalist, crustosa means "with a rind". Another common name for it is green quilt russula. It is a mycorrhizal fungus associated with broadleaf trees, particularly oak and hickory. #fungifriday #fungifridays #fungi #fungus #fungusamongus #lookdown #fungilove #welovefungi #russula #fungiofinstagram #fungiofindiana #betleywoods #betleywoodsatglaciersend #prettymushroom #naturepreserve #nature #centralindianalandtrust #cilti July 19, 2024 Here's a gorgeous sunset shot by @omgitsabutterfly_ taken from the canoe launch at Oliver's Woods last spring. Did you know that the next week is National Capture the Sunset Week? If you have a great sunset photo from one of our preserves, post it and tag us, using the hashtag #nationalcapturethesunsetweek. #TBT #ThrowbackThursday #ThrowbackThurs #capturethesunsetweek #nationalcapturethesunsetweek2024 #capturethesunsetweek2024 #sunsetweek #capturethesunset #sunset #sunsets #oliverswoods #oliverswoodsnaturepreserves #naturepreserve #centralindianalandtrust #cilti July 18, 2024 You never know who you'll encounter at Oliver's Woods! There's at least one gray ratsnake, name of "Janet" for those in the know. According to Indiana Herp Atlas, gray ratsnakes "have stippled light coloration, marking the faint remnants of their juvenile banding, that may be white, yellow, orange, or even reddish." As Indiana's longest snake, adults can reach lengths of six feet, with some recorded at over eight feet long. If you meet Janet or her kin, just give her a wave. She won't hurt you! Photos by our White River Docents, who share their love of the preserve with visitors twice a month. #wildlifewednesday #wildlifeweds #wildlifewed #wildlife #snakeday #worldsnakeday #ratsnake #snake #snakesofinstagram #snakesofindiana #worldsnakeday2024 #snakeday2024 #grayratsnake #ratsnakes #grayratsnakes #wildlifephotography #naturepreserve #snakes #landprotection #habitat #protectedforest #myindiana #indiananature #oliverswoods #oliverswoodsnaturepreserve #protectedland #habitatprotection #centralindianalandtrust #cilti July 17, 2024 In honor of World Snake Day, here's a beautiful watersnake photographed at Browning Marsh. Not to be confused with the venomous cottonmouth, which is only found in the extreme southern part of the state! Indiana Herp Atlas notes that common watersnakes are harmless and widespread in Indiana's streams, ponds, lakes, and wetlands. Their color varies from mahogany red bands on silver-gray background to dark brown/blackish. With a diet of small fish, frogs, toads, and salamanders, they are almost always found in or adjacent to water. Many thanks to our site steward, @indianajimh, for this great shot! #crittertuesday #crittertues #critter #snakeday #worldsnakeday #watersnake #snake #snakesofinstagram #snakesofindiana #worldsnakeday2024 #lakesappreciationmonth #lakesappreciationmonth2024 #ourwaterways #snakeday2024 #aquatic #aquaticsnake #wildlifephotography #watersnakes #snakes #wetlandprotection #protectedwetlands #protectinghabitat #myindiana #indiananature #wetlands #protectingwetlands #browningmarsh #protectedwater #centralindianalandtrust #cilti July 16, 2024 Postcard from Nonie Werbe Krauss Nature Preserve. Many thanks to our @protectindianaland photographer Kate Huston for visiting during peak bee balm time! (Which also corresponds with peak summer heat!) #notesfromthefield #naturephotography #nature #beebalm #beebalminflower #nativeflower #nativeflowers #nativewildflower #nativewildflowers #nativeplant #nativeplants #blooming #blooms #nativebloomer #wildflower #wildflowers #noniewerbekraussnaturepreserve #naturepreserve #naturepreserves #landprotection #naturephotographer #postcard #summerinIndiana #summerblooms #summerday #summersky #summerskies #naturewalk #centralindianalandtrust #cilti July 15, 2024 A pretty little fungus growing at White River Bluffs in winter. Any mycologist want to venture an ID? We have it as (tentatively) orange hobnail canker. #fungifriday #fungifridays #fungi #fungus #fungusamongus #lookdown #fungilove #welovefungi #canker #IDplease #IDhelp #ID #fungusID #mushroommaybe #mushroom #fungiofinstagram #fungiofindiana #whiteriverbluffs #whiteriverbluffsnaturepreserve #wintermushroom #wintercolor #orangemushroom #naturepreserve #nature #nationalsimplicityday #nationalsimplicityday2024 #centralindiana #landtrust #centralindianalandtrust #cilti July 12, 2024 Tomorrow is National Simplicity Day, which was created to honor Henry David Thoreau. In homage to the transcendentalist and nature writer, here's a throwback shot from 2011, when we hosted a Family Fun Day at Oliver's Woods. Instead of Walden Pond, Carmel Creek gave this future naturalist a peaceful nature moment. #TBT #throwbackThursday #throwbackThurs #throwbackshot #oliverswoods #oliverswoodsnaturepreserve #waterwaysofindiana #nationalsimplicityday #nationalsimplicityday2024 #simplicityday #simplicityday2024 #simplicity #simplepleasure #futurenaturalist #getthemoutside #kidsandnature #kidsinnature #kidslovenature #nochildleftinside #naturemoment #naturemoments #ourwaterways #creek #creektime #familyfunday #familyfundays #familyfun #centralindianalandtrust #cilti July 11, 2024 Check the wee feet on this salamander. Enchanting little digits! This critter is a woodland salamander in the genus Plethodon. Woodland salamanders eat small invertebrates and hatch their young in adult form. Fossils of the genus have been found in Tennessee, dating from five to ten million years ago. This very much alive (and cute) specimen was photographed at Mossy Point. Source: iNaturalist #wildlifewednesday #wildlifewed #wildlifeweds #wildlife #salamander #salamandersofinstagram #salamandersofindiana #woodlandsalamander #woodlandsalamanders #herps #herpetology #herpetological #herping #mossypoint #mossypointnaturepreserve #naturepreserve #protectedwoods #lakesappreciationmonth2024 #lakesappreciationmonth #aquatic #aquaticwildlife #protected #protectedwoodland #woodland #woodlands #forest #protectedforest #nature #centralindianalandtrust #cilti July 10, 2024 At first glance this critter resembles a caterpillar, but it's not. It's actually the larva of a sawfly. A relative of wasps and bees, sawflies are named for the saw-like ovipositor (egg-laying structure) of adult females. According to the University of Minnesota Extension, adult sawflies are small, stout-bodied, non-stinging wasp-like insects. Here's a quick way to tell their larvae apart from caterpillars: Look at the number of prolegs (the fleshy, leg-like projections on the abdomen). Caterpillars have 2-5 pairs of prolegs, while sawflies have 6 or more small pairs of prolegs. The prolegs on slug sawflies are small and may be overlooked. How many do you find in this one? (Found munching on a leaf at Oliver's Woods.) #crittertuesday #critter #crittertues #critters #crittertue #crittersofinstagram #crittersofindiana #scienceinnature #notacaterpillar #sawfly #sawflies #insect #insects #insectsofinstagram #insectsofindiana #oliverswoods #oliverswoodsnaturepreserve #larva #larvae #nowyouknow #littlecritter #sawflylarva #sawfliesofinstagram #cutebug #cutie #identification #insectID #knowthatbug #centralindianalandtrust #cilti July 9, 2024 Our summer member newsmagazine is now on the website. On the cover are our president, Cliff Chapman, and board member, Doug Gray, birding at Fern Station. The newsmagazine takes you behind the scenes on a breeding bird survey. Also read about the incredible biodiversity of Mossy Point in Parke County. Plus: An update on our million tree pledge. The periodical is available at the link in our bio, from the News menu. To get this quarterly newsmagazine delivered to your mailbox, feel free to join. Any contribution from $35 up will set you up with a membership! You'll get a special welcome pack with past issues as well. And don't forget that we have a matching challenge grant in effect. Many thanks to Herbert Simon Family Foundation for matching all gifts this summer, up to $50,000! #landprotection #birding #fernstation #naturepreserve #naturepreserves #landtrust #Land4All #Nature4All #LandforAll #NatureforAll #biodiversity #habitatprotection #treeplanting #notesfromthefield #newsfromthefield #wildlife #birdwatching #birdinventory #protectedforest #protectedland #habitat #protectedhabitat #forestprotection #nature #protected #protectedforever #putnamcounty #centralindianalandtrust #cilti July 8, 2024 World Firefly Day is tomorrow! Here's a look back at events that celebrated fireflies at Oliver's Woods in 2022 and 2023. The fascination with fireflies crosses generations! According to earth. com, fireflies produce light through bioluminescence, which is a chemical reaction in their lower abdomen. They use light to communicate, attract mates, and deter predators. "There are more than 2,000 classified species of fireflies, each with its own distinctive, mesmerizing light patterns and behaviors." #worldfireflyday #worldfireflyday2024 #fireflynight #fireflynights #firefly #fireflies #throwbackFriday #throwback #throwbackshot #TBF #throwbackFri #firefliesofinstagram #fireflylove #throwbacks #fireflyday #fireflyday2024 #fireflydays #summerinIndiana #kidslovenature #getthemoutside #futurenaturalists #futureentomologists #entomology #naturemoment #oliverswoods #oliverswoodsnaturepreserve #naturepreserve #kidsandnature #centralindianalandtrust #cilti July 5, 2024 It's time for our annual firework display! This banded hairstreak looks very happy on a common milkweed bloom. Photo by @omgitsabutterfly_ #ourkindoffirework #happyfouth #happy4th #fireworkflower #fireworks #firework #fireworkflowers #bandedhairstreak #butterfliesofinstagram #butterflies #butterfliesofindiana #butterfly #milkweed #commonmilkweed #nativeplant #nativeplants #plantnative #nativeplanting #nativeflower #nativeflowers #pollinatorplant #pollinator #nationalpicnicmonth #nationalpicnicmonth2024 #nativespecies #plantanative #independenceday #fourthofjuly #centralindianalandtrust #cilti July 4, 2024 Here's an interesting shot taken by Phillip while working in the field. The lighter colored egg is a brown-headed cowbird egg. The nest was likely built by a robin, who laid the blue eggs. Here's what Phillip says about the photo: "It was taken at the edge of Fern Station, maybe 20 yards from the road that bisects the preserve. It is a great example of why forest interior habitat is important. Cowbirds don't tend to venture into forest interiors. Instead they 'parasitize' nests along the edges. It is highly unlikely we would have found the cowbird egg in the nest if it was in the interior of the forest." Recent bird surveys at Fern Station found several endangered/special-concern species deep in the preserve. That, coupled with the fact that many migratory birds nest in forest interiors, demonstrates the importance of protecting places like these. We thank all our donors for supporting this work! And if you've never donated, now's a great time to start. We have a matching challenge grant in effect! Hit the link in our bio to have your gift doubled. Many thanks to Herbert Simon Family Foundation for matching all gifts this summer, up to $50,000! #notesfromthefield #newsfromthefield #wildlifewednesday #wildlifeweds #wildlife #birding #birdwatching #birdinventory #robinegg #birdnest #cowbird #brownheadedcowbird #birdsofinstagram #birdnests #fernstation #naturepreserve #protectedforest #protectedland #habitat #protectedhabitat #habitatprotection #landprotection #forestprotection #nature #naturevideo #protected #protectedforever #putnamcounty #centralindianalandtrust #cilti July 3, 2024 Following on yesterday's post: Here's an emerald ash borer found some years back at Meltzer Woods. According to the USDA, The emerald ash borer (EAB) is an invasive wood-boring beetle from Asia. It's responsible for the death and decline of tens of millions of ash trees across North America. The beetle lays its eggs in the bark crevices of ash trees. When the eggs hatch, larvae burrow into the tree where they feed, damaging the trees. We are fortunate that a generous donor is funding the treatment of Meltzer's venerable ash trees. #crittertuesday #crittertues #critter #dontmovefirewood #wordtothewise #emeraldashborer #ashborer #whiteash #ashtree #ashtrees #whiteashtrees #insect #beetle #insectsofinstagram #invasiveinsect #invasiveashborer #invasive #invasiveinsects #invasivebeetle #beetles #beetlesofinstagram #invasivebeetles #meltzerwoods #meltzerwoodsnaturepreserve #ashtreetreatment #naturepreserve #protectedforest #landtrust #centralindianalandtrust #cilti July 2, 2024 Notes from the field: Jerome Delbridge of Tree-Centric Solutions came out to Meltzer Woods in recent weeks, thanks to a generous donor's support of our ash tree treatment program. He instructed the stewardship team on the entire process for treating the trees for emerald ash borer. To address emerald ash borer, a targeted pesticide must be injected into the tree. The pesticide amount is based on the tree's DBH (diameter at breast height). Jerome demonstrated how to drill a hole into the tree as low as possible and only to the depth of the cambium (growing layer). Pesticide is delivered through a plug with a membrane hammered into the tree. A calibrated tool delivers the correct amount of pesticide to the cambium. We are excited to see the ash trees in the old growth forest thrive, thanks to ongoing intervention! #notesfromthefield #newsfromthefield #treecentric #tree #treesforthewin #trees #meltzerwoods #meltzerwoodsnaturepreserve #oldgrowthforest #nationalnaturallandmark #nnl #naturepreserve #protectedforest #ashtree #ashtrees #emeraldashborer #ashborer #treatingashborer #whiteash #ashtreehelp #restorationwork #fieldwork #protectedwoods #landprotection #landrestoration #forestrestoration #landtrust #centralindianalandtrust #cilti July 1, 2024 In honor of National Canoe Day, here's a throwback shot of staffer David and his wife Olivia enjoying the White River from a canoe. If you'd like to get on the White River yourself, you can use the canoe launch at Oliver's Woods. Check out @friends_of_the_white_river for safety protocols and more. #TBT #ThrowbackThursday #throwbackthurs #nationalcanoeday #canoeday #nationalcanoeday2024 #canoeday2024 #canoe #canoeing #canoes #gocanoeing #getontheriver #getoutthere #lifeontheriver #GreatOutdoorsMonth #NationalRiversMonth #getcanoeing #getoutside #getoutdoors #ontheriver #GreatOutdoorsMonth2024 #NationalRiversMonth2024 #outdoorsmonth #riversmonth #ourwaterways #whiteriverIN #mywhiteriver #oliverswoods #centralindianalandtrust #cilti June 28, 2024 We had a team retreat yesterday at Oliver's Woods. We did some planning for the second half of the year. Then we looked ahead to 2025 (our org's 35th year of saving land)! Left to right: David, Shawndra, Grace, Traci, and Stacy. #teamretreat #planning #workingtogether #bettertogether #team #ourteam #greatteam #teamwork #teamtime #retreat #oliverswoods #oliverswoodsnaturepreserve #naturepreserve #nature #landprotection #conservation #brainstorm #brainstorming #work #workathomeday #daughertyhouse #worktogether #centralindianalandtrust #cilti June 28, 2024 A few weeks ago, Cliff spent several mornings at Fern Station, documenting the birds nesting there. Among the many exciting finds was this hooded warbler. It's a species of special concern due to habitat loss and fragmentation. He counted eight "hoodie" pairs altogether. And he found several other species that are either "special concern" or state-endangered, such as cerulean warblers. What a thrill to see these birds thriving in the nearly square mile of forest that our generous supporters helped us protect! If you already are a member, THANK YOU for helping us protect beautiful places like Fern Station. You should soon receive our summer newsmagazine, which takes you behind the scenes on a bird survey. If you haven't yet joined our land trust, there's never been a better time to do so. Right now every gift is being doubled, thanks to the Herbert Simon Family Foundation. And your dollars always stay local to fuel land protection projects right here in Central Indiana. #notesfromthefield #newsfromthefield #wildlifewednesday #wildlifeweds #wildlife #birding #birdwatching #birdinventory #warbler #hoodedwarbler #warblers #hoodedwarblers #warblersofinstagram #hoodedwarblersofinstagram #fernstation #naturepreserve #protectedforest #protectedland #habitat #protectedhabitat #habitatprotection #landprotection #forestprotection #nature #naturevideo #protected #protectedforever #putnamcounty #centralindianalandtrust #cilti June 26, 2024 If you've been to Meltzer Woods after a rain, you know how wet some parts of the trail can get. Ten additional boardwalks (as of last year) are there because of this crew! Eagle Scout Trevor Jenkins (standing, in green) led BSA Troop 250 in installing the boardwalks in the preserve. The project was completed in 2023, but Trevor just officially wrapped up the requirements. Join us in thanking the troop and congratulating Trevor in attaining his Eagle Scout rank. Thanks also to Scoutmaster Scott Barker for his guiding hand in this and many other Meltzer Woods projects! #thankyou #gratitude #congrats #kudos #eaglescout #inappreciation #protectedwoods #meltzerwoods #meltzerwoodsnaturepreserve #scouting #boyscouts #boyscout #naturepreserve #oldgrowthforest #nationalnaturallandmark #protectingland #landprotection #optoutside #getthemoutside #volunteersrock #volunteering #service #youthservice #youthvolunteers #givingtime #makingadifference #nochildleftinside #theyouthwilllead #centralindianalandtrust #cilti June 25, 2024 Last Thursday, Marc Milne led an expedition to uncover spiders at Oliver's Woods. Part of our Golden Hour series, the event brought spider-lovers of all ages. Many thanks to @4theloveofspiders for bringing the arachnid expertise and to @robertdietrickcompany for sponsoring the series! If you'd like to get in on the action, tickets are still available for the July 18 moth-themed Golden Hour. Find the events listing from the link in our bio. #goldenhour #thirdThursday #thirdThursdays #spiderlove #spiders #spidernight #spider #spideysense #spiderexpedition #oliverswoods #oliverswoodsnaturepreserve #lookdown #nature #naturalist #naturalists #arachnidology #arachnidologist #spidersense #allaboutspiders #findspiders #lookingforspiders #spidery #natureprogram #urbanpreserve #natureeducation #learnaboutspiders #centralindianalandtrust #cilti June 24, 2024 Beetle Day is coming up this weekend, so... In lieu of a VW, how about a humble beetle pollinator? This yellow-horned flower longhorn beetle is one of many pollinators that are not butterflies or bees. It belongs to a family of flower longhorn beetles (Cerambycidae, subfamily Lepturinae) that feed on pollen and nectar. Though considered plant pollinators, the extent of their impact is unknown, according to Ohio State University Extension. This one was found at Fred and Dorothy Meyer Nature Preserve. #critter #beetleday #beetleday2024 #notaVW #beetle #beetles #pollination #beetlepollinator #beetlesofinstagram #beetlesofindiana #flowerlonghornbeetle #pollinatorweek #nationalpollinatorweek #pollinatorweek2024 #nationalpollinatorweek2024 #insect #insects #pollinator #pollinators #fredanddorothymeyernaturepreserve #meyerpreserve #naturepreserve #natureisbeautiful #nature #landprotection #habitatprotection #centralindianalandtrust #cilti June 21, 2024 We can't let National Pollinator Week go by without a nod to the king of them all, the monarch butterfly. Shown here at Oliver's Woods on a fall morning. #TBT #ThrowbackThursday #throwbackthurs #PollinatorWeek #NationalPollinatorWeek2024 #pollinatorweek2024 #pollinatorweek #pollinatorhabitat #butterfly #monarchbutterfly #monarch #pollination #pollinating #nectaring #butterfliesofinstagram #butterflies #monarchbutterflies #monarchsofinstagram #oliverswoods #naturepreserve #oliverswoodsnaturepreserve #lepidoptera #protectingland #landprotection #protectedhabitat #conservation #centralindiana #landtrust #centralindianalandtrust #cilti June 20, 2024 Happy Juneteenth! This federal holiday marks June 19, 1865—the day Union troops told the remaining enslaved people they were emancipated. As we mark this day in our nation’s past, consider an aspect of history that touches our conservation work: changing bird names to rectify historical racism. Numerous birds (and other animals, geographic places, etc.) are named after problematic historical figures: people who were enslavers or participated in forced removal and killing of Native Americans. Today, for many, these names get in the way of enjoying nature. In November, the American Ornithological Society announced plans to change the English common names of all American birds named after people. The change is part of a growing movement to rename animals, as well as geographic places, to begin to right the wrongs of the past. A pilot project will focus on six species of North American birds. The new names will be based on birds’ characteristics and/or behavior. These names might be more intuitive to learn and remember. But more importantly, the project signals an effort to be more welcoming to all communities. Though not part of the initial list, eventually the Cooper’s hawk will likely be renamed. What would you name it, based on its appearance and habits? (Photo by Greg Hess.) #juneteenth #happyjuneteenth #juneteenth2024 #happyjuneteenth2024 #ornithology #federalholiday #history #conservation #coopershawk #coopershawks #hawksofinstagram #hawksofindiana #birdsofinstagram #birdsofindiana #birding #birdwatching #nature #natureforall #nature4all #landforall #land4all #naturephotography #wildlifephotography #bird #birds #birdwatch #renamingbirds #renaming #centralindianalandtrust #cilti June 19, 2024 Here's a color-coordinated pairing for National Pollinator Week: A brown-belted bumblebee on yellow coneflower. According to iNaturalist, this bumblebee can be found in many habitats, such asmeadows, wetlands, agricultural fields, and urban areas. It has been found near the top of the Empire State Building, over 100 stories above ground level! It feeds on many native plants: milkweeds, echinaceas, bergamot, goldenrods, and more. Nesting under the ground or on the surface, this bee forms small colonies of fewer than 50 workers that aggressively defend their nests. A "eusocial" bee, the species forms colonies that rear young together, "with labor divided amongst reproductive and non-reproductive castes." Thanks to @omgitsabutterfly_ (Traci) for another pollinator photo! #PollinatorWeek #NationalPollinatorWeek2024 #pollinatorweek2024 #pollinatorweek #crittertuesday #crittertuesdays #bumblebee #plantnative #insect #pollination #pollinating #bees #bee #bumblebeesofinstagram #bumblebees #nativeplants #nativeflowers #nativeplant #nativeflower #brownbeltedbumblebee #coneflower #yellowconeflowers #protectingland #landprotection #protectedhabitat #conservation #centralindiana #landtrust #centralindianalandtrust #cilti June 18, 2024 Behold the great spangled fritillary! It's National Pollinator Week, and we're kicking it off with this pretty butterfly. As you can see, purple coneflower is one of the flowers it favors. According to the US Forest Service, these butterflies enjoy the nectar of butterfly weed, common milkweed, Joe-pye-weed, and others. The caterpillars, on the other hand, prefer violets. So encourage those violets if you'd like to see this beauty visit your garden. Caterpillars will hatch in the fall and sleep through the winter. They wake and begin feeding in the spring when violet plants begin to grow. Thanks to our resident pollinator enthusiast, @omgitsabutterfly_ (Traci) for the great photo! #PollinatorWeek #NationalPollinatorWeek2024 #pollinatorweek2024 #pollinatorweek #wildflower #pollinatorhabitat #butterfly #plantnative #insect #pollination #pollinating #nectaring #butterfliesofinstagram #butterflies #nativeplants #nativeflowers #nativeplant #nativeflower #fritillary #greatspangledfritillary #lepidoptera #protectingland #landprotection #protectedhabitat #conservation #centralindiana #landtrust #centralindianalandtrust #cilti June 17, 2024 We have one final turtle for Wild Turtle Week. Our Browning Marsh site steward, @indianajimh, got this artful shot while out at the wetland property. A stunning painted turtle! #wildturtleweek #wildturtleweek2024 #turtleweek #turtleweek2024 #paintedturtle #paintedturtles #naturephotographyday #naturephotographyday2024 #turtlesallthewaydown #turtles #turtlesofinstagram #turtlesofindiana #browningmarsh #wetland #browningmarshnaturepreserve #wetlands #herps #herpetology #wetlandanimals #naturepreserve #wetlandprotection #protectedhabitat #marsh #protectedwetland #turtlelove #nature #landprotection #habitatprotection #centralindianalandtrust #cilti June 14, 2024 Betley Woods at Glacier's End, captured in all its high-def glory some years back. Our wonderful volunteer/board member/supporter Dick Miller took this photo. We are grateful to all the volunteer photographers who share their talents with us! #TBT #ThrowbackThursday #ThrowbackThurs #naturephotographyday #naturephotographyday2024 #protectedhabitat #landprotection #habitatprotection #betleywoodsatglaciersend #glaciersend #naturepreserve #nature #naturephotography #natureisbeautiful #forest #woods #protectedforest #protectedwoods #thankyou #volunteer #volunteers #volunteering #grateful #summerday #protectedforever #naturephoto #photography #artful #centralindianalandtrust #cilti June 13, 2024 It never gets old, seeing Eastern box turtles at our preserves. This one was at Fred and Dorothy Meyer Nature Preserve earlier this spring. #wildlifewednesday #wildlifewed #wildlife #wildturtleweek #wildturtleweek2024 #turtleweek #turtleweek2024 #easternboxturtle #boxturtle #easternboxturtles #boxturtles #turtles #turtlesofinstagram #turtlesofindiana #fredanddorothymeyernaturepreserve #meyerpreserve #natureIndiana #naturemoment #woodswalk #seeyouonthetrail #getoutthere #naturepreserve #natureisbeautiful #boxturtlelove #turtlelove #nature #landprotection #habitatprotection #centralindianalandtrust #cilti June 12, 2024 More turtles for your viewing pleasure! This snapping turtle and painted turtle were photographed at Browning Marsh. Many thanks to @indianajimh for the great shots! #wildturtleweek #wildturtleweek2024 #turtleweek #turtleweek2024 #paintedturtle #paintedturtles #snappingturtle #snappingturtles #turtles #turtlesofinstagram #turtlesofindiana #browningmarsh #wetland #browningmarshnaturepreserve #wetlands #herps #herpetology #wetlandanimals #naturepreserve #wetlandprotection #protectedhabitat #marsh #protectedwetland #turtlelove #nature #landprotection #habitatprotection #centralindianalandtrust #cilti June 11, 2024 Kicking off Wild Turtle Week with these twin cuties looking at an Eastern box turtle. (It's kind of hiding, far left in the shot.) This was during our recent birding walk through Betley Woods at Glacier's End. #wildturtleweek #wildturtleweek2024 #turtleweek #turtleweek2024 #easternboxturtle #boxturtle #easternboxturtles #boxturtles #turtles #turtlesofinstagram #turtlesofindiana #betleywoodsatglaciersend #kidsandnature #kidslovenature #futurenaturalists #younghikers #hikewithkids #nochildleftinside #getthemoutside #youngnaturalists #glaciersend #boxturtlelove #naturepreserve #protectedhabitat #turtlelove #nature #landprotection #habitatprotection #centralindianalandtrust #cilti June 10, 2024 Closing out this first week of Great Outdoors Month with a tranquil view of the White River taken from a kayak. White River Bluffs Nature Preserve is visible on the right side. Want to get on the water? Our partners at @friends_of_the_white_river have safety tips and other resources. #happyFriday #getoutthere #whiteriverIN #mywhiteriver #ourwaterways #kayaking #kayakview #theviewfromhere #riverview #riverviews #river #whiteriverbluffs #whiteriverbluffsnaturepreserve #naturepreserve #waterway #outdoorsmonth #outdoorsy #lifeontheriver #rivertrip #GreatOutdoorsMonth #NationalRiversMonth #NationalOceansMonth #NationalFishingandBoatingWeek #GreatOutdoorsMonth2024 #NationalRiversMonth2024 #NationalOceansMonth2024 #NationalFishingandBoatingWeek2024 #centralindianalandtrust #cilti June 7, 2024 A shout-out from one of our faithful volunteer/supporters! Thank you @runner4l1fe ! #repost #worldenvironmentday2024 #thankyou Happy World Environment Day! Sometimes I look back and imagine how my life would have played out if I had turned the other way at one of life's crossroads instead of taking the path I chose. Although I'd always wanted to be a journalist, I took two semesters of botany at @pomonacollege and almost changed my major to pursue the life of a botanist. Since retiring, I've been fortunate to be able to experience a little of a naturalist's life through volunteering with @centralindianalandtrust. Today, I helped clear ground for a new native garden at the Oliver's Woods nature preserve on White River; next week we'll do the planting. Many thanks to CILTI for the work you do and for providing these opportunities for service! #worldenvironmentday #optoutside #indiananature #citizenscience #botany #nativegarden #naturepreserve ( #📷 @runner4l1fe ) June 6, 2024 Browning Marsh is the home of this impressive common watersnake! S/he was perched on a snag over the water. According to Indiana Herp Atlas, common watersnakes are harmless. They are widespread in Indiana's streams, ponds, lakes, and wetlands. Coloration varies from mahogany red bands on silver-gray background to dark brown/blackish. They can reach nearly five feet in length (this one was half that). Their diet includes small fish, frogs, toads, and salamanders. They are almost always found in or adjacent to water. Not to be confused with the venomous cottonmouth, which is only found in the extreme southern part of the state. Fear not! Many thanks to our site steward, @indianajimh, for this great shot! #wildlifewednesday #wildlifeweds #wildlife #indianaherpatlas #watersnake #snake #snakesofinstagram #snakesofindiana #commonwatersnake #NationalRiversMonth #NationalOceansMonth #ourwaterways #nonvenomous #aquatic #aquaticsnake #wildlifephotography #watersnakes #snakes #wetlandprotection #protectedwetlands #protectinghabitat #myindiana #indiananature #wetlands #protectingwetlands #browningmarsh #protectedwater #centralindianalandtrust #cilti June 5, 2024 Common water striders are fascinating critters. These aquatic insects skate across the surface of calm or slow-moving bodies of water. According to the @NationalWildlife Federation, their legs have tiny hairs to repel water and capture air, enabling them to "walk on water." Their zippy movements help them avoid being eaten by predators. Their own diet consists of insects and larvae captured from the surface of water, like mosquitoes and dragonflies. This one was photographed on the creek at the Laura Hare Preserve at Blossom Hollow, where its feet cast a shadow on the creek bed. (This waterway, like all creeks, is part of a watershed that eventually drains to the ocean...) #crittertuesday #crittertues #crittertuesdays #critter #critters #insect #waterstrider #commonwaterstrider #GreatOutdoorsMonth #NationalRiversMonth #NationalOceansMonth #NationalFishingandBoatingWeek #GreatOutdoorsMonth2024 #NationalRiversMonth2024 #NationalOceansMonth2024 #NationalFishingandBoatingWeek2024 #creekbed #aquatic #insects #insectsofinstagram #insectsofindiana #ourwaterways #waterway #cleanstream #cleanwaterway #protectedstream #lauraharepreserveatblossomhollow #blossomhollow #centralindianalandtrust #cilti June 4, 2024 Saturday, our White River Docents got to get on the water with @friends_of_the_white_river. We are so grateful to our docents for all their work at Oliver's Woods! This month, they will be onsite to welcome visitors on Wednesday, June 12 and Saturday, June 29 (10am-1pm). And if you'd like to get on the White River yourself, the canoe launch is available for your use. Check with Friends of the White River for safety protocols and more. #thankyou #gratitude #whiteriverfloat #getoutthere #oliverswoods #oliverswoodsnaturepreserve #whiteriverdocent #whiteriverdocents #volunteers #grateful #volunteerdocents #comevisit #friendsofwhiteriver #whiteriver #whiteriverIN #waterway #outdoorsmonth #outdoorsy #lifeontheriver #rivertrip #GreatOutdoorsMonth #NationalRiversMonth #NationalOceansMonth #NationalFishingandBoatingWeek #GreatOutdoorsMonth2024 #NationalRiversMonth2024 #NationalOceansMonth2024 #NationalFishingandBoatingWeek2024 #centralindianalandtrust #cilti June 4, 2024 In case you missed the news, this week our organization closed on the purchase of an 80-acre inholding of the Hoosier National Forest. The beautiful Orange County acreage will eventually be added to the national forest. An inholding is privately owned land that lies inside the boundary of a national park, national forest, or similar protected area. What a thrill to protect such stunning land! The property features a sandstone arch, two pit caves, and a rare plant community known as a sandstone barrens. Learn more at the link in our bio. #goodnews #hoosiernationalforest #forest #protectedforest #protectedforever #nationalforest #forestedland #forestprotection #landprotection #centralindianalandtrust #cilti June 1, 2024 Indiana Land Protection Alliance's annual "State of the Lands" publication is out. It's a beautiful publication featuring conservation success stories from across Indiana. Shown here is beautiful Fern Station, which we were able to protect in 2023. Learn more at the link below! #Repost #TBT #throwbackthursday The Next Level Conservation Trust's 2022 infusion of $25 million made a huge difference for Indiana land protection, allowing land trusts an opportunity for matching funds that made conservation projects possible, sometimes after years of looking for grant funding. Read Next Level success stories and more from Indiana land trusts in the 2024 State of the Lands: https://www.protectindianaland.org/next-level-program-a-win-win/ 📷: A creek winds through Fern Station Nature Preserve, Putnam County. Protected forever by Central Indiana Land Trust. ( #📷 @protectindianaland ) May 30, 2024 Happy World Otter Day! It's been a while since we featured an adorable river otter, so here's a deep cut from our trail cam at Oliver's Woods, going back to 2021. Did you know that river otters can be found in 90 percent of Indiana counties? According to the @indiandnr, that's because of a reintroduction program that began in 1995. It was so successful that the species was removed from the state-endangered list in 2005. Populations are thriving across most of the state. Fun facts: --River otters can hold their breath for eight minutes. --While they typically breed from December to April, they can delay implantation at least 8 months--so they might not give birth until 10 to 12 months after mating. --River otters eat fish, crayfish, ducks and other birds, frogs and other herps, as well as mussels. Also sometimes fruit. The best way to spot a river otter is to paddle a waterway at dawn or dusk! Check out resources from @friends_of_the_white_river for safety tips and more. @ourwaterways @indiana_wildlife_fed @whiteriveralliance #wildlifewednesday #wildlifewednesdays #worldotterday #worldotterday2024 #riverinenaturepreserve #riverpreserve #wildlife #trailcam #wildlifecam #trailcamera #wildlifecamera #indianawildlife #ottersofinstagram #ottersofindiana #ourwaterways #IndianaNature #FriendsoftheWhiteRiver #IndianaWildlifeFederation #otters #IWF #WhiteRiverIN #MyWhiteRiver #ReconnectingToOurWaterways #WhiteRiverAlliance #PulliamTrust #riverotter #riverotters #otter #CentralIndianaLandTrust #CILTI May 29, 2024 Quick update in case you were planning to visit Fred and Dorothy Meyer Nature Preserve today: We are having some work done on the parking lot today, so it might be inaccessible. #notesfromthefield May 29, 2024
Filter CategoriesAllNewsroomSort By DateTitleDate July 11, 2024 From "Sapling No. 1" to Today An Update on our Tree Planting Pledge In May of 2020, our stewardship crew placed a small red flag in... June 19, 2024 What’s in a Name? Today is Juneteenth. The federal holiday celebrates the day in 1865 when Union troops told the remaining enslaved people...