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 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 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 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 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 Our final invasive species post for National Invasive Species Awareness Week is Asian bittersweet, Celastrus orbiculatus. It was introduced as an ornamental and for erosion control. It's invasive because the vine smothers plants, and its weight can even uproot trees. A top driver of biodiversity loss across the planet, invasives are non-native species that cause harm to the economy, environment, or humans. This plant is illegal to sell, gift, barter, exchange, distribute, transport, or introduce in Indiana. Sources: USDA National Invasive Species Information Center, @natural_areas_association #invasivespecies #invasivespeciesawarenessweek #invasivespeciesawarenessweek2024 #invasivespeciesawareness #nationalinvasivespeciesawarenessweek2024 #nationalinvasivespeciesawarenessweek #orientalbittersweet #invasiveplant #invasiveplants #invasiveplanteducation #nonnativeplant #plantnatives #nisaw #nisaw2024 #terrestrialplantrule #restoringtheland #protectedarea #landrestoration #landtrusts #naturepreserve #protectingland #landprotection #protectedhabitat #habitatprotection #conservation #centralindiana #landtrust #centralindianalandtrust #cilti March 1, 2024 Back in 2010, a crew from Charles Schwab Corporation fanned out over Oliver's Woods to tackle invasive bush honeysuckle. This ubiquitous plant was brought into the United States as an ornamental around 1900. Left alone, honeysuckle reproduces and spreads rapidly, and it beats out native plants in several ways. It shows up earlier in the spring, and its roots emit a chemical that impedes growth of other plants. Eradicating it helps our native flora and fauna thrive. We are so grateful to all the volunteers who have helped with invasive removal over the years. Oliver's Woods and many other preserves feel the love! #tbt #throwbackthursday #honeysuckle #volunteer #invasivespecies #invasivespeciesawarenessweek #invasivespeciesawareness #nationalinvasivespeciesawarenessweek #volunteersrule #thankyou #gratitude #volunteersrock #getoutside #volunteering #service #volunteeroutdoors #getoutdoors #optoutside #ourvolunteersrock #oliverswoods #naturepreserve #protectingland #landprotection #protectedhabitat #habitatprotection #conservation #centralindiana #landtrust #centralindianalandtrust #cilti February 29, 2024 Chris Wirth with Purdue University's Entomology Department contributed this photo for our invasive-themed "Wildlife Wednesday." You may have heard of the Asian Jumping Worm. According to @purduefnr (Purdue Forestry and Natural Resources), this is an invasive species that alters soil structure with devastating impacts. The worms can reproduce rapidly and leave nutrient-less soil behind. Purdue Extension's Robert Bruner says: “Traditionally, when we see earthworms, they are deep in the ground and a little slimy. The jumping worms are a little bit bigger, kind of dry and scaly, and tend to thrash around much like a snake does.” They've been found in certain parts of Indiana, but we are not aware of any in our nature preserves. As with other invasives, please report any sightings to the Indiana Department of Natural Resources at depp@dnr.in.gov or 1-866-663-9684. #wildlifewednesday #wildlifewed #invasive #AsianJumpingWorm #invasivespecies #invasivespeciesawarenessweek #invasivespeciesawarenessweek2024 #invasivespeciesawareness #nationalinvasivespeciesawarenessweek2024 #nationalinvasivespeciesawarenessweek #AsianJumpingWorms #invasives #PurdueUniversity #nisaw #nisaw2024 #invasiveworm #restoringtheland #landrestoration #landtrusts #naturepreserve #protectingland #landprotection #protectedhabitat #habitatprotection #conservation #centralindiana #landtrust #centralindianalandtrust #cilti February 28, 2024 Critter Tuesday, invasive species edition! Meet the spotted lanternfly. According to the @IndianaDNR, this insect eats woody plants, particularly tree of heaven (another invasive species), but also grapevines, hops, Virginia creeper, walnut, tulip poplar, and many other plants and trees. In large numbers, spotted lanternflies leave oozing wounds on woody tissue, resulting in wilting and death of branches. First detected in the United States in Pennsylvania in 2014, this insect recently spread to parts of Indiana. (We have not seen spotted lanternflies in any of our preserves.) Please notify the DNR if you see a spotted lanternfly. Detailed ID info can be found here: https://www.in.gov/dnr/entomology/pests-of-concern/spotted-lanternfly/ #crittertuesday #crittertues #critter #critters #invasivespecies #invasivespeciesawarenessweek #invasivespeciesawarenessweek2024 #invasivespeciesawareness #nationalinvasivespeciesawarenessweek2024 #nationalinvasivespeciesawarenessweek #spottedlanternfly #invasiveinsect #spottedlanternflies #nisaw #nisaw2024 #invasivebug #restoringtheland #landrestoration #landtrusts #naturepreserve #protectingland #landprotection #protectedhabitat #habitatprotection #conservation #centralindiana #landtrust #centralindianalandtrust #cilti February 27, 2024 Our posts this week will all tie in to National Invasive Species Awareness Week. Invasive species are considered one of the top five drivers of biodiversity loss globally, according to the Natural Areas Association. Not all non-native species are invasive! But some introduced non-natives cause harm to the economy, environment, or humans. Japanese knotweed is a dense growing shrub reaching heights of 10 feet. It often takes over disturbed areas with high light, such as roadsides and stream banks. "The dense patches shade and displace other plant life and reduce wildlife habitat," according to the Center for Invasive Species and Ecosystem Health. This plant is illegal to sell, gift, barter, exchange, distribute, transport, or introduce in Indiana. Sources: USDA National Invasive Species Information Center, @natural_areas_association #invasivespecies #invasivespeciesawarenessweek #invasivespeciesawarenessweek2024 #invasivespeciesawareness #nationalinvasivespeciesawarenessweek2024 #nationalinvasivespeciesawarenessweek #japaneseknotweed #invasiveplant #invasiveplants #invasiveplanteducation #nonnativeplant #plantnatives #nisaw #nisaw2024 #terrestrialplantrule #restoringtheland #protectedarea #landrestoration #landtrusts #naturepreserve #protectingland #landprotection #protectedhabitat #habitatprotection #conservation #centralindiana #landtrust #centralindianalandtrust #cilti February 26, 2024 This Dutchman's breeches bloomed in April at Burnett Woods, where every year wildflowers put on a great show. Yes, that's still a few months away. But its shape makes this flower a perfect post for American Heart Month. Tend to your heart with a little time in nature! #heartmonth #heartsinnature #americanheartmonth #heartmonth2024 #heartinnature #americanheartmonth2024 #heart #wildflower #nativeflower #dutchmansbreeches #flowersofinstagram #flowersofindiana #nativeplant #nativewildflower #wildflowers #nativewildflowers #nativeplants #nativeflowers #springflowers #springisontheway #springiscoming #springflower #spring #heartshaped #weheartwildflowers #burnettwoods #burnettwoodsnaturepreserve #springhike #centralindianalandtrust #cilti February 23, 2024 Happy National Walking the Dog Day! Here's a flashback to a summer day. Our COO, Stacy, and her family took the dog on a nature hike. Dogs love exploring nature preserves! Remember to keep them leashed and pick up after them, to protect fragile ecosystems. And please tag us if you walk your dog at one of our preserves. We always love to see pups (and humans of all ages) enjoying nature! And from from the smiles, you can tell this was a great day out. #TBT #ThrowbackThursday #throwbackThurs #throwback #summerthrowback #summershot #throwbackshot #walkingthedogday #nationalwalkingthedogday #walkingthedogday2024 #nationalwalkingthedogday2024 #walkyourdog #dogslovenature #nodogleftinside #nochildleftinside #agreatdayout #familyday #takeyourdogalong #naturehike #nature #dogsandnature #loveyourpetday #loveyourpet #havedogwillhike #hikingwithdogs #dogsandkids #dogs #dog #centralindianalandtrust #cilti February 22, 2024 Here's a big sky photo from Browning Marsh for your Tuesday afternoon! This photo was taken several winters ago. It's satisfying to know that this wetland property will never be disturbed. With the support of our generous members, we'll keep working to protect our region's best remaining ecosystems. #wetland #bigsky #wintersky #winterskies #winterinindiana #wetlands #browningmarsh #marsh #marshpreserve #wetlandpreserve #protectedwetland #protectourwetlands #wetlandprotection #habitatprotection #waterquality #cleanwaters #indianawinter #marshview #winterview #protectedwetlands #landprotection #conservation #ourwaterways #cleanwaterways #protectedwaters #protected #landtrust #generosity #centralindianalandtrust #cilti February 21, 2024 Continuing what is shaping up to be an aquatic-themed week... Here is a Blanchard's cricket frog photographed last fall at Betley Woods at Glacier's End. This "special concern" species is highly sensitive to environmental changes and habitat loss. But they are found at a number of our preserves. According to Indiana Herp Atlas, these frogs breed in quiet, shallow aquatic areas, laying eggs in small clusters attached to aquatic vegetation. Their "marble-clanking" calls can be heard from late April through July. It won't be long! #wildlifewednesday #wildlifewednesdays #wildlifewed #cricketfrog #blanchardscricketfrog #frogsofinstagram #frogsofindiana #specialconcernspecies #speciesofspecialconcern #amphibian #protectedland #indicatorspecies #biodiversity #glaciersend #betleywoods #betleywoodsatglaciersend #naturepreserve #protectedwoods #landprotection #habitatprotection #amphibianlife #amphibians #frog #frogs #froglife #springiscoming #frogcall #frogcalls #centralindianalandtrust #cilti February 21, 2024 Yesterday was World Whale Day, a good time to remember that all waterways are connected. This creek, on conservation land in Hamilton County, is part of the Upper White River Watershed. The waters of the White River flow to the Wabash, which is the largest river in Indiana. From there, they flow south and ultimately end in the Gulf of Mexico. Yes, we are landlocked here in Central Indiana. But whatever we can do to protect our local waterways "trickles downstream" to help the animals that live in much larger bodies of water. #WorldWhaleDay #WorldWhaleDay2024 #WorldWhaleDays #whaleday #waterwaysofindiana #cleanwater #cleanwaterway #cleanstream #cleanstreams #whiteriverIN #mywhiteriver #whiteriverwatershed #watershed #mywatershed #cleancreek #protectedland #conservation #conservationland #conservationeasement #ourwaterways #cleanwaters #clearstream #clearcreek #flowingtotheriver #flowingdownstream #helpingthewhales #gulfofmexico #centralindianalndtrust #cilti February 19, 2024 You can still find mushrooms on a winter hike! This (sort of) heart-shaped oyster mushroom was found at Meltzer Woods last February. Fun fact: Pleurotus ostreatus is a carnivorous fungus that preys on nematodes. It uses a calcium-dependent toxin to paralyze its prey. This happens "within minutes of contact, causing necrosis and formation of a slurry." Then the fungus can ingest this protein-rich food source. Tasty! Source: iNaturalist #whoknew #heartsinnature #heartinnature #heartmonth #heartmonth2024 #heartshaped #heart #weheartmushrooms #fungifriday #fungi #fungusamongus #scienceinnature #carnivorous #carnivorousfungus #oystermushroom #oystermushrooms #mushroomsofinstagram #mushroomsofindiana #meltzerwoods #meltzerwoodsnaturepreserve #oldgrowthforest #nationalnaturallandmark #winterhikes #getoutthere #getoutside #americanheartmonth #americanheartmonth2024 #winternature #centralindianalandtrust #cilti February 16, 2024 We have such great volunteers. Our White River Docent program began thanks to a grant from the Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust. We love having these folks share their love of nature at Oliver's Woods! These were some of last year's White River Docents. We're excited to keep the program going, and we're looking for more docent candidates. Hit the link in our bio to learn how to apply! #TBT #ThrowbackThursday #ThrowbackThurs #throwback #WhiteRiverDocent #whiteRiverDocent #WhiteRiverIN #myWhiteRiver #docent #docents #docentprogram #volunteer #naturelovers #volunteeroutside #nature #volunteeroutdoors #raktivist #randomactsofkindnessday #thankyou #gratitude #ninamasonpulliamcharitabletrust #pulliamtrust #grateful #sharingtime #lovenature #oliverswoods #oliverswoodsnaturepreserve #naturepreserve #centralindianalandtrust #cilti February 15, 2024 We heart our generous supporters! A redbud's heart-shaped leaf is our kind of Valentine. And if you love nature, here's a fresh idea for your Valentine's Day: Give your beloved more of what you love...by protecting nature in your loved one's honor. A donation to a land trust is a gift that lasts much longer than a bouquet of flowers or a box of chocolates. You're protecting Central Indiana's last remaining unspoiled places...forever. You can even give your partner a gift membership. Hit the link in our bio for more information! #valentinesday #bemine #valentine #valentines #valentinesdaygift #givefornature #bemyvalentine #love #heart #heartsinnature #heartinnature #weheartyou #redbud #redbudleaf #redbuds #nativeshrub #nativetree #gift #giftsthatlast #giving #generosity #generous #gratitude #welovenature #naturelovers #naturelover #nature #thankyou #centralindianalandtrust #cilti February 14, 2024 Here's another winter tree (or shrub?) ID challenge. This native plant is a large, suckering, deciduous shrub or small tree. It grows 8 to 15 feet tall. Leaves are dark green trifoliate, and bark is greenish textured with white cracks. Its drooping clusters of cream, bell-shaped flowers become an interesting "bladderlike" fruit. Shown here, the three-chambered fruit changes from green to yellow to brown. This one was photographed at the Laura Hare Preserve at Blossom Hollow last February. Think you know what it is? Put your answer in the comments and we'll let you know tomorrow who's right! Source: wildflower .org #TreeIDTuesday #treeidentification #treeIDTues #nativetree #protectedwoods #protectedforest #wintertreeID #shrubID #shrubIDchallenge #nativeshrub #LauraHarePreserveatBlossomHollow #naturepreserve #BlossomHollow #Land4All #natureforall #Nature4All #trees #nativetreesofIndiana #treesofIndiana #TreeID #forest #forests #woods #foresthabitat #protectingland #landprotection #centralindiana #landtrust #centralindianalandtrust #cilti February 13, 2024 For Women and Girls in Science Day, we're looking back at a April day in 2017 when girl power was in full force at Meltzer Woods. This crew tackled garlic mustard for us! Many thanks to all the women and girls who have supported our mission over the years, and/or lent their leadership. Starting with our founder, Ellen Jacquart, and continuing to this day with stellar female staff, board members, volunteers, and staunch supporters. #February11 #womenandgirlsinscienceday #womeninscience #womenandgirlsinscienceday2024 #stem #womeninstem #womenandgirlsinscience #girlsinscience #girlsinstem #girlpower #volunteeroutdoors #meltzerwoods #oldgrowthforest #meltzerwoodsnaturepreserve #protectedwoods #protectedforest #shelbycountyindiana #shelbyvilleindiana #naturalsciences #nochildleftinside #futurenaturalists #optoutside #theyouthwilllead #volunteering #girlsvolunteer #volunteersrule #garlicmustard #invasiveremoval #centralindianalandtrust #cilti February 12, 2024 This turkey tail (we think) fungus was photographed at Hemlock Ridge several winters back. A beautiful combination of textures and colors for your Fungi Friday! #fungifriday #lookdown #fungusamongus #natureisbeautiful #naturepreserve #protectedland #HemlockRidge #HemlockRidgenaturepreserve #mushroom #fungi #fungus #naturalarea #natureindiana #landprotection #indiananature #mushroomsofinstagram #fungiofindiana #mushroomsofindiana #fungiofinstagram #naturalindiana #midwestnature #naturephotography #conservation #winterinIndiana #centralindiana #landtrust #snow #naturelovers #centralindianalandtrust #cilti February 9, 2024 Today's throwback is a scene from Fred and Dorothy Meyer Nature Preserve. In 2011, a group of Boy Scouts planted American chestnut saplings in this Morgan County preserve. Connor Bagwell, then a 16-year-old Eagle Scout candidate, coordinated the planting. His grandfather had told him of the majestic American chestnuts that once dominated the eastern forests—and the blight that devastated them over a century ago. Some of the young trees are still thriving today. #throwbackThursday #TBT #ThrowbackThurs #NationalBoyScoutDay2024 #boyscouts #scouting #eaglescout #thankyou #inappreciation #protectedwoods #fredanddorothymeyernaturepreserve #meyerpreserve #naturepreserve #meyernaturepreserve #protectingland #landprotection #optoutside #getthemoutside #gratitude #volunteersrock #volunteering #service #youthservice #youthvolunteers #givingtime #makingadifference #nochildleftinside #theyouthwilllead #centralindianalandtrust #cilti February 8, 2024 Here's a common grackle for your Wildlife Wednesday. This resourceful bird prefers wet, open woodland and marshes as well as suburbs, parks, and farm fields. As omnivores, they eat invertebrates, mice, small fish, and even other adult birds. Also corn from cornfields and birdseed from bird feeders! This one was photographed minding its own business at Oliver's Woods. Fun fact: If you see a common grackle hunched over on the ground, wings spread, letting ants crawl over its body and feathers, the bird is using the ants strategically. As the ants secrete formic acid, the chemical in their stings, it can help rid the bird of parasites. It's called "anting." According to @cornellbirds, "In addition to ants, grackles have been seen using walnut juice, lemons and limes, marigold blossoms, chokecherries, and mothballs in a similar fashion." #whoknew #wildlifewednesday #wildlifewed #wildlifeweds #wildlife #birdlife #commongrackle #grackle #bird #birds #birdsofindiana #birdsofinstagram #oliverswoods #oliverswoodsnaturepreserve #naturepreserve #whiteriver #mywhiteriver #whiteriverIN #riverinepreserve #riverpreserve #urbanpreserve #urbanwildlife #grackles #commongrackles #funfacts #scienceinnature #gracklesofinstagram #centralindianalandtrust #cilti February 7, 2024 Another Fern Station view. This shagbark hickory and white oak are growing within 60 feet of each other. Old shaggy trees for the win! #shaggytrees #treeIDtuesday #treeID #treebarkTuesday #treebark #shaggybark #shagbark #shagbarkhickory #whiteoak #oaksofinstagram #oaksofindiana #treesofinstagram #treesofindiana #nativetrees #oldtrees #ancienttrees #treebeings #treelove #welovetrees #treeIDtues #wintertreeID #wintertrees #fernstation #fernstationnaturepreserve #naturepreserve #putnamcounty #forest #protectedforest #centralindianalandtrust #cilti February 6, 2024 Last week our stewardship crew took some DNR staffers to explore Fern Station. These experts are going to start Fern Station's floristic inventory this spring. Determining the species on a property is a key part of developing a management plan. We can't wait to get an official report on this nature preserve's biodiversity. From left: ecologist Wyatt Williams, botanist Scott Namestnik, ecologist Danielle Williams, all from the DNR's Division of Nature Preserves. @indianadnr #notesfromthefield #newsfromthefield #dnr #divisionofnaturepreserves #naturepreserves #fernstation #fernstationnaturepreserve #naturepreserve #partners #floristicinventory #bioinventory #nativeplants #dnrdivisionofnaturepreserves #indianadnr #DNRIndiana #Indiana #putnamcountyIndiana #putnamCO #putnamcounty #nature #botany #ecology #botanists #ecologists #ourpartners #partnerinthefield #nativeflora #fieldwork #centralindianalandtrust #cilti February 5, 2024 Here's one way to take action in the face of threats to our dwindling wetlands. #WorldWetlandsDay #Repost 🎁 Giveaway Alert! 🎁 Celebrate Indiana wetlands with us! 🐢 Take the Indiana Wetlands Challenge for a chance to win exclusive swag from our ILPA members - think t-shirts, totes, stickers and more! This special challenge will run now through Midnight (eastern) on February 9. How to participate on Facebook/Instagram: 1. Follow us protectindianaland 2. Share your Indiana wetlands photos and use #IndianaWetlandsChallenge and tag us so we see your post! (Your profile may need to be public) 3. Earn bonus entries when you -- • Repeat the above on both platforms • Create a custom postcard in support of Indiana wetlands here: https://www.protectindianaland.org/indiana-wetlands-challenge/ • Tag 3 of your friends in your post(s) • Subscribe to our newsletter: http://eepurl.com/gQifq1 We can't wait to see everyone's #IndianaWetlands photos! ( #📷 @protectindianaland ) February 2, 2024 Awesome news from our partners at Red-tail Land Conservancy! #Repost #WorldsWetllandsDay2024 🎉It's World Wetlands Day and we are thrilled to introduce you to Buck Creek Fen Preserve! This 68-acre wetland habitat is our newest nature preserve. It protects a rare type of wetland called a fen, known for being fed by groundwater with mineral-rich soils and high plant biodiversity. Buck Creek Fen Preserve is situated within the historic Big Blue River Wetland Complex in Henry County near Summit Lake. It adds to more than 200 acres of already preserved natural land in the area which expands the wildlife corridor throughout Henry County. While it has pockets of fens and rare plant species, the entire habitat will undergo restoration back into a thriving wetland. This means re-routing waterways and grading topography into a more natural shape. Also, planting trees, sedges, and flowers unique to wetlands in our area. "With rich, water-retaining soils and the presence of unique wetland plants, Buck Creek Fen Preserve is a compelling restoration project that promises to support rare and vanishing plants, provide a safe haven for migratory birds, and offer homes for various wildlife species,” said Julie Borgmann, Red-tail’s Executive Director. When this potential wetland acreage came up for auction, several individuals and funding partners answered the urgent call to help Red-tail Land Conservancy protect this critical addition to an essential wildlife corridor. Nearly half the $552,000 acquisition cost was raised! Red-tail Land Conservancy is now fundraising to repay a bridge loan taken out to secure the property. Learn more and read the press release at www.fortheland.org. ( #📷 @fortheland ) February 2, 2024 World Wetlands Day is upon us. Wetlands are the kidneys of the landscape, filtering the water we drink. They’re sponges for floodwaters. And they’re hotspots of biodiversity, worthy of protection. Many are places of rare beauty, like this fen we are working to protect. Stunning prairie plants thrive here: queen of the prairie, Joe Pye weed, Culver's root, and many more. Butterflies abound at a site like this. In the face of threats to these special places, we are more passionate than ever about our work. Regardless of the legislative landscape, when we undertake a project, we are able to say, “This land is protected…forever.” #WorldWetlandDay #WorldWetlandDay2024 #WorldWetlandsDay2024 #WorldWetlandsDay #wetlandsday #wetlandday #wetlands #fen #fenproperty #protectingwetlands #groundwaterwetland #nativeplants #nativeflowers #habitatpreservation #wetlandprotection #habitatprotection #saveourwetlands #wetlandsprotection #nativespecies #foreverprotection #landprotection #habitat #savethewetlands #landtrust #protectinghabitats #protectingfens #wetlandsatrisk #centralindianalandtrust #cilti February 2, 2024 Check out this cute groundhog lurking one summer day at Oliver's Woods. Will the groundhog see its shadow tomorrow like this one did? #tbt #throwbackthursday #throwbackthurs #groundhogday #groundhogday2024 #groundhog #groundhogs #groundhogsofinstagram #groundhogsofindiana #woodchuck #woodchucks #woodchucksofinstagram #woodchucksofindiana #woodchuckpeek #wildlife #urbanwildlife #oliverswoods #oliverswoodsnaturepreserve #urbanpreserve #naturepreserve #sixweeksofwinter #summershot #summerinIndiana #landtrust #habitatprotection #centralindianalandtrust #cilti February 1, 2024 In celebration of World Wetlands Day (Friday), how about a Blanchard's cricket frog for your Wildlife Wednesday? This is a "special concern" species in our state due to disappearing habitat. If wetlands go away, so will the "gick-gick-gick" call of these frogs. The @IndianaDNR says the call sounds like "two steel balls, or marbles, clicked together, slowly at first, and then faster." The full chorus sounds like sleigh bells. We are proud to preserve habitat for these and other sensitive species in our protected lands. This one was found at Mossy Point. #WildlifeWednesday #WildlifeWednesdays #WildlifeWed #WorldWetlandDay #WorldWetlandDay2024 #WorldWetlandsDay2024 #WorldWetlandsDay #wetlandsday #wetlandday #wetlands #blanchardscricketfrog #cricketfrog #frogsofinstagram #frogsofindiana #specialconcernspecies #habitatloss #habitatpreservation #wetlandprotection #habitatprotection #saveourwetlands #wetlandsprotection #mossypoint #mossypointnaturepreserve #landprotection #habitat #savethewetlands #landtrust #naturepreserve #centralindianalandtrust #cilti January 31, 2024 Scenes from Oliver's Woods last week: Carmel Creek and the White River looking dramatic in the midst of a thaw. #oliverswoodsnaturepreserve #oliverswoods #carmelcreek #mywhiteriver #whiteriverIN #ourwaterways #whiteriver #creek #melting #thaw #winterinindiana #riverinepreserve #naturepreserve #riverpreserve #waterway #waterways #winter #indianawinter #winterthaw #mist #melt #nature #winternature #notesfromthefield #scenesofwinter #winterscene #winterview #centralindianalandtrust #cilti January 30, 2024 Did you complete the Trek our Trails Challenge in 2023? There's still time to let us know! Everyone who visited the six preserves will receive a sticker pack and be entered into a drawing. If you haven't yet, consider visiting all six of the preserves this year to enter this ongoing challenge. Stacy trekked our trails last year and sent in these fun selfies with her friends. #belikestacy #TrekourTrails2023 #trekourtrails2024 #TrekourTrails #naturelovers #naturewalk #naturepreserve #land4all #nature4all #landforall #natureforall #exploremore #getoutthere #hikeindiana #ontherighttrail #exploreindiana #hikingindiana #seeyouonthetrail #oliverswoods #meltzerwoods #blossomhollow #burnettwoods #fredanddorothymeyernaturepreserve #noniewerbekraussnaturepreserve #nature #getoutside #getoutdoors #protectedland #centralindianalandtrust #cilti January 29, 2024 It's National Fun at Work Day, so here are a few shots of some of our team enjoying their workdays over the years. (Not that every day isn't a blast when you work for a land trust, but some are more fun than others.) 1) Stacy with board member Karen hiking Betley Woods at Glacier's End 2) Traci and Phillip with native plants at Oliver's Woods 3) Shawndra at Meltzer Woods looking for animal tracks #funatworkday #funatworkday2024 #nationalfunatworkday #nationalfunatworkday2024 #funatwork #throwbackFriday #throwbackshot #summershots #funinthesun #summerinindiana #notesfromthefield #funday #outing #hiking #hikingindiana #betleywoodsatglaciersend #oliverswoods #meltzerwoods #naturepreserve #naturepreserves #landprotection #fun #summerfun #funinthefield #throwback #throwbackFridays #throwbackshots #centralindianalandtrust #cilti January 26, 2024 Ah, summer throwback shots! With January being Walk Your Dog Month, we're featuring throwback pics of dogs and people in nature. Our assistant director, Stacy, contributed this one of her family at Clifty Falls State Park. #throwbackthursday #tbt #throwbackthurs #walkyourdogmonth #walkyourdogmonth2024 #walkyourdog #walkdogs #dogsinnature #nodogleftinside #dogsandnature #dogslovenature #havepupwilltravel #havedogwilltravel #hikingwithdogs #cliftyfalls #cliftyfallsstatepark #statepark #indianasummer #throwbackshot #summershot #stateparks #familyouting #kidsandnature #nochildleftinside #getthemoutside #hikewithdogs #walkadog #walkyourdogs #centralindianalandtrust #cilti January 25, 2024 Our comms/outreach team had a fun outing this afternoon at @connerprairie. We met with Michelle, the Nature Engagement Specialist, to talk shop and walk some new trails. We enjoyed the river views, birdwatching, and art/education installations. (The birds in these photos were the only ones consenting to be photographed, but we saw plenty more.) #wildlifewednesday #wildlifewed #connerprairie #meetourteam #connerprairienature #winterhike #winterinIndiana #WhiteRiver #WhiteRiverIN #mywhiteriver #birdsofinstagram #artandnature #artinnature #nature #naturelovers #teamouting #fieldnotes #notesfromthefield #natureeducation #naturelover #natureouting #woodswalk #riverwalk #trails #connerprairietrails #team #funatworkday #nationalfunatworkday #centralindianalandtrust #cilti January 25, 2024 It's time for another winter tree ID challenge. Can you identify this native tree by its bark? (And these hints/fun facts...) --Its wood is hard and durable, often used for fence posts, fuel, and tool handles. --The bark and inner wood were traditionally used to treat toothache, sore muscles, coughs, and many other ailments. --Its hop-like papery sack encases a "nutlet" that provides winter food for ring-necked pheasants, rabbits, grouse, turkeys, deer, squirrels, and songbirds. --It is in the birch family (Betulaceae) and grows 20 to 50 feet in height and 15 to 30 feet in width with brownish scaly bark. This one was photographed in January 2023 in the Laura Hare Preserve at Turtle Bend. Do you know what it is? Put your guess in the comments, and we'll let you know tomorrow who's right! Source: USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service #TreeIDTuesday #treeidentification #treeIDTues #wintertreeID #tea #bark #nativetree #protectedwoods #protectedforest #turtlebend #lauraharepreserveatturtlebend #naturepreserve #Land4All #natureforall #Nature4All #trees #treesforthewin #nativetreesofIndiana #treesofIndiana #TreeID #forest #forests #woods #foresthabitat #protectingland #landprotection #centralindiana #landtrust #centralindianalandtrust #cilti January 23, 2024
Filter CategoriesAllNewsroomSort By DateTitleDate March 13, 2024 Explore Indiana’s Geologic Wonders and Majestic Forests Third in a series by board member John Bacone Note: A version of this series appeared in the Indiana Parks... March 5, 2024 Indiana’s Nature Preserves Offer Glimpses of the Past Second in a series by board member John Bacone Note: A version of this series appeared in the Indiana Parks...