It's Tree ID Tuesday, invasive species edition! This native of China and Vietnam was imported by the USDA in 1916 in hopes of developing a fire blight-resistant cultivar of its edible fruit-bearing cousin. Midcentury, the USDA began promoting it as an ornamental tree, because of its showy white flowers and "lollipop" shape. This tree has very weak branches that can't stand up to storms, and has become invasive in eastern/Midwestern forests, outcompeting native trees. CILTI properties that are closest to suburbia are dealing with heaviest infestations of this invasive species. At Nonie Werbe Krauss Nature Preserve, they are in danger of taking over an oak-hickory planting. The stewardship team has been on them with chainsaws. Know what it is? Comment with your answer and we will tell you tomorrow if you're right! #TreeIDTuesday #treeidentification #treeIDTues #invasivespecies #NISAW #invasivespeciesawarenessweek #invasivespeciesawareness #nationalinvasivespeciesawarenessweek #noniewerbekraussnaturepreserve #naturepreserve #noniekraussnaturepreserve #kraussnaturepreserve #invasiveplants #invasiveplant #invasivetree #invasivetrees #restoringtheland #protectingland #landprotection #centralindiana #landtrust #centralindianalandtrust #cilti February 23, 2021 For the last week of American Heart Month, here's another tiny heart found in the cut stump of Asian bush honeysuckle, this one from White River Bluffs. This week happens to be Invasive Species Awareness Week, so we will share more invasive species info all week. Go to the link in our bio and find the Newsroom for a series on invasive plants that we deal with at our preserves. #heartsinnature #InvasiveSpecies #invasivespeciesawarenessweek #invasivespeciesawareness #nationalinvasivespeciesawarenessweek #NISAW #heart #hearts #naturelovers #naturelover #naturelove #heartshaped #heartshape #heartshapesinnature #heartinnature #mywhiteriver #Iheartnature #weheartnature #HeartMonth2021 #FebruaryisHeartMonth #truenature #whiteriverbluffs #WhiteRiverIN #naturepreserve #invasiveplants #invasiveplant #honeysuckle #restoringtheland #centralindianalandtrust #cilti February 22, 2021 PSA: Tomorrow is Love Your Pet Day! Sure it's cold, but our nature preserves are open for business. This happy pup was photographed some years back at Jacob Schramm Nature Preserve. Dogs love winter hikes! #LoveYourPetDay #LoveYourPetDay2021 #JacobSchrammnaturepreserve #naturepreserve #protectedwoods #ThrowbackFriday #TBF #happydog #walkyourdog #winterhike #winterwalk #woodswalk #winternature #getoutthere #nodogleftinside #getthemoutdoors #keepemleashed #wanderindiana #landprotection #winterhikes #centralindianalandtrust #cilti February 19, 2021 Glad to see hikers enjoying our wintertime preserves! You too can do the Trek our Trails Challenge. Info at the link in our bio. #Repost @blondienboots • • • • • • Martinsville, Indiana Kicked off the @hikerbabes_indiana #hhbnaturetour2021 with @losing_it4good 💚 📍Fred & Dorothy Meyer Preserve @centralindianalandtrust #trekourtrails2021 Thanks for braving the cold and snow with me, girl!! Next time I’ll bring post-hike snacks 🤣 This Preserve is absolutely gorgeous year round - it’s challenging yet easy enough for ALL skill levels & if you really want a challenge - just make multiple loops!! 🥾🎒 Halfway through the @hiker_babes February Challenge! 20.9/40 miles #hbcgalentines 💕💕 February 19, 2021 Tonight at 7pm EST on Facebook live. #BlackHistoryMonth #Repost @joytripproject • • • • • • National Geographic Society Join us for an hour of storytelling on National Geographic Backstage live with James Edward Mills. To celebrate Black History Month we'll explore the role of Black women and men in the creation and preservation of our National Parks and Monuments. #nationalgeographic #blackhistory February 18, 2021 This tranquil creek view is a throwback from spring of 2005, photographed at Hemlock Ridge Nature Preserve. Big Walnut Creek is cleaner because this land has been protected for over 15 years. And that's good news for every waterway downstream. With World Whale Day this Sunday, it's a good time to think about how interconnected this planet is. Any waterway we protect here, far from the ocean, in some small way benefits whales and other denizens of the sea, by reducing the flow of pollutants their way. (Also, we thought you could use a glimpse of spring on this snowy day.) #TBT #ThrowbackThursday #WorldWhaleDay #ourwaterways #cleanwater #protectedwater #cleanwaters #cleanstream #cleanwaterway #creeksofindiana #waterwaysofindiana #ourwaterway #springscene #WorldWhaleDay2021 #springisonitsway #natureisabalm #springisnotcancelled #springiscoming #hemlockridgenaturepreserve #protectedwoods #naturepreserve #landprotection #protectedhabitat #habitatprotection #indianasveryown #conservation #centralindiana #landtrust #centralindianalandtrust #cilti February 18, 2021 Fascinating story of an unsung naturalist. #Repost @audubonsociety • • • • • • Did you know that Harriet Tubman used Barred Owl calls to communicate with freedom seekers on the Underground Railroad? Many people know of Harriet Tubman’s work leading freedom seekers and refugees, and later as a scout, spy, guerilla soldier, and nurse for the Union Army during the Civil War, but fewer know of her prowess as a naturalist with wide ranging knowledge of astronomy, bird calls, and botany—informing skills that were vital for her to save people and survive. Ranger Angela Crenshaw—of the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad State Park (@tubmanugrrnps)—calls Tubman “the ultimate outdoors woman.” She adds, “We know that she used the call of an owl to alert refugees and her freedom seekers that it was OK, or not OK, to come out of hiding and continue their journey.” This #BlackHistoryMonth, learn how she used her deep knowledge of the region’s environment to communicate, navigate, and survive by tapping the link in our bio. 1️⃣ - Harriet Tubman, 1870s. 📷: Harvey Lindsley/Library of Congress 2️⃣ - Barred Owl. 📷: Fi Rust (@firustphotography)/Audubon Photography Awards February 18, 2021 This week’s video for Wildlife Wednesday is a humble deer mouse. Our trail cam caught this little character exploring the burrow along the White River at Oliver's Woods. Another glimpse of Oliver’s Woods night life! @indiana_wildlife_fed @ourwaterways #wildlifewednesday #wildlifewednesdays #urbanpreserve #riverpreserve #wildlife #trailcam #wildlifecam #trailcamera #wildlifecamera #indianawildlife #urbanwildlife #miceofinstagram #IndianaNature #PartnersfortheWhiteRiver #FriendsoftheWhiteRiver #IndianaWildlifeFederation #IndianaNature #IWF #WhiteRiverIN #MyWhiteRiver #ReconnectingToOurWaterways #WhiteRiverAlliance #PulliamTrust #OliversWoods #OliversWoodsNaturePreserve #NinaMasonPulliamCharitableTrust #mouse #deermouse #CentralIndianaLandTrust #CILTI February 17, 2021 Here's yesterday's view of that sign at Oliver's Woods, post-snowfall. Thanks to @hoosiergalf (stewardship manager Jamison) for getting this shot for us. Stay warm and safe, everyone! #intrepidstaffer #herocks #theviewfromhere #snowpocalypse #snowmageddon #snowpocalypse2021 #snowmageddon2021 #winternature #snowyscene #snow #winterinindiana #WhiteRiverIN #myWhiteRiver #blueskies #nothingbutblueskies #oliverswoods #oliverswoodsnaturepreserve #urbannaturepreserve #urbannature #protectedwoods #signsofcilti #signofcilti #naturepreserve #landprotection #protectedhabitat #habitatprotection #centralindiana #landtrust #centralindianalandtrust #cilti February 17, 2021 It's Tree ID Tuesday, bark edition. This member of the beech family is easily identified by its massively-ridged dark gray-brown bark. It favors dry habitat and ridgetop exposure, and consequently is not usually a large tree, typically 59–72 feet tall, with a spread about the same as its height. Foliage unfurls pink and becomes silvery before finally becoming dark green. Its inner bark is rich in tannic acid, which is used for tanning purposes. It provides food for many wildlife species, including white-tailed deer, squirrels, chipmunks, mice and wild turkeys. Traditional uses include decoctions for acute diarrhea, dysentery and hemorrhages, as well as toothache or gum problems. This particular tree was photographed at Fred and Dorothy Meyer Nature Preserve in September. Know what it is? Comment with your answer and we'll let you know tomorrow who's right! #TreeIDTuesday #treeidentification #treeIDTues #nativetree #protectedwoods #protectedforest #eaglescouts #restoringtheland #FredandDorothyMeyerNaturePreserve #naturepreserve #MeyerNaturePreserve #Land4All #natureforall #Nature4All #trees #treesforthewin #nativetreesofIndiana #treesofIndiana #TreeID #forest #forests #woods #foresthabitat #protectingland #landprotection #centralindiana #landtrust #centralindianalandtrust #cilti February 16, 2021 Hope everyone is staying warm out there! Here's an Oliver's Woods photo taken before last night's snowfall... wonder how much of the sign will be visible by tomorrow morning? #winterweatheradvisory #winterstormwarning #theviewfromhere #winternature #snowyscene #snow #winterinindiana #oliverswoods #oliverswoodsnaturepreserve #urbannaturepreserve #urbannature #protectedwoods #signsofcilti #signofcilti #naturepreserve #landprotection #protectedhabitat #habitatprotection #snowscene #snowpocalypse #snowmageddon #snowpocalypse2021 #snowmageddon2021 #centralindiana #landtrust #centralindianalandtrust #cilti February 15, 2021 Our staff pick for our in-house book club is a book by an ornithologist called The Home Place: Memoirs of a Colored Man's Love Affair With Nature. This podcast is a terrific taste of Drew Lanham's work! So excited to read and discuss. #Repost @onbeing • • • • • • Excited to share our new episode with Drew Lanham (@wildandincolor), an ornithologist's way of seeing and hearing and noticing the present through the birds in our backyards and beyond. Find a link to listen in our bio. This conversation is part of the 2021 Great Northern festival in On Being’s hometown of the Twin Cities. February 12, 2021 The colors of nature are so inventive. Meet the Hortiboletus rubellus, or ruby bolete (we think). Pretty, isn't it? From Meltzer Woods last fall. #fungifriday #indianasveryown #indiananature #naturalindiana #natureisbeautiful #midwestnature #naturepreserve #protectedland #shelbycountyindiana #MeltzerWoodsNaturePreserve #MeltzerWoods #mushroom #fungi #fungus #naturalarea #natureindiana #landprotection #mushroomsofinstagram #fungiofindiana #mushroomsofindiana #oldgrowthforest #naturalindiana #conservation #environment #centralindiana #landtrust #myindiana #protectedwoods #centralindianalandtrust #cilti February 12, 2021 Ready for the Great Backyard Bird Count? To get you in the mindset, here's a Throwback Thursday from way back in 2002: birding at a preserve that is no longer ours to steward. The GBBC is a citizen science weekend sponsored by National Audubon Society and Cornell Lab of Ornithology. It's a fun way to further the body of knowledge around birds. More than a quarter-million people go out to watch birds at once! (Although you might want to count from your window, depending on your cold-tolerance.)#TBT #ThrowbackThursday #GreatBackyardBirdCount #ThrowbackThurs #naturepreserve #nature #birds #lookup #NationalAudubonSociety #Audubon #AudubonSociety #citizenscience #scienceinnature #countthebirdie #Birding #CornellLabofOrnithology #birds #birdwatching #birdID #GreatBackyardBirdCount #GBBC #centralindianalandtrust #cilti February 11, 2021 Need a little pick-me-up? How about these river otters caught on the trail cam at Oliver's Woods? Happy Wildlife Wednesday. @indiana_wildlife_fed @ourwaterways #wildlifewednesday #wildlifewednesdays #urbanpreserve #riverpreserve #wildlife #trailcam #wildlifecam #trailcamera #wildlifecamera #indianawildlife #urbanwildlife #ottersofinstagram #IndianaNature #PartnersfortheWhiteRiver #FriendsoftheWhiteRiver #IndianaWildlifeFederation #IndianaNature #IWF #WhiteRiverIN #MyWhiteRiver #ReconnectingToOurWaterways #WhiteRiverAlliance #PulliamTrust #OliversWoods #OliversWoodsNaturePreserve #NinaMasonPulliamCharitableTrust #otter #otters #CentralIndianaLandTrust #CILTI February 10, 2021 @itsy.bitsy.hiker took to the trails Sunday at Meltzer Woods, despite the frigid temps. Way to Trek our Trails! Learn more about the Trek our Trails Challenge at the link in our bio. #trekourtrails2021 #trekourtrails #meltzerwoods #oldgrowthforest #meltzerwoodsnaturepreserve #protectedwoods #protectedforest #shelbycountyindiana #shelbyvilleindiana #nationalnaturallandmark #winternature #winterhiking #woodswalk #snowyhike #snowywalk #winterhike #snowhike #optoutside #exploremore #getoutside #getoutthere #hikeindiana #ontherighttrail #exploreindiana #hikingindiana #naturewalk #seeyouonthetrail #centralindianalandtrust #cilti February 9, 2021 Today is our executive director's birthday, so we surprised him at the weekly Zoom staff meeting. Happy birthday, Cliff! #weloveCliff #birthdayboy #happybirthdayCliff #thebigboss #happybirthday #staffmeeting #zoomstaff #zoombirthday #birthdayzooming #birthdayzoomcall #zoommeetingsarefun #birthdaysincovidtime #covidbirthday #covidbirthdayparty #goodtimes #stillworkingfromhome #covid19 #workingfromhome #workfromhome #meetingatadistance #socialdistancing #socialdistance #centralindianalandtrust #cilti February 8, 2021 As we descend into the deep freeze for the next week or so, enjoy this White River view from earlier this week, taken at Oliver's Woods. #theviewfromhere #winternature #snowyscene #snow #winterinindiana #oliverswoods #oliverswoodsnaturepreserve #urbannaturepreserve #urbannature #protectedwoods #mywhiteriver #whiteriverIN #naturepreserve #landprotection #protectedhabitat #habitatprotection #myindiana #indiananature #naturalindiana #natureisbeautiful #midwestnature #indianasveryown #viewsofnature #river #viewsofindiana #conservation #centralindiana #landtrust #centralindianalandtrust #cilti February 5, 2021 As we start planning some (socially distanced) volunteer work days for this spring, we offer a big thank-you to all the volunteers who've helped us over the years. This shot was from a spring 2013 workday at Fred and Dorothy Meyer Nature Preserve. #tbt #throwbackthursday #throwbackthurs #honeysuckle #volunteer #invasivespecies #volunteersrule #thankyou #gratitude #volunteersrock #getoutside #volunteering #service #volunteeroutdoors #getoutdoors #optoutside #ourvolunteersrock #meyernaturepreserve #fredanddorothymeyernaturepreserve #naturepreserve #protectingland #landprotection #protectedhabitat #habitatprotection #conservation #centralindiana #landtrust #centralindianalandtrust #cilti February 4, 2021 It's Wildlife Wednesday again! Our featured trail cam video this week shows raccoons emerging from the burrow along the White River at Oliver's Woods. If you have your sound on, you can hear them chittering! For the back story on this trail cam, go to the link in our bio and read the blog post by @whocanvankan. @indiana_wildlife_fed @ourwaterways #wildlifewednesday #wildlifewednesdays #urbanpreserve #riverpreserve #wildlife #trailcam #wildlifecam #trailcamera #wildlifecamera #indianawildlife #urbanwildlife #racoonsofinstagram #IndianaNature #PartnersfortheWhiteRiver #FriendsoftheWhiteRiver #IndianaWildlifeFederation #IndianaNature #IWF #WhiteRiverIN #MyWhiteRiver #ReconnectingToOurWaterways #WhiteRiverAlliance #PulliamTrust #OliversWoods #OliversWoodsNaturePreserve #NinaMasonPulliamCharitableTrust #raccoon #raccoons #CentralIndianaLandTrust #CILTI February 3, 2021 #Repost @iereporter #sb389 • • • • • • As a controversial bill seeking to remove state protection from Indiana’s wetlands passed the Senate this week, Gov. Eric Holcomb voiced his concerns regarding the impact of the bill, which is opposed by the two agencies charged primarily with caring for the state’s environmental health. Read more at the following link: https://www.indianaenvironmentalreporter.org/posts/governor-shares-concerns-about-wetland-protection-repeal-after-senate-approval #Indiana #Hoosiers #iereporter #environmentalnews #environment #environmentaljustice #wetlands #wildlife #cleanwater #flood #planetearth February 3, 2021 We had to take a break from Tree Id Tuesday to bring you this groundhog (aka woodchuck) today. While this particular photo was not taken in Indiana, groundhogs are common statewide and are definitely present at Oliver's Woods and likely many of our other nature preserves. Fun facts from the Indiana DNR: --Groundhogs hibernate throughout the winter in underground burrows usually dug on land with a slight slope. --They will make noise with their incisors and use short, sharp whistles to warn other groundhogs of danger. --Groundhogs defecate in toilet chambers dug underground. --They hibernate beginning in October or November and emerge in mid to late-February. So today might be a bit early for our groundhog friends, but here's hoping that--whatever the prediction--spring will come on schedule. #groundhogday #groundhog #groundhogs #woodchuck #woodchucks #groundhogsofinstagram #wildlife #springiscoming #oliverswoods #oliverswoodsnaturepreserve #urbannaturepreserve #urbannature #protectedwoods #naturepreserve #protectingland #landprotection #protectedhabitat #habitatprotection #midwestnature #viewsofnature #wildlifesofinstagram #harbingersofspring #springisonitsway #woodchucksofinstagram #funfacts #naturefacts #groundhogday2021 #centralindianalandtrust #cilti February 2, 2021 It's not only Groundhog Day, it's World Wetlands Day, a sad day to report that our wetlands in Indiana are still imperiled. Join us in voicing your opposition to SB 389, which passed the Senate yesterday and is on its way to the House of Representatives. This dangerous bill completely removes protection from isolated wetlands: an estimated 80 to 90% of Indiana’s remaining wetlands. This critical wildlife habitat supports countless species of birds like this blue-winged teal, as well as mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and pollinators. Wetlands play a key role in preventing flooding and filtering groundwater. While some have argued that small wetlands in cornfields don’t matter, the truth is that all wetlands are critical to our drinking water. It's also been said that this bill is about fixing issues of governmental overreach. In actuality, rolling back wetland protections would result in massive costs to the average taxpayer. This bill should concern everyone who likes to drink clean water and live in a flood-free community, let alone enjoying the natural world. If you have not already, please contact your State Representative to express your opposition, and consider calling Governor Eric Holcomb as well. @Indiana_wildlife_fed @hoosierenvcouncil #wetlandprotection #wetlands #INsb389 #SB389 #advocacy #INLegis #WorldWetlandsDay #ProtectWetlands #cleanwater #wetland #habitatloss #habitatprotection #waterprotection #protectingourwaterways #bluewingedteal #waterbirdsofinstagram #wetlandbirds #waterbirdsofIndiana #ourwaterways #IndianaNature #IndianaWildlifeFederation #IndianaNature #IWF #protectedwater #floodmitigation #ecosystemprotection #groundwater #wetlandsofindiana #centralindianalandtrust #cilti February 2, 2021 #sb389 call to action #Repost @indianaaudubon • • • • • • Please make this call to save the precious resources our wetland friends depend on! #makethatcallindiana #saveourwetlands #indiana #opposesenatebill389 February 1, 2021 Kicking off American Heart Month with this tiny heart. It was found in the cut stump of Asian bush honeysuckle as our stewardship team worked to eradicate that invasive plant at Nonie Werbe Krauss Nature Preserve. Thanks to our newest "stewie" @whocanvankan (Grace) for the find! #heartsinnature #goodeye #lookdown #heart #hearts #naturelovers #naturelover #naturelove #heartshaped #heartshape #heartshapesinnature #heartinnature #artnature #Iheartnature #weheartnature #HeartMonth2021 #americanheartmonth #FebruaryisHeartMonth #truenature #noniewerbekraussnaturepreserve #kraussnaturepreserve #krausspreserve #naturepreserve #FishersIndiana #invasiveplants #invasiveplant #honeysuckle #restoringtheland #centralindianalandtrust #cilti February 1, 2021 Winging in to announce that this coming Tuesday is World Wetlands Day, dedicated to raising awareness about the vital role of wetlands for people and our planet. What better time to let your state legislators know how you feel about SB 389, which could be heard as early as Monday after the full senate voted 19 to 29 to NOT engage a legislative summer study committee to investigate further. This dangerous deregulation completely removes protection from isolated wetlands: an estimated 80 to 90% of Indiana’s remaining wetlands totaling 700,000+ acres, according to @whiteriveralliance . We have already lost 85 percent of our state's wetlands. This critical wildlife habitat supports countless species of birds like these Northern shovelers, as well as mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and pollinators. Wetlands play a key role in preventing flooding and filtering groundwater. This bill should concern everyone who likes to drink clean water and live in a flood-free community, let alone enjoying the natural world. If you have not already, please contact your State Senator to express your opposition. @Indiana_wildlife_fed @hoosierenvcouncil #wetlandprotection #wetlands #INsb389 #SB389 #advocacy #INLegis #WorldWetlandsDay #ProtectWetlands #cleanwater #wetland #habitatloss #habitatprotection #waterprotection #protectingourwaterways #northernshoveler #waterbirdsofinstagram #wetlandbirds #waterbirdsofIndiana #ourwaterways #IndianaNature #IndianaWildlifeFederation #IndianaNature #IWF #protectedwater #floodmitigation #ecosystemprotection #groundwater #wetlandsofindiana #centralindianalandtrust #cilti January 29, 2021 #Repost @ltalliance • • • • • • Big news! Today the President laid out a ten-year goal to conserve 30% of U.S. land by 2030. This ambitious goal will help slow the loss of nature and the impacts of climate change. Private land conservation is one of the important conservation tools to reach the #30x30 goal. January 28, 2021 January has been #WalkYourDogMonth, and we hope you've been taking the pooch along on woods walks. Dogs like winter hikes too! @BrookeKilley took this photo of her partner Josh with wee Stout earlier this month at Nonie Werbe Krauss Nature Preserve during a #trekourtrails outing. (Thanks for keeping the pup leashed at our nature preserve!) #walkyourdogmonth2021 #noniewerbekraussnaturepreserve #walkyourdog #winterhike #winterwalk #woodswalk #winternature #getoutthere #nodogleftinside #getthemoutdoors #keepemleashed #wanderindiana #landprotection #winterhikes #centralindianalandtrust #cilti #Repost @brookekilley • • • • • • Nonie Werbe Kraus Nature Preserve ... 2/100 hikes #journeyto100 #hikerbabesorg100 1/26 Indiana State Parks in 2021 15.19/40 miles #hbcwinterfest 15.19/31 miles #wowmidwest 1/5 Nature Preserves #CILTI #trekourtrails2021 #keepmoving #FindYourResolution #hikerbabesrock January 28, 2021 This sunset view of the White River was captured at Oliver's Woods 10 Januarys ago. #TBT #ThrowbackThursday #ThrowbackThurs #winternature #snowyscene #snow #winterinindiana #oliverswoods #oliverswoodsnaturepreserve #urbannaturepreserve #urbannature #protectedwoods #mywhiteriver #whiteriverIN #naturepreserve #landprotection #protectedhabitat #habitatprotection #myindiana #indiananature #naturalindiana #natureisbeautiful #midwestnature #indianasveryown #viewsofindiana #conservation #centralindiana #landtrust #centralindianalandtrust #cilti January 28, 2021 Our featured trail cam shot this week shows another animal emerging from what we think is an abandoned burrow (judging from how many animals come out of the hole) along the White River at Oliver's Woods. It's an opossum! (We're trying to figure out how to convert our wildlife videos to a shareable format...) For the back story on this trail cam, go to the link in our bio and read the blog post by @whocanvankan. @indiana_wildlife_fed @ourwaterways #wildlifewednesday #wildlifewednesdays #urbanpreserve #riverpreserve #wildlife #trailcam #wildlifecam #trailcamera #wildlifecamera #indianawildlife #urbanwildlife #possumsofinstagram #opossumsofinstagram #IndianaNature #PartnersfortheWhiteRiver #FriendsoftheWhiteRiver #IndianaWildlifeFederation #IndianaNature #IWF #WhiteRiverIN #MyWhiteRiver #ReconnectingToOurWaterways #WhiteRiverAlliance #PulliamTrust #OliversWoods #OliversWoodsNaturePreserve #NinaMasonPulliamCharitableTrust #opossum #CentralIndianaLandTrust #CILTI January 27, 2021 #Repost @iereporter • • • • • • A bill that would repeal state protections for Indiana’s diminishing wetlands passed the Senate’s Environmental Affairs Committee and is headed for consideration by the full Indiana Senate, despite opposition from the agencies in charge of protecting the state’s environment and natural resources. Read more at the following link: https://www.indianaenvironmentalreporter.org/posts/bill-eliminating-state-wetland-protections-passes-senate-environmental-committee #indiana #hoosiers #iereporter #wetlands #wildlife #water #environmentalnews #planetearth #climatechange #environment January 27, 2021 Our own Cliff Chapman took a selfie while visiting the Laura Hare Preserve at Blossom Hollow last week. Join him in the Trek our Trails Challenge by visiting all five of our most popular preserves between now and Black Friday 2021! Details at the link in our bio. #trekourtrails2021 #trekourtrails #hestheboss #leadingbyexample #blossomhollow #lauraharepreserveatblossomhollow #landforall #natureforall #blossomhollownaturepreserve #protectedwoods #protectedforest #naturepreserve #land4all #nature4all #winternature #winterhiking #woodswalk #visitapreserve #winterhike #exploremore #getoutside #getoutthere #hikeindiana #ontherighttrail #exploreindiana #hikingindiana #naturewalk #seeyouonthetrail #centralindianalandtrust #cilti January 27, 2021 #TreeIDTuesday again, with this fuzzy seed that might be a dead giveaway for some. According to the USDA National Resources Conservation Service, this drought-tolerant native tree grows about 80 feet tall with a broad, rounded crown. Its fiddle-shaped leaves are dark green above, gray-green below, turning yellow or brown in fall. A member of the beech family, it grows in a range of habitats and moisture regime, from prairies to valley floors and upland woods. Native Americans made a bark decoction to treat diarrhea, wounds and sores, hemorrhoids, poison oak, and insect bites. This beautiful tree provides food for many birds and mammals, including squirrels, rabbits, ground squirrels, mice, deer, wood ducks, and blue jays. Red-tailed hawks, screech owls, fox squirrels, and flying squirrels nest in mature specimens. This species is found in several of our nature preserves, including Meltzer Woods and Hemlock Ridge. Know what it is? Comment with your answer and we'll let you know tomorrow who's right! #TreeIDTuesdays #treeidentification #treeIDTues #nativetree #protectedwoods #protectedforest #meltzerwoods #restoringtheland #oldgrowthforest #naturepreserve #HemlockRidge #Land4All #natureforall #Nature4All #trees #treesforthewin #nativetreesofIndiana #treesofIndiana #TreeID #forest #forests #woods #foresthabitat #protectingland #landprotection #centralindiana #landtrust #centralindianalandtrust #cilti January 26, 2021 Stoked at this group's involvement! #Repost @hikerbabes_indiana • • • • • • Central & Southern Indiana @hiker_babes are tackling the @centralindianalandtrust #trekourtrailschallenge2021 with a TWIST! 🍋 We are adding on additional hikes, and encouraging our Babes to get outside more often, through the first half of the new year! 💚 Our Chapter participation will end by 10/22/2021 - Keep reading for details!! . How to enter: 1️⃣ Plan & Visit the Preserves on the Checklist 2️⃣ Take a Selfie at the Trailhead before or after your hike 3️⃣ post on Facebook or Instagram with hashtags #cilti #trekourtrails2021 (preserves 1-5) & #HHBnaturetour2021 (preserves 1-8) . Hikes can be done with HikerBabes of Central and Southern Indiana Chapters or on your own! They will be offered on Weekdays and Weekends - you only need to attend 1 of each (or on your own!). For full meetup details, join our private Facebook groups (link in bio) or send me a DM as events are posted on Instagram! Follow us and join both of our Facebook groups for full access to every hike! 💥 groups will be limited to 1️⃣0️⃣ OR LESS RSVP IS REQUIRED 💥 Weekend hikes will be EARLY ☀️ to avoid crowds and allow others to enjoy the preserve. Hikes will be offered in various ways, sometimes at multiple times on the dates provided. They will be posted “pop up” style since space is limited and RSVPs are required, meaning only a few days prior to the date listed on your check off sheet. . CILTI Trek our Trails challenge is open to all and only requires visiting preserves 1-5. Once complete, all finishers will receive a logo CILTI pin + entered into a drawing for CILTI gear. This is sponsored by CILTI & open to ALL! HikerBabes is adding 3 more to encourage our ladies to stay outdoors well into the beginning of 2021!! Ladies, once you’ve ventured to all 8 preserves, use #HHBnaturetourfinisher2021 on your final post! You’ll be entered into a drawing for a NEW @hiker_babes neck gaiter, of your choice!! 💚 Happy Hiking, Babes!! 👯♀️ . Link to all @hikerbabes_Indiana Chapters in bio + @hiker_babes website + link to support @centralindianalandtrust . @hikerbabes_indiana challenge ends 10/22/2021 11:59pm // January 26, 2021 This morning an incredibly misguided bill, SB 389, passed out of committee in our state legislature. The proposed legislation would repeal two decades of wetlands protection. Our executive director, Cliff Chapman, voiced his opposition to the bill in a front-page IndyStar article (available from our home page, link in bio). We have already lost 85 percent of our state's wetlands. Protecting what remains is of highest importance to the Central Indiana Land Trust. Wetlands offer critical wildlife habitat, supporting countless species of Indiana birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and pollinators. They play a key role in preventing flooding. With rainfall rates steadily increasing, their loss would mean great expense to communities dealing with floodwaters. They also filter groundwater, which is the source of much of our state's residents' drinking water. If you agree that this bill will be harmful to wildlife, water quality and human quality of life, please contact your State Senator to express your opposition. @Indiana_wildlife_fed @hoosierenvcouncil #wetlandprotection #wetlands #INsb389 #SB389 #advocacy #thenatureconservancy #cleanwater #wetland #marshwren #habitatloss #habitatprotection #waterprotection #protectingourwaterways #soilandwaterconservation #ourwaterways #IndianaNature #IndianaWildlifeFederation #IndianaNature #IWF #protectedwater #cleangroundwater #drinkingwater #groundwaterprotections #groundwaterprotection #floodmitigation #ecosystemprotection #groundwater #wetlandsofindiana #centralindianalandtrust #cilti January 25, 2021 Here's a shot of "wolf's milk" (we think) on a rotting log at Jacob Schramm Nature Preserve, from last November. This may be Fungi Friday, but we're doing a bit of bait and switch, because wolf's milk is not fungus, but slime mold. According to the Missouri Department of Conservation's website, this species is a member of the family Reticulariaceae (amoebozoans). Younger specimens "resemble a tiny reddish pink puffball. Before it is fully mature, you can pop it and a pinkish orange substance, with the texture of toothpaste, will ooze out." Later in its life cycle, wolf's milk turns gray like this specimen. (The site is quick to note that this is NOT an organism edible for humans, in case you were thinking otherwise!) #whoknew #funfact #scienceinnature #slimemold #wolfsmilk #wolfsmilkslime #slimemolds #notafungus #notedible #funfacts #natureiscool #moldyoldy #naturestudies #schrammwoods #jacobschrammnaturepreserve #protectedwoods #naturepreserve #protectingland #landprotection #protectedhabitat #habitatprotection #myindiana #indiananature #natureisweird #forest #landprotection #protectedland #woods #centralindianalandtrust #cilti January 22, 2021 Update: Not a nut, a mushroom! Our mistake. Puffball mushroom. Thanks to @0lilly_grace0 for the correction! Where do you go for grounding and peace in times of upheaval? For many of us, the answer is "nature." No matter what the season, there's beauty to be found. Like these hickory nuts decorating a decomposing log a few autumns ago at Blossom Hollow. (With today being Squirrel Appreciation Day, our #ThrowbackThursday post features this favorite squirrel snack.) #loveasquirrel #squirrelappreciationday #TBT #squirrelappreciationday2021 #squirrelappreciation #squirrellove #squirrelfood #hickory #shagbarkhickory #hickorynuts #blossomhollow #thelauraharepreserveatblossomhollow #blossomhollownaturepreserve #naturepreserve #landprotection #habitatprotection #protectingland #trafalgarindiana #johnsoncountyindiana #myindiana #naturalindiana #indiananature #midwestnature #protectedforest #protectedwoods #foresthabitat #centralindiana #centralindianalandtrust #cilti January 21, 2021 Thanks to Rachel for sending us this sweet photo of her boys at Meltzer Woods over the weekend! (If you go to one of our "top five" nature preserves, be sure to snap a photo and post/send it so we can include you in our Trek Our Trails Challenge. Details at the link in our bio.) #trekourtrails2021 #trekourtrails #meltzerwoods #oldgrowthforest #meltzerwoodsnaturepreserve #protectedwoods #protectedforest #shelbycountyindiana #shelbyvilleindiana #nationalnaturallandmark #winternature #winterhiking #woodswalk #nochildleftinside #totslovenature #kidsandnature #getthemoutside #futurenaturalists #optoutside #exploremore #getoutside #getoutthere #hikeindiana #ontherighttrail #exploreindiana #hikingindiana #naturewalk #seeyouonthetrail #centralindianalandtrust #cilti January 19, 2021 In troubled times, we turn to the peace of nature. On this day, we honor the legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr., and consider the work that needs to be done to make outdoor spaces accessible and safe for everyone. #nature4all #natureforall #landforall #land4all #martinlutherkingjr #martinlutherking #mlk #mlkday #martinlutherkingjrday #martinglutherkingday #kingday #landprotection #naturepreserve #natureisforeveryone #centralindianalandtrust #landtrust #cilti January 18, 2021 Nature's colors and textures are infinitely astounding. This gorgeously tinted fungus is, we believe, a violet-toothed polypore (tell us if we're wrong). Found at Meltzer Woods in October of last year. #fungifriday #lookdown #fungusamongus #natureisbeautiful #naturepreserve #protectedland #MeltzerWoodsnaturepreserve #MeltzerWoods #mushroom #fungi #fungus #naturalarea #natureindiana #landprotection #indiananature #mushroomsofinstagram #fungiofindiana #mushroomsofindiana #fungiofinstagram #naturalindiana #midwestnature #naturephotography #conservation #environment #centralindiana #landtrust #sustainability #naturelovers #centralindianalandtrust #cilti January 15, 2021 Exciting to see people enjoy our nature preserves as part of their various hiking challenges! #trekourtrails2021 #centralindianalandtrust #Repost @brookekilley • • • • • • Nonie Werbe Kraus Nature Preserve I have driven past this sign at least 1000 times and never realized there were several miles of hiking trails nestled behind it. Located just a few miles from our home in Fishers, we discovered the peaceful fields and woodlands at Nonie Werbe Krauss Nature Preserve. We saw 3 Cardinals on our 3 mile hike. I have always believed Cardinals to be visitors from loved ones in heaven. Feeling blessed by that moment. ... 2/100 hikes #journeyto100 #hikerbabesorg100 1/24 Indiana State Parks in 2021 15.19/40 miles #hbcwinterfest 15.19/31 miles #wowmidwest 1/5 Nature Preserves #CILTI #trekourtrails2021 #keepmoving #FindYourResolution #hikerbabesrock January 14, 2021 In case you're missing wintry weather here in Central Indiana, here's a peaceful #ThrowbackThursday snowy view. This was a pretty January day 10 years ago at Hemlock Ridge in Putnam County. #TBT #ThrowbackThurs #HemlockRidge #HemlockRidgenaturepreserve #naturepreserve #winternature #winterhiking #snowyscene #snow #woodswalk #winterinindiana #bluesky #blueskies #nothingbutblueskies #protectedwoods #PutnamCounty #PutnamCountyIndiana #myIndiana #winterview #snowyview #landprotection #conservation #centralindiana #landtrust #protectingland #landprotection #centralindianalandtrust #cilti January 14, 2021 Welcome to a new feature we'll call Wildlife Wednesday. This nighttime wildlife glimpse is from the trailcam at Oliver's Woods, where this fox sauntered up the trail one December night. The White River provides a major corridor for all kinds of wildlife, and our protected land helps them find safe passage through developed areas. @Indiana_wildlife_fed @ourwaterways #wildlifewednesday #urbanpreserve #urbannature #riverinenaturepreserve #riverpreserve #wildlife #trailcam #wildlifecam #trailcamera #wildlifecamera #indianawildlife #urbanwildlife #protectedwaterway #ourwaterways #IndianaNature #PartnersfortheWhiteRiver #FriendsoftheWhiteRiver #IndianaWildlifeFederation #IndianaNature #IWF #WhiteRiverIN #MyWhiteRiver #ReconnectingToOurWaterways #WhiteRiverAlliance #PulliamTrust #whiteRiver #NinaMasonPulliamCharitableTrust #fox #CentralIndianaLandTrust #CILTI January 13, 2021 For our first #TreeIDTuesday of the new year, we bring you this lovely native evergreen. According to the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, this is the largest conifer of the eastern and upper Midwest forests, reaching 150 feet in height and up to 40 inches in diameter. Its soft, flexible evergreen needles are in clusters of 5, bluish-green in appearance. The fresh needles and buds, picked in the springtime, can be boiled in water, and the tea is traditionally used for fevers, coughs, and colds. This one was photographed at Glacier's End last November. Know what it is? Comment with your answer and we'll let you know tomorrow who's right! #treeidentification #treeIDTues #nativetree #protectedwoods #protectedforest #glaciersend #glaciersendnaturepreserve #naturepreserve #evergreen #conifer #evergreens #conifers #trees #treesforthewin #nativetreesofIndiana #treesofIndiana #TreeID #forest #forests #woods #foresthabitat #protectingland #landprotection #centralindiana #landtrust #centralindianalandtrust #cilti January 12, 2021 In honor of National Save the Eagles Day (yesterday), here's a shot by our own @phillipweldy taken at one of our Parke County land protection projects. According to @cornellbirds, bald eagles can be found along rivers, lakes, and reservoirs during the winter. They've made quite a comeback since 40 years ago, when the species was in danger of extinction throughout most of its range. The Endangered Species Act protected bald eagle habitat, while the federal government banned DDT. Meanwhile, everyday Americans took various conservation actions. Each of these contributed to their recovery. #nationalsavetheeaglesday #savetheeaglesday #savetheeagles #notendangered #successstory #eaglessaved #baldeagle #baldeagles #eagleday #eaglesofinstagram #birdsofinstagram #raptorsofinstagram #raptor #raptorsofindiana #birdsofindiana #nationalsymbol #landprotection #protectedland #protectedhabitat #parkecountyIndiana #protectingland #myindiana #indiananature #naturalindiana #natureisbeautiful #midwestnature #birdwatching #birding #centralindianalandtrust #cilti January 11, 2021
Filter CategoriesAllNewsroomSort By DateTitleDate February 22, 2021 Bush Honeysuckle: A Well-intentioned Import Gone Bad Part of a series on invasive species by guest blogger Ed Pope “It would be difficult to exaggerate the weedy... February 18, 2021 Garlic Mustard: A Study in Unintended Consequences Part of a series on invasive species by guest blogger Ed Pope Garlic mustard is an herb that is native... February 16, 2021 The Underrated Bird Guest post by Curt DeVoe, Board President Geese are underrated – they really are incredible birds. Other than migrating cranes...
