From “Sapling No. 1” to Today
In May of 2020, our stewardship crew placed a small red flag in the ground. The bare sticklike plant next to it was marked sapling #1.
Embracing Nature: A Recap of 2023
In the year 2023, our commitment to connecting people with nature led us to offer several outdoor activities. From volunteer days to guided hikes and special events, it was a year filled with exploration, education, and environmental stewardship. […]
Connecting with the Beauty of Winter
The arrival of winter turns nature monochromatic, leaving what might seem like a bleak landscape. The leaves have turned and mostly fallen, and most native plants go dormant. […]
“Is It Invasive?”
“Should I get rid of it?” “What’s the best way to eradicate it?” “What should I put there instead?” Our stewardship team gets a lot of great questions about invasive species! […]
National Self-Care Awareness Month: Find Your Zen in Nature
September is National Self-Care Awareness Month, a time to focus on personal health. One of the best ways to boost well-being is to spend time in nature. We believe that everyone deserves access to nature. Part of our land protection mission is to enable Hoosiers to enjoy the benefits [...]
The Nature of a Preserve
What makes a nature preserve? And if a nature preserve is not state-dedicated, is it really a nature preserve? It sure is! […]
More Trails to Trek in 2022
It warmed our hearts to see people out enjoying our nature preserves in our inaugural Trek our Trails Challenge last year. This year, there are a few more trails to trek, and the challenge continues! We’ve expanded from five preserves to six, and extended a trail at one of [...]
Explore National Natural Landmarks during Mental Health Awareness Month
There’s no shortage of crises snagging our attention these days. It seems that wherever we turn, there’s some dire prediction or distressing news story. But in unsettled times, there’s a place to find solace: nature. […]
Meltzer Woods: A Wintercreeper Success Story
In less than ten years, Meltzer Woods’ wintercreeper problem has come under control. What is wintercreeper? If you spend any time in a residential area, you will see this evergreen vine in gardens and/or climbing trees. For years, nurseries sold it as a groundcover, like English ivy. […]
Wintercreeper: From Ornament to Threat
Part of a series on invasive species by guest blogger Ed Pope Wintercreeper is an invasive evergreen plant that can overrun native vegetation. It is capable of vining up to 50 feet in height on trees, shading them out. It can also be a ground cover, where it forms [...]
