“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! […]
Formation of Hoosier National Forest
Guest blogger Ed Pope contributed this historic overview of the Hoosier National Forest’s formation. Even in the earliest years of the American republic, there were those who were concerned about the future of our forests. This was mostly for practical, rather than environmental reasons. At the time, wood was [...]
Growing our Library of Botanical Knowledge
Clear scientific data is crucial in restoring and protecting land—especially data about a site’s plant life. Just as E. Lucy Braun collected and pressed plants in her botanical studies, our field team collects specimens to document plant communities. […]
April is Citizen Science Month
You probably already know that April is Earth Month and National Native Plant Month, but did you know that April is also Citizen Science Month*? Citizen science is when members of the general public help conduct scientific research. It involves real people reporting observations and collecting real data that [...]
ARPA Funds Support Burnett Woods Improvements
We recently received a $12,000 grant from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) program to be used for nature preserve improvements. We plan to use the funds for Burnett Woods, an 80-acre wooded nature preserve in Avon. This state-dedicated nature preserve is well-loved for its seasonal wildflowers and fall [...]
One Year at Big Walnut, a National Natural Landmark
In this 60th anniversary year of the National Natural Landmarks program, we asked our staff to share their favorite NNLs for the winter newsmagazine. Our Development Systems Manager, David, offered this reflection after one year as preserve monitor at Big Walnut. I have enjoyed getting to know Big Walnut [...]
CILTI Founder Earns Prestigious Award
Ellen Jacquart started a career in conservation with no roadmap. While she was following her interests in higher academia, she never could have imagined that one day she would have founded a land trust, managed stewardship for The Nature Conservancy in Indiana, or worked successfully to ban the sale [...]
Bear Country
This is the final installment in a series by White River Steward Grace van Kan. In part 3, Grace toured the Appalachian Bear Rescue facility. The story concludes… Within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park are an estimated 2,000 to 2,400 bears, and potentially 14,000 in North Carolina alone. [...]
How to Rescue a Bear (with Appalachian Bear Rescue)
Third in a series by White River Steward Grace van Kan. In part 2, Grace described the “bear necessities” of black bears, as imparted by biologist David Whitehead. The story continues… Much to our surprise, David brought us to the Appalachian Bear Rescue facility for a tour. We were [...]
Bear Necessities
Second in a series by White River Steward Grace van Kan. In part 1, Grace described the dramatic first sighting of black bears. The story continues… The next day we were due to meet with bear biologist David Whitehead, a curator at Appalachian Bear Rescue (ABR). Rehabilitating their first bear [...]
