Tulip tree at Meltzer Woods by John Pemberton
Tulip tree at Meltzer Woods by John Pemberton
Finding Refuge in the Natural World
Written By: David Barickman
David Barickman
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to reflect on the importance of mental wellbeing and the many ways we can nurture it. One powerful yet often overlooked source of healing is nature.
Jarod K Anderson during a recent stop at Golden Hour Books
In Something in the Woods Loves You, poet and writer Jarod K. Anderson offers a deeply personal exploration of how the natural world can be a refuge during difficult times. Anderson shares his journey through life’s darkest moments, showing how simple yet meaningful encounters with nature—like watching herons, hawks, and trillium—helped him find light in the darkness.
The author’s experiences underscore an important message: Nature can be a sanctuary for those grappling with mental health challenges. The serenity of a forest trail, the flow of a river, or the simple act of observing wildlife can offer us a new perspective. These interactions remind us of the grounding effect that the natural environment can have on our psyche.
Anderson emphasizes the important role nature played (alongside other tools such as therapy and medication) in countering the harmful self-talk he was experiencing due to his depression. Time in nature helped him interrupt this negative self-talk and provided space for him to consider the positive voices in his life.
Something in the Woods Loves You
Anderson’s story illustrates that nature can be an active participant in our healing. In a world filled with constant noise, digital distractions, and overwhelming stress, immersing ourselves in nature can provide the grounding clarity we seek.
For those in Central Indiana looking for their own grounding nature moment, Meltzer Woods is a great place to start. This old growth forest near Shelbyville offers rare moments of deep awe walking beneath its towering trees, some of which have stood for over 150 years.
Meltzer Woods, like the book itself, is a quiet sanctuary—a place to listen, to breathe, and to remember that we are part of something much larger and older than ourselves. Whether you are seeking a moment of reflection, a mental reset, or simply a place to be still, the woods are there for you.
During Mental Health Awareness Month, let’s take time to appreciate the healing power of nature. Spring is the perfect time to explore one of the many nature preserves across the state. As you immerse yourself in the beauty of our region, if you can, consider supporting the places that provide these grounding moments for us all.
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This piece originally appeared in Urban Times.
DJ Connors
Guest Blogger
DJ Connors, a Central Indiana native and late-to-life hunter, combines a lifelong appreciation for wildlife and the outdoors with a deep passion for exploring the natural beauty of the area he has called home for most of his life. As a husband and father of three, he is committed to ensuring his children have the same opportunities to connect with nature and appreciate the outdoors in their community. DJ’s unique journey into hunting emphasizes sustainability, responsible stewardship, and the importance of preserving these experiences for future generations.
Bridget Walls
Guest Blogger
Bridget is our first ever Communications and Outreach Intern. She is a graduate of Marian University, where she combined English, studio art, and environmental sciences in her degree studies. As treasurer for Just Earth, the university's environmental club, she helped plan events encouraging a responsible relationship between people, nature, and animals.
Jordan England
Guest Blogger
Jordan England is a lifelong Shelby County resident who graduated from Waldron Jr. Sr. High School (just a few miles from Meltzer Woods!). After earning her B.S. degree in Retail Management from Purdue University, she returned to Waldron to start a family with her husband, Brian. Together they have 3 young children and enjoy sharing with them their love of the community. Jordan is the Grants and Nonprofit Relations Director at Blue River Community Foundation, managing BRCF’s grant program, providing support to local nonprofits, and promoting catalytic philanthropy in Shelby County.
Cliff Chapman
President and CEO
As CILTI’s President and CEO, Cliff keeps CILTI’s focus on good science and stewardship. He’s mindful that the natural places you love took thousands of years to evolve and could be destroyed in a single day, and that knowledge drives his dedication to their protection.
Stacy Cachules
Chief Operating Officer
Among her many key duties as Assistant Director, Stacy has the critical task of tracking our budget, making sure we channel donations for maximum efficiency. When her workday’s done, Stacy loves to spend time with her two young boys—and when not traveling, she’s likely planning the next travel adventure.
Karen Wade
Board Member
Before retiring, CILTI board member Karen Wade worked for Eli Lilly & Co. In retirement she volunteers for a number of organizations, including the Indiana Master Naturalist program, Johnson County Native Plant Partnership CISMA, Meadowstone Therapeutic Riding Center, and Leadership Johnson County.
David Barickman
Development Systems Manager
Born and raised in Central Illinois, David spent many days as a child wandering around the river, forest and lakes there. He works behind the scenes as a key member of our fundraising team. When not working, David loves to be outdoors hiking, fly fishing, kayaking or woodworking.
Jamison Hutchins
Stewardship Director
Jamison leads our stewardship team in caring for the land that is so important to you. He comes to our team after eight years as Bicycle and Pedestrian Coordinator for the city of Indianapolis, where his work had a positive impact from both health and environmental perspectives.
Ben Miller
Land Protection Coordinator
Ben is excited to have officially joined the CILTI team, after many years of collaboration in partner organizations. He spent ten years of his environmental career with the Indiana DNR: Division of Fish & Wildlife, first as a Fisheries Biologist and most recently leading the Healthy Rivers Initiative (one of the state’s largest land protection projects).
Jen Schmits Thomas
Media Relations
An award-winning communicator and recognized leader in Central Indiana’s public relations community, Jen helps us tell our story in the media. She is the founder of JTPR, which she and her husband John Thomas own together. She is accredited in public relations (APR) from the Public Relations Society of America, and loves to camp and hike in perfect weather conditions.
Shawndra Miller
Communications Director
Shawndra’s earliest writing projects centered around the natural world, starting when a bird inspired her to write her first “book” in elementary school. Now she is in charge of sharing our story and connecting you to our work. Through our print and online materials, she hopes to inspire your participation in protecting special places for future generations.
Phillip Weldy
Stewardship Specialist
Phillip enjoys nature’s wonders from an up-close-and-personal perspective as he works to restore the natural places you love. As an AmeriCorps member in Asheville, NC, he had his first full immersion in relatively undisturbed land while reconstructing wilderness trails in National Parks and National Forests.
May 15, 2025
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to reflect on the importance of mental wellbeing and the many ways we can nurture it. One powerful yet often overlooked source of healing is nature. In Something in the Woods Loves You, poet and writer Jarod K. Anderson offers a [...]
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