Central Chapter Events & Activities
For a full list of Central Chapter activities, check out our monthly Newsletter.
Coming Up
Thursday, April 18, 7:00 p.m.
Plants for Pollinators: Getting Reliably Safe Plants
Zoom presentation with Sharon Selvaggio
Wondering how to ensure the plants you buy are safe for pollinators from the start? Sharon Selvaggio, Pesticide Program Specialist at The Xerces Society, will discuss why choosing pollinator-safe nurseries is important and how plant buyers can evaluate nursery practices. She will also introduce Xerces’ model for obtaining pollinator-safe native plants in quantity. Tiny, inconspicuous and unappreciated species hold our world together. On their behalf, Sharon Selvaggio, a staff member in The Xerces Society’s Pesticide Program, works to help people recognize the risks of pesticides and move away from pesticide reliance toward more prevention-based pest management. Sharon is a former biologist and refuge manager with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and prior to Xerces, worked for several years with Northwest Center for Alternatives to Pesticides.
This program is open to everyone. Register at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/plants-for-pollinators-getting-reliably-safe-plants-tickets-834823578797
Saturday, April 27, 10:00 a.m. or 1:00 p.m.
Spring Hike at Holliday Park (Members Only)
6363 Spring Mill Rd, Indianapolis, IN 46260
Join Norma Wallman and fellow INPS members to discover the native (and maybe some non-native) spring ephemerals on the trails at Holliday Park. We will identify the flowers and talk about some plant behaviors. If you have a copy of Norma’s Wildflowers of Holliday Park, bring it for reference and we may try some identification apps.
Norma began walking the trails of Holliday Park in 1994 and identified and recorded the wildflowers she found in bloom and when they bloom and those data are the basis of her book. Norma has given numerous wildflower talks and walks. She is a retired registered nurse and now enjoys sharing nature with her two delightful granddaughters.
This hike is for members only and requires registration. Each hike is limited to 25 registrants. Meet in front of the Nature Center at your designated time.
Registration link for 10 a.m. hike- https://www.eventbrite.com/e/spring-wildflower-hike-at-holliday-park-tickets-859700847377?
Registration for 1 p.m. hike https://www.eventbrite.com/e/spring-wildflower-hike-at-holliday-park-at-1-pm-tickets-860959632437
Saturday, May 11, 9:30 a.m.
Hike at Shrader-Weaver Nature Preserve (Members Only)
Join the Central Chapter of Indiana Native Plant Society for a fun-filled day at Shrader-Weaver Woods where we will explore the beauty of nature together. This in-person event is perfect for nature enthusiasts and hikers of all levels. Get ready to immerse yourself in the lush greenery, serene atmosphere, and breathtaking views of the preserve including an old growth forest, floodplain, a seep spring, and an incredible mix of wildflowers. Blue-eyed Mary should be in full bloom. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to connect with fellow hikers and create lasting memories.
Dawn Slack, Indiana Director of Stewardship for The Nature Conservancy will lead the hike pointing out native and invasive species along the way. Dawn Slack has been studying natural resources for over 25 years and realized that a single species focus was unlikely to sustainably conserve a single one, so she began to share research with local residents early in her career to empower them and garner support for system level changes. She has been blessed to study and manage our natural resources as a biologist and botanist alongside many professionals and laymen across the U.S. She currently resides in Nashville, Indiana where she works to share biological and natural resource research, inspire others to tackle invasive species issues and support native habitat, and build collaborations for healthy lands, water, wildlife populations that ultimately support healthy and productive people.
The hike is limited to the first 15 people to register. You must be a member of Indiana Native Plant Society to register. Parking is limited (8 cars only), so please carpool as much as possible. Link to register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/hike-at-shrader-weaver-nature-preserve-tickets-869168996867?
Tuesday, May 14, 7:00 p.m.
Control Pests in the Garden: Without Toxic Chemicals
Zoom presentation with Dan Norris
Wondering how to control various kinds of pests (invasive weeds, rodents and harmful insects) in an organic way without toxic chemicals? Dan Norris, Certified Turfgrass Professional with Good Nature Organic Lawn Care, has over 22 years of experience teaching people how this can be done. His organization promotes practices focusing on use of compost tea, natural plant oils, beneficial natural organisms and organic weed suppressors to keep your landscape looking great, without chemicals. Instead of synthetic chemical insecticides, such as pyrethroids and neonicotinoids, natural plant extracts can be used to keep pesky bugs from ruining your day.
His knowledge is often shared with local garden clubs, the National Wildlife Federation, The ( formerly) Cleveland Botanical Garden, Ohio Master Gardeners, and Beyond Pesticides. He is a proud member of the Sierra Club and the Westlake Watershed Group in his hometown. He helped start an organic community garden in Westlake, Ohio and has his own low mow/no mow mix of grass in his front yard.
This program is open to everyone. Please register at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/control-pests-in-the-garden-without-toxic-chemicals-tickets-865839919507?
On the Horizon
Saturday, June 15, 1:00 p.m.
Nature Hike at Celery Bog in West Lafayette (Members Only)
Get ready to explore scenic trails, observe wildlife, and enjoy fresh air surrounded by nature. Listed by DNR’s Indiana Natural Heritage Program as one of the “significant sites” in the state, Celery Bog contains five wetland basins covering 105 acres. Many amphibious creatures attracted to its rich and unique wetland habitat can be viewed during the hike. Kyle Gebhart, Parks Naturalist for West Lafayette Parks & Recreation, will lead the hike. Meet outside Lilly Nature Center, 1620 Lindberg Road, West Lafayette, IN 47906
This hike is for members only and requires registration. The hike is limited to 25 members. Register at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/wetland-nature-hike-at-celery-bog-tickets-872439739747?
Thursday, June 20, 7:00 p.m.
Native Plant Gardening for Hummingbirds
Zoom presentation with Brian MacGowan
Do you want to attract the beautiful ruby-throated hummingbird to your yard? Our speaker Brian MacGowan, Extension Wildlife Specialist with the Department of Forestry & Natural Resources at Purdue University, can help you understand the colorful visitors, their nesting behavior, and important plants for backyard habitats. It may surprise you to learn their favorite food sources and the mixture of plant species providing ideal habitat conditions for them to prosper. We invite you to learn more about these flying pieces of iridescent art.
A native of South Bend, Indiana, Brian has been an Extension Wildlife Specialist with the Department of Forestry & Natural Resources at Purdue University since 1999. He earned a B.S. in Natural Resources from Ohio State University and a PhD in Natural Resources Social Science from Purdue University. His current extension programs focus on forest management, human-wildlife conflicts, and wildlife habitat management.
This event is open to everyone. The link to reserve your spot today: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/native-plant-gardening-for-hummingbirds-tickets-865955435017?
Tuesday, July 16, 7:00 p.m.
For the Love of Lepidoptera: Moths and Butterflies Deserve your Garden Love
Zoom presentation with Lior Carlson
Celebrate the beauty of moths and butterflies in your garden! Learn how to attract these fluttering friends with the right plants and create a haven for them to thrive. Discover the importance of these pollinators and how you can help conserve their habitats. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, this event is perfect for anyone who wants to show some love to these delicate creatures.
Lior Carlson of Backyard Butterflies will teach simple steps to take that have a big impact on gardening for Lepidoptera, such as focusing on keystone species, planting host and nectar plants, lazy or messy gardening, no pesticides, and understanding that you want your plants to be eaten. Lepidoptera life cycles will be explained including the role of host plants in your garden! You will get a basic introduction to moths, their importance, and how to conduct a moth survey and the additional insects that will be attracted to a collecting sheet.
This event is open to everyone. Register at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/for-the-love-of-lepidoptera-moths-and-butterflies-deserve-your-garden-love-tickets-868011855827
Wednesday, August 7, 7:00 p.m.
Native Landscaping to Attract Wildlife in Suburban Neighborhoods
Zoom presentation with Jessica Merkling
Explore the world of native landscaping and its impact on wildlife in suburban areas. Learn how to create a backyard oasis that attracts beautiful birds, butterflies, and other fascinating creatures. Your backyard could be the perfect place for wildlife to call home. With the right habitat, you can help Indiana’s wildlife survive and thrive. Jessica Merkling, Urban Wildlife biologist with the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, will explain what you can do to build a backyard habitat every critter wants to find.
This event is open to everyone. Register at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/native-landscaping-to-attract-wildlife-in-suburban-neighborhoods-tickets-869475634027?
Past Events
April 2024
Garlic Mustard Pull at Newfields Art & Nature Park
Come pull this invasive, destructive and edible plant with us–before it goes to seed!! Stick around afterwards to learn how to make delicious pesto from this pesky invasive plant, with our very own Patty Sanders! Please bring gloves, water and dress appropriately for the weather. This event is co-hosted by Newfields, Indiana Native Plant Society, and Purdue Extension Marion County.
March 2024
Pesticide Use in Garden Settings ♥ View on YouTube
Zoom presentation with Ellen Jacquart
This program covers the categories of pesticides and the risks vs. benefits of commonly used pesticides. Learn about the insect apocalypse, the impact of neonicotinoid use by growers, how to recognize a “real” problem, and the safe use of pesticides. Ellen Jacquart has spent a career managing natural areas in Indiana, working for the Department of Natural Resources, U.S. Forest Service, and the Indiana Chapter of The Nature Conservancy before retiring in 2016. A major focus of her work was to address the threat of invasive plants to forests, prairies, and wetlands. When the Indiana Invasive Species Council created the Invasive Plant Advisory Committee in 2010, she led it until she retired in 2016. She now chairs Monroe County – Identify and Reduce Invasive Species (MC-IRIS) which works to reduce the impact of invasive plants in Monroe County. Ellen was president of the statewide Indiana Native Plant Society from 2018 to 2022.
February 2024
Hellbender Biology and Conservation in Southern Indiana ♥ View on YouTube
Zoom presentation with Nick Burgmeier
In Indiana, the eastern hellbender population has been reduced to only the Blue River in southern Indiana. However, several Ohio River tributaries seem to possess suitable hellbender habitat. Nick Burgmeier, Research Biologist and Extension Wildlife Specialist for the Dept. of Forestry and Natural Resources, Purdue University, evaluates the environmental conditions in these tributaries to determine if the habitat, water quality, and food base would be suitable for hellbender repatriation. Expanding hellbender populations to additional suitable habitat will ensure Indiana’s hellbenders are protected from stochastic events and will help restore these river systems to a more functional state. Nick’s work focuses on two separate facets of the eastern hellbender conservation: 1) species repatriation and 2) outreach and education. He also works with landowners to improve water quality. One of the main drivers of hellbender decline has been poor water quality and sedimentation. Currently, Nick is developing presentations and programs to help encourage landowners in southern Indiana to adopt practices that will reduce water pollution. If successful, these programs should ultimately help to improve aquatic resources, including habitat for the hellbender.
January 2024
A Truly Green Lawn ♥ View on YouTube
Zoom presentation with Justin Curley
Learn how to have a thriving lawn by optimizing turf grass health through cultural practices. We will learn about practical organic alternatives that exist for the typical home lawn care regimen without chemicals! Also discussed will be defining the use and purpose of your lawn space. This program is presented by Justin Curley, a graduate of Penn State and Indiana State University. Justin spent a decade as a golf course superintendent in Central Pennsylvania before finding his true calling with Purdue Extension. He is now the regional extension turf expert with Purdue Extension and conducts lawn and turf programming throughout the region. His current passion project is teaching people that it is possible to have a quality lawn without using pesticides and synthetic fertilizers!
October 2023
Central Chapter Native Plant Sale
Holliday Park Nature Center, Indianapolis
Fall is a perfect time to plant native plants. The cooler temperatures, reliable rainfall, and short, bright days help plants make a quick and easy transition to your landscape. Plants have a longer time to develop strong roots to prepare them for the hot, dry conditions of summer. Central Indiana Land Trust and Native Plants Unlimited have donated a large selection of native perennials, and some trees and shrubs are coming from Woody Warehouse. We also welcome extra native plants dug from your yard. To prevent the possible spread of the invasive Asian Jumping Worms, please pot up donations according to the guidelines on the INPS website. https://indiananativeplants.org/dev/2023/asian-jumping-worms-preventing-their-spread-in-pant-sales/
October 2023
Leave the Leaves: Native Garden Winterization ♥ View on YouTube
Zoom presentation with Lisa Milton
As winter approaches, learn how to best manage your garden for wildlife. It is obvious how native plants provide important resources for pollinators during the growing season, but these plants also provide critical habitat and food resources throughout the winter. This talk will show how to tidy up and winterize your garden while helping insects and other wildlife get the most out of it. Lisa Milton, Manager of Natural Resources at Newfields, will outline the management practices and timelines used at The Virginia B. Fairbanks Art and Nature Park at Newfields and will advise on how to apply these practices to your home garden while keeping a clean aesthetic your neighbors can appreciate.
September 2023
Photography—Capturing your Own Creativity ♥ View on YouTube
Zoom presentation with Kate Hart
Everyone is a photographer! Unlock your “inner creativity” when taking photos of nature, landscape, gardens, self-portraits, and wildlife by learning some new ways of capturing your own style of art. This program is presented by Kate Hart who has had her own photography social media page for 10 years. She is also an Advanced Master Gardener. One of her photos was recently chosen as the First Place Photography Award Winner with INPS. Her photographs have been featured by several National Gardening Companies. In addition to being a photographer, she is a gardener and landscaper. She is the website, social media and Publication Chair for the Indianapolis Hosta Society and helps with social media with several other Garden Clubs. She is a member of INPS, Friends of Broad Ripple Park, Broad Ripple Garden Club, American Hosta Society, Herb Society of Central IN, and American Conifer Society, just to mention a few.
July 2023
Bat Night Hike (INPS Members Only)
Marian University’s Nina Mason Pulliam Ecolab
The EcoLab’s wetlands transform into a bat paradise in the summer time. Ecolab Restoration Ecologist Sarah Downing will guide you to discover more about these flying mammals and other nocturnal animals. You can also try your hand at special technology that can identify bats through their echolocation. We will be walking around the pond and although there is a small staircase, this is an easy hike. Boots are suggested, as are long sleeves or bug spray.
July 2023
Land Stewardship: The Greatest Threats to Hoosier Habitats & Biodiversity ♥ View on YouTube
Zoom presentation with Jacob Brinkman
How do natural areas make communities healthier and more resilient to climate change? Learn how the Indianapolis Office of Land Stewardship is working to manage and protect natural areas in a growing urban landscape. This presentation will cover strategies for successful ecological restoration and increasing impact through partnerships and community engagement.
Jacob Brinkman is an ecologist with the Indianapolis Office of Land Stewardship. He assists with natural resource management and planning for woodland, wetland and riparian habitats in Indy Parks. Jacob has also worked with IDEM, The Nature Conservancy and as a naturalist at Eagle Creek Park. He graduated from Indiana University’s School of Public and Environmental Affairs in 2004.
June 2023
Indiana Nature Preserves ♥ View on YouTube
Zoom presentation with Central Indiana Land Trust
The natural areas in the central portion of Indiana are in some cases undervalued. Not only are they important to our personal well-being, but they also foster much beauty for those who have eyes to see it, especially if you know where to look! That’s where conservation organizations like Central Indiana Land Trust (CILTI) come in. Our mission at CILTI is to preserve the best of central Indiana’s natural areas, protecting 6,500 acres of habitat for plants and animals while providing a place for all Hoosiers to experience the wonder of our state’s natural heritage. There are some preserves we think everyone should know about. Each preserve has its own unique qualities that sets it apart and gives it an important role in our planet’s ecosystem. This presentation will discuss some of CILTI’s nature preserves, as well as why and how we are protecting these special places in central Indiana.
Phillip Weldy is the Stewardship Specialist for CILTI. He enjoys nature’s wonders 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. That transformative experience made him decide to use his Purdue environmental biology degree in the field. He came to his stewardship role at CILTI after undertaking invasive species control and trail maintenance in Michigan. When not wrestling invasive plants in the field, he stays in fighting shape by kneading bread dough for fresh-baked loaves.
May 2023
Landscape Invaders: Exotic Forest Bugs and More ♥ View on YouTube
Zoom presentation with Bob Bruner
Bob Bruner, with Purdue University, offers a look at a variety of invasive species that are impacting Indiana, or soon will be. He covers insects such as the spotted lanternfly, spongy moth, and other pests of concern that can bridge the gap between urban forests and landscaped areas. He also covers hot-topic pests, particularly the Asian jumping worm, as well as invasive pathogens like beech leaf disease and thousand canker disease.
Bob has been an entomologist for 13 years. Throughout his career, he has studied the ecology and host plant preference of many invasive species, such as the emerald ash borer, sharing his knowledge to educate on the impacts of different invaders. Bob has taken on a new role as the Exotic Forest Pest Specialist with Purdue University’s Dept. of Entomology, focusing on helping Hoosiers learn more about invasive pests and what to do to eradicate or prevent them from damaging property and the natural areas we love. Bob can often be found traveling throughout the state, offering trainings and presentations for groups like SICIM and Master Gardener associations.
April 2023
Botanical Time Bombs: A Historical Look at the Accidental and Intentional Introductions of Indiana’s Invasive Plants ♥ View on YouTube
Zoom presentation with Steve Sass and Amanda Smith
You may know many of the 126 plants currently listed as “officially invasive” in Indiana, but do you know the history of their arrival? In this program, Steve Sass and Amanda Smith of Indiana Nature LLC will take a historical journey from European settlement to the current day tracing how these species found their way to the United States. The program will reflect upon the historical factors that contributed to their arrival and examine the lessons learned and unlearned.
Steve Sass and Amanda Smith are the co-founders of Indiana Nature LLC, which includes the educational initiative indiananature.net, and its corresponding social media outreach. Their popular Facebook Group “IN Nature” contains the Great American Indiana Nature (GAIN) projects, which have engaged thousands of Hoosiers to collaboratively build a database of moth, butterfly, tree, and wildflower populations in the state. Former chapter presidents of the Indiana Native Plant and Wildflower Society (North and Central Chapters respectively), they have collectively served in numerous capacities for Indiana environmental organizations. Amanda is the Superintendent of Natural Resources and Education for Hamilton County Parks. Steve is a small business owner in South Bend. Currently they are working on co-authoring several documents for the City of South Bend. Their latest project, in partnership with Indiana University’s Sustainability Development Program, is a publication tentatively titled Local Government’s Impact on Ecological Sustainability: A Guide to the Ordinances, Policies, and Initiatives Affecting Indiana’s Ecosystems.
March 2023
Remediation of a Gravel Pit at Newfields ♥ View on YouTube
Zoom presentation with Lisa Milton
The Virginia B. Fairbanks Art & Nature Park is a 100-acre park in Indianapolis. And has a unique history of land management. As former agricultural land that was utilized as a gravel pit in the 1960s and 1970s, the land that is now Fairbanks Park was left to naturalize for decades with no development or rehabilitation. The species which characterize the composition of the park are those which colonized the disturbed land over this naturalization period and are largely invasive and undesired. Prior to intensive land management, data collection began in the park in 2004. The study was replicated in 2019 to evaluate the land management’s impact on species composition.
Due to the availability of this and other data, the successes and failures of land management practices in this 100-acre plot are well documented. Our program will focus on the history of land use, the impact of land management on the current floristic quality within the park, and the implications of land management for habitat and water quality.
Lisa Milton, Manager of Natural Resources has been with Newfields since May 2022. Most recently served as the Assistant Operations and Property Manager for White River State Park, where she gained experience controlling invasive plants in a riparian setting on the Urban Wilderness Trail. Lisa has a Masters degree in Environmental Science from Indiana University. She recently served as the Vice President for the White River Alliance and currently sits on the board of directors for Friends of the White River. She is Co-Chair of Reconnecting to Our Waterways White River Committee. Lisa’s work history includes private estate gardening, erosion mitigation, and raptor rehabilitation.
February 2023
Winter Icebreaker
Daugherty House, Oliver’s Woods, 8825 River Road, Indianapolis
The Winter Icebreaker is a time for Central Chapter members to come together to catch up, celebrate the passing season and talk plans for the coming season. It is an informal potluck—bring your favorite dish and/or beverage to share!
About the venue: Oliver’s Woods is a Central Indiana Land Trust property located at 8825 River Road Indianapolis, Indiana. Please consider carpooling as parking is limited to about 20 spaces. Park in the lot adjacent to I-465 and walk up the lane to the Daugherty House. There are a few accessible parking spots by the house. (Overflow parking is available on the lane between the parking lot and house if absolutely necessary.)
February 2023
All About Rain Gardens ♥ View on YouTube
Speaker Claire Lane
Did you know a 2,000 square foot house in Central Indiana will produce ~50,000 gallons of runoff every year? In most residential or urban neighborhoods, 20-30% of that water runs off to storm drains then, untreated, to our lakes, rivers, and streams. Join us to learn how we can create rain gardens on our properties to infiltrate some of that water back into the ground, reduce flooding, provide pollinator habitat, and protect our rivers and lakes. Rain gardens are shallow, bowl-shaped landscaping features planted with native species that capture and treat stormwater runoff from rain events. Rain gardens are utilized on residential and small commercial properties to mimic the natural hydro-logical cycle whereby rainfall soaks into the ground rather than running off the landscape and polluting local creeks, streams, and rivers. This infiltration helps to mitigate flooding in localized areas such as neighborhoods, streets and streams. Rain gardens also provide important habitat to support beneficial insects and pollinators that can help improve local water quality.
As the urban conservationist at the Hamilton County Soil and Water Conservation District, Claire Lane manages the development and delivery of backyard and urban conservation programs to Hamilton County residents. The urban conservation program offers site visits and technical assistance, a tool loan program, development of educational publications, events and workshops, and more. Claire also manages the Hamilton County Invasives Partnership. Learn more about these programs at www.hamiltonswcd.org
October 2022
Steve’s Top Ten Garden Tools and other Unique Favorites
In-person presentation by Steve Cline
A LIVE presentation at Lawrence Branch Library, 7898 Hague Rd, Indianapolis, IN 46256. Steve will discuss and demonstrate various garden tools, explain advantages, proper
use and care of tools. There will also be a handout which will include websites of all the tools demonstrated, where to find pictures, prices, more detailed info and a list of the complete gardening tool bucket. This program is open to everyone. Registration not required.
Steve Cline retired after 51 years working as a pharmacist. Immediately after retirement he took Purdue’s Master Gardener class in 2015. He volunteers as a team leader in the AAS award winning Demonstration Garden at the State Fairgrounds, helps in the gardens at Holliday Park, Northview Church in Carmel as a grounds team leader and is on the Marion County Master Gardener Association Board of Directors as the Recording Secretary. He is a five year member of INPS and a 43 year member of the premier men’s Barbershop Chorus and The Circle City Sound in Indianapolis. He is married with 5 children, and has several grandchildren and great -grandchildren.
October 2022
Take Flight! A Raptor Evening at Oliver’s Woods
Join Central Indiana Land Trust and Take Flight! Wildlife Education to meet several species of live raptors up close and learn about the amazing adaptations that make these birds so special.
Suggested attire: Dress in long pants thick enough to stand up to thorns, brush, poison ivy, ticks, and mosquitos. Wear closed-toed shoes that can stand up to mud and clothes you don’t mind getting dirty. Oliver’s Woods, 8825 River Road Indianapolis
September 2022
Monarch Tagging Program with Indiana Wildlife Federation
Join Central Indiana Land Trust and Indiana Wildlife Federation for a hands-on community science event to help document the monarchs’ fall migration at Nonie Werbe Krauss Nature Preserve, 10910 Eller Rd, Fishers.
Suggested attire: Dress in long pants thick enough to stand up to thorns, brush, poison ivy, ticks, and mosquitos. Wear closed-toed shoes that can stand up to mud.
September 2022
Perceived Pests in the Garden ♥ View on YouTube
Zoom presentation with Brad Westrich
You may have experienced some frustration when your last native planting was rudely pruned or worse, girdled. The instigator may have been deer, voles, or moles. Brad Westrich, a Mammalogist with Indiana DNR, will discuss the biology and habits of some of these mammals. Plus, learn ways to deter these animals from becoming a pest in the first place. At the very least, you may leave with a greater appreciation for the daily plight these mammals face. You will also learn about a reporting tool for some uncommon backyard mammals.
Brad Westrich has been the Mammalogist with Indiana DNR since 2018. He has a diverse work history as an ecologist working with animals ranging from fish in Utah and New Mexico, birds in Central America and Florida, and Mammals across the Southwestern US. He received his Bachelors of Science in Conservation Ecology from New Mexico State University, and later his Masters of Science in Biology with a focus on Disease Ecology from Texas State University. Currently, Brad can be found working with bats, rodents, bears, and rabbits across Indiana.
October 2022
McCloud Nature Park Hike
We will wander the trails looking for any late blooming flowers, do some tree ID, and maybe find some insects and birds along the way. Bring boots as there may be some water to cross. McCloud has 232 acres of woods, glacial ravines, prairie and creek with 6.5 miles of well-marked trails, fishing, wading, canoeing and kayaking in Big Walnut Creek. Why not make it a full day of fun activities after the hike?
The hike will be lead by Ben Hess who has a passion for plants, natural areas and wildlife. He is a Professional Wetlands Scientist and Indiana Master Naturalist who works as a botanist for Cardno, assessing wetlands across the Midwest. Ben has a Master’s in Biology from Ball State University, and a Bachelor’s of Science from Taylor University.
The park is located in Hendricks County 8518 Hughes Rd, North Salem, IN 46165
September 2022
Shifting Baselines: Indiana’s Natural Landscape of 1816 and Today
Zoom presentation with Michael Homoya
The September 12th meeting of the Marion County Master Gardeners’ Association will be held at the Riviera Club, at 5640 N. Illinois Street, Indianapolis, with a special program featuring a presentation by Michael Homoya. A noted botanist and plant ecologist, Mike has authored numerous scientific papers and books about Indiana’s natural landscape, flowers and trees.
Michael Homoya served as Botanist/Plant Ecologist for the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Division of Nature Preserves for 37 years before retiring in 2019. He has written over 75 scientific papers, popular articles, and books about Indiana’s natural features, including Orchids of Indiana, Wildflowers and Ferns of Indiana Forests: A Field Guide, Wake Up, Woods, and Wildflowers of the Midwest (with co-author Scott Namestnik; in press).
Homoya is a Fellow and former president of the Indiana Academy of Science as well as board member and immediate past president of the Indiana Native Plant Society. He is currently an adjunct faculty member in biology at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis and Marian University. In 2019 Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb awarded him the Sagamore of the Wabash for his contributions to preserve Indiana’s natural heritage. Other honors include the Indiana Academy of Science Distinguished Scholar Award, the Distinguished Career Public Service Award from Conservation Law Center, and the Barbara J. Restle Lifetime Conservation Award from Sycamore Land Trust.
July 2022
Foraging and Native Plant Conservation: Expanding the Ecological Self ♥ View on YouTube
Zoom presentation with Greg Monzel
Humans have a fraught relationship with the natural world. Modern humans are obsessed with controlling and extracting value from natural spaces, often to the detriment of people and nature alike. For most of human existence, we depended on hunting and gathering wild foods for sustenance, which tied people directly to their habitats. Unfortunately, foraging and forestry practices have been extractive in the colonial expansion of early America, resulting in precipitous decline of plant diversity and damage to their habitats. This program will make the case that thoughtful foraging of wild foods and medicines can help restore connections between people and nature, increasing the value of forests and other habitats to support their conservation. We will look at how hunting practices and policies can inform foraging policies and conservation efforts, and perhaps make foraging less taboo in conservation circles.
Greg Monzel is a student of nature with a gift for nourishing deep connections between people and plants. He has been a practicing herbal educator, medicine maker, and grower since 2008. He and his wife co-founded Persimmon Herb School in 2015 to hold plant centered space and build a healing community.
June 2022
Working with Diverse Communities in Conservation ♥ View on YouTube
Zoom presentation with Rebecca Calvert
Join INPS Central Chapter for a presentation by Keep Indianapolis Beautiful Director of Community Engagement, Rebecca Calvert. This program will be virtual on Tuesday, June 21st at 7pm. Rebecca will discuss Assisting Neighbors in Beautification, Adopt-a-Block, Great Indy Cleanup, Tree Applications, Native Plant Sales, Invasive Habitat Removal and Habitat Restoration, examples of plants and flowers that are used, KIB’s Community Engagement, tree planting selection method and process and the 2021-2024 Strategic Plan. Rebecca’s background is in education and human development. She was raised in southern California. Her favorite place in Indy is Eagle Creek.
June 2022
Teter Retreat & Organic Farm Hike
10980 E 221st St, Noblesville, IN 46062
At Teter, you will be able to see the various projects underway to rebuild soil so that plants can thrive, building habitat for wild animals as well as humans. The Peace Garden and Educational Trail is an endeavor still in its beginning stages. The Conservation reserve is an early successional stage for plants and the woodlands are important riparian bottomlands that hold and filter floodwaters. The organic vegetable fields and hoop houses grow food using the wisdom of nature and farmer ingenuity.
May 2022
MacGregor Park Hike
Join other INPS Central Chapter members for an easy walk/hike at 21105 MacGregor Park Rd. Westfield, IN 46074. The park is located close to US 31 and SR 38.
The hike will be led by naturalist Dan Popiela. Dan has been a naturalist at Cool Creek Park for many years and will share his knowledge on ways to ID flowers and trees. He will discuss spring flowers that are blooming along the path and in the fields. Markine Sipes, who works for Westfield/Washington Twp. Parks Dept. will also be joining the group to share the history of the park.
April 2022
Wildflower Walk at Burnett Woods in Avon
Join Central Indiana Land Trust’s stewardship team for a wildflower walk at this state-dedicated nature preserve in Avon. Burnett Woods is well-known for its ephemerals.
Burnett Woods, 8264 E County Road 100 S Avon, IN.
March 2022
Newfields From Past to Present, the Creation of a Nature Park ♥ View on YouTube
Experience one of Indianapolis hidden gems. Travel back in time to the days of past, and see the visions of the future; along the floodplains of White River and experience the humble beginnings of a now world class park. Botanist Greg Butts, the Art & Nature Park Coordinator at Newfields will guide us on the history and future visions for the Virginia B. Fairbanks Art & Nature Park at Newfields. A park that is looking to change the perception of intercity parks to a place on natural beauty. Working only with native plants to create a place at the intersection of Art and Nature.
Greg grew up in a small farming community in Southern Ohio where he learned to appreciate the woods and nature. His interest in plants led him to earn a Bachelor of Science degree with concentration in Botany from Ball State University. Greg worked for the Indiana DNR as an Interpretive Naturalist following college, but soon his love of plants called him to the nursery industry where he managed a variety of garden centers. Currently, he is actively managing the 100-acre property along the floodplains of the White River in Indianapolis. He is an integral part of the Newfields team developing successful solutions for green infrastructure, native landscaping, plant community establishment, invasive plant management, habitat restoration and master planning for the park’s future.