Photo by Sarah Gray
The Central Chapter has curated an exciting set of tours, workshops, and experiences to round out your conference weekend in Indy. All these events will take place on Friday, October 16, 2026. Registration is required and enrollment is limited. Please register early to secure your spot, but no later than October 10. Be certain that you’re not enrolling in concurrent sessions.
If you find you cannot participate in something you’ve signed up for, please notify us at activities@indiananativeplants.org so we can give your spot to someone else.
9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Birds & Native Plants of Carpenter Nature Preserve
601 S 900 E, Zionsville, IN 46077 (meet at the Prairie Pavilion)
Led by Roger Hedge. Max 15 participants. Free.
The Carpenter Nature Preserve is a 215-acre nature preserve in Union Township near Michigan and SR 32. Phase 1 of the preserve is now open and features paved and rustic trails, Eagle Creek overlooks, an outdoor classroom, the Rose and David Means Amphitheater, wildlife blind, nature playground, parking, prairie pavilion with restrooms, and acres of prairie development, reforestation, wetland conversion. The Parks and Recreation Department is working to eliminate invasive species and enhance the wildlife habitat throughout the preserve.
Today, a lot is happening behind the scenes. In partnership with the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, improvements to Eagle Creek and the drainage running through the property are anticipated to begin in 2027, helping restore and protect a healthier riparian corridor. Through continued collaboration with the community and the Zionsville Parks Foundation, future phases of construction will add additional trails, ecological restoration projects, and amenities including wetland boardwalks, a tree canopy walk, playgrounds, public art, and a regional nature center.
Join Roger Hedge for a hike in the park to spot birds and native plants. Roger is retired from the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Division of Nature Preserves. He was an ecologist with the Indiana Natural Heritage Data Center within DNR Nature Preserves. He is an avid birder and field botanist and long time member of the Indiana Native Plant Society. Bring binoculars and dress for the weather, with comfortable shoes.
https://zionsville-in.gov/733/Carpenter-Nature-Preserve
9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Native Plant Garden Design
Garden Cottage at Holcomb Gardens, Butler University
Led by Brooke Alford. Max 30 participants. Free.
Upon registration you will receive an email with instructions for parking and meeting at the Cottage. Designing native plant gardens is multipurpose. We want to support wildlife and increase ecological functions, as well as make it inviting for human visitors. In this workshop we will look at the basics of the garden design process as well as planning implementation and ongoing maintenance. Each one of these stages is crucial to the success of the garden. We will also look at some species that we consider ‘garden scale’ native species. We will end the time with a tour through Holcomb Gardens, re-planted with native plants in the fall of 2024.
Brooke is a garden designer, consultant and educator. She studied at the University of Washington, Seattle and operated Urban Habitat Landscape Design for several years. She is currently on the board of INPS and is a co-chair of the AC2026.
https://www.butler.edu/holcomb-gardens/
10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Tour & Collect Seeds at Virginia B. Fairbanks Art & Nature Park
1850 West 38th Street, Indianapolis, IN 46208
Led by Lisa Milton. Max 50 participants. Free.
The Virginia B. Fairbanks Art & Nature Park is a 100-acre rural oasis situated in the heart of Indianapolis. A living sculpture park focused on experimentation, public interaction, and community engagement, it includes a 35-acre lake, woodlands, wetlands, and the largest native pollinator meadow in Indianapolis.
Lisa Milton and other Newfields staff/guides will lead us through the park, especially the pollinator meadow. Prepare to walk up to one mile and dress for the weather.
The parking lot entry is about one-half block west of the main Newfields entrance and is located off the exit ramp for North White River Parkway East Drive. If driving, the park entrance can be accessed only from westbound 38th Street.
https://discovernewfields.org/do-and-see/places-to-go/virginia-b-fairbanks-art-nature-park-100-acres
10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Movie Screening: The Extraordinary Caterpillar
Westfield Washington Public Library (Room 1A) 17400 Westfield Blvd, Westfield, IN
Hosted by Bobby Avery-Kimball and Avery Cyr. Max 200 participants. Free.
A peek into the dazzling world of nature’s tiniest and mightiest superheroes! We’re hosting a special screening of The Extraordinary Caterpillar, a beautifully shot 60-minute documentary that reveals the vital—and often overlooked—role caterpillars play in our ecosystems. From blooming meadows to city parks and backyard gardens, this inspiring film celebrates the magic of nature while showing families practical ways to make a difference. Along the way, you’ll see the groundbreaking work of The Caterpillar Lab, entomologist David Wagner, and Doug Tallamy, co-founder of Homegrown National Park. A film by Jeff McKay. Watch the trailer here! https://vimeo.com/1117213704
Room opens for setup at 9:30 a.m. Movie to begin at 10 a.m., ending at 11 a.m., room clean-up and closure by 11:30 a.m. 1A is the large events room on far wall on first floor across from entrance and past stairs.
11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Garden of INPS Member/Westfield Resident’s Home
Near 161 st /Spring Mill Road Westfield (address given to registered guests only)
Led by Bobby Avery-Kimball. Max 50 participants. Free.
Enjoy a leisurely stroll around the landscaped native gardens on the 0.20 acre lot of Central Chapter INPS President Bobby Avery-Kimball. Guests may guide themselves around the property at their own pace. Bobby will have signs denoting various species in bloom and will answer questions about her 10-year journey of transforming her HOA-ruled turf lawn into a native plant oasis. A lawn with uneven surfaces, changing elevation, stairs and gravel paths may pose challenges to some with mobility limitations. Sunscreen and bug spray may be warranted depending on conditions.
11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Botany for Gardeners
Garden Cottage at Holcomb Gardens, Butler University
Led by Greg Monzel. Max 30 participants. Free.
Do you know a petiole from a pedicel? Review plant structures and functions with a focus on practical applications for gardeners and plant enthusiasts. Going beyond flower parts, we discuss plant physiological needs, evolution and human coevolution with plants. Participants gain practice describing plant characteristics and familiarity with technical language. Participants are free to tour the Holcomb Gardens, adjacent to the Garden Cottage.
Greg Monzel is a botanist and gardener in central Indiana sharing his special interest in plants with diverse audiences since 2008, offering botany walks, homesteading, foraging and herbal medicine workshops. Greg has a BS in field botany and an MS in progress studying macroevolution in North American bluets (Houstonia spp) at Ball State University. He is the past president of INPS central chapter and serves on their plant sale committee.
Parking and meeting instructions will be provided.
1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Seed Saving & Processing Workshop
Cottage Garden at Holcomb Gardens, Butler University
Led by Greg Monzel. Max 30 participants. Free.
Saving seeds is an ancestral skill relevant to gardeners, conservationists, and foragers. Together, participants will clean native plant seeds and learn the process through active engagement. Important terms and considerations will be included, such as dormancy, embryonic maturation, recalcitrance, and maintaining genetic diversity in seed collections. The seeds we clean will be offered in the conference seed swap.
Greg Monzel is a botanist and gardener in central Indiana sharing his special interest in plants with diverse audiences since 2008, offering botany walks, homesteading, foraging and herbal medicine workshops. Greg has a BS in field botany and an MS in progress studying macroevolution in North American bluets (Houstonia spp) at Ball State University. He is the past president of INPS central chapter and serves on their plant sale committee.
Participants will receive an email with parking instructions. Parking is limited and carpooling is encouraged. articipants are free to tour the Holcomb Gardens, adjacent to the Garden Cottage.
1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Seed Collecting at Cool Creek Park
2000 E 151st Street Carmel, IN 46033 (meet at Cool Creek Nature Center)
Led by Dan Popiela. Max 25 participants. Free.
Looking to expand your wildflower garden or landscape? Join park naturalist “Nature Dan” Popiela as we walk through the park’s prairie identifying seed pods and collecting for personal use. We will also discuss germination tips and tricks. Seed collecting materials will be provided.
2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Tour the Sustainable Urban Agriculture Farm at Butler University
Bulldog Road, past the athletic fields and Parking Lot I.
Led by Tim Dorsey. Max 30 participants. Free.
The Farm at Butler is a one-acre sustainable agriculture project on the campus of Butler University and managed by the Office of Sustainability. The farm’s three-pronged mission is:
- To promote excellence in education and research across the University curriculum
- To educate Butler University and the Indianapolis community about sustainable agriculture and the local food system
- To serve as an example of sustainable urban agriculture through the exploration of local food production
The Farm currently grows a variety of seasonal produce using organic practices, selling all of our food directly to Butler’s campus dining services provider, Bon Appétit. Each April, we also host an annual flower and vegetable plant start sale that is open to the community.
Farmer Tim will lead a tour talking about their sustainable agricultural practices, including native gardens and compost application for soil health. A representative from the newly formed Indiana Composting Council will be in attendance to share information about this new non-profit organization in Indiana.
Registrants will receive an email with parking instructions. Parking is limited and carpooling is encouraged. The farm is at the end of the road next to the tennis courts and across from the Butler Prairie.
https://www.butler.edu/sustainability/the-farm-at-butler/
2:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Propagating Native Plants
Holcomb Gardens, Butler University, Indianapolis
Led by Coralie Palmer. Max 30 participants. Free.
Join INPS President Coralie Palmer for a session on propagating native plants. From seed starting to taking cuttings, you’ll learn how to grow your native plant garden efficiently and cost effectively. Plus, seeds and cuttings will be available to take from the native garden beds at Holcomb Gardens.
Participants will receive an email with parking instructions. Parking is limited and participants are encouraged to carpool. Dress for the weather, as part of the workshop will be outdoors.
https://www.butler.edu/holcomb-gardens/
7:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Central Chapter’s Fire Pit Social at Urban Vines
Urban Vines Winery, 303 E. 161 st Street, Westfield, IN 46074
Hosted by Bobby Avery-Kimball and Avery Cyr. Max 50 participants. Free.
Enjoy light snacks, and the company of fellow native plant enthusiasts at Urban Vines Winery in Westfield. Adult beverages will not be provided by the club, but beverages and dinner entrees are available for purchase separately. This location permits attendance by people of all ages and even has a playground for children. We hope to see you there.
Please consider bringing your own bagged camping chair due to limited comfortable seating (stone benches seating 20). We encourage carpooling to the venue due to limited parking on Fridays. The venue remains open to the public during our event and space cannot be guaranteed. Any weather related cancellations will be communicated in advance. Anyone interested in purchasing food or drink is welcome to do so at their own expense.