UPCOMING PROGRAMS
West Central Chapter of INPAWS -
Indiana Native Plant & Wildflower Society
WC-INPAWS PROGRAM Meetings—fourth Mondays-7pm
at Lilly Nature Center in Celery Bog Nature Area (West Lafayette)
Dinner with the speaker is at 6pm at the MCL Cafeteria-West Lafayette
(open to public ~ NO WC-INPAWS PROGRAM MEETING in JULY)
MON AUG 24th “Roadside Plantings”
Presentation by Bill Fielding (INDOT Statewide Roadside Services
Coordinator), who hopes to expand the state’s roadside planting
program with help from groups like INPAWS. The control of invasive
species is his number 1 priority, but there are many areas along our
roadsides that can be planted.He wants the public to know that
by not mowingevery square foot of grass, roadsides can
benefit native plants & pollinators. Joining Bill, will be Allen
Shaffer, Crawfordsville Landscape Coordinator, who will be making
decisions on both treatment and planting sites in our area.
For more information about WC-INPAWS programs, contact:
PgmChair: Susan Ulrich 765-583-2275
HUNTING for MUSHROOMS & WILD EDIBLES with NICK HARBY!
LAFAYETTE MUSHROOM HUNTERS GROUP FORAYS
LAFAYETTE EDIBLE WILD PLANT WALKS
Places and times are to be determined, so e-mail or call Nick.
FOR MORE INFO: or 317-370-2895
MASTER GARDENER ASSOCIATION of TIPPECANOE CO.
OPEN HOUSE & TOMATO TASTING – SUN, AUG 2nd 1:00-3:30pm
Tipp Co Ext Office:3150 Sagamore Pkway South, Laf (765-474-0793)
The public is invited to tour the Demonstration, Display and Idea Gardens, visit the Community Gardens and taste a variety of tomatoes.
Children’s activities, light refreshments, and music by Zimdiana!
MORE INFO: Sue Swick 765-491-9663 Konie Hughes 765-418-6941
TAKE A HIKE Day or Night!
SAT JUL 18th10-11am Prairie Wildflowersat Wapihani NP -Fishers
Easy walk for all ages with Central Indiana Land Trust members.
INFO/REGISTER:
SAT JUL 18th 8-10pm Night Hike and Marvelous MOTHS -Indy
at the Nina Mason Pulliam EcoLab at Marian University -Indianapolis
Sugaring for moths & a hike listening for frogs, beaver, birds, bugs!
DETAILS:
Questions? Stephanie r 317-955-6505
SUNDAYS: JUL 26th & AUG 30th9:30am-11:30amFlora Field Days
Identify flowering plants using Newcomb’s Wildflower Guide with
DNR Naturalist Jill Vance. Meet in Overflow Parking Area at
Paynetown State Rec Area: 850 South State Rd 46, Bloomington
Questions? Jill Vance or 812-837-9967
SYCAMORE AUDUBON SOCIETY (SAS)
SAS PROGRAM Meetings—second Thursdays at 7:15pm
at Lilly Nature Center in Celery Bog Nature Area (West Lafayette)
(open to public ~ NO SAS MEETINGS IN JULY & AUGUST)
THURS, SEP 10th SAS Invitational Program
Bring your own 1-10 minute program of digital images, slides, video, etc.
Carry-in dinner at 6pm (before the meeting): bring a dish to share.
PGM CHAIR—Wes Homoya: 317-452-5355,
SAS FIELD TRIPS/Hikes – led by Barny Dunning
THURSDAY EARLY BIRD HIKES – starting SEP 3rd thru mid-NOV
Meet at8:00am in gravel parking lot at Celery Bog!
For field trip or hike info: Barny Dunning 765-497-3082h, 494-3565w
BEES, BUTTERFLIES AND OTHER POLLINATORS: VEGETATION MANAGEMENT
FREE WEBINAR: THURS, JUL 16th from 4pm to 5pm (EST)
Presented by USDOT & AASHTO
Honeybees, Monarch Butterflies, other bees, butterflies, insects, birds and even bats are key in ensuring plant reproduction. But pollinator population decline is threatening the American economy & food supplies.
Transportation rights-of-way can provide habitat corridors for pollinators to reproduce, forage, and migrate. Studies have also shown that pollinator-friendly roadside management practices may be more cost effective than other methods.
This webinar will provide an introduction to the issue, how vegetation management plays a significant role, and what tools are available to help.
To register for the webinar, click on or follow this link:
and you will receive a confirmation email about how to join the webinar.
MORE INFO: Rob Effinger
POLLINATORS & NEONICOTINOIDS (neonics for short)
Neonics, a systemic insecticide used to treat crop seeds and ornamental landscaping plants, have been strongly implicated in the devastating collapse of pollinator populations around the country.
A study by Friends of the Earth and Pesticide Research Institute in 2014 showed that51% of the garden plants purchased at Lowe's, Home Depot and Walmart in 18 cities in the US and Canada contained neonics at levels that could harm or kill bees.
Gardeners should know that Home Depot and Lowe's have both agreed to phase out neonics in their garden plants, but not until 2019.
Before you buy any seed or plants for your garden, ask whether they have been treated with neonics. If the answer is yes or they don't know, tell them you won't buy neonic-treated seeds/plants & walk away.
Don't be bothered by insect damage on your garden plants. That's a badge of pride, showing that you have a healthy garden—one that's helping our pollinators.
If you live near farm fields, there's a strong likelihood that neonic-treated crop seed is being used and that it may be in your soil and taken up by plants in your garden. Ask questions and find out.
Farmers who want neonic-free seed have to put their orders in early (September) so their seed can be pulled before treatment.
Information provided by Ellen Jacquart:
Director of Northern Indiana Stewardship, The Nature Conservancy
Some Summer Reading on Pollinators
The Forgotten Pollinators by Stephen L. Buchmann & Gary Paul Nabhan
Attracting Native Pollinators – Xerces Society
More info: The Xerces Society 855-232-6639 or
Indiana Master Naturalist (IMN) 8-Week Course
Hands-on opportunities to learn about Hoosier natural resources!
SEP 30 thru NOV 18th Wednesday Evenings 5:30-8:30pm
SEP 30 thru OCT 28 at Tippecanoe County Library – Downtown Branch
NOV 11 & NOV 18 at Lilly Nature Center (Celery Bog Nature Area)
Class size is limited, so sign up early to reserve a spot! **
**REG: Chris Remley 765-474-9992x3
Other IMN classes are listed at:
WABASH RIVERFEST 2015
SAT, JUL 11th - 7am** to 4pm - Free admission
at Tapawingo Park, West Lafayette
A celebration of Indiana’s historic Wabash River!
5K & Kids’ Races, Children’s Activities, Voyageur Canoe Races, Food,
Pony Rides, Take Flight Wildlife Show, Educational Exhibits, MORE!
** 5K Run/Walk 7am packet pickup, Kid’s Run 8:50am lineup!
Details/Schedule:
Questions? 765-420-8505
JUL-AUGWEDNESDAYS in the WILD programs: in separate flyer AND on p. 3 of electronic version of this issue of Native Roots
NATURE PROGRAMS FOR KIDS
WABASH RIVERFEST Activities for Kids – SAT, JUL 11th
8:50am Water Droplet Kid’s Run (ages 12 & under)
10am-12noon Visit with Columbian Park’s Mini-Zoo friends
11-11:30am, 12-12:30pm Fishing Derby (ages 7-12)
1pm Mark Booth’s live birds of prey Take Flight!
~~~~~~~~
THE FARM AT PROPHETSTOWN - Summer Day Camps
Experience life on a replica 1920’s farm – REG NOW, space is limited!
MON JUL 13 9:30am – 3:30pm for kids ages 6-9
TUE JUL 14 9:30am – 3:30pm for kids ages 10-12
REG/INFO: Lauren Reed 765-567-4700,
~~~~~~~~
WOLF PARK(located at 4004 E 800 N, Battle Ground)
JULY day camps and overnight camps for kids ages 5-15
in these age groupings: 5-7, 8-10, 11-12, 13-15
INFO on camps/dates/cost:765-567-2265 or
~~~~~~~~
JUNIOR Indiana Master Naturalist Day Camps (for kids ages 9-12)
Fort Harrison State Park, Indianapolis – JUL 20th-23rd 9am-2pm daily
INFO/COST: Jeff Cummings 317-591-0122
~~~~~~~~
JUNIOR NATURE CLUB (JNC) meetsatLilly Nature Centerin
Celery Bog Nature Area–Lindberg Rd betw Northwestern & McCormick
Hands-on lessons, hikes (weather permitting), games, crafts & treats!
2015-2016 school yr: K through 8th Graders –no membership fees
Classes this school year are split into three age groups by grade;
each class meets once every three weeks (no classes in Dec & Jan):
K – 2nd grades meet Tuesdays from 6pm to 7pm…….starting AUG 18
3rd – 5th grades meet Thursdays from 6pm to 7:30pm...starting AUG 20
6th – 8th grades meet Tuesdays from 6pm to 8pm.…….starting AUG 25
TheAugust class is Monarch Madness (monarchs, their migration,
and tagging techniques) in partnership with Reni Winter-Evans.
For full JNC schedule and lots more info:
Sponsored by Sycamore Audubon Society & Hands of the Future
To volunteer or donate, contact:Ms. Zonda (Bryant) 765-366-9126
NATURE PROGRAMS at PROPHETSTOWN STATE PARK**
Enter park via Swisher Rd (off N. 9th St, just south of Battle Ground)
Prairie Wildflower Hikes – meet at the Park Visitor Center:
SAT JUL 11that 11:00am and SAT JUL 18that 3:00pm
General Nature Programs –
Meet at Campground Shower Bldg:
SAT JUL 11th 7:30pm Cold Blooded Critters
SUN JUL 19th10:00am Monarch Madness
Meet at Meadowview Picnic Area:
SAT JUL 25th 9pm- 2am Moth Madness
These are just a few of the summer programs included in cost of the park admission fee, and led by Interpretive Naturalist Angie Manuel.
**For current month schedule:
Questions? Angie Manuel 765-567-4919
DNR Div of Nature Preserves Co-Sponsors HIKES 10-12noon*MORE HIKES/DETAILS/REG:
SAT JUL 18 Fisher Oak Savanna NP (with NICHES LT) – JasperCo
10-12 CST Hike led by Tom Post (DNR) & Gus Nyberg (NICHES)
Questions? Tom Post 219-921-6714
SAT SEP 5 Eagle’s Crest NP (with INPAWS) – Marion Co
10-12 EST Hike led by John Bacone (DNR)
Questions? John Bacone 317-232-4054
SAT SEP 19 Beanblossom Bottoms NP (w/Sycamore LT)–Monroe
10-12 EST Hike led by Tom Swinford (DNR) & David Rupp (SLT)
Questions? Tom Swinford 317-697-5508
* Limited space so REG early & note whether EST or CST time!
STEWARDSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
NICHES Land Trust - Helping Ecosystems Survive!
Website: ~ Office:765-423-1605
NEXT BOARD MEETING – 6:30pm TUES, AUG 25that the
NICHES Office – CLEGG Memorial Garden:1782 N 400 E, Lafayette
STEWARDSHIP OPPORTUNITIES at NICHES Properties
Property directions/info: or 765-423-1605
NICHES can always use extra eyes and hands on the land removing
invasives, monitoring for vegetation & animal activity, maintaining trails,
or cleaning up the site. If you would like to help with the stewardship of
a favorite NICHES property, contact Bob Easter, Stewardship Manager.
Bob Easter
NICHES ACTIVITIES
MORE EVENTS/DETAILSin calendar at
1stWEDs Wildcat Creek Float – Wildcat Park to Peter’s Mill
AUG 5, SEP 2 5-7:30pm– led by Greg Jones & Gus Nyberg
Leaving Wildcat Creek Park at 5pm: 5201 Eisenhower Rd, Lafayette
NICHES has a few canoes; if you need one, RSVP to Gus in advance! Gus Nyberg 765-423-1605,
Wednesday Nature Walks at Clegg Memorial Garden
JUL 15, 22, 29 5:00-6:30pm – Meet at the porch.
Join naturalist Nick Harby as he walks the trails at Clegg Memorial.
FOR MORE INFO: or 317-370-2895
DNR/NICHES Hike at FISHER OAK SAVANNA – Jasper Co.
JUL 18th 10am – 12 noon CST (See DNR Hikes for details.)
WED, AUG 12 1-3pm Prairie Hike at Fisher Oak Savanna-Brad Weigel
DETAILS in Wednesdays in the Wild flyer or p. 3 of e-Native Roots
2015 WILDCAT CREEK ART CONTEST – Register by AUG 24th **
No cost to enter; art will be on display AUG 31 thru SEP 25.
NICHES will be displaying photos of its preserves at the Frankfort Library in partnership with Clinton County Soil and Water Conservation District, which is accepting artistic pieces related to Wildcat Creek in the following three categories: Wildcat Creek Wildlife, Recreation, Landscapes.
** INFO/REG: 765-659-1223x3,
KANKAKEE SANDS VOLUNTEER WORKDAYS
(on 2nd Saturdays led by staff from The Nature Conservancy in Indiana)
Tasks for all levels of physical ability, so come one come all!
Controlling Invasive Weeds 9am-1pmCST – JUL 11thand AUG 8th
Work will be lightly to moderately physically strenuous. Training, work gloves, eye protection, and any other necessary protective gear will be provided. Some form of work boot (hiking or leather) is strongly recommended along with long pants, long sleeves, and a hat (to provide your own, personal patch of shade which is rare in grasslands!).
Meet at TNC office: 3294 N US 41, Morocco, IN.
RSVP/INFO: Tony Capizzo 219-285-2184or
MOUNDS STATE PARK TOUR – THURS, AUG 6th **at 10am
Meet at Mounds State Park Visitors Center – 4306 Mounds Rd, Anderson
Join Indiana Wildlife Federation (IWF) members and conservationists on a free tour of the park property which will be impacted by the proposed Mounds Reservoir. A park naturalist will guide us through the unique “fen” habitat and point out the rare plants and animals that reside there.
Bring a sack lunch (water & soft drinks provided by IWF). Some of the trails have uneven surfaces, so wear hiking boots or other sturdy shoes.
**RSVP before MON, AUG 3rd 317-875-9453
Environmental Education Association of Indiana
Annual Conference SEP 25-27 at Dunes Learning Center, Chesterton
GREAT LAKES LITERACY
Great Lakes Ecology, Stewardship & Environmental Justice
Keynote speakers:Rosanne Fortner, GL Sea Grant leader
Stephanie Smith, Alliance for the GL
Karen Freeman-Wilson, Mayor of Gary
CONF DETAILS/REG FORMS/COST:
Why this newsletter?
If you're like me, you'd like to have all your nature news in one place
—so you don't miss out on some interesting natural history programs
or stewardship opportunities. That's my intent here.
Submissions for SEP-DEC issue need to reach me by AUG 20th.
Please send your info to
or call (765) 567-7023. Joan Mohr Samuels, Editor
CALLING ALL NATURALISTS AND NATURALIST WANNA-BEs to
"WEDNESDAYS in the WILD"
Natural History Talks/Workshops/Field Trips 1-3p.m. or As Noted
JULY – SEPT 2nd, 2015
Jul 1st 1-3pmGO FISH! (Rods, reels, & bait provided) ------indoor/outdoor pgm—BEEC
Fish biology & adaptation talk by Mary Cutler, Tippecanoe County Naturalist, will be followed by fishing on Burnett Creek.
Jul 8th6:30-8:30pm Field Guides 102: Putting a Name with those Wildflower Faces - indoor/outdoor pgm—LNC
Mary Cutler (Tippecanoe County Naturalist) will shed some light on the complexities of choosing a field guide, and walk
participants through the use of Newcomb's Wildflower Guide (easily mastered by non-botanists). We'll take our guides into the field
and use them to ID summer flowers, while learning about the natural history, uses and folklore associated with the plants. Bring your
Newcomb's guide, if possible, or borrow or purchase one that day (at discounted price of $15 courtesy of Von’s Book Store!).
Jul 15th1-3pm Butterflies of Tippecanoe County------Bring binoculars!------indoor/outdoor pgm—LNC
Purdue Entomologist Jon Nealwill give a brief indoor presentation on our local butterflies followed by an outdoor butterfly
identification walk—good preparation for the upcoming Butterfly Encounter sponsored by Purdue Entomology Dept & Evonik.**
Jul 22nd1-3pm Prophetstown Prairie Hike ------Bring water & a hat ------outdoor pgm—STPK
Join Interpretive Naturalist Angie Manuel for a leisurely stroll through the prairie and discover the dozens of wildflowers and
grasses that flourish there. We’ll discuss general identification, plant uses of Native people, and prairie restoration and
management—but mostly, we’ll enjoy the beauty of the land. PLEASE NOTE: Program fee is $2/person; no gate fee.
Jul 29th 10am-12:30pm Prairie Restoration Walk ------CARPOOL leaves LNC 9am------outdoor pgm—GTDT/KS
Join Alyssa Nyberg(Kankakee Sands Nursery Manager/Outreach Coordinator)on a hike of the 2-mile Grace Teninga
Discovery Trail that has 12 points of interest along the way. View the state endangered Regal Fritillary butterflies as they
flutter across the prairies of Kankakee Sands. Alyssa will be joined byEd Zschiedrich, photographer & plant aficionado.
AUG 5th1-3pmCollecting & Identifying Fish in Burnett Creek ------outdoor pgm—WNC
Sampling fish communities is commonly used as the basis for assessing stream quality, and a particularly useful approach is through
the use of a backpack electroshocker. Reuben Goforth, Purdue Professor of Aquatic Community Ecology, will demonstrate
the use of this equipment and teach attendees how to identify the fish species collected during the demonstration.
Aug 12th1-3pmPrairie Hike at Fisher Oak Savanna -CARPOOL leaves LNC 12noon-outdoor pgm—FOS/NICHES
Join NICHES Land Steward Brad Weigelfor a hike at one of Indiana's finest prairie restorations. Expect to see lots of
prairie dock, compass plant, purple prairie clover, sunflowers, and goldenrods. Long pants are encouraged.
Aug 19th1-3pmConrad Station Savanna Hike------CARPOOL leaves LNC 12noon -----outdoor pgm—ConSt/KS
Ed Zschiedrich (Nature Photographer and plant aficionado)will lead this walk through an oak savanna restoration that once was
the site of the town of Conrad where some of the old foundations are still seen--a wonderful chance to get glimpses of wildflowers
through the eyes of a photographer. Ed will be joined byAlyssa Nyberg, Kankakee Sands Nursery Mgr/Outreach Coordinator.
Aug 26th1-3pmThe Need for Nature ------ indoor/outdoor pgm—LNC
Joel Vanderbush (Zoologist & Executive Director of Animalia, Inc.)discusses the importance of connecting children to nature
in this age of technological distraction. Learn what you can do and what Animalia is doing to battle against Nature Deficit Disorder.
Sep 2nd6-8pmPurdue Arboretum Campus Walk------ outdoor pgm—PURDUE
Sally Weeks (Purdue Dendrologist & author of Native Trees of the Midwest) suggests that you put on your best walking
shoes and join her on a hike around one of Purdue's Campus Tree Trails looking at some of the interesting and sometimes unusual
species. You never know what you will see (considering this is on campus…).
LOCATIONS of these PROGRAMS which are OPEN TO THE PUBLIC & FREE (unless noted otherwise)
BEEC (Brier Environmental Educ Ctr):In Battle Ground, turn by small sign on south side of Prophet St near intersection with N. 9th St.
ConSt/KS (Kankakee Sands-Newton Co):Meet at 1pm at Kankakee Sands Office, 3294 N US 41, Morocco OR carpool atnoon from LNC.
FOS/NICHES (Fisher Oak Savanna-Jasper Co):Meet at 1pm at the southwest corner of the property along County Rd 600 N. (property directions at
) OR carpool at noon from LNC.
GTDT/KS (Kankakee Sands-Newton Co):Meet at 10 am at Kankakee Sands Office, 3294 N US 41, Morocco OR carpool at9am from LNC.
LNC (Lilly Nature Center/Celery Bog Nature Area):In West Lafayette, on north side of Lindberg Rd,between Northwestern and McCormick.
PURDUE (Purdue Campus):Meet at north doors of the Forestry Building (behind Agricultural Administration/AGAD bldg) across the street from
St. Thomas Aquinas church (corner of Marsteller St. and State Rd 26).