A FAMILY NATURE CELEBRATION-SAT MAY 20th
10am-3pm at Celery Bog Nature Area(1620 Lindberg Rd, W. Laf.)
This fun event will include a live native bird demonstration, crafts, games, hikes, nature activities, and music by local SAMI musicians.
Come any time & stay as long as you wish.
Food Truck selling lunch items from 11am-1:30pm.
FOR INFO/Schedule:Dan 765-775-5172
UPCOMING PROGRAMS
West Central Chapter of INPAWS -
Indiana Native Plant & Wildflower Society
WC-INPAWS PROGRAM Meetings—fourth Mondays at7pm
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 the public ~
MON APR 24 "The Indiana Plant Atlas Project"
Becky Dolan, Director of Friesner Herbarium-Butler University, will introduce us to a new website covering all the plants of Indiana which includes images by Battle Ground photographer Ed Zschiedrich.
NO REGULAR PROGRAM MEETINGS IN MAY, JUNE & JULY
PgmChair: Susan Ulrich 765-583-2275
NICK HARBY’s SPRING WILDFLOWER WALKS – 12:15-12:45pm
TUES APR 4th & 11th and THUR APR 6th & 13th
Short and easy half-hour walks in Michaud-Sinninger/Cumberland Woods to see and ID the spring wildflowers. Meet at the parking lot in front of the woods--off Salisbury St just north of Cumberland Ave, W. Laf
FOR MORE INFO: or 317-370-2895
INPAWS State-wide Programs/Hikes/Info:
GIBSON WOODS WILD ONES: gw-wildones.org
IDNR Nature Preserve Guided Hikes – APR-SEP 2017
Explore Indiana’s many natural areas with knowledgeable guides
from Indiana’s Department of Natural Resources.
For hike details & to register:
PROPHETSTOWN STATE PARK Weekend Programs
5545 Swisher Rd, West Lafayette (Park Gate Fee $8/$10 per CAR)
NATURE WALKS – Meet at Far East End parking lot.
SAT APR 8th 10am “This Hike Stinks – Wildflowers”
SUN APR 9th 2pm “Birds are Back”
SAT APR 15th 10am “Beautiful Bloomers”
SUN APR 23rd 2pm “Edible Wildflowers”
SAT APR 29th 2pm “Woodland Wildflower Walk”
For full schedule of events:
INFO/REG: Angie Manuel 765-567-4919 or
The BEEKEEPERS OF INDIANA
JUN 17th8-4 Field Day at Purdue Univ. Bee Lab (2255 SR 26, W. Laf)
DETAILS: indianastatebeekeepers.org/wordpress1
HELP BUILD PURDUE’S POLLINATION GARDEN
~ a native plant garden for an education garden to serve Purdue’s
bee population for years to come!
Volunteer with FRIENDS of the PURDUE BEE GARDEN
at 2255 SR 26, West Lafayette on these COMMUNITY WORK DAYS:
FRI APR 14th2-6pmSAT APR 15th9am-3pm
FRI MAY 5th 10am-4pmSAT MAY 6th 9am-3pm
TUE MAY 16th thru THUR MAY 18th 9am-3pm
FRI MAY 19th 2-6pmSAT MAY 20th 9am-3pm
THU JUN 1st9am-3pm FRI JUN 2nd 2-6pm
SAT JUN 3rd 9am-3pm
Bring yourself, garden tools if you have, and join in this swarm of fun.
A great learning opportunity ~ All ages & abilities are welcome!
QUESTIONS: Mindy Appold
SYCAMORE AUDUBON SOCIETY (SAS)
SAS PROGRAM Meetings—second Thursdays at 7:15pm
at Lilly Nature Center in Celery Bog Nature Area, West Lafayette
Dinner with the speaker is at 6pm in the MCL Cafeteria-West Lafayette
~ open to the public ~
THU APR 13 “Saw-whet Owls & the Local Banding Station”
Banding efforts in recent years are providing information on this tiny
migrant, Indiana’s smallest owl. Landon Neumann, lifelong birder and
Purdue Wildlife Student, started a central Indiana banding station last
year--paid for by a grant given to Purdue by SAS. Learn what’s next!
THU MAY 11 “Wildlife and the Role of the Urban Biologist” **
Megan Dillon, one of two Urban Biologists with the Indiana DNR, will talk
about some of her job experiences, what her role is in Indiana, and how
she might be of assistance to you. **BIG DAY in MAY sign up, too.
NO REGULAR PROGRAM MEETINGS IN JUNE, JULY & AUGUST
Info: Barny Dunning 765-412-8760c, 494-3565w
SAS FIELD TRIPS/HIKES
Barny Dunning 765-412-8760c, 494-3565w,
SAT APR 15 Preview of a New Tippecanoe County Park (half-day trip)
7:30am Meetin Celery Boggravel parking lot to caravan to the property
(which is gated). This park is not yet open to the general public!
SAT APR 29 Big Day in May Warm-up at Martell Forest (half-day trip)
6:30am Meet at Purdue’s Martell Forest to look for spring migrants &
local residents. Group will be in vicinity of the Wright Center parking lot
until about 7am (on east side of 725W about a mile north of Division Rd).
SAT MAY 6 Indiana Dunes Birding Festival MAY 4-7 (all day SAT trip)
6amMeetin Celery Boggravel parking lot to carpool. Watch peak
migration along the lakeshoreat the famous “green tower” site in the
state park. Festival Schedule:
SAT JUN 3 Monticello Parks with Rick Read (half-day trip)
6:45amMeetin Celery Boggravel parking lot to carpool. Join Rick on
a tour of parks that he and Debbie helped develop in their hometown.
SAT JUN 10 Two Prophetstown Field Trips-meet at far end of park road
6:30amGrassland & Other Birds of Prophetstown State Park
12-2pmAudubon at the Overlook – learn about local birds that appear.
THURSDAY EARLY BIRD HIKES (through ~ MAY 18th)
Meet at 8:00am in gravel parking lot at Celery Bog(~1 hour walk).
“BIG DAY in MAY” BIRD COUNTS – SAT MAY 13th
The Sycamore Audubon Society sponsors counts in these two counties:
Tippecanoe:Barny Dunning 765-494-3565,
Warren: Susan Ulrich765-583-2275,
NOTE: People can use their yards and feeders as a territory.
To participate sign up for a county with one of the compilers above.
NATIVE PLANTS sold here…
Tippecanoe SWCD Spring Plant Sale-wildflowers/sedges/grasses/mixes
Order byAPR 21st**; pick up APR 28th 5-8pm Tipp Co Fairgrounds, Laf.
PUBLIC PLANT SALE: SAT APR 29th 9am-noon Tipp Co Fairgrounds
**Plant list/photos/order form:
GARDEN EXPO 2017:SAT APR 22nd 9am-3pm Plants, lectures, & more!
AtTippecanoe County Fairgrounds – 1046Teal Rd W – in Lafayette
INFO: tippecanoemastergardener.org
Native Plants Unlimited: APR 28th thru MAY 20th PLANT SALE DAYS
at Geist Nursery – 9890 Mollenkopf Road, Fishers, IN
Plant list/sale hrs/directions:
MORE INFO: George Peregrim317-506-5456 New: native ferns!
Gibson Woods Native Plant Sale – 6201 Parrish Ave, Hammond
MAY 6th9am-2pm CDT~Arrive early for best selection-cash/check!
For plant list:gw-wildones.org MORE INFO: Joy Bower 219-844-3188
INPAWS Native Plant Sale & Auction – MAY 13th9:30am-12:30pm at
Park Tudor School, Upper Gym –7200 N College, Indy 71st St Entrance
MORE INFO: or
Native Wildflower Plant Sale: SAT MAY 13th 9am-4pm at Visitor Center
Prophetstown State Park-5545 Swisher Rd, WL. Gate fee/car is $8/$10.
MORE INFO: Angie Manuel 765-567-4919 or
UPCOMING PROGRAMS (cont’d)
APR-JUN WEDNESDAYS in the WILD programs in separate flyer
AND on p. 3 of electronic version of this issue of Native Roots
NATURE PROGRAMS FOR KIDS
JUNIOR NATURE CLUB (JNC) meetsatLilly Nature Centerin
Celery Bog Nature Area–1620 Lindberg Rd, West Lafayette
Hands-on lessons, hikes (weather permitting), games, crafts & treats!
2016-2017 school yr: Pre-K thru 8th Graders –no membership fees
NEW for 2016-17: To accommodate this fastest growing group of kids,
3-year olds to 2nd grade children are being split into two groups:
Pre-K to K, and 1st – 2nd Grades.
PK – K grades meet Tuesdays from 6pm to 7pm
SPRING DATES: APR 18, MAY 9, JUN 6, 27, JUL 25
1st – 2nd grades meet Wednesdays from 6pm to 7pm
SPRING DATES: APR 19, MAY 10, JUN 7, 28, JUL 26
3rd – 5th grades meet Tuesdays from 6pm to 7:30pm
SPRING DATES: APR 25, MAY 16, JUN 13, JUL 11, AUG 1
6th – 8th grades meet Tuesdays from 6pm to 8pm:
SPRING DATES: MAY 2, 23, JUN 20, JUL 18, AUG 8
TOPICS:Our Feathered Friends, Wild Indiana, Pirates of the Bog,
The Human Tribe, A Watery World
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 PLAY DAYS:4-6pm MON JUN 12th thru THU JUN 15th
at three WL Parks & Celery Bog Nature Area for children ages 5-12
JUN 12 – Tapawingo Park JUN 13 – Celery Bog Nature Area
JUN 14 – Cumberland Park JUN 15 – Happy Hollow Park
Children can attend one, two, three or all four play days,
but please register for each day so there are enough supplies.
MORE INFO/REGISTER:
~~~~~~~~~
NICHES “Explore the Wildcat” SUMMER CAMP * ~ Ages 11-14
JUN 26-30 8:30am - 4:30pm ( to 5:30pm on FRI)
A resident-artist will co-lead camp with Gus Nyberg (NICHES Exec Dir).Campers will create art, explore nature, paddle the Wildcat Creek,
and journal about their experience. CAMP FEE $125/camper
* INFO/Register on-line: nicheslandtrust.org/index.php/summercamp
QUESTIONS: 765-423-1605
FAMILY FRIENDLY NATURE EVENT
SAT JUN 10th Outdoor Explore! A Beyond Your Backyard Sampler
10am-4pmat Tippecanoe Co. Amphitheater: 4449 SR 43 N, West Laf.
Free fun-filled day for all ages with opportunities to try many outdoor activities such as geocaching, beekeeping, archery, canoeing, fishing, mountain biking, disc golf, and dog water sports! Food for sale on site.
FOR MORE INFO: Mary Cutler 765-567-2993
ANNUAL LILLY K-12 EDUCATOR WORKSHOP
TUE JUN 13th 9am-4pm “Becoming a GLOBE Teacher”
at Lilly Nature Center/Celery Bog Nature Area:1620 Lindberg Rd, W Laf.
Dean Ballotti & Steven Smith (Purdue Univ) lead this workshop which provides training in the GLOBE program (Global Learning & Observations to Benefit the Environment)—methods to allow students to collect data/communicate with scientists & students from 117 countries!
FREE but space is limited so register early.
INFO/REG: Mary Cutler 765-567-2993 or
~~~~~~~~~
**REG OPENS MAY 1st for Indiana Master Naturalist Course:
“West Central Indiana’s Natural Resource Trilogy” (FEE $100)
SAT AUG 26, SEP 9 & 23 (after TUES AUG 15th Orientation)
This totally field-based course meets over three days: on the Wabash River (rafts!), in a forest (Martell Woods), & at a prairie (Camp Cullom).
INFO: Chris Remley r Mary Cutler
**limited space, so register early at Eventbrite
VOLUNTEER with WEST LAFAYETTE TREE FRIENDS APR & MAY
2017 SPRING Pruning Schedule ~ FRIDAYS starting at 9am
at these West Lafayette locations:
APR 21 – Barberry Heights: meet on Linda Lane off of Cumberland Ave.
MAY 5 – Univ Farms: meet at intersection of Benton & Hamilton
MAY 12 – Univ Farms: meet at intersection of Jasper & Saint Joseph Ct
MAY 19 – Univ Farms: meet at Hamilton entrance off Kalberer
MAY 26 – Kalberer Rd-along Helen’s Way: meet on Jasper off Kalberer
JUN 2 – Amberleigh Village: meet at intersection Humboldt & Cinnabar
FOR MORE INFO: Bryce Patz 765-775-5170
STEWARDSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
Help protect our native plants – PULL GARLIC MUSTARD!!!
The INPAWS RIP (RemoveInvasivePlant) Squad
could use your help at its SPRING 2017 WORKDAYS
Weeding bags will be provided, but bring gloves & dress for poison ivy!
TUESDAYS 3:30-5:30pm THURSDAYS 3:30-5:30pm
West Lafayette Parks Tippecanoe County Parks
Apr 4 Michaud-Sinninger N. A.Apr 6 Ross Hills Park
Apr 11 Happy Hollow ParkApr 13 Prophet’s Rock Woods
Apr 18 Happy Hollow Park.Apr 20 Ross Hills Park
Apr 25 Celery Bog Nature AreaApr 27 Prophet’s Rock Woods
May 2 Celery Bog Nature AreaMay 4 Ross Hills Park
May 9 Michaud-Sinninger N. A.May 11 Prophet’s Rock Woods
May 16 Michaud-Sinninger N. A.May 18 Ross Hills Park
May 23 Happy Hollow ParkMay 25 Prophet’s Rock Woods
May 30 Happy Hollow Park INFO/Details: PattyJones 765-463-3050
or e-mail
NICHES Land Trust - Helping Ecosystems Survive!
Website: ~ Office:765-423-1605
NICHES Office – Clegg Garden:1782 N 400 E, Lafayette
VOLUNTEER WORKDAYS at NICHES PROPERTIES
Property directions/info: or 765-423-1605
Weekly Tuesday Workdays: 9:30am-noon at Clegg Garden
Arrive at 9:30am to join a NICHES Staff Member for coffee/tea, talk and
planning the morning’s tasks related to ongoing care of Clegg Garden.
SAT APR 22nd 9-noon Garlic Mustard Pull – Bachner Nature Reserve
near Crawfordsville. See website for property directions.
NICHES EVENTS/OUTINGS
More Events/Exciting Details at
Weekly Tuesday Wildflower Walks: 5-6pm at Clegg Garden
WED APR 19th 6:30-8pm Warren County Open House
Williamsport-Washington Township Public Library 28 E 2nd St, Williamsport
Learn about NICHES vision for a hiking trail from Delphi to Portland Arch!
THU APR 27th 5:30-8pm NICHES Annual Meeting at Celery Bog/LNC
SAT MAY 13th 1-3pm Big Pine Bluff Dedication~Paddle~Hiking!
Meet at 450 N bridge on Big Pine Creek in Warren County.
Need a boat? Contact Nyssa in advance—supply limited.
INFO: Nyssa Lilovich 765-423-1605
NICHES Hikes in Wednesdays in the Wild flyer & p.3 e-Native Roots
WABASH RIVER EVENTS – VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
FRI APR 7th 2:30-5pm WABASH RIVER SAMPLING BLITZ
No prior experience or equipment required! All ages will have a
fun day sampling streams & learning about our local waterways!
Volunteer here:
QUESTIONS?Sara Peel 765-337-9100
SAT APR 8th 9am-1pm DE-TRASH the WABASH!
Register 8:30am at Riverside Skate Center in Tapawingo Park, W Laf .
Trash bags & gloves provided, but bring refillable water bottle,
and wear long pants, long sleeves & sturdy shoes or boots!
Volunteer here:
MORE INFO:
Ouabache Land Conservancy Annual Meeting – FRI APR 7
Fowler Park Log Barn, 3000 E Oregon Church Rd, Terre Haute 47807
6pm Social Hour & Silent Auction ~ 7pm Dinner
Guest Speaker: John Bacone ~ Dir. of Indiana Div of Nature Preserves
Limited seating/RSVP by Apr 5:Evan Boyer
MORE INFO/Cost: ouabachelandconservancy.org or 765-548-4007
THE NATURE CONSERVANCY - VOLUNTEER WORKDAYS
KANKAKEE SANDS (Newton County) All ages & abilities welcome.
APR 8th 9-noonCDT Transplanting Native Seedlings – Greenhouse
The work is easy. Bring clothing options-can be 90 degrees inside!
Greenhouse/Kankakee Sands Nursery: 1492 W CR 250 N, Morocco
MAY 13th 9-noon CDTPlanting Native Plants–Kankakee Sands Office
Planting colorful native flowering plants: 3294 N US 41, Morocco 47963
RSVP/INFOAlyssa Nyberg r 219-866-1706
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 JUL-AUG issue need to reach me by JUN 20th.
Please send your info to
or call (765) 567-7023Joan 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
APRIL – JUNE 2017
Apr 5th 1-3pm Ephemeral Ponds: Here Today, Gone Tomorrow ----Program fee is $2/person; no gate fee---- outdoor pgm—STPK
Temporary pools of water, mainly in the spring, are home to unique plants and animals. Join Angie Manuel (Interpretive Naturalist)and explore
an area of Prophetstown State Park not open to the public. Bring bug spray, binoculars, and a bottle of water.
Apr 12th1-3pm Happy Hollow Park Wildflower Walk ------outdoor pgm—HHP
Join Nick Harby (plant aficionado) and explore the diverse flora of this West Lafayette park, from the largest to the smallest plants we can find!
Apr 19th1-3pmMoyer Gould Woods Wildflower Hike---CARPOOL leaves WNC at 12:30pm ----outdoor pgm—NICHES/MGW
Take in the wildflowers at this very rich site along the Tippecanoe River in Carroll County and explore the ongoing oak woodland restoration
work with Brad Weigel (NICHES Stewardship Manager).
Apr 26th1-3pm Wright Rock Creek Wildflower Walk ------CARPOOL leaves LNC at noon------outdoor pgm—NICHES/WRC
NICHES has been very busy over the last few years revitalizing the woods at Wright Rock Creek in Warren County. On this walk led by Bob Easter
(NICHES Stewardship Manager), we will see the rich flora that is beginning to reassert itself.
May 3rd 1-3pmSpring Warblers & Other Migrants------Bringbinoculars ------indoor/outdoor pgm—LNC
An indoor talk and a Celery Bog bird walk led by avid birderSusan Ulrich will cover warblers, vireos and other returning migrants.
May 10th1-3pm Clegg Garden Wildflower Walk ------ outdoor pgm—CLEGG
Clegg Garden is home to a wide variety of beautiful wildflowers. JoinGus Nyberg (NICHES Executive Director)for a one-mile ramble
on the trails along Wildcat Creek to view them.
May 17th1-3pmProphet's Rock Woods Wildflower Hike ----Wear sturdy shoes & bringbinoculars---outdoor pgm—PRWOODS
Join Tippecanoe Co. Naturalist Mary Cutler and members of West Central Chapter of Indiana Native Plant & Wildflower Society (Patty Jones,
Margareta Fong, Susan Ulrich, and Mary Sue Waser) as they share the history of the site and look for late blooming spring wildflowers, possibly
including wild hyacinth and spring coralroot orchid.
May 24th1-3pm Forest Management at Martell: Balancing Resource Mgmt, Research & Teaching -- outdoor pgm—MARTELL
Brian Beheler(Martell Property Manager) will facilitate a trip through Martell, where we will meet researchers working on a variety of resource
management projects related to silvicultural techniques, invasive species, oak regeneration, bird response to management and fire effects on
squirrel nut storage. A “people mover” will provide transport to a distant site, but some hiking will be involved; wear sturdy shoes.
May 31st8-10pm Insects of the Night ------Bring flashlights & bug repellent ------outdoor pgm—WNC
Utilizing a variety of traps set to capture nocturnal insects, Jeff Holland (Assoc Prof, Purdue’s Landscape Ecology Lab) will introduce
participants to the amazing life history of some of the unique insects that will be caught in these traps. Microscopes and simple keys will be provided
to help point out the features used to identify the insects collected, many of which are seldom seen except at night!
Jun 7th 1-3pm Up-close Bird ID using Mist Nets------ outdoor pgm—WNC
Mick & Sally Weeks (Purdue Dept of Forestry & Natural Resources)will demonstrate the use of mist nets and identify the birds that
come to the nets during this program. A wonderful opportunity to get an up-close look at our local birds!
Jun 14th 1-4pm Pine Hills: Indiana’s First Nature Preserve--- CARPOOL leaves LNC at 11:45am---outdoor pgm—SHADES
Tom Swinford (Asst Director, IDNR Div of Nature Preserves) will lead a hike through this iconic property where we will study the unique geology
and identify plants found along the trails. NOTE: Pine Hills is accessible only from within Shades State Park, so bring park pass or gate fee.
Jun 21st 1-3pmWeiler-Leopold Nature Preserve Walk ---CARPOOL leaves LNC at 12:30pm--- outdoor pgm—NICHES/WL