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 26th "The Prairie Threshold” Talk—where bison roamed, Indians hunted, and fire caused two ecologies to collide!
Presentation by Jim Beaty, Superintendent, Purdue’s Agronomy Center for Research & Education (ACRE), focuses on the prairie restoration of 4.2 acres at ACRE in West Lafayette. Enjoy photos of all its prairie wildflowers and grasses, and learn how the geography of our area where woodlands and prairie meet, has given rise to the multiple soil types and climates which result in such a great diversity of native Indiana plants! [SEE the restoration results by joining Jim on a prairie walk for Wednesdays in the Wild from 1-3pm on AUG 28th.]
For more information about WC-INPAWS programs, contact:
PgmChair: Susan Ulrich 765-583-2275
STATE INPAWS HIKES
For native plant info & details on coming events: www.inpaws.org
SAT, JUL 27th 10-12noon Hike Prairie Creek Barrens Restoration
This Daviess County hike, led by Harold Allison, naturalist & columnist,
and Mike Homoya, DNR botanist/plant ecologist, will be on hilly terrain
with no trails, no shade, no restrooms, but a chance to see the last
remnants of sand barrens in southwest Indiana & rare species such
as sand hickory, Maryland meadow beauty, & tube beard tongue!
DIRECTIONS/REG–Mike: 317-232-0208 or
SAT, AUG 17th TBA Hike Muscatatuck National Wildlife Refuge
DETAILS to COME…check website: www.inpaws.org
MASTER GARDENER ASSOCIATION of TIPPECANOE CO.
OPEN HOUSE & TOMATO TASTING – SUN, JULY 14th 12 noon
3150 Sagamore Parkway South
The public is invited to enjoy guided tours of the Community Gardens, Demonstration Garden, and Display and Idea Gardens, and a hayride!
Free cookout with hotdogs—bring a covered dish to share.
MORE INFO: Pat Millard 765-572-2258
HUNTING for MUSHROOMS & WILD EDIBLES with NICK HARBY!
LAFAYETTE MUSHROOM HUNTERS GROUP
holds forays looking for mushrooms in different Lafayette areas.
LAFAYETTE EDIBLE WILD PLANT WALKS
Nick has begun leading these walks—next one takes place
on TUE, JUL 2nd 5:15 pm: meet at parking lot for Tapawingo Park.
FOR MORE INFO: or 317-370-2895
SYCAMORE AUDUBON SOCIETY (SAS)
www.sycamoreaudubon.org
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 12th Invitational Program:
Bring a 5-10 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
BIRDING ON THE FLY
~ Extemporaneous birding through early August
as interesting birds are reported ~
Barny plans to bird at Prophetstown SP and Martell Forest at least
once this summer; people on the Birding on the Fly group list will
get an e-mail about those visits. If you’d like to get on the list,
e-mail Barny:
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VERY EARLY FALL MIGRANT TRIP – SAT, AUG 31st
Meet 7:30am in gravel parking lot at Celery Bog
to look for the first fall migrants coming through our area.
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THURSDAY EARLY BIRD HIKES -- SEP 5th thru mid-NOV
Meet at 8:00am in gravel parking lot at Celery Bog!
For field trip or hike info: Barny Dunning 494-3565w, 497-3082h
SUMMER BIRD COUNTS – Indiana Counties
Look for species & nesting indications June 1- July 31
For forms & instructions go to “activities” at www.indianaaudubon.org
WORKSHOPS
Cardno JFNEW Native Plant Nursery Open House
(128 Sunset Drive, Walkerton, IN)
CELEBRATING ECOLOGICAL STEWARDSHIP
FRI JUL 19 9:30am – 4pm, Rain or Shine
Plant Sale, Workshops, Presentations, Demonstrations, Tours, Lunch!
FULL SCHEDULE & RSVP: www.cardnojfnew.com - 574-586-2412
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NICHES AUGUST WORKSHOPS
at Ross Biological Reserve
off 875W near Ravines Golf Course & Ross Hills Park, Tippecanoe Co
Class size is limited, so sign up early to reserve a spot! *
Bring a bag lunch, and dress for the outdoors.
SAT AUG 3rd 10am-2pm GRASS ID Workshop
Join Dennis Nyberg, a volunteer steward for over 20 years, and get
more comfortable with this tough & diverse group of plants. A hike to
collect specimens is followed by identification work in the lab and
getting familiar with keys. BRING A HAND LENS, if you have one.
SAT AUG 10th 10am-2pm TREE & SHRUB ID Workshop
Join NICHES Stewardship Manager Bob Easter on a hike to learn
identification clues for the trees and shrubs seen along the way!
WORKSHOP DETAILS in calendar at: www.nicheslandtrust.org
*Sign up: Mary Kate 765-423-1605 or
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Indiana Master Naturalist (IMN) Workshop – Flora, IN
Hands-on opportunities to learn about Hoosier Natural Resources
Thursday Afternoons 1-4pm SEP 5th thru OCT 24th (8 sessions)
Class size is limited, so sign up early to reserve a spot! ($70)*
Topics: Raptors, Forestry, Backyard Conservation, Soils/Geology,
Geo-Caching, Herpetology, Fall Flowers/Milkweed, & Stream Ecology
WORKSHOP DETAILS/BROCHURE at: swcdcc.org
*Sign up/more info: Rhonda Hicks 765-564-4480
WABASH RIVERFEST 2013
SAT, JUL 13th - 9am** to 4pm - Free admission
at Tapawingo Park, West Lafayette
A celebration of Indiana’s historic Wabash River!
5K Races, Children’s Activities, Thrilling Canoe Races, Food,
Take Flight Wildlife Show, Educational Exhibits, LOTS MORE!!
**PLEASE NOTE: 5K Run/Walk 8am, Kids Run 8:45am!
Details/Event times: www.wabashriverfest.com
UPCOMING PROGRAMS (cont’d)
WEDNESDAYS in the WILD on SEPARATE JUL-AUG FLYER
NATURE PROGRAMS FOR KIDS
HEARTLAND OUTDOOR KIDS ~ 10am-11:30am
--a Family Nature Club supported by NICHES Land Trust
and founded with the hope of getting kids and their families
outside and engaged with nature
SAT JUL 13 Dipnetting at Mulvey Pond
SAT AUG 24 Project WET Presentation at Wildcat Park
SAT SEP 21 Purdue Tree Trail, Purdue Campus
INFO: Jeff Rollins 765-337-6492
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JUNIOR NATURE CLUB – 6-7:30pm – Lilly Nature Center
Celery Bog Nature Area–Lindberg Rd betw Northwestern & McCormick
Hands-on lessons, hikes (weather permitting), games, crafts & treats
for 4th, 5th and 6th Graders – no membership fees
TUE AUG 27 “ I see YOU!” Introduction to 2013-2014 school year
TUE SEP 17 “Meet the Raptors”
TUE OCT 8 “Winds of Change”
TUE OCT 29 “Walking Softly”
TUE NOV 19 “A Feast for ALL”
TUE DEC 10 “Our Furry Friends”
Sponsored by Sycamore Audubon Society and Hands of the Future
MORE INFO: Ms. Zonda (Bryant) 765-366-9126
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WOLF PARK (located at 4004 E 800 N, Battle Ground)
Day camps filled, but some spots available in JULY overnight camps*
JUL 6-7 & 20-21 for ages 11-12; JUL 27-28 for ages 13-14
* Info on camps/dates/cost: 765-567-2265 or www.wolfpark.org
NATURE PROGRAMS AT PROPHETSTOWN STATE PARK*
Enter park via Swisher Rd (off N. 9th St, just south of Battle Ground)
Programs are included in cost of the park admission fee,
and are led by Interpretive Naturalist Angie Manuel.
*For full JUL/AUG Schedule: 765-567-4919 or
PROGRAMS AT WOLF PARK (4004 E 800 N, Battle Ground)
… dedicated to behavioral research, education and conservation,
with the objective of improving the public's understanding of wolves and the value they provide to our environment.
GUIDED TOURS: 1-5pm TUES thru SUN–MAY thru NOV
HOWL NIGHTS: 7:30pm FRI & SAT nights–MAY thru NOV
WOLF PARK AFTER HOURS follows these selected Howl Nights:
JUL 13 & AUG 10 A chance to see what goes on after the sun goes down—hear howls of wolves & coyotes, croaking of frogs, and singing of insects on a guided late night walking tour or sit & watch main pack!
MORE INFO/CALENDAR: 765-567-2265 or www.wolfpark.org
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JUL 26-28 3-DAY SEMINAR with Ken McCort
(animal trainer, owner & operator of Four Paws training center-Ohio)
“Wolves and Dogs: Similarities and Differences”
A highlight of the seminar will be a discussion of the research in neurochemistry of aggression and how owners and trainers can
beneficially affect and change a dog’s neurochemistry. Also included
will be a look at the evolution of dogs and dog breed types.
Participants may enter a gray wolf enclosure to get face-to-face
interactions with these magnificent animals (situation permitting). ***
INFO/COST/Reserve your spot: 765-567-2265, www.wolfpark.org
*** NOTE: Must be 18 or older to enter wolf enclosure.
STEWARDSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
NICHES Land Trust - Helping Ecosystems Survive!
Website: www.nicheslandtrust.org ~ Office: 765-423-1605
NEXT BOARD MEETING – 6:30pm TUES, AUG 27th in the
downstairs North Room – Wells Center/TAF at 638 North St, Lafayette
VOLUNTEER WORKDAYS at NICHES Properties
Property directions/info: www.nicheslandtrust.org or 765-423-1605
JUL 3rd, AUG 7th, SEP 4th 3-5:30pm Granville Sand Barrens Tipp Co.
Invasives removal here every first Wednesday of the month in 2013!
RSVP: Gus Nyberg 765-423-1605,
NICHES EVENTS
FRI JUL 26th 6pm–SUN JUL 28th noon NICHES DOCENT TRAINING
If you’d like to give about 6 days a year to help protect, restore and sustain Northern Indiana’s ecosystems, but not sure of how best to get involved, this 3-day training is for you!!
NICHES is hosting this natural areas management weekend camping retreat at Adams Mill, along the Wildcat Creek in Carroll County. The event is free but limited to 10 people.
INFO & registration form link in calendar: www.nicheslandtrust.org
QUESTIONS: Gus Nyberg 765-423-1605
AUG 7th 1-3pm Property Walk at Gladys & Al Wright Rock Creek N.R.
DETAILS in Wednesdays in the Wild flyer.
MORE EVENTS listed on-line at www.nicheslandtrust.org
Volunteers needed for Sycamore Audubon Society’s
HONEYSUCKLE ASSASSINATION WORKDAY
on SAT, SEP 7th starting at 10am at Ross Hills Park, Tippecanoe Co.
Meet at first parking area on left after entering Ross Hills Park (near the Ross House). Bring saws/loppers, even a friend of two to help remove some of the honeysuckle infesting this beautiful county park. SAS will have extra gloves and cutting implements as well as provide water.
FOR MORE INFO: Susan Ulrich
KANKAKEE SANDS Project - VOLUNTEER WORKDAYS
(on 2nd Saturdays led by staff from The Nature Conservancy in Indiana)
Controlling Invasive Weeds 9am-1pm CDT on JUL 13th and AUG 10th
These two workdays involve back-pack spraying of Canada thistle or tree saplings (requires some physical fitness as these sprayers can
weigh between 8 and 24 pounds) or hand-pulling sweet clover, common
mullein, or Queen Anne’s Lace.
Bring sunscreen, water bottles, prairie-appropriate clothing (work boots & long pants) and a hat (shade is a rare commodity in grasslands!).
Meet at TNC office: 3294 N US 41, Morocco.
RSVP/INFO: Tony Capizzo or 219-285-2184
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Seed Harvest 9am-noon CDT on SEP 14th (ALL AGES WELCOME)
Enjoy a fall morning on the prairie while picking the seeds of summer
flowering plants. Seeds will be harvested using scissors, hand scythes, and fingertips, and then put into paper and fabric bags.
The harvested seeds will be transported to the seed barn facility for
drying and planting this winter—giving volunteers a chance to view
Kankakee Sands & discuss restoration work. NO EXPERIENCE needed.
Don’t wear fleece since it collects seeds! Bring a lunch and picnic on the prairie, or hike a trail at Kankakee Sands after the workday.
Meet at Native Plant Nursery: 1492 W 250 N, Morocco
RSVP/INFO: Alyssa Nyberg or 219-866-1706
WILDCAT CREEK WILDLIFE CENTER
A wildlife rehabilitation center helping native & migratory wildlife since ’95!
(Located on 80 acres in Carroll County at 4709 N 400 W, Delphi)
See their website to schedule an Educational Program for K-12
or a Wildlife Conflict Resolution Program for adults [OCT-APR].
MORE INFO: www.wildcatwildlifecenter.org or call 765-491-2351
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-OCT 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 4th, 2013
Jul 3rd 1-3pm GO FISH! (Rods, reels, & bait provided) ------------------------------- indoor/outdoor pgm—BEEC
Fish biology & adaptation talk by Tippecanoe County Naturalist Mary Cutler, will be followed by fishing on Burnett Creek.
Jul 10th 1-3pm Butterflies of Tippecanoe County ---------- Bring binoculars! --------- indoor/outdoor pgm—LNC
Purdue Entomologist Jon Neal will give a brief indoor presentation on our local butterflies followed by an outdoor butterfly
identification walk—good preparation for the upcoming Butterfly Encounter. **
Jul 17th 7-9pm Ever Heard of a Hellbender? ------------------------------------------------------- indoor pgm—LNC
Bart Kraus, Purdue Graduate Research Student in Forestry & Natural Resources, will give a presentation on the natural
history of the hellbender, his research and the equipment he uses, and how we can protect this fully aquatic giant salamander!
Jul 24th 1-3pm Snapshot in Time—Geologic Secrets of the Danville, Illinois Fossilized Forest-indoor pgm-LNC
Using photographs of these beautifully preserved and ancient plants as well as some fossil specimens, Scott Elrick, Illinois State
Geological Survey, will describe this 300 million-year-old largest intact rain forest from the Pennsylvanian Period ever to be
discovered! The forest’s sheer size (~ 10 square miles) offers an unprecedented view of ancient forest life and diversity.
Jul 31st 1-3pm Stream Critters -------------------- Bring BOOTS! --------------------- indoor/outdoor pgm—BEEC
Explore Burnett Creek and find out who lives there! Program led by Tippecanoe County Naturalist Mary Cutler.
Aug 7th 1-3pm A Woodland Walk at Wright Rock Creek ---------------------------- outdoor pgm—WRC/NICHES
Bob Easter, NICHES Stewardship Manager, leads this walk—a perfect opportunity to learn about forest succession,
plant communities, oak woodland restoration, and the individual plants and animals that make this Warren County property
(near West Lebanon) their home.
Aug 14th 1-3pm Celery Bog Mosquitoes, Facts and Fiction ---------------------------------------- indoor pgm—LNC
John MacDonald, retired Purdue Medical Entomologist, will talk about mosquito natural history together with practical
comments on mosquito abatement, repellents, fallacious control devices, and West Nile virus transmission.
Aug 21st 1-3pm Spinn Prairie Stroll* ------------------------------------------------------------ outdoor pgm—SPINN
Brian Dugan, Nature Conservancy Property Steward, will reveal the subtle beauty of an Indiana prairie remnant in late-summer
bloom. This state dedicated Nature Preserve’s wet swales and dry uplands are home to a wealth of floral diversity, providing a
glimpse into the Hoosier state’s prairie legacy. * NOTE: NO ESTABLISHED TRAILS, so wear long pants and sturdy footwear!