Upcoming Natural Resources & Volunteer Opportunities

Emerald Ash Borer University: 

Indiana’s Wild Climate – September 20

The Wabash Valley Audubon Society will host Aaron Stump, Habitat Programs Manager for the Indiana Wildlife Federation, as he presents, “Indiana’s Wild Climate” at 6:30 pm on Wednesday, September 20^th at the Dobbs Memorial Park Nature Center, 5170 East Poplar St., Terre Haute.  The presentation will explore our state’s place in the climate crisis. Stump will discuss the origins of climate science, the implications for Indiana, and how we can do our part to fight the greatest challenge of our time. The threat of the climate crisis can often seem too big and daunting to take on, but he will break down the facts about our climate role and discuss why it isn’t too late to make a difference.  All members and non-members are invited to this free program.  The Wabash Valley Audubon Society serves Clay, Parke, Sullivan, Vermillion, and Vigo counties. To learn more about the Wabash Valley Audubon Society like their Facebook page or visit their website at www.wabashvalleyaudubonsociety.org.

Over the River and Through the Woods 5K – September 23 (Not just for runners!)

Reeder Park in Montezuma from 9-Noon WILL be THE place to BE! Festival atmosphere made even MORE fun because Don Black of JOYFUL BUBBLES will be there!!! One of THE very BEST for ALL ages! They're not just bubbles.....it's science!!! Incredibly FUN and INTERACTIVE!!! Challenging and FREE for all ages!!! Vendor and Farmer's Market also HIGHLIGHTS the event. Not too late to register for the Over the River and Through the Woods 5K. Stroller friendly. Friendly, leashed dogs welcome.  For detailed information and to register for the 5k see: https://runsignup.com/Race/IN/Montezuma/OvertheRiverandThroughtheWoods5k .  Register by today (Sept. 18) to be guaranteed a t-shirt.  This a fundraiser for Parke Trails Alliance & Vermillion Trails Alliance.

October Big Day - October 14th at 9:00 am, at Atherton Island Natural Area (6508 W. County Rd. 800 S., Rosedale, IN 47874)

October Big Day allows people all over the world to gather outside, observe, and celebrate birds. The Cornell Lab of Ornithology created October Big Day, which challenges birders to find as many bird

species as they can in 24 hours. This global bird-counting and data-collection initiative sheds light on bird migration and encourages people to appreciate both resident and migratory species.

Join OLC Immediate Past President Marty Jones for a bird count hosted by Indiana Audubon Society and Indiana Land Protection Alliance. All bird identification skill levels are welcome to attend. Space is

limited, and RSVP is required at www.bit.ly/obd . Reach out to Marty with questions at mjones@ouabachelandconservancy.org or 317-696-6246.

Weed Wrangle at Jackson-Schnyder Nature Preserve (3635 W Concannon Ave, West Terre Haute, 47885), Saturday, October 14 (10:00AM-12:00PM)

Please bring your work gloves, water, and loppers if you have them. Message Ouabache Land Conservancy on Facebook or email claudia@ouabachelandconservancy.org with any questions.

Oaks of Illinois Virtual Workshop - October 19

Illinois is home to 21 different native oak species whose populations provide habitat and food for wildlife, support biodiverse ecosystems, contribute to improved air and water quality, and provide residential shade benefits that help to reduce energy use. Gain a better understanding of this majestic, deciduous tree species, explore oak ecology and range, and learn how to identify Illinois' 21 native oak species in a free online workshop by Chris Evans, University of Illinois Extension forestry specialist. “Oaks are one of the most important plant groups in Illinois,” says Evans. “By learning to identify and care for oak populations, homeowners, forest owners, and tree care professionals can support a diverse and ecologically significant environment, both in residential and woodland areas.” The session will be held online from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. CENTRAL TIME on Oct. 19, including interactive elements and opportunities for review and participant questions. Tree care industry professionals can earn Continuing Education Units from the International Society of Arboriculture for participating. Register to attend the session at go.illinois.edu/IllinoisOakWorkshop.

Wildflower Seed Harvest at Atherton Island Natural Area (6508 W. County Rd. 800 S., Rosedale, IN 47874), Saturday, October 21 (9-11:00AM)

As Ouabache Land Conservancy prepares to plant four more acres of pollinator habitat at AINA, we will be harvesting seeds from three species of grasses and about 40 species of wildflowers growing in the existing prairie restoration at AINA. Gathering seeds on a lovely October day is an enjoyable group activity and an excellent way to learn about the plants of our Indiana prairies. We’ll provide information on identifying plants in their autumn attire and explain how the seed harvest will be prepared for a winter or spring planting. Scissors for cutting seed clusters and paper bags for holding and storing seeds will be

provided.

Fall Foliage Hike at John O. Whitaker Woods Nature Preserve (3801 W. County Rd. 950 N., Brazil, IN 47834), Saturday, October 21 (10-11:30AM)

Please join Ouabache Land Conservancy on a fall foliage hike of the John O. Whitaker Woods Nature Preserve. The preserve’s namesake, Dr. John Whitaker and Purdue Extension Educator, Phil Cox will

lead the way through this 43-acre woodland that Whitaker donated in 2021.The preserve boasts over 2,250 trees of 34 different species that have been studied and measured in 1977-78, 1993-94, and

2009-10. The most abundant species in order are: Tulip Tree, Red Hickory, Red Oak, Shagbark Hickory, White Oak, Red Maple, and American Sycamore. No reservations are required for this free

family-friendly hike. Attendees are encouraged to wear long pants, hiking boots, or good tennis shoes.

Learn to Burn: Grassland Management Workshop – October 25

A Grassland Management Workshop is scheduled for Wednesday, October 25th, from 9:03 am to 2:30 pm at the Clinton Public Library, 313 S. 4^th St., Clinton, IN 47842.  If you have USDA Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) fields or other native warm-season grasses on your property; or you are interested in prescribed fire and other grassland management tools for quail and other wildlife management, then this workshop is for you.  This workshop will cover CRP and Mid-Contract Management options, including herbicide, interseeding, and disking, as well as prescribed fire planning, safety, equipment and a tallgrass prairie demonstration burn (weather permitting) at Atherton Island Natural Area.  Registration is $5 per person (includes lunch) and is payable at the door.  To register contact the Vermillion County Extension Office at 765-492-5330 or cox119@purdue.edu .  Space is limited and pre-registration is requested by October 18^th.  This workshop is being sponsored by Purdue Extension, Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Indiana Prescribed Fire Council, Pheasants Forever, Parke & Vermillion County Soil & Water Conservation Districts, and Ouabache Land Conservancy.   Contact Phil Cox, Purdue Extension – Vermillion County, at 765-492-5330 or cox119@purdue.edu with any questions.  Purdue University is an equal opportunity/equal access/affirmative action institution.

Fall Foliage Hike at Jackson-Schnyder Nature Preserve (3635 W. Concannon Ave, West Terre Haute, 47885), Saturday, October 28 (10-11:30AM)

This hike celebrates the 14th anniversary of Jackson-Schnyder Nature Preserve’s dedication as a state nature preserve. Dr. James Speer, Professor of Geography and Geology at Indiana State

University and OLC Advisory Board member, will share about the preserve's flora as he leads hikers through the tallgrass prairie and approximately 25 species of trees found on the 20-acre preserve. No

reservations required for this free family-friendly hike. Attendees are encouraged to wear long pants, hiking boots, or good tennis shoes.

Indiana Native Plant Society Annual Conference – October 28, Bloomington, IN

For details see: https://indiananativeplants.org/inps-sponsored-events/annual-conference/

Agriculture & Natural Resources

Learn to Burn: Grassland Management Workshop – October 25