NATIVE ROOTS
To promote the enjoyment & stewardship of natural areas in West Central Indiana!
INPAWS 2014 SMALL GRANTS DEADLINE: FEB 1st
(Indiana Native Plant and Wildflower Society)
INPAWS has a Small Grants Program
which gives awards of up to $1000
to support projects in line with its mission of
promoting the appreciation, preservation, conservation,
utilization and scientific study of the flora native to Indiana and
educating the public about the values, beauty, diversity and
environmental importance of indigenous vegetation.
For details & a copy of the guidelines, go to: www.inpaws.org
QUESTIONS? e-mail Jackie Luzar: smallgrants@inpaws.org
UPCOMING PROGRAMS
West Central Chapter of INPAWS Indiana Native Plant & Wildflower Society
WC-INPAWS PROGRAM Meetings—fourth Mondays at 7pm
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 ~
MON JAN 27 “Pollen’s the Word: Spread it Around!”
Tom Turpin, Purdue Entomologist of Bug Bowl fame, will give a
presentation about the evolution of the pollination process and the
role that insects play.
MON FEB 24 “Identifying Indiana's Common Butterflies” (J.Belth)
and “Gardening for Butterflies” (S. Belth)
Jeffrey Belth, author of Butterflies of Indiana: A Field Guide, will
introduce us to Indiana's common butterflies and, using his
photographs, will show us how to identify them—even those species
which at first glance appear similar.
Jeff will have copies of his book available for purchase.
Sandy Belth, Master Gardener/Assistant Naturalist in Monroe Co, will
give us some hints on plants to add to our yards to attract butterflies,
both as nectar sources and as food plants for their caterpillars.
MON MAR 24 PGM TO BE ANNOUNCED; check with Susan.
MON APR 28 “Indiana Wildflower Project” – Kay Yatskievych
PgmChair: Susan Ulrich 765-583-2275 sueandtedulrich@msn.com
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
These will be walks where we learn to identify the plants we see
growing wild, with an emphasis on edible plants.
Places and times are to be determined, so e-mail or call Nick.
FOR MORE INFO: nickharby@yahoo.com or 317-370-2895
MASTER GARDENER EVENTS open to the PUBLIC
PROGRAM DETAILS/COST: www.hort.purdue.edu/mg/events.html
SAT JAN 25 8am-4pm CST – 11th Annual Gardening Show –Porter Co
at Porter County Expo Center: 215 Division Rd, Valparaiso, IN
SAT FEB 15 – “Once Upon a Garden” Seminar –Gibson Co.
Reg & b’fast: 7:30am CST; Seminar: 8:30am-2:30pm CST
At Lowell North Auditorium: 1108 N Embree, Princeton, IN
MINIATURE FAIRY GARDEN CLASSES (free)
SAT JAN 25th 10am & SAT FEB 8th 10am
at The Wild Bird Shoppe 1511 West 350 North, West Lafayette
A fairy garden is a miniature garden that is said to attract fairies.
The plants used in the garden all stay small.
Call 765-463-2098 to sign up. Attendees receive free container & dirt.
BEEKEEPERS: JAN 25th, FEB 15th 9am at the Thorntown Library
West Central Indiana Beekkeepers Association will discuss the work of
Michael Bush—advocate of natural, treatment-free, non-conventional
methods of beekeeping. His ideas at: www.bushfarms.com/bees.htm
WCIBA INFO: MSchluttenhofer@fbibuildings.com or 765-482-4384
Vol 10 Issue #1 JAN-MAR 2014
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)
Dinner with the speaker is at 6pm in the MCL Cafeteria-West Lafayette
~ open to the public ~
THURS, FEB 13 “Birds & Other Wildlife in a Forested Landscape”
Andrew Meier is project coordinator for Purdue’s Hardwood Ecosystem
Experiment (HEE)—a century long project in Morgan-Monroe and
Yellowwood State Forests with multiple objectives, one of which is to
understand the impact of forest management on plant & animal
populations/diversity. He will discuss the background & impetus for
HEE, the forest management context, and wildlife responses to that
management with a focus on the changes in breeding bird dynamics.
THURS, MAR 13 “Update on Local Youth in Nature”
Did you know that our community has a Junior Nature Club? Or that
it soon will be home to an incredibly exciting & innovative outdoor
space known as Berlovitz Children’s Forest? SAS Bd Member Zonda
Bryant will tell us about them and remind us how special and important
it is to connect with nature whether we’re a kid or just a kid at heart!
PGM CHAIR—Wes Homoya: 317-452-5355, whomoya@yahoo.com
SAS FIELD TRIPS/HIKES led by Barny Dunning
Meet in Celery Bog gravel parking lot—off Lindberg Rd in W. Laf:
SAT JAN 25 8:30am Winter Bird Foray (half-day)
Drive around looking for Longspurs, Snow Buntings, Rough-legged
Hawks and whatever else is being reported in the area.
SAT FEB 22 8am Waterfowl & Eagles Field Trip (half-day)
Check for the first of the migrating waterfowl such as ducks & cranes,
and look for Bald Eagles along the Wabash River. The local breeding
eagle pairs should be on eggs already.
SUN MAR 9 5:45pm to caravan to PWA* for – Woodcock Display
Listen & look for displaying American Woodcock at Purdue Wildlife
Area on route 26 in western Tippecanoe Co *OR, meet there at 6pm
SAT MAR 29 6:30am to carpool to Lake Michigan Shore Trip (all-day)
Spend the day at Dunes State Park & the National Lakeshore looking
for migrating waterfowl, gulls, loons and other species that are hard to
see in the West Lafayette area.
NOTE: Possible Weekend Prairie Chicken Trip this spring to visit one
of the Illinois prairie-chicken refuges. Contact Barny Dunning if interested!
THURSDAY EARLY BIRD HIKES – begin MAR 27th (~1 hr)
A fun way to start your day—birding at Celery Bog Nature Area!
Meet at 8:00am in gravel parking lot at Celery Bog!
~~~~~~~~
Birding on the Fly - E-mail List
If there is an unusual bird sighting locally (e.g. the Snowy Owl at Celery
Bog on Dec 2) or around the state, Barny sends out an e-mail to this list.
Contact Barny if you wish to be added.
INFO: Barny Dunning 497-3082h, 494-3565w, jdunning@purdue.edu
WINTER BIRD COUNTS
WINTER BIRD FEEDER COUNT: 20th-25th of NOV, DEC, JAN, FEB
REPORT FORMS for sending in your data at www.indianaaudubon.org
Questions? E-mail John Castrale: jcastrale@dnr.IN.gov
GREAT BACKYARD BIRD COUNT: FRI FEB 14 thru MON FEB 17
Help scientists get the “big picture” about changes in bird populations!
Participation details & tracking data at www.birdsource.org/gbbc
EAGLES –Fieldtrips, Roosts, Information & More…!
SAT JAN 18 Indiana Audubon Society (IAS) Eagle Field Trip 2014
Starts 7am at West Union covered bridge in Parke Co.
INFO/PRE-REG: Alan Bruner 765-562-2741, abbird@att.net
DETAILS: www.indianaaudubon.org
FRI-SUN JAN 24-26 at TURKEY RUN STATE PARK
EAGLES IN FLIGHT Weekend 2014: The Trouble with Being a Raptor
features live eagle, hawk, and owl programs!
BROCHURE: www.in.gov/dnr/parklake/files/sp-Turkey_Eagle.pdf
UPCOMING PROGRAMS (cont’d)
STEWARDSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
JAN-MAR WEDNESDAYS in the WILD pgms in separate flyer
AND on p. 3 of electronic version of this issue of Native Roots
Natural resource management info for small acreage and rural estates.
NATURE PROGRAMS FOR KIDS
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 JAN 14
“Water, Water Everywhere”
TUE FEB 4
“Winter Wonderland”
TUE FEB 25
“Dirty, Isn’t It?”
TUE MAR 18 “Change can be Beautiful”
TUE APR 8
“To Believe in Tomorrow”
TUE APR 29
“Coloring the World Happy!”
TUE MAY 20 “There be treasure out there!”
FOR MORE INFO: Ms. Zonda (Bryant) 765-366-9126
Sponsored by Sycamore Audubon Society and Hands of the Future
ZION NATURE CENTER Winter Programs (Ages noted)
at Zion Nature Center 690 Beech St, Zionsville 317-873-8950
OR at other Zionsville location
REGISTRATION REQUIRED: www.zionnaturecenterfriends.org
or www.zionsville.lib.in.us for FRI programs starting at the library
FRI, JAN 17 10-11am Animal Adventures: Woodpeckers Ages 3-6
Meet at library for fictional story, then walk to Zion Nature Center to
learn real facts about woodpeckers. REGISTER at libr 317-873-3149
SAT, JAN 18 1pm Live Birds of Prey -- Best for ages 6 & up
NOTE: Pgm takes place at Zionsville Town Hall – 1100 W. Oak St.
Mark Booth of Take Flight Wildlife Education will provide a close-up
look at these predators.
SAT, JAN 25 1pm Indiana Jim -- Best for ages 6 & up
NOTE: Pgm takes place at Zionsville Town Hall – 1100 W. Oak St.
Indiana Jim will introduce you to his live reptiles.
SAT, FEB 8 1pm Utopia Wildlife – All ages
NOTE: Pgm takes place at Zionsville Town Hall – 1100 W. Oak St
Utopia Wildlife Rehabilitators will introduce you to some of the injured
animals that can’t be released back into the wild.
WED, FEB 12 7pm Alien Invaders:Armed & Dangerous-Adults,teens
PhD candidate Lauren Smith discusses these alien plants & animals
that carry “Novel Weapons” or adaptations that make them
particularly harmful to native ecosystems. SPACE IS LIMITED
SAT, FEB 15 1pm Maple Syrup & Tree Tapping – Ages 8-Adult
Learn how to make maple syrup from your own backyard & sample
local syrup! Dress for outdoor demo & maple tree identification!
SPACE IS LIMITED so register early.
WED, FEB 19 7pm Where Are All the Butterflies? – Adults
Retired entomologist John Thieme shares his knowledge about
Indiana butterflies in a fast moving and interesting slide show.
SPACE IS LIMITED so register early.
FRI, FEB 21 10-11am Animal Adventures: Lizards – Ages 3-6
Meet at library for fictional story, then walk to Zion Nature Center to
learn real facts about lizards. REGISTER at library 317-873-3149.
FOR MORE INFO: 317-873-8950 or znaturecenter@aol.com
NATURE PROGRAMS AT PROPHETSTOWN STATE PARK
Enter park via Swisher Rd (off N. 9th St, just south of Battle Ground)
SAT FEB 1 2pm Prairie Winter Hike (free) Meet at Visitor Center
SAT FEB 8 2pm Bat House Workshop ($15 fee & pre-registration)
Meet at Visitor Center
SUN FEB 16 2pm Winter Bird Hike (free)
Meet at Far East End Parking Lot
SAT FEB 22 2pm Leopold Bench Workshop ($35 fee & pre-registr.)
Meet at Visitor Center
SAT MAR 8 2pm Walking Stick Workshop ($5 fee & pre-registr.)
Meet at Visitor Center
SAT-SUN MAR 22-23 Maple Sugaring Days (gate fee)
Park at Visitor Center or The Farm and walk to the
Native American Village.
SUN MAR 30 2pm Early Bloomers Wildflower Hike (gate fee)
Meet at Far East End Parking Lot
INFO/REG: Angie Manuel 765-567-4919 or amanuel@dnr.IN.gov
PROGRAMS AT WOLF PARK (4004 E 800 N, Battle Ground)
Winter Hours (JAN-MAY): open every SAT 7:30pm for Howl Night
SAT JAN 18 1-4pm Wolf Park’s Winter Wolves in full winter coats!
Tours, games, crafts for kids, & more. Warm up with hot drink indoors.
MORE INFO/COST: 765-567-2265 or www.wolfpark.org
Helping Families Conserve Nature on their Land
Educational Series:Thursday Evenings 6-9pm FEB 13–APR 3
at Purdue Extension-Tipp Co Office: 3150 Sagamore Pkwy So, Lafayette
8 evening sessions plus SAT MAR 29 morning field tour covers:
managing natural resources, trees & forest, wildlife habitat,
invasive species, wildlife damage, ponds/if interest, as well as
lawn & landscaping conservation, and small farm sustainable planning.
NOTE: Cost is $50 if paid by Feb 10th, $65 after Feb 10th
REGISTRATION: Jeff Phillips 765-474-0793 jphillips@purdue.edu
CONTENT: Brian MacGowan 765-647-3538 macgowan@purdue.edu
NICHES Land Trust - Helping Ecosystems Survive!
Website: www.nicheslandtrust.org
~ Office: 765-423-1605
NEXT BOARD MEETING – 6:30pm TUES, FEB 25th in the downstairs
North Room in Wells Center/TAF at 638 North St, Lafayette
VOLUNTEER WORKDAYS at NICHES Properties
Property directions/info: www.nicheslandtrust.org or 765-423-1605
MON JAN 20th 10am-2pm Moyer-Gould Woods – Carroll Co
Spend this Martin Luther King Day of Service continuing the clean-up
of this preserve with Volunteer Steward Fred Bergner & Stewardship
Manager Bob Easter. Lots of great projects going on that day for a variety
of ages and skill sets. Dress for the outdoors!
FOR MORE INFO contact Bob: rleaster@nicheslandtrust.org
MON MAR 17th – THU MAR 21st Alternative Spring Break
Join NICHES Stewards for alternative FUN at Frogs’ Glory–Carroll Co.
where (weather permitting) we hold a prescribed burn, remove
invasives, and work together for the greater good! Meals provided and
camping is encouraged. LIMITED to 8 Participants, so register early.
DETAILS/REG contact Bob Easter: rleaster@nicheslandtrust.org
KANKAKEE SANDS – VOLUNTEER WORKDAYS
on 2nd Saturdays led by staff from The Nature Conservancy in Indiana
SAT FEB 8th 9am-1pm CST Invasive Woody Species Control
In a little-explored area of Conrad Station Savanna, invasive woody
species will be removed using hand-held loppers & herbicide applicator
“wands” to cut/treat stumps. Training & protective gear supplied, but
dress for the weather and wear a good pair of cold-tolerant work boots.
Meet at Nature Conservancy Office: 3294 N US 41, Morocco
RSVP/INFO: Tony Capizzo acapizzo@tnc.org or 219-285-2184
SAT MAR 8th 9am-noon CST Transplanting Seedlings at Greenhouse
Native plant seeds sowed in February are ready to be transplanted into
individual pots in the warm, cheery greenhouse. (ALL AGES welcome)
Bring sunglasses, hat & lots of clothing options since greenhouse temp
can be warm (90º !). Wear green shirt to celebrate the growing season!
Meet at Kankakee Sands Greenhouse: 1492 W 250 N, Morocco
RSVP/INFO: Alyssa Nyberg anyberg@tnc.org or 219-866-1706
CONSERVATION DAY at the STATEHOUSE - TUE JAN 28th
8:45-9:15am – Registration (outside IN Gov’t Center So. Conf Room C)
or pre-register online at conservationday.eventbrite.com
9:15-10:30am – Morning Session to help people develop an effective
working relationship with legislators.
11am – Reception - Indiana Statehouse North Atrium, 200 West Wash St
11:15-11:30am Presentation & Legislator of the Year Awards Ceremony
Guest Speaker: Former Lt. Governor Becky Skillman
11:30-1:30pm Legislative Lunch Reception, open time to visit your
legislator & discuss conservation priorities.
Focus this year is on thanking legislators for the appropriations
received in the two-year budget passed in 2013 for:
Clean Water Indiana, Indiana Heritage Trust, Bicentennial Nature Trust.
Sponsored by the Indiana Conservation Alliance (INCA) —
a unified voice in support of natural resources funding.
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 APR-JUN issue need to reach me by MAR 15th.
To get e-mail copy, contact me at: mohrsamuels@comcast.net
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
JANUARY – MARCH 2014
Jan 15th 1-3pm "Winter Animal Tracks & Trails" ------------------------------- indoor/outdoor pgm—LNC
Join Naturalist Mary Cutler in learning how to decode the clues animals leave behind in the natural world. Dress
for the weather, as an indoor “how-to” session will be followed by a chance to practice tracking skills outdoors!
Jan 22nd 1-3pm "Grand Canyon: From the River and the Rims" ------------------------ indoor pgm—LNC
Retired Purdue Entomologist John MacDonald’s 230-mile raft trip down the Colorado River provided him with a
unique research opportunity to explore the Grand Canyon's seeps and springs. On this virtual tour of this iconic park,
we'll explore its geology and ecology from multiple vantage points.
Jan 29th 1-3pm "The Mississippi Flyway: Rivers, Waterfowl & Migration" ------------ indoor pgm—LNC
IDNR Waterfowl Biologist Adam Phelps will shed light on one of the most easily observed seasonal events: the
migration of waterfowl. The movement patterns of Canada geese, mallards and wood ducks, and their relationship
to rivers and wetland restoration will be discussed.
Feb 5th 1-3pm “Aliens Among Us: The Status & Success of Asian Carp in the
Wabash River Watershed” ----------------------------------------------- indoor pgm—
LNC
Reuben Goforth (Purdue Assistant Professor of Aquatic Community Ecology) will discuss the invasion of
Asian Carp in our waterways and their impact on our aquatic ecosystems.
Feb 12th 1-3pm “Restoration of Allegheny Woodrats in Indiana: Integrating Research and
Management in the Recovery of an Imperiled Species” -------------- indoor pgm—LNC
Tim Smyser (Wildlife Scientist & Purdue Postdoctoral Research Assoc.) will discuss ongoing efforts to recover
endangered Allegheny woodrat populations in Indiana—the subject of his Ph.D. dissertation & research at Purdue.
Feb 19th 7-9pm “Nature Photography” ----------------------------------------------------- indoor pgm—LNC
Dr. Dan Shepardson (Purdue’s Dept of Earth, Atmospheric & Planetary Sciences) will share tips & techniques
for photographing nature. Dan’s amazing photographs of National and Indiana Parks and nature areas will be used
to illustrate different techniques--making this program worth attending even for those who don’t dabble in photography!
Feb 26th 7-9pm WHOooo's There: Owl Myths -------------------------------------------- indoor pgm—LNC
Barny Dunning (Purdue Wildlife Ecologist) will use a question and answer format to explore the biology of owls
in a way that supports some commonly held views about them, but challenges other “facts” that people think they
know about these birds. The talk is not about identification per se, but during the talk slides will be shown of most
of the common owl species in Indiana.
Mar 5th 1-3pm “Natural History & Conservation of Golden Eagles” -------------------- indoor pgm—LNC
Although often thought of as a western bird, golden eagles do sometimes share Indiana’s skies with their more familiar
cousins. Dr. Jacqueline Doyle (Purdue Dept of Forestry & Natural Resources) will share details from a national
working group on golden eagles, along with her research on a population of golden eagles in the Mojave Desert.
Mar 12th 7:30-9:30pm “Sounds of Spring-Wacky Woodcocks” ---------------- indoor/outdoor pgm—LNC
Experience this spring birding ritual with Naturalist Mary Cutler & members of the Sycamore Audubon Society
through an indoor talk about the woodcock followed by outdoor observations. Bring Flashlight/Binoculars.
Mar 19th 1-3pm & 7-9pm ”Purdue Herbarium Tours” ----------------------------------- indoor pgm—HERB
Join Nick Harby (Herbarium Assistant) who will give two tours of Purdue’s Herbarium, which has over a hundred
thousand plant specimens. We will see plants collected from Happy Hollow to the Himalayas, from 1769 until today!
Mar 26th 1-3pm “Urban Bird Conservation” ----------------------------------------------- indoor pgm—LNC
Don Gorney (Director of Bird Conservation & Education, Amos Butler Audubon) will discuss urban bird
conservation efforts underway in central Indiana, including “Lights Out Indy,” placing American Kestrel nest boxes,
monitoring Chimney Swift roosts, and promoting the Indy Birding Trail. He will provide details on how anyone can
get involved with bird conservation projects and citizen science.
LOCATIONS of these FREE PROGRAMS which are OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
LNC (Lilly Nature Center/Celery Bog Nature Area): On north side of Lindberg Rd, between Northwestern and McCormick in WL.
HERB (Purdue Herbarium): Rm G-447 in Lilly Hall of Life Sciences--915 W State St, West Lafayette’s Purdue Campus 765-494-4623
FOR MORE INFORMATION or TO HELP WITH PLANNING, contact:
Mary Cutler 765-567-2993, Dan Dunten 765-775-5172, Joan Mohr Samuels 765-567-7023, mohrsamuels@comcast.net
SPONSORED BY
Mary Cutler, Naturalist, Tippecanoe County Park & Rec Dept. — Sycamore Audubon Society — NICHES Land Trust
Dan Dunten, Stewardship Manager, West Lafayette Parks & Rec Dept. — West Central Chapter of INPAWS