World Wetlands Day
We wanted to share a few events that are taking place across the state to celebrate the importance of our beautiful wetlands:
Columbia Mine by Patrick Petro
Adopt-A-Trail Volunteer & Preserve Steward Training
Wednesday, February 3, 6:30 – 8:00 pm
Zoom
Join us to learn about our Adopt-A-Trail (AAT) and Preserve Steward (PS) volunteering opportunities and how you can help Shirley Heinze Land Trust by walking our trails, filling out a log of your visits, and letting us know of any issues at the preserve.
With one visit per month, you can provide the extra eyes an ears on our preserves that we need to keep our trails clear, parking lots clean and welcoming, and preserves safe and relaxing for all our visitors.
Current AAT and PS volunteers are encouraged to join the webinar to be introduced, to renew their term commitment, and to learn about new opportunities and projects.
You won’t want to miss this webinar, so RSVP soon! If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to Volunteer Coordinator, Christine Maloney, at cmaloney@heinzetrust.org or call the office at 219-242-8558.
Environmental Resources Center at Purdue University Fort Wayne
Wetlands: Nature’s Kidneys, a virtual presentation.
Tuesday, February 2, 7:00 pm
Zoom
Listen to and chat with Bruce Kingsbury and Robert Gillespie from the Environmental Resources Center at Purdue University Fort Wayne. Wetlands are not only wildlife wonderlands, they are also important filters of nutrients and pollutants. We will celebrate wetlands in general and then focus on how they help to keep the surrounding landscape, headwaters, and streams clean. After the presentation, there will be time for Q and A and general discussion. Please RSVP at erc@pfw.edu to receive updates about this and other events of the day.
Macroinvertebrates: Big Players in a Little Wet World
Tuesday, February 2, 4:00 pm.
Zoom
A virtual presentation with Deanne Zepp from the Environmental Resources Center at Purdue University Fort Wayne. Aquatic macroinvertebrates may be small, but they play a huge role in maintaining a healthy wetland, from cycling nutrients to acting as a food source. Their presence (or absence) gives us clues to the ecological state of aquatic systems. Learn about a dragonfly nymph’s lightning-fast hunting style, how midge larvae survive in low oxygen water, and other facts about the fascinating lives of these wee creatures. Please RSVP at erc@pfw.edu to receive updates about this and other events of the day.
https://purdue-edu.zoom.us/j/91754272898?pwd=SDg2WGFwNkN0U0djR0dUQnZNTDU3UT09
Other events taking place across the state by the Indiana DNR (Department of Natural Resources):
Help Feed The Birds, Potato Creek State Park
Thursday, February 4, 2021 1:00pm to 1:20pm
25601 State Road 4, North Liberty, IN 46554
Gather in the wildlife observation area at the nature center and help the naturalist fill all the bird feeders.
**Masks are required for this program.
Contact: Allison Pudlo, 574-656-8186, apudlo@dnr.in.gov
Women's Hiking Group Meet-Up, Clifty Falls State Park
Saturday, February 6, 2021 9:00am to 10:00am
2221 Clifty Drive, Madison, IN 47520
Ladies, join us for our monthly group hike where you can get outdoors, stay healthy, and meet like-minded women. This hour long hike is moderately rugged. Registration is required by calling 812-273-0609. Location will be given upon registering.
Contact: Kayla Leach, 812-273-0609, KLeach@dnr.in.gov
Off-trail History, McCormick's Creek State Park
Saturday, February 6, 2021 10:00am to 11:00am
250 McCormick's Creek Park Road, Spencer, IN 47460
Ever wondered about this land before it was the State Park? Meet at the nature center ready for a rugged hike to a historic site that's not on the map!
Contact: Wyatt Williams, 812-829-4344, WWilliams@dnr.IN.gov
Hidden Cave Hike, Spring Mill State Park
Saturday, February 6, 2021 1:00pm to 2:00pm
3333 State Road 60 East, Mitchell, IN 47446
Meet at Lakeview Activity Center to hike off trail to Author's Pocket. Register at sbelt@dnr.in.gov or 812-849-3534. 1 hour. Rugged.
Contact: Sheree Belt, 812-849-3534, sbelt@dnr.in.gov
Turtle Feeding at Canyon Inn, McCormick's Creek State Park
Sunday, February 7, 2021 10:30am to 11:00am
250 McCormick's Creek Park Road, Spencer, IN 47460
Our red-eared slider was left on our doorstep over 10 years ago. Learn why this cool animal isn’t a cool pet as he enjoys his fish. Canyon Inn lobby.
Contact: Wyatt Williams, 812-829-4344, WWilliams@dnr.IN.gov
Baffling Bark, McCormick's Creek State Park
Sunday, February 7, 2021 2:00pm to 2:45pm
250 McCormick's Creek Park Road, Spencer, IN 47460
Baffled by trees in winter? Meet Erika at Canyon Inn to learn how to identify our giant friends without leaves.
Contact: Wyatt Williams, 812-829-4344, WWilliams@dnr.IN.gov