Incredible Opportunity for Volunteering on Some Spectacular Indiana Nature Preserves

If you are anything at all like us (well, you are reading this) you love nature, love to learn and love to experience unique natural areas. In our collective experience there is no better way to do all of these things (while also making great connections) than volunteering for nature preserve stewardship work days.

One of the very best organizations to get involved with in this way is The Nature Conservancy. You will connect with extremely knowledgeable conservation professionals, learn the importance of stewardship to the preservation of sensitive natural areas and get to see otherwise inaccessible nature preserves. The roots of many-a-career were first sunk into the fertile soil of volunteerism!

There are volunteer opportunities around the state of Indiana and the entire country, for that matter. Here are a couple examples for northeast Indiana (Steve's comments are in black font, the text from the original TNC announcement is in blue font):

Douglas Woods is a rare and fine example of upland hardwood forest/ephemeral wetlands complex. There are impressive stands of trees, whimsical ephemeral wetlands and steep bluffs overlooking Fish Creek. This place just feels like an old, old forest. Here's the details:

Saturday, May 9
Douglas Woods Nature Preserve, DeKalb County
Garlic Mustard - Invasive Specie Removal
9:30 a.m to 3 p.m. (Eastern)

For all you spring wildflower nuts please join us for a fun day of invasive species removal and hiking at Douglas Woods Nature Preserve. Garlic mustard threatens the native plants and old growth forest of this beautiful preserve. We will be canvassing the preserve and hand-pulling the garlic mustard. As a special thank you we will spend some time in a relaxing wildflower hike. Come prepared to spend a day outdoors. Please wear long sleeves, long pants, and sturdy shoes. Make sure to bring gloves, lunch and plenty of water.

From I-69 exit 140 (Ashley/Hamilton exit) travel east on CR 800 S for 7 miles. Turn left (north) on SR 427 and travel 0.4 mile into Hamilton. Meet at the gas station in Hamilton located at the intersection of SR 427 and SR 1. We will leave the gas station at 9:30 am to caravan over to the preserve.

RSVPs are greatly appreciated, but not required. Please contact Beth Mizell by phone at 260-316-0868 or by email at emizell@tnc.org.

Swamp Angel represents northeast Indiana lake country in its natural state. You will not see another example this fine. 'nuff said, here's the details:

Saturday, April 25

Swamp Angel, Noble County
Garlic Mustard - Invasive Species Removal
9:30 a.m to 3 p.m. (Eastern)

Join us for a fun day of invasive species removal and exploration at Swamp Angel Nature Preserve. Garlic mustard threatens the native plants and oak forest restoration of this beautiful preserve. We will be hand-pulling the garlic mustard along steep slopes. As a special thank you we will get our feet a little wet and venture into the wetland fen for a relaxing hike. Come prepared to spend a day outdoors. Please wear long sleeves, long pants, and sturdy shoes. Make sure to bring gloves, lunch and plenty of water.

From I-69 exit 134 (Waterloo exit) travel west on US 6 for 17 miles. Meet at the Short Stop gas station located at the intersection of US 6 and SR 9 in Nobel County (5.5 miles west of Kendallville, IN). The gas station will be on the north side of the intersection. We will leave from the gas station at 9:30 am to caravan over to the preserve.

Swamp Angel is a sensitive preserve with limited access. Participation will be limited to 15 persons and RSVP is required. Please contact Beth Mizell by phone at 260-316-0868 or by email at emizell@tnc.org.