Red-tail Land Conservancy

10/24/2026

Today is the beginning of !

Bats play a core role in the ecosystem by balancing bug populations, spreading seeds, and pollinating native plants. However, their populations are threatened by habitat loss and disease.

Help these amazing mammals by supporting conservation efforts. Pull invasive plants and replace them with natives to keep the bug populations thriving so our bats have food!

Or consider adding to the “Going Batty for Indiana: Designating an Official State Mammal” petition: https://www.change.org/p/going-batty-for-indiana-designating-an-official-state-mammal

Photo Caption: Petunia the Big Brown Bat. She calls the Ball State University Biology Department home, where she resides as an ambassador animal!
PC: M. Raines

10/21/2026

Big Day was a big success this year at McVey! Thank you to the Indiana Land Protection Alliance and to Indiana Audubon for organizing Big Day each year, and to Elena Paul who led our wonderful hike!

This year we observed Swamp Sparrows, Eastern Phoebes, Yellow-rumped Warblers, and more - you can check out our first list on eBird: https://ebird.org/checklist/S401989116?continue

10/19/2026

If you would like to read more about how wetland restoration projects can improve water quality, reduce flood impacts and create wildlife habitat through public-private partnerships, check out this this Star Press article all about Red-tail's very own Fall Creek Woods, authored by Jane Imbody.

Fall Creek Woods in Henry County is emerging as a model for wetland restoration after surviving major flooding with little damage.

10/17/2026

Since our first Indiana Master Naturalist class in early September, we have made it over halfway through the course! With only a couple of weeks remaining, enthusiasm for conservation and preservation continues to grow among our participants.

Here are some of our favorite moments from the last several weeks!
BSU Field Station & Environmental Education Center

10/05/2026

There are still several spots left for our trip to McVey Memorial Forest this weekend!

Have you signed up for October Big Day yet?

On October 10, explore Indiana nature preserves and contribute to a global day of bird counting with our land trust partners and Indiana Audubon! Choose from one of 18 birding hikes led by experienced guides in special habitats that have been protected forever by community land trusts. Each bird walk runs from 9-11am local time.

Registration is $5 per person, and birders of all skill levels are welcome! Explore destinations and RSVP at obd2026.eventbrite.com

Thanks to all of our host sites for partnering with us for this statewide day of birding: ACRES Land Trust, Buffalo Trace Land Trust, Cardinal Land Conservancy, Central Indiana Land Trust, Clear Lake Township Land Conservancy, Indiana Karst Conservancy, Little River Wetlands Project, Mud Creek Conservancy, NICHES Land Trust, Ouabache Land Conservancy, OXBOW, Inc., Red-tail Land Conservancy, Shirley Heinze Land Trust , Sycamore Land Trust, The Nature Conservancy in Indiana, Three Forks Preserve

09/29/2026

Will you be joining us for Big Day? It is only 11 days away!

For five years, Indiana Audubon and Indiana Land Protection Alliance have hosted Big Day, and this year’s event is happening October 10!

Red-tail Land Conservancy will be hosting at McVey Memorial Forest, alongside Indiana Audubon host Elena Paul!

Elena has been birding for as long as she can remember, but picking up a camera in high school changed the way she experienced birding. Today, she uses photography to capture the stories and natural behaviors of birds and share them with others.

“My personal favorite thing is the ability to really witness natural behaviors of birds that you wouldn't necessarily see if you weren't looking for it.”

We’re excited to have Elena joining us at McVey! Come explore, discover some birds, and celebrate Indiana’s incredible birdlife with us.

Will we see you there?
Registration: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2026-october-big-day-hikes-with-ilpa-tickets-1993606052369

Photo Credits: Matt Howell & Red-tail Staff

09/28/2026

Last call to all artists! Today is the last day to enter your submission for Open Space!

Entries are due by 11:59pm today, September 28th.

You can find more details on registration for Open Space here: https://showsubmit.com/show/mmg-open-space-2026

Calling all artists!
In partnership with Minnetrista Museum & Gardens and the Anderson Museum of Art, Red-tail Land Conservancy is delighted to invite you to enter 2026's Open Space: Art About the Land competition and exhibition. This annual event encourages Indiana artists to be inspired by nature and celebrate the idea of open space.

The exhibit will be opened simultaneously as two sister exhibits at Minnetrista Museum & Gardens and the Anderson Museum of Art from November 7, 2026 to January 3, 2027. A portion of the event's proceeds will benefit Red-tail's work to preserve the beautiful landscapes you love and vital habitats wildlife need.

A big thanks to 1816 Wealth Management Partners of Raymond James for helping to sponsor awards that will be selected from the accepted works.

The deadline for entry is September 28, 2026. Visit Minnetrista's website to learn more: https://showsubmit.com/show/mmg-open-space-2026

09/25/2026

Earlier this month, the prairies of Red-tail Nature Preserve felt the presence of fire for its second growing-season burn in two years. The Red-tail team was joined by John Taylor of the BSU Field Station & Environmental Education Center, Phillip Weldy of the Central Indiana Land Trust, Brent Headland, and another volunteer firefighter from the Albany Delaware Township Fire Department.

We were also joined by JB Bilbrey from Ball State’s College of Sciences and Humanities, who was able to capture these incredible photos detailing the burn process.

Red-tail Nature Preserve was one of the first preserves we acquired. When the prairies were established, the seed mix that was used contained more grasses than forbs. By performing burns during the growing season, we disadvantage the more aggressive grasses and instead encourage the forbs come springtime.

Photo Credits: JB Bilbrey