NICHES Land Trust

NICHES celebrates a new acquisition – Phil and Joan Ferguson Preserve

marykate — Tue, 11 Jun 2013 18:16:33 +0000

Jeff Ferguson donated 21 Acres along Kilmore Creek in Clinton County to NICHES Land Trust. Kilmore Creek has the highest water quality within the Wildcat Creek system and is jumping with small mouth. The preserve currently has a 7 acre hay field which we will be restoring to woodland in the next several years. Thank you to Mr. Ferguson for his generous donation to ensure this habitat is preserved in perpetuity.

Workday to install native plants at Lafayette Urban Ministries

gnyberg — Wed, 29 May 2013 18:26:56 +0000

Lafayette Urban Ministries is partnering with NICHES to generate much needed native plant seed. This Friday, May 30 at 3:30 PM we will be planting american beak grass plugs into the former turf of LUM (420 N 4th Street Lafayette).As the plants mature, seed will be harvested from the plants and used to further restoration efforts of woodlands in Tipecanoe County.

Please join us, as many hands make quick work of the 450 plugs that we will be putting in the ground.

If you have any questions or want to RSVP, please call Gus 765-427-4345.

Thanks.

NICHES and Wildcat Creek Foundation to join forces!

marykate — Tue, 28 May 2013 21:05:25 +0000

NICHES Land Trust and Wildcat Creek Foundation join together to continue preservation along Wildcat Creek!

Join us on Saturday June 8th at Discover the Wildcat held at Adams Mill on Wildcat Creek where the Wildcat Creek Foundation will hand-over the work of preserving their properties to NICHES with a formal ceremony at 2 PM. There’s a lot more happening during the entire celebration so be sure to come by from 10 AM to 4 PM where you’ll find music, games, hikes, food, free canoe rides, and a grand time. NICHES will have a booth, creek side kids’ activities at 11 AM and 1 PM, and a nature walk in the Oxbow at 3 PM.

Open Poster Session – Biodiversity on NICHES Properties

marykate — Thu, 11 Apr 2013 13:41:11 +0000

OPEN POSTER SESSION

Biodiversity Assessments of NICHES properties:
Helping local conservation efforts through service learning

When: Wednesday, April 24, 2013,1:00 to 4:30 PM

Where: John S. Wright Forestry Center
1007 N 725 W, West Lafayette, IN

Everyone is welcome! Come support and interact with FNR 408 students during an open poster session as they present the results of their capstone projects assessing the biodiversity and habitat quality of local properties owned by NICHES Land Trust.

FNR 408 poster session

MCCF Green in ’13 Grant Received!

marykate — Tue, 09 Apr 2013 12:59:03 +0000

MCCF “Green in ‘13” to Celebrate Earth Day

with NICHES and Friends of Sugar Creek

On April 20^th the Bachner Preserve in southwestern Montgomery County will get a good spring cleaning thanks to the leadership of both NICHES Land Trust, Inc. and Friends of Sugar Creek. NICHES received a “Green in ‘13” Community Engagement Grant in the amount of $1,000.00 from Montgomery County Community Foundation to host the event which will include invasive species removal (R.I.P. – Remove Invasive Plants), trail maintenance, trash pickup and creek clean-up. Garlic mustard is the target of the R.I.P. effort. The removal of these invasive, non-native plants is important so that the ecosystem maintains its natural balance.

While volunteers from each of the host agencies will be out in full force, others are welcome too. The event starts at 10 a.m. on the 20th and all necessary supplies will be supplied. Volunteers should bring their own gloves and dress appropriately since it will take place, rain or shine. Lunch will be provided and participants will also receive a free t-shirt as supplies last. Those interested in helping should notify Doug Calisch at calischd@wabash.edu.

NICHES stands for “Northern Indiana Citizens Helping Ecosystems Survive.” It is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation formed in 1995 by a diverse group of concerned people acting to protect natural spaces in the face of increasing threat. It serves Benton, Carroll, Cass, Clinton, Fountain, Howard, Jasper, Montgomery, Pulaski, Newton, Tippecanoe, Warren, and White Counties. Friends of Sugar Creek is also a 501(c)3 non-profit organization and is dedicated to restoring and protecting Sugar Creek and its tributaries throughout West Central Indiana.

Montgomery County Community Foundation was established in 1991 and since then has awarded more than $13 million in scholarships and grants here in Montgomery County. To learn more about Montgomery County Community Foundation call 362-1267 or visit www.mccf-in.org.

2013 Annual Meeting with Dr. Paul Shepson!

marykate — Sun, 07 Apr 2013 16:15:38 +0000

NICHES Annual Meeting

Tuesday, April 23, 6-9 PM

TAF Wells Center, 638 North Street Lafayette

You are cordially invited to join NICHES staff, board of directors, members, and supporters for our Annual Meeting, featuring a presentation on climate change by Dr. Paul Shepson, Professor of Chemistry and Earth, Atmospheric & Planetary Sciences at Purdue University.

At the meeting we will also review our accomplishments in 2012, elect new board members and honor outgoing board members for their service to NICHES. There will be a light reception with a hosted bar and the annual silent auction. Hope to see you there!

Spring Tree Planting

gnyberg — Fri, 22 Mar 2013 16:07:00 +0000

March 23 will be an exciting day for NICHES.

2 oak woodland restoration projects will be going on simultaneously. Mulvey Pond, which appears to have plenty of volunteers to help and Potawatomi Trail, which is in need of a few hardy tree planters.

We will be meeting on site at 10 AM and working to get 300 white oaks in the ground over a 17 acre area. Beautiful views over the Wabash River valley that is still a relatively new site.

Please bring gloves and s favorite shovel, but if you dont have a favorite, we should have plenty .

Potawatomi Trail straddles the Tippecanoe and Warren County lines and the uplands is best approached by heading south from Greenhill and turning east of 450 N, a little used gravel road.

Hope to see you on the land tomorrow.

Thanks

Gus

Want to help in the great outdoors? Trail Managers needed!

marykate — Wed, 06 Mar 2013 16:57:02 +0000

Trails are the second impression of NICHES after the roadside view for many people. Therefore it is very important that the trail is well kept so that visitors do not get lost and have a positive visit. Follow the link and see which preserve you can be of service! Volunteer job description trail manager

Join the effort at Mulvey Pond!

marykate — Wed, 20 Feb 2013 16:38:59 +0000

A consortium of local businesses are partnering with NICHES to make a difference at Mulvey Pond this spring. Find out more HERE!

Nature Clubs for Families

marykate — Mon, 18 Feb 2013 12:51:43 +0000

NICHES received an announcement regarding a new initiative to help connect children with nature, their families and their community. Would YOU be willing to work with NICHES to form a Family Nature Club?

The Department of Natural Resources, the Environmental Education Association of Indiana and the newly formed Indiana Children in Nature Network are working together to get Indiana kids outside. They’ve begun an initiative to encourage formation of Family Nature Clubs, first in central Indiana and eventually statewide.

Family Nature Clubs get families out together for unstructured playtime and exploration in nature. These clubs can be organized by neighbors, friends, playgroups, churches or individuals. They meet as often as they like, finding nature in rural settings, wilderness, backyards, city neighborhoods and walking paths. In addition to all of the other benefits, being outside as a family strengthens family ties and a sense of community. The national Children in Nature Network connects clubs and provides information on how to begin and run a club. (www.childrenandnature.org/movement/naturalfamilies/clubs). Contact NICHES to help!