The wetlands at Hovey Lake Fish and Wildlife Area, the Patoka River National Wildlife Refuge and Goose Pond Fish and Wildlife Area, combined with the woodlands found in the Hoosier National Forest and surrounding parks and wildlife areas along with important cave systems make this a unique place in our state and in our country. Each of these distinctive habitats contain plant and wildlife species that are needed for a healthy ecosystem to be able to meet our endless needs. These large tracts of land are CRUCIAL.

The overwhelming numbers of wildlife species on Indiana’s endangered species list or the species of special concern list are too numerous to ignore the need for habitat and funding. Listed species range from mollusks to mammals and includes invertebrates, fishes, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals. Many of the state listed species are also listed as federally endangered.

Invertebrates in trouble is troubling; we share their fresh water habitats. Our native fresh water mollusks do more than gorge on algae or filter water for nourishment: they are an important food that helps sustain wildlife throughout the entire food chain. Native wildlife species are predators or prey or both. Along with native plants, clean water and soil; this predator/prey system is needed for a balanced habitat that will benefit us. It is a fragile system on limited supplies.

By naturally controlling an array of pest problems, reptiles, amphibians, birds and mammals are indispensable to us. Try to view these beneficial species in a good way – a worse mosquito population should be more frightening than the outward appearance of a bat. Out of the 11 species of bat surviving in Indiana I found only one, the big brown bat, that was not on the state’s endangered species or the species of special concern lists. Our bats are having a hard enough time surviving as it is and according to the DNR’s web site, bats are also struggling with a disease called white-nosed syndrome caused by a deadly fungus.

We as humans greatly impact habitat, wildlife and all renewable resources. Help make our impact a positive one by reading the information available on the web site dnr.IN.gov and be sure to check out the fact sheet on mosquitoes. We are fortunate to have available the information compiled by the dedicated people from all of the DNR’s divisions. Thanks to everyone involved. To view the list or to learn how you can support the Indiana Nongame Fund go to endangeredwildlife. IN.gov.

The Goose Pond FWA (Greene County) Bird List contains many bird species that have been sighted at this remarkable place. American bitterns, least bitterns, black-crowned and yellowcrowned night herons, whooping cranes, sedge and marsh wrens, king and black rails, ospreys, northern harriers, peregrine falcons, barn owls and short-eared owls – ALL are endangered species. More information about Goose Pond FWA can be found on the DNR’s web site or by calling (812) 659-9901.

Patoka River National Wildlife Refuge in Pike and Gibson Counties is a valuable natural resource with essential and diverse plant and wildlife species. The immense beauty of the refuge fills all the senses with the cycle of life that supports us. Many endangered species and species of special concern depend on this vital area. Henslow’s sparrows, great egrets, bald eagles, Indiana bats and many more have been sighted here according to the refuge’s web site. I encourage everyone to read the beautifully written history of the Patoka Refuge found on the web site www.fws.gov/midwest/patokariverthen get out there and experience this rich natural resource that is also rich in history.

The nature center at Wesselman Woods Nature Preserve in Evansville offers excellent opportunities to see some of the state’s endangered species up close including the alligator snapping turtle/ the ornate box turtle and the barn owl. Call (812) 479-0771 or go to www.wesselmannaturesociety. org for more information.

You don’t have to venture far to experience a nature adventure in Indiana. Wetlands^ woodlands and caves are just a short drive away, so “unplug” the children and introduce them to nature’s connection. Check the DNR’s web site or the recreation and fishing guides for area rules and regulations. Please visit and support funding for these very important wild places that really do support us.

The acreage of our certified backyard habitat allows us the space to provide natural habitat for wildlife in a variety of ways. Native trees, shrubs and flowering plants provide food, shelter and places to raise young. We use some of the fallen branches from the trees to make brush piles and some of the leaves in mulch. A seasonal pond supplies a natural water source and the rocky terrain of our woodland habitat offers shelter. The rocks are a special place to watch skinks as they stretch out to soak in the sun. After a rain the rocks offer a place for us to observe butterflies getting drinks of water from little recesses in the rocks. Rocks are plentiful here so we use them to border many of the garden areas. With slopes and hills, the rocks help to hold in the mulch and soil during heavy rains. We’ve found by using just rocks and mulch you can make great pathways.

On one side of the yard the vegetable garden takes up some space. We placed flower gardens on the other side and in the middle of the yard. We connected the gardens around and along the edges of the woods reducing the size of the lawn. In the rest of the yard we try to embrace the little weeds and wild flowers. This requires less water and cuts down on the need for chemicals. Yellow wood sorrel and patches of violets add color to the landscape. The violets are a host plant for the great spangled fritillary butterfly; the common buckeye butterfly uses plantains as a host plant. In the gardens, asters are host and nectar plants for the small pearl crescent butterfly. We see the butterflies frequently in our habitat.

Providing for wildlife helps replenish habitat. You don’t need a lot of land to have a certified wildlife habitat. An urban setting, however, can be more restrictive taking inconsideration small spaces, neighbors and ordinances. The wealth of information made available by the National Wildlife Federation and the Indiana Wildlife Federation is vital to provide habitat in a responsible way that benefits wildlife, our natural resources and us.

Attending a class at the Wesselman Nature Society in Evansville, such as we did, will help you discover how easy it can be to get backyard certified as a wildlife habitat. The first class covered the important aspects of food, water, shelter and places to raise young.

Backyard Habitat Instructor and Advanced Master Gardener Kate Lynch said, “Native plants are the best source of food for wildlife.” She suggested food plants for every season to attract birds and beneficial pollinators. Many of our butterflies require specific host plants.

Native plants also provide shelter for wildlife. Volunteer Master Naturalist Kathy Eicher pointed out that habitat loss is the greatest threat to wildlife and she teaches wonderful ways to provide shelter for cover and for places to raise young.

Jill Berger, an intern from the University of Evansville, spoke on the importance of natural water. She explained the harm caused by chemicals running off into our water/ the ways to provide natural water and the benefits of rain barrels and rain gardens. Committee member Larry Hazlewood tied everything together with an essential presentation on sustainability that included composting, mulching and lawn reduction. He described the construction of rain barrels and rain gardens and the best places to put them. More details on rain gardens and special water features will be covered in the advanced classes.

These classes can help you make sound ecological decisions for your habitat or your garden. The next two classes will be held on May 30 and September 12 from 9:00- 12:00 with advanced classes from 1:00-4:00 at Wesselman Nature Center. For more information call 479-0771 or go to www.wesselmannaturesociety. org.

With endless things to learn about and to discover in nature creating a backyard habitat can be a wonderful experience for the entire family.

IWF memberships help support conservation efforts that help support us. For more information call 1-800- 347-3445 or go towww.indianawildlife. org.

Our woodland habitat gives us many opportunities to see native plants in bloom during spring. The redbud trees splash bright color in the woods with tiny flowers of pink that cover the branches all around. The flowers on the sassafras trees have a wonderful buttery color that is enhanced by surrounding dogwoods. By looking up into the canopy from ground level you may not be able to fully appreciate the flowers of a yellow poplar or tulip tree. View the flowers from the side or get a glimpse down into the flower and you will see that the lime green tulip shaped flowers are filled with vivid orange and yellow. One tree not to miss in full bloom is the black locust. Locust trees bare prickly branches that you will painstakingly want to avoid but the trees are definitely worth seeking out. In spring the locust tree is draped with clusters of sweetly scented white flowers that hang throughout the branches.

The trees are just the beginning of what spring has to discover and they are pretty easy to spot. The wildflowers, and all the little things that frequent them, are much more challenging and fun to find.

Going in search or on a “hunt” to see spring flowering plants can be a fun experience for the whole family. It can inspire ideas for the garden and a love for nature. There are many inexpensive guidebooks to choose from that can be helpful in your search. Small instant pocket guides are perfect for anyone just starting out and for children. Whether you take a drive or a hike through a park or stay in your own backyard you might want to bring along guides for birds and butterflies too. The trees and flowers are an important part of their habitat. You never know what you may encounter nesting and breeding activities or possibly the fascinating process of metamorphosis.

Columbines are at the top of my list for spring flowers. The wild columbine has delicate red and yellow flowers and it is an exceptional native perennial for Tri-State gardens. There are many garden varieties of columbines that come in an array of color and shape combinations from solid to bicolor with single or double flowers. Columbines are a must for me in our gardens. They look nice in flowerbeds and in and along the wooded areas. Columbines are a great overall plant. They do well in poor or rocky soil and that saves time amending any soil challenges. In our woodland gardens the plants seem to be fine in sun or shade.

I use some as cut flowers; they look beautiful in bouquets. After blooming columbines produce petite seed pods that are as delicate as the flowers. The attractive foliage extends through summer/ and the base of the plant creates a little mound or clump. The leaves are divided/ lobed and appear in threes. Columbines are great nectar plants for butterflies and hummingbirds – sure to bring a lot of visitors to a garden. They provide seeds for the birds to enjoy making columbines an ideal plant to include in a bird feeding station
There are many native flowers to look for in spring. You can find woodland phlox with its soft lavender flowers in moist areas throughout April and May. Daisy fleabanes, buttercups and Indian paintbrushes can all be found this time of the year. Be sure to watch for hummingbirds on the flowers of the Indian paintbrush. Buttercups are a cherished nectar plant for the American copper butterfly. The orange of the butterfly stands out against the bright yellow flowers. Don’t miss the tiny common checkered-skipper getting nectar from the small flowers of the fleabanes.

If you don’t want to venture out on your own in search offspring bloomers check the DNR’s recreation guide or website www.dnr.IN.gov for guided wildflower walks at parks in your area. Please never remove plants from the wild without proper permission – adopt a look don’t dig approach.

Another great way to celebrate spring is to join Wesselman’s Nature Society in an Earth Day celebration at Howell Wetlands in Evansville. The event will be held Saturday April 18. You will discover activities that the entire family will enjoy planned around recycling, sustainability, conservation and environmental science. For more information call 479-0771 or visit www.wesselmannaturesociety.org.

Howell Wetlands is a wonderful place to view native wildflowers and to observe birds and butterflies. WNS also offers wildflower tours that I highly recommend.

So before you jump into garden work this spring take time to take in nature’s beauty.

Fortunately Wesselman Woods Nature Preserve was nearby with 200 acres of bottomland hardwood forest. There are majestic trees on the preserve that are over 400 years old, abundant wildlife and a part of the Wabash and Erie Canal all right in the middle of a city. Founded in 1973 Wesselman Nature Society has continued to preserve this important habitat that gives everyone an opportunity to develop an appreciation for nature. The preserve was a refuge for me while in the city and really is the heart of Evansville to me.

Habitat is important; we need it. Our rural backyard habitat is a great source of enjoyment and provides habitat for numerous plant and animal species. I am so pleased that Enswathe support from the National Wildlife Federation and the Indiana Wildlife Federation will offer classes on how to get your backyard certified as a wildlife habitat. A basic course will be offered on March 21; May 30 and September 12 from 9:00-12:00 with an advanced course from 1:00-4:00 May 30 and September 12.

A view of Wesselman nature Preserve

Volunteer Master Naturalist Kathy Eicher will head the committee for the classes; and Jill Berger a botany student at the University of Evansville will serve as an intern for the program. Eicher received her certification as a Master Naturalist through the Indiana Master Naturalist Program offered at Wesselman’s. The basic course on March 21 is only $15 per person. The class will cover food, water, shelter, places to raise young and how to get your backyard certified. A sustainability session will also be included on composting, lawn reduction, chemical alternatives and attracting pollinators. The advanced course will cover topics such as native plants and more complex water features.

The NWF and IWF programs are designed to certify individuals, schools, businesses, neighborhoods and entire communities. According to Lauren Preske, Director of Education for WNS/ there are future plans for more habitat programs for business owners and school administrators with a vision to get the whole community certified. WNS will need volunteers and funding to do demonstration gardens – please help if you can.

Volunteer Master Naturalist kathy Eicher stands next to one of many exhibits in the Nature Center

”I would love to pick some schools or businesses to showcase that we can do these on a large-scale lawn,” said Preske. The habitat programs are a great opportunity for the Evansville area and for all of southern Indiana.

WNS has started building the Education Center at Howell Wetlands, 35 acres of wetland habitat and also in the middle of the city. According to Preske the building will be a simple sheltered classroom with storage and rest rooms to serve visitors and the children attending educational programs. The building will not be open as a nature center but it will be open for programming or rental. Preske added that she wants to do demonstration garden at Howell Wetlands by landscaping the new building site with native plants and feeders.

The Nature Center at Wesselman Woods Nature Preserve has a gift shop with field guides, books, rocks, fossils, games, music, birdhouses and nesting boxes. You can also find beautiful handcrafted wood turned art by local craftsmen Alien Eicher and Gary Schultheis along with unique walking sticks provided by Tim and Margi Griffith, owners of Wild Birds Unlimited. The many displays will fascinate and educate children of all ages.

WNS also operates a recycle center, free of charge, located at the nature preserve. “We need recyclables,” said Preske. “We get all the proceeds from that to fund our operation to manage the property and our programs.” Recycling is a easy way to help WNS, to reduce your trash bill and to save our landfills. Call for items accepted.

Providing habitat and practicing responsible conservation ensures food, water and shelter for wildlife and for all of us. From backyards to communities these simple practices help protector natural resources. Please support the NWF and the IWF in their outstanding efforts to promote conservation in such a way that allows us to use and to protect our precious resources. We are fortunate to have the staff of the IWF and the Executive Director, John Goss, making such great contributions to conservation in Indiana.

A special thank you to Kirn Meadors, Executive Director of WNS, and to Lauren Preske, Kathy Eicher and the entire committee for continuing WNS’s essential tradition of inspiring a love of nature through experiences and education.

For more information on the Certified Backyard Habitat class or other WNS programs, including Canoe Evansville’s ecotours of Pigeon Creek call 479-0771, www.wesselmannaturesociety. org or visit the preserve in Evansville at 551 North Boeke Road.

Since nightfall comes early in winter we have had the opportunity to see the opossums making their rounds. The nocturnal opossums rest during the day and stay out of sights but at night they emerge to look for food. Don’t let the opossum’s rat like tail keep you from appreciating the only marsupial that we have in North America. Their tails are merely an adaptation for grasping. Once you realize that the opossum’s diet consists mainly of insects and dead animals you may want them to roam your yard at night too. Opossums are known to play dead – a defense mechanism brought on by fear.

After baby opossums or kits leave the mother’s pouch they pile on her back for a cruise. I had the chance to observe this once; I saw what appeared to be several sets of eyes moving as one along the edge of the yard. The little kits became visible when the mother opossum moved out of the shadows into the moonlight.

The imprint of an owl’s wings are left in the snow following it’s successful hunt of a small rodent.

Winter brings many unexpected sights. While passing by a window one afternoon I saw the largest flock of turkeys (at least 30 if not more) that we have ever had in the backyard at one time. It was a sea of birds across the yard to the edge of the woods. Wild turkeys are our largest gamebird; it was exciting to see a flock that close. With anxious turkeys a few feet away I slightly opened the door to try and snap a quick picture. The flock fed on the ground for a few minutes before walking as a group back into the woods. Turkeys feed on seeds, insects and even nuts.

The most memorable winter wildlife encounter that we have experienced happened a few years ago. One day my husband told me that there was something amazing to see in the snow-covered yard. As he led me down the driveway, he pointed out the tiny tracks of a small rodent in the snow. We followed the tracks across the driveway into the yard. The tracks suddenly disappeared – replaced by a giant imprint of an owl. The owl’s wing tips had brushed the snow several times on each side of the tiny tracks before the rodent was snatched from the ground.

The deep print that the bird left behind was almost three feet across. We could clearly see the wide-set ear tufts, the wide body and the wide wingspan of the incredible Great Horned Owl. We have never sighted the massive bird but to this day our nights are frequently filled with its call usually in loud hoots of three.

When the winter snow covers the ground it is a perfect time to find some interesting animal tracks; nature gives us wonderful things to discover everyday.

Please help Cornell University’s Lab of Ornithology and the National Audubon Society by participating in the Great Backyard Bird Count February 13-16. The website www.birdsource. org/gbbc explains exactly what to do. It’s fun/easy and a great way to introduce children to nature.

Discover some wildlife in your backyard today. For information on ways to provide for wildlife visit www.indianawildlife.org.

Writer’s note: Correction for December issue – the picture that appeared last month was taken by Conservation Officer Mike Keller.

The peeling tan and gray bark of the sycamore tree reveals a bright white trunk that can be seen from a good distance through the winter woods. Coming across even a small grove of sycamores is a powerful sight. Reaching heights up to 100 feet the trees are great sculptures towering in the woods.

The winter landscape gives us a chance to see woodland in a new way. A walk in the woods is a simple way to involve children in a nature experience that will keep them active and learning all year – nature activates all the senses and the imagination.

If you go for a day hike be prepared by packing some food and water. Warm dry clothes and shoes are a must and a good walking stick can be helpful on winter terrain. Start out early to give yourself enough time to return before it gets dark. Even for an experienced hiker it is always a good idea to let someone know where you plan to hike and when you plan to return.

Don’t forget to bring a pair of binoculars; winter offers some spectacular bird watching opportunities. The leaves no longer obstruct the view of the treetops – if you look up there are many things to see. Take notice of the birds and the wildlife that you encounter on your hike.

The author’s southern Indiana Backyard Habitat covered in snow.

If the area that you visit has a nature center stop in before you head out on the trail. Sometimes you can pick up checklist for the birds and wildlife that inhabit the area. I came across one checklist that included the tracks made by birds and other wildlife. When you know what to look for it increases your chances of seeing something new. If you have some exciting wildlife sightings from your checklist share them with the good people at the nature center; they can help you learn more about what you saw.

We are fortunate that many of our State Parks and State Recreation Areas in Indiana offer year-round interpretive/ nature centers. Patoka Lake in Dubois County and Lincoln State Park in Spencer County have fantastic nature centers that I have enjoyed visiting. To find one in your area check the Indiana DNR Recreation and Fishing Guide. For nature center hours of operation and a list of any activities call or go to interpretiveservices.IN.gov.

Nature preserves present many opportunities to keep children involved with nature during the winter months. Located in Vanderburgh County, Wesselman Woods and Nature Preserve is for me the very heart of Evansville. This is truly a special place to learn about and to observe the natural world in ways that will ensure a lifelong love of nature.

Throughout the woods on the preserve there are approximately 12 trails – each one gives a unique perspective of the woodland. Over the years I’ve had the pleasure to walk many of the trails. I especially love to venture on the trail that meanders through the woods and ends up at the outdoor amphitheater.

Wesselman Nature Preserve has an exceptional year-round nature center with an indoor area for viewing birds and wildlife that looks out into the wonderful woods. There are birds of prey and reptiles to meet too. Every Wednesday at10:30 the nature center holds Toddler Tales – a free activity that includes a nature story and a nature craft. At the nature center you will find the most extraordinary people; they make an extra effort to get children to interact with nature. Children will not soon forget their experiences at this special place. You can contact the nature center at (812)479- 0071. For more information go to www.WesselmanNature-Society.org or info@WesselmanNatureSociety.org. The wonders of nature are found in every season.

The program graduates about 18,000 hunters a year in Indiana. Hunter Education is offered in many schools including ones in Dubois, Gibson, Posey and Warrick Counties. According to Beck, all 50 states, Canada, Mexico and countries overseas recognize their program.

Conservation Officer Mike Kellner provided me with the book used in the classes Today* s Hunter: DNR Indiana’s Guide to Hunting Responsibly and Safely. This comprehensive book covers gun safety, responsible hunting skills, field safety and many respectful values. It also includes outdoor survival, first aid and habitat, wildlife management. Even if you don’t hunt, gun safety is valuable information; with all it includes, this program is a good educational opportunity for anyone interested in the outdoors. “When you pick up a firearm you’ve got a ton of responsibility…how it affects you, other people, the peoples property that you are on…” said Officer Kellner. “A lot of the lessons in the book are just good polite responsible ideas and apply everywhere.”

Hunter education and habitat make for big smiles during a recent Youth Turkey Hunter Seminar at Sugar Ridge Fish and Wildlife Area. Here, Conservation Officer Eric Stamps show off a target with his son Weston.

With a limited amount of habitat understanding the need for responsible wildlife management has become more important; participating in hunting and fishing activities creates funds that directly help conservation efforts. A habitat that supports wildlife such as deer^ turkey and ducks may also support songbirds, birds of prey, reptiles, amphibians and many beneficial insects. “When you manage for game species, you’re also managing for non-game,” Kellner said.

The quality and the availability of habitat is greatly reflected in our wildlife populations. Officer Kellner pointed out how important biologists are to wildlife management – they study wildlife and wildlife habitats around the state. The information that they provide is vital for making sound conservation decisions.

The volunteer instructors give a lot more than their time -they give their knowledge and their love for the outdoors. When volunteer instructor Jim Burdette was asked why he felt including habitat management in the program was important he said, “To better educate the public on the ecological balance that is needed on any parcel of land to benefit the health of wildlife.”

Our outdoor activities rely on providing and protecting habitat beyond our backyards. To find out more about the Hunter Education Program or how to become a volunteer instructor contact District 7 Conservation Officers Headquarters in Pike County (812) 789-9538, www.dnr.IN.gov or the local conservation officer in your area.

Thanks to all who volunteer.